THE DAD of much-loved shopkeeper killed in a street attack has spoken of his heartbreak.

His comments come as hundreds pay tribute at a silent vigil for 40-year-old Asad Shah last night.

The Muslim man died following an attack on Minard Road, where he had worked in his newsagent shop for more than a decade.

Detectives have now arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with Asad's death and are treating the incident on Thursday night as "religiously prejudiced".

It is understood the alleged attacker was also a Muslim, but was acting alone and was not part of any group.

Speaking to the Evening Times, the 40-year-old's dad Syed Shah told how his younger son Athar witnessed the attack.

Athar, a personal trainer who owns a gym next to Asad's shop, was also injured during the incident according to his dad.

Through tears, Syed said: "I just can't speak, we are in shock here.

"I don't know the details of what happened, I wasn't there but my other son saw everything.

"He was there at the time, and he was injured too but only slightly.

"I'm sure you can imagine how we are all feeling."

Hundreds of residents, politicians and shop owners yesterday paid tribute to the 40-year-old "peacemaker" who went "above and beyond what a shopkeeper should" to help many people in his community.

A silent vigil was also held on Minard Road last night at 9pm, and generous locals also started a collection to help Asad's family and pay for his funeral.

In just seven hours, hundreds of donors raised almost £6,000 for the shopkeeper's family.

Dozens of locals told of how the 40-year-old would send Christmas and Easter cards to his customers, and would do all the could to put a smile on their face.

He helped many young people get their first jobs by giving them the chance to work in the shop, or do paper rounds.

Sarah Gibbons, who lives nearby, laid flowers at the scene and spoke of her shock following the news of his death.

She said: "He was the nicest man. He would do anything to help anyone."

Sheena McCluree, a regular at the shop was in tears when she heard the news of Asad's death and also laid flowers for him near his shop.

She said: " He was such a lovely man, he was always chatting to people. I'm just devastated.

" I've been crying all day, and the whole community has been rocked by it.

" He was such a kind caring person...I don't know why anybody would want to hurt him."

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wrote on Twitter: "My heart goes out to the family of Asad Shah, a popular shopkeeper in my constituency.

"My thoughts are with them."

Stewart McDonald, SNP MP for the area, visited Minard Road yesterday and paid tribute to Asad.

He said: " My heart goes out to Mr Shah's family, who have lost a man who was much loved by the Southside community that he served for so many years.

"For something like this to happen in this part of town is unthinkable, and it has profoundly shocked many of us.

"The way in which local people have rallied round within hours - arranging a community vigil and raising money to support his family - has shown the Southside's strong spirit of solidarity at its best.

"The Southside will be a little darker with the loss of such a friendly man who served this community for many years.

The Scottish Grocers' Federation also released a statement in tribute to the popular shopkeeper.

Their president Abdul Majid said: "As a retailer I know that this impacts not only the victim but on their family, customers and the community.

"Our thoughts are with Mr Shah's family and I can say that if there is anything we can do to assist them through our benevolent fund we will do so with the utmost urgency."

Police have now arrested a 32-year-old man in relation to Assad's death and detectives say they are treating the incident as "religiously prejudiced."

A police spokeswoman said: "A 32-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death of Asad Shah.

"Mr Shah was discovered with serious injuries in Minard Road, Glasgow at around 9.05pm on Thursday 24 March 2016.

"He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

"Relatives are aware.

"A full investigation is under way to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death which is being treated as religiously prejudiced."