POLICE today revealed they have established a motive for the murder of Sheffield taxi driver Younis Khan.
The 53-year-old died after a gunman opened fire on his cab as he drove along Scott Road in Pitsmoor shortly after starting a night shift.

Last week police said they had "no idea" why the law-abiding father-of-five, of Abbeyfield Road, was targeted.

But today, speaking a week after the shooting, Det Chief Supt Martyn Bates said officers are now focusing the investigation on a specific line of inquiry after receiving information from the public.

"We have had dozens of calls from people suggesting a background and possible motives for the murder. We now believe we know the motive and are focusing on a very strong line of inquiry."

Det Chief Supt Bates refused to reveal details of the motive but police have refused to rule out the possibility that Mr Khan's family had been involved in a serious feud.

Police have arrested four suspects and released them all on bail pending inquiries.

A 23-year-old from Upperthorpe and a man aged 27 from Middlewood were arrested last Thursday,.

A man in his mid-20s, also from Middlewood, was arrested the same day in Barnsley and a man in his 20s was arrested at home in Pitsmoor.

But Det Chief Supt Bates said that despite the rapid arrests the investigation, which involves more than 100 officers including up to 60 CID officers, is likely to be "difficult and drawn out".

"It's going to be a challenging investigation and will take some time but I am confident we will get there in the end."

Police last night carried out high-profile roadside checks on motorists driving along Barnsley Road and Scott Road to jog people's memories.

The operation, from 11am yesterday to 2.30am today, targeted shift workers at the Northern General Hospital.

Det Chief Supt Bates said: "They may have witnessed a car speeding down the road and not realised the significance. It is very important we speak to these people."

A funeral for Mr Khan has not been held as his body has not been released by the police.

Anyone with information should call 0114 296 4471 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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