Syed Taalay Ahmed: Hartlepool journalist killed in Ghana armed robbery

Syed Taalay Ahmed made documentaries ranging from football to faith

Tributes have been paid to a British journalist who was shot and killed in an armed robbery in Ghana.

Syed Taalay Ahmed, 31, from Hartlepool, was working for Muslim Television Ahmadiyya International (MTA) when his vehicle was ambushed on 23 August.

The attack took place near the town of Tamale in the north of the country, according to local reports.

Mr Ahmed, who studied journalism at the University of Sunderland, is survived by his wife and two children.

In a press release, Ghanaian police said two men suspected of involvement were killed during a shootout in the days following the ambush and four others had been arrested.

A spokesman for London-based MTA said of Mr Ahmed: "He was a much loved member of the MTA team and produced a series of faith-inspiring documentaries and programmes.

"We will miss him every day and strive to build upon the great work he did."

'Absolutely tragic'

The network said the journalist was in Ghana filming a documentary that "highlighted the charity works conducted by the Ahmadiyya Muslim community".

At about 19:00 local time, the car he was in was ambushed by armed robbers who opened fire, hitting Mr Ahmed and a Ghanaian colleague, before making off with some possessions and money.

He was declared dead at the Tamale Teaching Hospital a short while later.

His body is due to be repatriated to the UK on Wednesday.

Syed Taalay Ahmed completed a masters in journalism at the University of Sunderland

Muhammed Ali Ahmed, general secretary of the Nasir Mosque in Hartlepool, said the "very friendly and lively" journalist had been an "outstanding student" who was the head boy at both High Tunstall College of Science and the English Martyrs School and Sixth Form College.

Mr Ahmed was also a keen sportsman who played for Hartlepool Cricket Club as well as football and table tennis.

"It's absolutely tragic, very shocking news, I couldn't believe it," Muhammed Ali Ahmed said.

He added that the journalist was "totally professional and committed to his work" and was shot while trying to "save his laptop and equipment", having spent 13 days in Africa filming for a documentary.

"Sadly he gave his life for the sake of his work, that's how committed he was."

'Passionate journalist'

Chris Smith from Hartlepool Cricket Club said: "Taalay always seemed to be filled with life and joy.

"He had an infectious smile and was always happy to chat with anyone about pretty much anything, all the while keeping an eye on the cricket."

Mr Ahmed scored more than 1,000 runs for the club having risen through the junior ranks to represent the second and third elevens.

Dr Alex Lockwood, who was Mr Ahmed's programme leader during his masters degree in magazine journalism at Sunderland University in 2012-13 said his death was "deeply upsetting".

"Syed was not only a talented journalist who was passionate about the job he loved, he was also a devoted family man, and a good friend," Dr Lockwood said.

"When he came to study at the University, Syed's desire to become a journalist was evident from day one.

"It was a pleasure watching Syed build a successful career in the job he loved."