Tushar Makwana moved to Britain from Uganda in the 1970s

Heart FM presenter Tushar Makwana was discovered lying outside his house in Castle Bromwich, Birmingham, in the early hours of Monday.

The 37-year-old's life support machine was switched off on Thursday.

Police said he was run over by the raiders as they escaped in an estate car after following them outside.

He was just a lovely man, very genuine and always there for you Robin Campbell, of UB40

Mr Makwana' wife, Deepika, with whom he had a son and two daughters, kept a vigil by his hospital bed until he died.

A West Midlands Police statement issued on Friday on behalf of Mrs Makwana and her family read: "We would like to thank everyone for their support, for the many flowers, e-mails and cards which have helped us through this difficult time after Tushar's tragic and untimely death.

"We especially want to thank everyone at Heart FM who have been here for us at this upsetting time.

"Tushar was an amazing soul mate, husband, father, son, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law and uncle.

Tushar Makwana was found by his wife outside their home

"He was a friend to everyone who knew him. He touched everyone and anyone he met and his constant smile and laughter gave everyone a reason to be happy and encouraged them to live for the moment.

"He was truly an angel on earth and will be sadly missed, but his wonderful heart-warming memories will live in our hearts forever."

Robin Campbell, of UB40, told the Birmingham Evening Mail: "He was just a lovely man, very genuine and always there for you."

Mr Makwana won a Sony Award in 2002 for a series of programmes about the Birmingham reggae band.

All eight, aged between 16 and 22 and from the Castle Vale and Erdington areas of Birmingham, have been questioned by police in connection with the inquiry.

The spokesman said: "The apparent sequence of events is that the offenders kicked the door open, Mr Makwana confronted them and chased them outside, but it is not clear at this stage what happened outside.

"A light-colour estate car was seen leaving the scene.

"We have recovered an estate car and we are examining it to establish whether it is the one used by the offenders."