Tributes paid after death of shopkeeper, 63

Father-of-four Kashmir Singh Virk has been described as a humble and well-respected man. He ran Virk Wines in Dudley Street, Sedgley, for 23 years.

Mr Virk collapsed on Thursday and died shortly afterwards at Russells Hall Hospital in Dudley. He had suffered a heart attack.

Today his son, bus driver Taz Virk, said the whole family was "devastated".

"This has come as such a shock," he said. "My father was a man of good health. He had no problems unloading stock. There was nothing to suggest he had any problems. It has come completely out the blue."

Mr Virk, who lived with his father in Darlaston and helped him run the shop, said: "He was a humble and respectful man.

"He was well respected in the community and would do anything for anyone. A gentle giant."

Kashmir Virk, who was known as Chris, was married with two daughters and two sons. He used to live in Tipton but later moved to Darlaston.

Dozens of flower bouquets were left outside the shop and a tribute page has been set up on Facebook.

"We have had so much support," added Mr Virk, aged 35. "It has been really touching. We have been overwhelmed."

Among those paying their respects yesterday was 50-year-old Coseley resident Chris Jones, who has been a customer for the past 20 years.

"He was salt of the earth," he said.