"Such a friend and gentleman": Tributes after death of Doncaster restaurateur

Jonab Islam Ali, who was front of house at Ali’s Lounge, Norton and known as Mo, died last week, with customers paying tribute.

An obituary said: “Please make du'a that Allah forgives him and grants him Jannah.

“He was such a friend and a gentleman it will be hard to find another.”

A service for the dad of three, who was born and lived in Manchester, will take place at the city’s Shahjalal Mosque today followed by burial at the Southern Cemetery.

The restaurant, formerly The School Boy Inn, has been closed since the tragedy.

A spokesman said: “We’d just like to thank you all for all the lovely messages and support you all have been giving us.. it’s been really hard and a shock for us all. Thank you once again.”

In a brief statement shared on social media following the death, a spokesman said: “It is with great sadness to inform everyone, Mo who was the front of house, has sadly passed away last night.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, we will be closed until further notice.”

One customer said: “How heartbreaking, such a loss. A warm gentle soul always. Rest in eternal paradise - thoughts are with you all and his family and friends.”

Another posted: “So sorry to hear this sad news. In the short time he has been the village his warmth and friendliness made you feel he had known you for years.”