A taxi driver could hold the key to the fatal shooting of a Newham businessman who was killed during a raid on his Birmingham warehouse.

Police made a direct appeal to the driver to come forward as they continue to investigate the death of Akhtar Javeed, 56, of Central Park Road, East Ham.

They also confirmed the father-of-four died from a shot gun wound to the neck, as they revealed the results of a post mortem.

He was killed as masked men attempted to rob Direct Source 3 Ltd in Rea Street South, in Digbeth, Birmingham, on Wednesday last week.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Martin Slevin, from West Midlands Police CID, said: “This is a fast paced inquiry as we continue to piece together the circumstances that led to Mr Javeed’s death.

“We are keen to trace the driver of a private hire vehicle believed to be a saloon which followed a vehicle with no lights on from Rea Street South turning left into MacDonald street at around 6.40pm.

“We believe this was a targeted robbery attempt at the business premises in Rea Street South, near to the junction with MacDonald Street.

“It happened at a time when other people may have been leaving work for the day and someone may have seen what happened or have important information about the suspects.

“If you have any information that could help our investigation, please get in touch as soon as possible.”

Bullets found at the scene have been recovered and analysed by experts at the National Ballistics Intelligence Service. The weapon which fired was found not to be linked to any other crime.

Mr Javeed’s family paid tribute to him describing him as “an honest man who valued his family more than anything else.”

They added: “Please help bring closure to our family and justice for him. He was cruelly taken away from us and his young children who will now have to grow up without their father. Please help us.”

Mr Javeed is believed to have run his firm Direct Source 3 Ltd on weekdays and returned home to Newham at weekends.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

• Did you know Akhtar Javeed? Pay tribute by calling 020 8477 3804 to speak with a reporter or email michael.adkins@archant.co.uk.