POLICE have named a murder victim killed in a brutal attack over the weekend.

Officers confirmed Choudhry Zishan, 35, as the victim a day after the Daily Echo reported it after speaking to his family.

Mr Zeeshan was attacked metres from his doorstep outside Newsmarket in High Street, Eastleigh, and died shortly afterwards in Southampton General Hospital from severe head injuries.

Daily Echo:

Flowers are left at the scene of the attack

The businessmen lived in High Street with his wife and five-year-old son.

Friends and neighbours have paid tribute to Mr Zishan describing him as a “kind and generous man” who had “no quarrels with anyone.”

His father-in-law Khalid Malik, who came down from Birmingham shortly after hearing the news, was last night still trying to come to terms with the tragedy.

But fighting back tears he told the Daily Echo: “It’s shocking, I can’t believe it.

“He was a nice, kind and very good person.

“He was so nice and had no quarrels with anyone.”

Meanwhile friends gathered throughout Sunday at the Chamberlayne Arms pub opposite the store.

Niki Betts, 38, of High Street, who has known Mr Zishan for six years, said: “I got the call from his brother this morning and the family are devastated.

Daily Echo:

“He was a lovely man, who was very kind and generous and would help anyone out.

“He would always deliver shopping to me when I was unwell.

“He was one of the most genuine blokes I’ve ever known and never had a bad word to say about anyone.

“The family are such nice people and they don’t deserve this.

“They are very popular and friendly and well-liked around here.”

Family friend Jassal Piara, 72, from Desborough Road, who has known Mr Zishan for ten years, said: “He was a very generous person and it’s so bad it’s happened.

“It’s shocking it has happened in Eastleigh because I’ve never heard anything like this in the 25 years I’ve been here.”

A post-mortem was carried out on Sunday afternoon at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, Winchester, by a Home Office pathologist and the cause of death was trauma to the head.

Detective Superintendent Paul Barton, leading Operation Bedale, said: “I have been pleased with the response from the community who are keen to assist us in this tragic investigation.

“It would appear that Mr Zishan had just left home for work when he was attacked. I believe this was a robbery where the level of violence was extreme and sickening.

"I am still asking for the public's help in looking for items that may have been discarded. In particular I am looking for some shoes worn by one of the attackers and possibly a light coloured top.

“If you find any items matching that description, please call us straight away.”

Two men, aged 25 and 22, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and detectives have been granted extended custody to allow more time for questioning.

They were arrested in Monks Way, Eastleigh, and police have also searched an address in George Wright Close, Eastleigh. Local residents are asked to check their gardens and bins for the items described.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Operation Bedale or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.