Family upset over burial delays

The family of a Muslim man who died after a car crash is upset because his funeral has been delayed to allow a second post-mortem to take place.

Omar Mohamed, 38, of Leicester was taken to hospital after the accident on Christmas Day on the M1 but later died.

Muslim custom calls for burial as soon as possible after death. The coroner's office said it would speak to the family about their concerns.

His widow Trea Mohamed said the delay had made it "difficult" for the family.

The 20-year-old driver of the other vehicle involved in the crash was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving and released on bail.

Basketball star

Mrs Mohamed said her husband was a well-known basketball player who had lived in Holland and travelled around the world to play in tournaments.

"He was well known in Somalia because because he played in the national basketball team and he was well known everywhere."

A father-of five, Mr Mohamed was driving to London to pick up his children who were staying with friends when the crash happened near Lutterworth.

"We still haven't had the funeral and for the family who came over from America and other countries it is all very difficult," Mrs Mohamed said.

"The children couldn't go to their dad and say goodbye and I think they need to do that to move on."

Suleman Nagdi, chairman of the Muslim Burial Council in Leicester, said if there were medical and legal reasons for delays in burial then "we must adhere to the law", but normally burial should take place within 24 hours if possible.

"We have made a request (for quick release of the body)… we have good relations with the coroner in Leicester and and I am sure he will do whatever he can within his power."