A 52-year-old father of five has died after a punch bag machine fell on him during a disturbance in Toxteth last week. Abdo Ali, known to many as 'Ali', suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital, where he died on Monday.
Incident on Berkley Street
Merseyside Police said officers were called to Berkley Street, in front of a row of shops, shortly before 7pm on October 29 following reports of a disturbance. During the incident, a punch bag machine was pushed over and landed on a male bystander.
Police have named the man as Abdo Ali. He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries and died on Monday as a result.
Family tribute
In a tribute issued on Thursday, his family said: "Abdo Ali, known to so many simply as 'Ali', was a loving father to five children, a friend to many and a man with a heart of gold."
They added: "As the much-loved owner of Shop and Save Mini Market, he was more than just a shopkeeper; he was a familiar face, a friend and a source of laughter to so many in the community."
The family said his kindness, generosity and charitable nature touched countless lives, and that he was always willing to help anyone in need.
Arrest and charge
A suspect was arrested on Sunday. Iliasse Alhag, 22, of Percy Street in Toxteth, was charged with affray, assault and wounding with intent. He appeared at Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Monday November 2.
Detective Chief Inspector Alyson Keenan said: "We are continuing our enquiries into this incident and urge anyone who was in the area of Berkley Street at the time, or who has information which could assist the investigation, to please get in touch."
A police cordon was in place around Bon Cafe and Katma Barber, where the disturbance is alleged to have begun. Forensic officers were seen inside the barber shop the following morning, and a white evidence tent was set up in front of the café.
Police have asked anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police via X or Facebook @MerPolCC using reference 26000888085, or to contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
