Aram Kurd gave interviews to media outlets describing how he was lucky to escape the shop explosion in Leicester in February

A shopkeeper who helped cause a huge shop explosion which killed five people in a botched £300,000 insurance scam lied about escaping from the 'hellish' blaze just hours after it took hold.

Store owner Aram Kurd, 33, is facing life in jail after being convicted of murder along with Arkan Ali, 37, and Hawkar Hassan, 32, following a five-week trial.

The devastating blast obliterated the Zabka Polish supermarket in Leicester, killing a mother and her two sons, as well as one of the teenager's girlfriends.

The gang even left their co-conspirator, Viktorija Ljevleva, 22, who worked in the shop to die in the blaze, while brazen Kurd shamelessly gave TV interviews describing how he was lucky to escape the explosion.

Kurd said shortly after the blaze on February 25: 'I couldn't breathe. Everywhere I could see fire, like I was inside hell. It was a big noise. I found myself going up and then to the floor.

'For two or three minutes I couldn't feel anything. I was shouting 'Viktorija, Viktorija'. I can't believe what has happened. I don't know how I survived. For some reason God has decided to keep me alive. I know I am extremely lucky.'

Kurd, pictured in a witness interview, has now been convicted of murder after the fire

(From left) Hawkar Hassan, Arkan Ali and Aram Kurd who caused a huge shop explosion which killed five people in a botched £300,000 insurance scam have been found guilty of murder

Mary Rajoobeer (centre) and two of her sons, Sean (left) and Shane (right), were killed

Viktorija Ljevleva (left) and Shane's girlfriend, Leah Reek (right, pictured together), also died

A court heard the scheming trio callously caused the explosion by dousing the shop in 'many, many litres of petrol' which sent a fireball tearing through the building.

Care worker Mary Ragoobeer, 46, and her two sons Shane, 18, and Sean, 17, perished in the inferno at their two-storey flat above the store.

Leah Beth Reek, 18, from Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, who was Shane's girlfriend, and Ms Ljevleva, from Oldham, were also killed.

Ali, Kurd and Hassan were convicted of five counts of murder as well as conspiracy to commit fraud after a jury deliberated for 11 hours and 20 minutes.

The jury was previously told the men caused the massive blast 'out of greed' so they could fork in hundreds of thousands of pounds from a bogus insurance claim

A court artist's sketch of (from left) Hussan, Ali and Kurd in the dock at Leicester Crown Court

Molly Reek pays tribute to her late sister Leah outside Leicester Crown Court today

The three men showed no emotion in the dock at Leicester Crown Court while the verdicts were read out.

Timeline of the callous shop explosion plot Late January: Viktorija Ljevleva and Arkan Ali visit an insurance brokers in Oldham but fail to get the shop cover Early February: Along with Hawkar Hassan, they visit another insurance company in Oldham - returning five days later to finalise their cover February 21: Ms Ljevleva and Ali drive to Leicester and they inspect rubbish in the rear yard. Ali moves a CCTV camera away from the basement steps. They are then caught on camera buying smoke alarms from B&Q and white spirit from a Wilko store. February 23: Ali, Hassan and Ms Ljevleva set off from Coventry towards Leicester, stopping at a petrol station where Hassan filled up a container with 26 litres of unleaded petrol. The car they were driving was a diesel February 25 afternoon: Ms Ijevleva walks to the supermarket and is in mobile phone contact with Ali, Hassan and Kurd who are in the city centre. 6.10pm: Kurd rejoins Ms Ijevleva in the shop, and Ali and Hassan are seen in the local area, waiting for darkness 6.30pm: Ali walks towards the back of the supermarket 7pm: Cameras pick up Ali leaving the rear of the shop, where someone had lowered the shutters at the entrance 7.10pm: The petrol is ignited, causing the explosion and fire which killed five Today: Kurd, Ali and Hassan are convicted at court of murder and plotting to claim insurance payout January 18: Trio due to be sentenced Advertisement

Family members of the victims wept in the public gallery, while outside court Ms Reek's sister Molly described the victim as 'beautiful' and said: 'A light went out of our world on that terrible night, and it is so difficult to put into words how much we miss Leah.'

The jury was previously told the men caused the massive blast 'out of greed' so they could fork in hundreds of thousands of pounds from a bogus insurance claim.

It was claimed they were fully aware that Ms Ljevleva, who was in on the scam, would perish in the explosion but let her die anyway as 'she knew too much'.

The three men had previously claimed for loss of stock, contents and future loss of business before the explosion took place.

