AN investigation into the death of a popular Bolton businessman following a stabbing in Bedfordshire is continuing.

Sixty-three year-old Ghulam Raja, of Wentworth Avenue, Farnworth, lost his life in an incident in Luton on Monday, November 15.

The father-of-six had been critically ill in hospital as a result of the stabbing.

But Bedfordshire Police have now confirmed he was pronounced dead on Saturday.

A spokesman added: “His family has been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.”

His post mortem examination is due to take place today.

The property company boss had been described by a senior Bolton councillor as a man who “always had a smile on his face”.

Cllr Mudasir Dean, who had known Mr Raja for a number of years, said on Tuesday: “This is a complete shock for the local community.”

Another friend, Waseem Younas, described him as an “impressive, intelligent, courageous, hardworking polite... man of principle”.

An announcement was also made by the Sughra Mosque Faizaan-e-Madina in Farnworth, which Mr Raja us understood to have attended.

Mr Raja ran an estate agency in the Farnworth area and had also been involved in local politics, standing as a Labour candidate in local elections.

Police have said previously that a 16-year-old boy was arrested shortly after the stabbing, which took place in Dorrington Close, Luton.

He was later charged with the attempted murder of Mr Raja and has appeared before magistrates in Bedfordshire.

No update has yet been given by police over whether this charge will now be reviewed.

A police spokesman added: “Anyone with any information which could assist police with their enquiries is asked to report it (online) via Bedfordshire.police.uk/report. Please quote Operation Cairn.”