Friends of taxi driver killed in Middlesbrough crash raise money to support his family

The friends of the taxi driver who died after a collision in Middlesbrough on Tuesday are raising money to support his family.

27-year-old Malik Ameer Abbas died when a Mercedes C220 collided with his Volkswagen Passat on Dixon's Bank at around 11:40 pm.

The 32-year-old driver of the Mercedes was taken to James Cook University Hospital with serious injuries.

Malik came to Teesside from Pakistan as a university student and would send his wages from part-time jobs back to support his family.

In tribute, his friends are raising funds to continue that financial help for Malik's family.

Amaan Ayoub described Malik - known as Ameer to his friends - as a "one-of-a-kind person who had a big heart".

"He would go out of his way to do anything and everything for a person as long as it makes them smile. He was a character, used to pull pranks and jokes on his friends and colleagues. He was a jolly lad who will be missed," Amaan says.

"My family, myself and his best friend Kashaf are doing a fundraiser for his family back home to help them through this difficult time. Ameer would send whatever he would earn back home to his parents to help them keep a roof over their head and food on the table. That's the sort of person Ameer was."

A JustGiving page has been set up with a target of £5,000 and collections will be taking place at three mosques in Middlesbrough at next week's Friday prayers (Friday 8 April).

It is hoped that Malik's funeral will take place in Middlesbrough this week and his body will be repatriated to Pakistan soon after.

Boro Cars, whom Malik had worked for since late 2019, said he was a "polite and a quiet young man" who had only returned to work the day before the accident after taking a short break.

A spokesperson said, "He was always polite and a quiet young man who worked hard to support his family. He was a valued member of our team who enjoyed his work serving the local community.

"We are all deeply shocked and very upset by the tragic circumstances of his death.

"We are in contact with his family in Pakistan and shall provide them with whatever support we can at this very difficult time.  Our thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues at this time."

Prior to the collision officers had identified a Mercedes travelling at high speed on Marton Road which they attempted to stop.

Cleveland Police has since been referred to the police watchdog.

Dixon's Bank was closed for several hours whilst emergency services worked at the scene.

Detectives are investigating the incident and are appealing for anyone with information, or dashcam footage, to come forward.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).