Man dies after chasing robbers

Jan 3 2007 By Steve Johnson & Dale Williams, Birmingham Mail

RELATIVES of a man who died after being assaulted by muggers in Walsall have spoken of their shock.

The family said Sobat Ali, 67, was attacked shortly after buying an item of jewellery from a shop near his home.

Mr Ali's son, Mac Khan, described his father as a "loving man" and said the father of seven had 16 grandchildren.

 Another of Mr Ali's sons, Bashid Khan, 38, said his father, who was also known by the nickname of Sultan, was a popular member of the community.

He said: "He was a kind man. He was decent and well respected in the community. He used to go to the mosque and was well known by everyone. I am shocked by what has happened to him."

The security guard, who travelled to Birmingham from his home in London late last night, said Mr Ali was only just coming to terms with the death of his wife, Farzand Begum, who died in June 2005.

He added that Mr Ali had worked as a foreman at the Joseph Ash Galvanising factory in Walsall for most of his life.

Police believe the mugging, which happened in Hart Street, Caldmore, involved up to three people.

A West Midlands Police spokesman said the scene had been cordoned off for forensic examination and a post-mortem was due to take place to determine the cause of death.

"Officers are appealing for witnesses and information about three black men who are believed to be the offenders," the spokesman added.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Walsall police station on 0845 113 5000.