A university graduate was gunned down in a late-night street shooting around 11pm on Tuesday 15 May.
The victim, named locally as Abdul Rahman, was shot in the chest on Stratford Place, Birmingham.
He was later pronounced dead in hospital.
Tributes have been pouring in since the horrific attack on Abdul, from Small Heath.
Heartbroken friends said he had a ‘heart of gold’, was ‘hard-working, loving and empathetic’.
Abdul, aged in his 20s, had recently graduated with a master’s in business from Wolverhampton University.
His friends say he had been considering studying for a PhD.
Friend Rabiya Khan paid heartfelt tribute to Abdul, who she called ‘caring and hard-working’.
“He was a really close friend of mine, a friend I could trust, a friend who had my back, a friend who I loved dearly,”.
“He graduated last month and wanted to start a PhD – he was looking into it and we said we’d do it together from the university I am at.
“He had his business which was his pride and joy, he was such a hard-working person.
“He has been snatched from all of us.
“The world has lost such a caring, loving and empathetic person.
“He gave me hope in life, he took me out of depression. When I felt like I couldn’t speak to anyone it was he who stood by me and helped.
“If anyone ever needed him he was there for them, regardless of the time.
“Heaven gained an angel today.”
Another friend wrote on Facebook: “Heartbroken isn’t the word. I’ve got a million things to say to praise you.
“I knew you so well and your heart was made of gold.”
Abdul had recently set up Bubble Rolls, a dessert shop on Ladypool Road, with his boxer brother Mussab.
Police launched a major murder investigation in the aftermath of the attack.
And they revealed the victim was treated by ambulance crews tending a patient at an unrelated incident, more than a mile away from the shooting.
A resident said there had been a BBQ on green space off Stratford Place, late last night – with around 30 to 40 people gathering at the scene.
A charred drum could be seen in the shadow of historic Stratford House.
Chief Superintendent Mark Payne said: “We understand the victim was in or near Stratford Place last night when he was shot.
“The details are unclear at this early stage and I would appeal to anyone who was at the location and may have heard and seen anything to get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to call West Midlands Police on 101, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
