MOURNERS gathered in their hundreds at an Oxford mosque after the death of a well-known member of the community.

Between 800 and 1,000 people were expected to pay their respects at Central Oxford Mosque today, after Fareed Khan died after a heart attack.

His grandson Zakir Mumtaz described the 96-year-old as a ‘true icon and legend’ who was well-regarded in the Muslim community and across the wider city.

He said: “He was a strong, brave man who helped many people in Oxford. He was well-known around Oxford. Oxford has lost a son."

Mr Khan died yesterday following a heart attack the Sunday before last, and had been receiving care at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Headington.

ALSO READ: Oxford United legend Jim Smith dies aged 79

The grandfather-of-three worshipped at the mosque in Manzil Way, off Cowley Road, as well as at Bath Street Mosque and Stanley Road Mosque.

He came to Oxford from Pakistan more than 50 years ago, and will be flown back to his birth country to be buried alongside family.

Zaheer Qureshi, secretary of Central Oxford Mosque and treasurer of the neighbouring Asian Cultural Centre, said: “He was well-known, he came here [to Oxford] early in the 60s.

“Everybody knew him, he was a really nice gentleman and would talk nicely with everybody.”

He is thought to have been one of the oldest members of the city’s Pakistani community.

Mr Khan initially lived in Botley but spent most of his decades in the city in Marston.

His son Mumtaz Fareed is also well-known in the Oxford community, including for his service on the Oxford City Local Policing Board and the Oxford Asian Cultural Association.

ALSO READ: New Central Oxford Mosque sign will 'bring Muslims together'

Announcing his grandfather’s death on his Facebook page, Mr Mumtaz said the family had ‘great sadness and heavy hearts’ to have to say goodbye.

More than 140 people commented with their wishes and prayers.

One person wrote: “So sorry to hear of the news. A very sad day.

“Another hugely respected elderly of our family has passed on - we will always remember him.”

Another added: “Words cannot explain our hurt.”

Attendees at the funeral were expected to include Imam Monawar Hussain, who is Imam of Eton College and of the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and several Oxford city councillors.

According to Islamic law, burial should be as soon as possible following someone’s death.

Mr Khan’s family had asked the community for their wishes and prayers for a recovery, but had been making preparations to ensure they could give him a prompt send-off.