Scotty Ragoobeer, 15-year-old brother of Shane and Sean, was rescued from the rubble and survived. Passerby Thomas Lindop, 56, was also seriously injured.

CCTV and traffic camera footage released by police at the end of the trial shows people escaping from a nearby takeaway moments after the explosion, and rubble being blasted into the roadway as cars pass by.

Footage recovered by police from a neighbouring business showed Ali in shot three days before the blast - moments before the camera angle was moved.

Further images from the same CCTV unit a day before the fire showed a gloved hand moving the camera angle again - at a time when all three defendants were nearby.

Kurd was also recorded on a security camera as he escaped from the scene at the rear of the shop.

Ali, Hassan and Ms Ljevleva bought 26.6 litres of unleaded from a petrol station the day before the blast.

The devastating blast obliterated the Zabka Polish supermarket in Leicester on February 25

The three men had previously claimed for loss of stock, contents and future loss of business before the explosion took place

CCTV shows people escaping from a nearby takeaway moments after the explosion

CCTV footage released by police shows rubble being blasted into the roadway as cars pass by

Ali and Ms Ljevleva also purchased smoke alarms from B&Q and four litres of white spirit from Wilko.

During the trial, David Herbert QC, prosecuting, said the blast was so loud that people living near by thought that a bomb had gone off.

He added that it 'did not bother these defendants one bit' that a family were in the flat enjoying their Sunday evening.

He said: 'It was an explosion caused by many, many litres of petrol. It was deliberate.

Kurd (circled) was recorded on a camera as he escaped from the scene at the rear of the shop

Hassan fills a petrol can. Around 26 litres of petrol was used to start the fire in the basement

CCTV also captured Hassan paying in cash for the petrol, which triggered a massive explosion

'It was a plan to profit from a false insurance claim for loss of stock, contents and future loss of business from the shop that was on the ground floor.

'Evidence indicates that had the crime been successful the insurance claim would have been in the region of £300,000.

'In part it boils down to greed. It is a case of murder.'

High Court judge Mr Justice Holgate remanded all three men in custody until sentencing in mid-January.

After the case, Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Keen, of Leicesteshire Police, said: 'The people responsible for carrying out this financially-motivated atrocity will now feel the full weight of justice.

Kurd (pictured after the blast) intended to claim against an over-inflated insurance policy

The Zabka Polish supermarket, which was destroyed, is pictured prior to the explosion

'Their crimes have caused unspeakable grief to the families of those killed and injured, and brought utter chaos and devastation to the many residents and businesses of Leicester's Hinckley Road.

'I praise the community which responded so bravely, sensitively, and calmly to the horror of that night.

'I praise all the emergency services, hospital staff, paramedics, city council, and voluntary and other community groups who helped respond to the tragedy with such fortitude, conviction and professionalism.

'I praise my investigation team, whose determination to bring those responsible to justice was unstinting.

'And my heart goes out to the families and friends of all those who died and were injured in the blast and subsequent fire that night. I hope that they can take some small solace from the outcome of these judicial proceedings..'

