DEVASTATED relatives of murdered grocer Javaid Ali have paid tribute to him as police vow to find his killer.
The 48-year-old dad-of-three lost his fight for life two weeks after he was stabbed in the neck at his shop in Paisley's Green Road.
Mr Ali's shattered family and friends gathered at his home, in nearby Barrhead.
In a statement released through police, they said: "Javaid was a wonderful father and husband and a great friend to many.
"He was a great provider for his family and everyone who knows him would describe him as an exceptional hard-worker, who had great warmth in his heart for those less fortunate.
"He was loved by his friends and family because he was simply just a very nice guy.
"His loss is devastating for us and it will take a very long time for us to accept it.
"It is the nature of his death that is so traumatic for us to deal with. We would urge people with any kind of information to come forward."
Mr Ali was attacked on June 15 and died in the Royal Alexandria Hospital on Friday. Several bouquets were left outside the shop, Sunshine Grocers.
Attached to one was the message: "Taken too soon. Thank you for everything. Rest in peace." Another read: "You were a lovely man."
The shop remained cordoned off yesterday.
Police are looking at leads gathered during a stop-and- interview operation last Friday, when more than 160 people provided information.
Detectives, who have set up an incident van near the shop, are keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around of the time of the attack, especially anyone who was between Fulbar Road and Lounsdale Road on the Elderslie to Paisley cycle path.
They have carried out door-to-door inquiries and quizzed passers-by at the scene of the attack, which happened on June 15 at about 5pm.
Potentially crucial witnesses are still to be traced, including a woman driver, who stopped her car outside the shop shortly after it happened. She is believed to be in her 30s, with short brown hair.
Detectives also want to speak to a man seen walking from the store carrying bread at about 3pm, and a woman, who is around 18-years-old. She was wearing an apron and carrying Aldi shopping bags.
Detective Chief Inspector Duncan Sloan, who is leading the inquiry, said: "I believe the answers to this horrific crime which has robbed a family of a loving husband, father, brother and son lie within the local community.
"I have previously appealed for specific people to come forward and would like to reiterate this appeal as these people have not yet made contact."
Anyone with information should call 0141 435 1022, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
rebecca.gray@heraldandtimes.co.uk