A TOP chef and UK restaurant boss hailed the 'King of Curry' has sadly died aged 56 as emotional tributes pour in.

       Shabir Hussain, who founded huge Indian restaurant chain Akbar’s, passed away after a brave battle with cancer.

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       Shabir Hussain, CEO of Akbar’s, passed away aged 56 Credit: Facebook

       Akbar’s Restaurant Group posted on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Shabir Hussain, founder of Akbars Restaurant Group.

       “All restaurants will now be closed and will reopen on Friday 18th October at 5pm."

       The chef's first restaurant, a small 28-seat dining room, opened in 1995 in the heart of Bradford.

       But the popular chain soon grew to dozens of branches across the north, Scotland and the Midlands.

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       Shabir hosted the grand opening of the group's latest venue in Blackburn in March this year.

       Emotional tributes have poured in since news of the CEO's death was announced.

       One wrote: "Shabir was the third scion of Bradford's Kashmiri restaurant trade to pass away recently.

       "Bradford has lost another great businessman, philanthropist and all round humanitarian who contributed hugely to the city in such a positive way!"

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       Another penned: "Sending prayers and condolences to the family and all his work colleagues in their loss.

       "You’ve all lost a great man whose left a great legacy. Gone but never forgotten RIP Shamir."

       "He helped us when we needed it the most, he had the golden touch and inspired an Industry to push forward and grow, helping many restaurants along the way," wrote colleagues.

       A loyal customer agreed: "Very sad day, what a man always welcoming was one of his very first customers, and he became a great friend R.I.P Shabir Hussain."

       "Shabir was an inspiration to many and a lovely soul," added another.