Prime Minister Tony Blair today said the murder of Tasawar Hussain was "tragic and wicked" and offered his "deep condolences" to his family.

Mr Blair made his comments to MPs as the House of Commons debated the issue of gun crime.

The Prime Minister was responding to a call for a crackdown on gun crime, and he said that the Criminal Justice Bill contained the introduction of a mandatory five-year sentence for possession of firearms.

His comments came after an MP called for the hero dad who was gunned down chasing armed robbers to be honoured for his bravery.

Tasawar, 36, was murdered when he confronted the robbers who had attacked a security guard at Madina Travel in Lumb Lane, Bradford.

He was left dying in the road after being shot in the chest in Jowett Street, near Thornton Road.

He and a friend Azram Hussain had pursued the getaway car when they saw the robbery as they drove past the travel agents on Monday evening.

Friends today paid tribute to Mr Hussain, of Heaton Road, Manningham, who had a five-year-old daughter, and whose wife is expecting their second baby.

"He died a hero," said one. "He was always like that - sticking his neck out for others."

And Bradford North MP Terry Rooney said Mr Hussain deserved commending by West Yorkshire Police for his bravery.

"I think such an award is certainly merited," he said. "I would hope that it is extremely high on the Chief Constable's agenda.

Forensic experts have carried out a fingertip search at the scene of the shooting in the hunt for clues and appealed for information about the robbers who were both white men.

A bullet recovered from the scene of the murder of Tasawar Hussain was today undergoing forensic tests.

The results will help the detectives to work out the type of gun used in the killing on Monday night.

Detective Superintendent Allan Doherty said: "Ballistic material has been recovered and we are liaising with the forensic team."

He also said more calls were needed from people who were in the area.

"Lumb Lane at that time is heavily congested with slow-moving traffic. A lot of people use it as a short cut, as it appears did Tasawar Hussain.

" I want as many people as possible to come forward who were around that night. Even if you think your information might be trivial I would say: 'Let us be the judge of that'.

"I am concerned we have not had as many calls as I thought we should have had."

He said an appeal had also gone to the criminal fraternity - including prisoners in jail - to come up with a name.

Witnesses are being sought for the key locations in Lumb Lane and Jowett Street, as well as Summerville Road in Shearbridge where the suspects' car was found abandoned.

Det Supt Doherty was due to meet Mr Hussain's widow and family later today to update them on developments in the inquiry.

"I just feel desperately sorry for the family of this man who has paid the ultimate price for acting in a public spirited manner," said Mr Rooney.

Former magistrate and community leader Bary Malik said an honour from the police or Bradford Council would be a fitting tribute.

"It would be a good gesture not only for his widow and family but for the community as a whole in Bradford," he said.

"To give him some sort of award would send out a very positive message.

"He has given his life to upholding the law and there should be some recognition for that. It would be appreciated by all the law-abiding citizens in this city."

Javed Hussain, 31, who was a friend of Tasawar Hussain, said the honour would be richly deserved.

"He died a hero," said Mr Hussain.

"Tassie was that kind of person, he was always like that. He was warm, gentle and considerate, always sticking his neck out for others, and I think it would be good for him to be honoured in that way."

The pair met at Shipley College 12 years ago and remained friends, often visiting the Durham Road mosque in Girlington.

"Tassie was always very polite and nice," said Mr Hussain, a director of Mirza Travel in Manningham.

"He had a good sense of humour and was known for his generosity too.

"He was just a good Muslim brother, a young dad, this is just a real tragedy."

Relatives and friends who streamed to the victim's family home in Heaton Road yesterday were directed to Springcliffe Street, Manningham, to pray for him, and comfort his widow and their daughter.

Councillor Imran Hussain (Lab, Toller) said the whole community had been stunned by the murder.

"He was an extremely hard working gentlemen who has a young child," said Coun Hussain. "I think that he should be rewarded in some way for his bravery.

"This was not an everyday act - I think it was beyond bravery - and he has paid the ultimate price. In my eyes he should certainly be rewarded for what he did."

Councillor Amir Hussain (Lab, Toller) said: "I think the least we can do for a man who has given his life in defending what is right is to give him such an honour."

Chief Superintendent Phil Read, commander of Bradford North police, said: "His actions were certainly praiseworthy. We do need to look at how they can be recognised in an appropriate fashion."

Anyone with information about the murder should contact the incident room on (01274) 376459.

Special feature: Is it still worth 'having a go' in our violent society?