THE heartbroken father of stabbing victim Shehzad Iqbal has been refused permission to fly his son home to Pakistan for a traditional funeral.

Blackburn coroner Andre Rebello denied a request for an "Out of England Order" which would have allowed Mr Mohammed Iqbal, of Saunders Road, Blackburn, to take his son's body back to the family's native village.

Shehzad, 18, a popular student at St Mary's College, died when he was stabbed after apparently trying to break up a fight in West Park Road.

According to Muslim, tradition the body is supposed to suffer if the funeral does not take place shortly after death. But Mr Rebello said such a request might interfere with the course of justice.

At the opening of the inquest into Shehzad's death, Detective Chief Inspector Mick Langdon said three people were helping police with their inquiries. And Mr Rebello said that the defence in any future court case might need to examine evidence relating to the body.

He told Mr Iqbal: "If someone is responsible for your son's death I'm not going to stand in the way of the criminal justice system in bringing the matter to court."

He added: "I am well aware of the religious reasons for the early release of the body and you certainly have my sympathy and the sympathy of Mr Langdon and all the police officers.

"I can assure you that the body will be released without delay and I will do all I can to speed matters up"

Mr Rebello adjourned the inquest until Tuesday when the relatives are expected to make another request for the body's release.

A college chief paid a glowing tribute to the tragic A-level student.

Michael Finley, principal at St Mary's College, Blackburn, revealed that the 18-year-old had started to make plans to go to university. The college held a special assembly yesterday to pay tribute to Shehzad.

Students and staff have also been saying prayers in memory of the talented teenager.

Shehzad was in the second year of A-levels in business studies and sociology and was hoping to go to university to study sociology next year.

Mr Finley said: "Shehzad was a lovely young man who was friendly and courteous.

"He was very popular and always had a smile on his face. He was helpful and supportive and a valued member of St Mary's.

"He hoped to go to university next year and was making plans to apply.

"He represented the college at cricket and also played for Blackburn Northern.

"He was a gentle boy who loved his parents and baby brother dearly. He will be greatly missed by all the staff and students at the college."

"We have prayed for him and his parents and baby brother. He had a lot of friends and naturally they are all very upset." Pupils at the school are being offered counselling by a special team of Social Services staff.

Three people, believed to be from the London area, were still being questioned by detectives at Blackburn Police Station today.

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