A HEARTBROKEN family has paid tribute to a much-loved and devoted mum who was killed in a car crash yesterday.

Isma Nawaz, 38, from the Bradford Moor area of the city, was on her way to work at the Esso petrol station in Burley-in-Wharfedale when the Vauxhall Astra she was driving was in collision with a Ford Focus parked on Harrogate Road, Apperley Bridge, close to its junction with Parkin Lane. 

Road closures remained in place for much of the day while emergency services cleared the scene. 

Her family has spoken to the Telegraph & Argus to pay tribute as they try and come to terms with their devastating loss.

Her brother, Asad Mahmood, said: “She was a diamond. We have lost a diamond. 
“Everything she used to do, she was kind-hearted, she had a heart of gold. She was a very hardworking person, she cared about everybody.”

Mrs Nawaz had worked at the petrol station for around three to four years and travelled along Harrogate Road most days. 

She leaves behind her husband Mohammed Imran and two young daughters - 18-month-old Izzah and four-year-old Ibrah. 

Her family described her as having a “kind and loving personality” and as someone who was always smiling, polite and said “all who met and knew her would have left with the feeling of happiness”. 

Mr Mahmood added: “The family is devastated and still in shock at the news, she will be missed immensely by all who knew her.

“She had her whole life to look forward to and her life has sadly been cut short.

“We would like to ask for privacy as we try to come to terms with our loss. We would like to thank all family and friends for all their support at this very sad and testing time.

“She will always be remembered, she was always smiling and always willing to help anyone.”

Floral tributes have been left at the scene of the crash and Mrs Nawaz’s family have thanked people for their kind gesture.

Mr Mahmood added: “We would like to make an appeal to anyone who has any useful information to please get in touch to help and assist the Major Collision Enquiry Team.”

The family also extended a special thanks to the emergency services who helped at the scene.

Councillor Mohammed Shafiq (Lab, Bradford Moor) said: “I have visited the place where Isma Nawaz lost her life, I wish I could say something to help ease the pain for the family. 

“May the Allah Mighty give the family patience and ease to pass through this difficult time.”

Councillor Jeanette Sunderland (Lib Dem/Ind, Idle and Thackley) expressed her shock at the news.

She said: “It’s very sad. Our sympathies are with the family and friends of the deceased.”

Other messages have been posted in an online book of condolence opened by the Telegraph & Argus. Mohammed Amar said: “My heartfelt condolences to her family and friends in this difficult time.”

Anne Henderson said: “So sad our thoughts are with the family and friends RIP.”

Another message read: “I pray the love of Allah enfolds the family of Isma during this difficult time and he helps you all heal with the passage of time.”

Adela Joyy wrote on the T&A Facebook page: “So very sorry to family and friends of this lady, no one expects a normal workday would end in such tragedy. RIP.”

  •  Following enquiries into the collision, a 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and a vehicle was recovered.

He has since been released under investigation to allow enquiries to continue.
The Major Collision Enquiry Team would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or what happened prior to it, and in particular would like to speak to any cyclists who were in Harrogate Road in Apperley Bridge at around 5.40am on Tuesday. 

Anyone with information or dashcam footage which may assist this investigation can contact the Major Collision Enquiry Team on 101 or via the West Yorkshire Police website.

The incident reference is 13200312582.