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Funeral held for popular Tameside police officer who died suddenly on holiday

Hundreds of people turned out to pay tribute to PC Shazad Saddique as he was laid to rest yesterday at the Madina Mosque in Oldham and Chadderton Cemetery.

The 38-year-old, who was a student officer based in Tameside, died suddenly while on holiday in Scotland.

He was visiting the Fairy Pools – a popular tourist attraction leading down from the Cuillin Mountain Range on the Isle of Skye – with his 13-year-old son.

Police Scotland confirmed that there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins paid tribute to PC Saddique: “It was a privilege to attend PC Shazad Saddique’s funeral and meet his kind and gracious family.

“Shazad was described as a role model for young British Muslims, combining his faith with being a proud British citizen and serving his community through policing. He was taken far too soon and he will be sadly missed by all at GMP.”

PC Saddique joined Greater Manchester Police 12 months ago. He enjoyed serving the local community and formed close relationships with many of his colleagues, who described him as an outstanding individual and role model.

Outside of work, Shazad enjoyed hiking and trekking, and was heavily involved in outreach work with youths in the local community, which focused on enabling youngsters to experience outdoor activities in the countryside.

He comes from a close family and his wife is currently pregnant with their fourth child.

Paying tribute to him, his family said: “Shaz was the most selfless person you could ever hope to meet; he always put other people first and wanted to make every new experience a fun one.

“He had a real passion for the outdoors and helping others, particularly young people in the community. Deep in his heart, he felt very strongly about youth outreach programs and getting young people out in the countryside to do fun activities.

“He was sincere in his devotion and worship. He was passionate about Thikr gatherings and was devoted to the teachings and guidance of his Shaykh Muhammad al-Yaqoobi. He loved nature for the very fact that it was a means for him to remember and praise his lord.

“His final trip to the Isle of Skye was sincerely to gather a group and collectively praise Allah, as a spiritual retreat.

“He achieved so much and we were always so proud of him. He completed marathons all over the world and did hiking challenges throughout the UK, all in the name of raising money for charity.

“He loved his family more than anything; he was a supporting figure and a role model for his siblings. He was the best dad, and his wife and kids were his absolute world.

“It has been clear for us to see today, how much he meant to so many people and how many hearts he touched. The outpouring of support for the family has been huge and for that we want to thank everyone.

“We will miss you dearly bhai Shazad, but you will never be forgotten.”

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