TRIBUTES have poured in for a highly regarded shop keeper who touched the lives of everyone who visited his store.

Locals have spoken with great warmth for Asad Shah, who they remember as a kind man who would give out Christmas cards and Easter eggs to customers.

Mr Shah, who was killed in a brutal street attack, was a light in the Shawlands community and gave support to those who needed it.

One local said Mr Shah had helped his son. He said: "Believe it or not, Mr Shah helped my son to stop smoking by refusing to sell him cigarettes when he told him he planned to do it.

"He told my son they could be strong together - one turning from the weed, the other giving up a profit.

"My son had given up smoking but was feeling a bit stressed one day and went into the shop to buy cigs. Mr Shah said 'You don't smoke', and he said he'd given up but still had an odd one.

"Mr Shah told him he was stronger than that. He told him they could be strong together, giving up something each."

Residents in Shawlands have been shocked to learn of the 40-year-old's killing, which happened on Thursday evening near his shop, Shah's newsagents, on Minard Road.

Grace Mullaney, who lives in Shawlands, said: "Horrific news about Mr Shah.

"He was such a decent, hardworking, lovely man who was respectful to everyone.

"Very poignant for me as this time last year I remember him wishing my finance Mark and I a happy, holy Easter and giving us a wee creme egg each.

"A small act of kindness, but one that illustrates how unthinkable it is that anyone should wish to harm him."

Rowan Glen, a former Shawlands resident, said: "I can't believe Mr Shah was murdered.

"He was such a gentle, intelligent, hardworking, lovely man who was always so friendly to me. So sad for him and his family.

"I've been away from Shawlands for a couple of years now but remember how popular he was. So sad that such a gentle man died in such a violent way."

Rachael Flynn, a lecturer in the School of Media Culture and Society at University of the West of Scotland, said students and staff were deeply sorry to learn of Mr Shah's death.

Ms Flynn said: "Many of our students and staff live, or have lived, in this area.

"We extend our deepest sympathies to Mr Shah's family and friends, and hope that memories of the heartfelt generosity and abounding kindness he contributed to the community can overpower the unfathomable questions and sadness felt in his passing."

Southside Happenings, a social media account for south side events, posted on Facebook: "So sad to hear bout the death of the lovely south side shopkeeper Asad Shah from Shah's Newsagents beside Crossmyloof station.

"Such a friendly man, always greeted us with a warm smile, a handshake and some happy chat whenever we went in there.

"Could be months in between visits but he always remembered us and greeted us like old friends.

"He will be greatly missed in the area."

Locals posted tributes to Mr Shah underneath the post, again describing him as a kind and generous-hearted man.

John Paul wrote: "So sad. Mr Shah was a lovely guy. We lived close to the shop for five years.

"First year we were there he asked us what our names were, nipped through the back of his shop and came back with a Christmas card for us.

"A lovely guy who will be missed by everyone who knew him."

Josephine MacFarlane said: "This is so very sad. I went into his shop every Saturday and Sunday morning with my wee dog.

"Always a smile, a handshake and a chat. He will be very much missed in this community. My condolences to his family."

Joanne Neill said: "My thoughts with Asad's wife and brother. I was in the shop last night at 7pm and said to him, 'I'll see you later'.

"You would never imagine such a thing to happen."

And Francine Torbett added: "He was a very special guy. I only popped in from time to time but he treated me like a regular. So kind to my little boy.

"A really humane person. Shawlands and Glasgow will be a sadder place without him. Rest in peace, friend."