'Curry Hell' restaurant boss dies

Mr Latif frequently featured in the North East comic Viz

A popular North East restaurateur, who claimed to serve the world's hottest curry, has died.

Abdul Latif, offered the famous dish - Curry Hell - free to any customer who could finish it at his Newcastle diner.

The 52-year-old became a renowned local businessman thanks to his talent for publicity and regular appearances in cult adult comic Viz.

He died of a heart attack at his home in the city's Gosforth area in the early hours of Sunday.

Mr Latif's restaurant, which used to be called Rupali, enjoyed a high profile in recent years.

It features in the Guinness Book of Records for the world's longest-distance curry delivery - from Newcastle to Sydney.

Free meals

The entrepreneur branded himself the first Bangladeshi Lord of the Manor when he bought the title Lord of Harpole.

In 2003, he offered free meals for five years to all British servicemen and women who served in Iraq.

A colleague at his restaurant Curry Capital, who did not want to be named, said: "He was a very nice man. All the people loved him, he will be very much missed."

Mr Latif also offered free curries for life to England rugby star Jonny Wilkinson and former Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness.