A NORTH-EAST community is in shock following the murder of a popular takeaway worker who was shot dead at point-blank range by two killers on a motorbike outside his curryhouse.

Tipu Sultan, 32, was found with a single gunshot wound at the rear of the Herbs n Spice Kitchen in Marsden, South Shields, South Tyneside, shortly before 10pm yesterday (Tuesday, April 8).

Paramedics attempted to treat him but he was declared dead at the scene.

Northumbria Police say they believe two men who were seen on a motorbike were involved in the killing.

Witnesses reported that two men wearing crash helmets and dressed in dark clothing on a motorbike drove into the rear lane in Lake Avenue just before the shooting.

They were then seen driving away from the area in the direction of Lizard Lane afterwards and police have urged anyone who saw the motorbike to contact them.

A cordon was in place at the scene and the area and remained closed this afternoon while forensic experts examined the scene.

Extra officers were carrying out reassurance patrols in the area speaking to residents and businesses.

Mr Sultan, who ran the Herbs n Spice Kitchen, was originally from Bangladesh and lived in Sunderland.

His father, Amin Miah, reportedly witnessed the shooting and closed the door on the gunmen as they pointed the weapon at him.

Mr Sultan’s wife, Julie Nasrin and his son Ilyas, seven, and two-year-old daughter Aeysha were being comforted at their home in Sunderland.

Victoria Chisholm, 37, landlady of the pub The Lake next to the takeaway, said: "When it happened I was in the back bedroom. There were lads from the curry shop shouting for the police.

“I saw a commotion in the street. One of the lads was outside the curry house with blood all over his hands.

"I am really shocked. He was a big part of the community. He used to bring everyone's curry through to the pub.

“He was a wonderful bloke everybody around here loved him. It’s a nightmare for his family as well.”

Thomas Colman, 71, retired miner, who lives close to Lake Avenue, said: "He seemed a nice lad. I don't know much about it. He was a canny lad, never bothered anybody. You don't expect to go to work and not come back.”

Superintendent Sav Patsalos said: "The investigation into the murder of Tipu Sultan is in its very early stages and we are appealing for anyone with any information that could help us with our enquiries to contact us as soon as possible.

"We are trying to establish the motive behind the incident and a full murder investigation is currently being carried out.

"We believe that this has been an isolated incident and not a random shooting, enquiries are ongoing to establish this.

"Those responsible may have planned the incident in advance of carrying it out and if anyone has seen anything or anyone suspicious in the area at any time in the past few days then I'd ask them to come forward and speak to us.

"There is nothing to suggest there that is any risk to any other members of the public or any of the communities in South Tyneside and we understand this incident is extremely concerning for local people and that is why we have extra officers down in the Lake Avenue to reassure and speak to the public.

"We are doing everything we can to try and identify those responsible for this attack and I'd urge anyone with any information to contact police straight away."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.