'A light went out of our world': Families pay tribute to blast victims

The family of Leah Reek, who was killed in the explosion in February, have today released the following statement in tribute to her memory. Her parents, Jo and John, and sister Molly, said: Leah Reek, 18 'Where do we begin? 'We have been asked to try and explain the impact on our lives after losing Leah in such horrific circumstances. The light went out of our world on that terrible night, no parent should ever have to arrange a funeral for their child. It is so difficult to put into words how much we miss Leah. She was an amazing inspirational young lady who had only turned 18 last July. She was just starting out on her life adventure. 'In her 18 too short but wonderful years, she made a lasting impression on everyone lucky enough to know her. She was beautiful inside and out and she truly shone when she entered a room. 'She was never aware of the impact she had on so many people just by smiling at them. We will always miss that smile, her laughter and those beautiful curls. She had such a mischievous sense of humour and could always find something to laugh about. Her happy outlook on life was contagious. 'She was so excited to be starting her university course in September after receiving an unconditional offer for Adult Nursing. She was proud and happy that she had found a vocation that suited her caring and compassionate ways. She volunteered at LOROS and was determined to become a palliative care nurse. 'We used to joke that we would have 'Leah' lessons upon her return from the hospice which inspired her so much. She told us about how important it was to face death. Everybody dies she said, you just have to make it the best journey you can for the patients and families. She even tried to explain to us about grief, how the colour goes out of life for a while and eventually returns. Well, the colour and Leah's bright light has certainly left our world. 'Leah was very aware of others and insisted on joining the family in giving blood as soon as she was able. She also carried an organ donation card. We were all so proud of our precious girl. She was such a kind girl who had a wide varied circle of friends. She was always ready to listen and give her very honest opinion - a trait which we so admired. 'She was always true to herself and was a great judge of character, even if it meant sometimes not going with the easy option. She had a strong sense of right and wrong and a knack of reaching out to people if she saw them struggling or alone. She was wise beyond her years and could talk to anyone, making them feel at ease and comfortable. She was a total one off who had charisma and an enthusiasm for life. Jose Ragoobeer, the husband of Mary, and father of Shane and Sean who were killed in the explosion in February, has today released the following statement in tribute to his family: Sean, 17, Mary, 46, and Shane Rajoobeer, 18 'I came to England in June 2004. Mary and the boys came over in July 2006. I was working in a care home in Radlett and part-time at the Abbey Lodge in London Colney, whereas Mary worked for the Westminster Diocese in London Colney. The boys attended the St Bernadette Catholic School. Shane later went to Nicolas Breakspears. 'We moved to Leicester in 2011. Shane and Sean attended the New College in Glenfield Road while they were on the waiting list for a place at the English Martyrs in Anstey Lane. They were both happy to have joined English Martyrs and did not find it difficult to integrate because they were warmly welcomed by everyone at the school. I started to work all weekends to keep up with the rent and the bills whereas Mary dealt with the shopping and all the boys' clothes and other household things. We were married for 22 years and have known each other for 28 years. 'Mary was a hard-working, loving mother and wife who was devoted to her family. She had two jobs so she could look after the boys to make sure that they had everything they needed. She always made sure that the boys had the latest gear including football kits for the teams they supported. 'Shane was a good person and loving son who was always willing to help family and friends. He was kind, caring and always respectful. Shane was a very keen Liverpool FC supporter. He also played football for local football teams, Aylestone and Quorn FC. Shane was in a relationship with a lovely girl called Leah. They were so happy together. Leah was a lovely girl who bought so much joy and happiness to our home. 'Sean was a good person and loving son who like Shane was always willing to help family and friends. He was looking forward to going to University and to study French and History. He was hard working and had a part-time newspaper round. He also loved football and was a keen Manchester United supporter. He was very close to my son Scotty and was much loved as was Shaun by all his friends and family. 'Every day they will all be missed by myself, Scotty and our family and friends. Our lives will never be the same. What happened has affected so many people's lives. I would like to thank everyone that has helped myself, Scotty and our family since our lives changed forever.

'We miss her terribly, every second of every day we carry the pain of losing Leah. She has left a Leah shaped hole in our hearts that nothing will ever fill. She was too special for anyone that didn't know her to fully understand the impact her death has had on so many. We are broken. She simply stood out. We feel empty and desperately sad that we have been robbed of such a free spirit who loved wearing her leopard clothes. She was a typical teenager living and loving her life as she should have done.

'We know Leah worshipped Shane and they adored each other when they were taken from this world. We are so grateful to the Ragoobeer family for making Leah so welcome, she loved being there and knowing she was always happy there, gives us some comfort.

'Leah's death has not just left us heartbroken, but it has had such a ripple effect on so many; friends, family and the Ragoobeers. Our village Asfordby and local town Melton Mowbray have given us such amazing support and shown such kindness in our dark time. We are truly grateful.

'Leah was a very rare find, a genuine diamond who shone so brightly and made such a difference in society. It makes us angry and breaks our heart that we will never get the chance to see Leah reach her true potential in life. We will never see her proudly graduate to become a nurse or follow her dreams, get married or have children. All of this has been taken away from us and Leah.

'We only have our precious happy memories which no one can ever take away from us. We feel truly blessed that Leah left us with an amazing legacy of love which we will treasure. We will try to make her proud until we meet with her again.

'Leah, we will always love you and the world was definitely a brighter, happier place with you in it. Love you forever, Mum, Dad, Mol and the family circle xxx'

Leicester shop blast killers 'were motivated by purely financial greed and personal gain' A trio of killers who lit 26 litres of petrol in the basement of a shop to benefit from a £300,000 pay-out were motivated purely by greed. Arkan Ali, Hawkar Hassan and Aram Kurd intended to claim against an over-inflated insurance policy on the Polish supermarket on Hinckley Road in Leicester after the devastating explosion. The investigation into the men led police to trawl through over 700 hours of CCTV footage, and examined more than 2,500 exhibits, 1,000 witness statements and 4,000 different lines of inquiry. Leicestershire Police said shopkeeper Kurd, who gave an account to the media after the blast, 'probably felt there was a need' to tell his story in a deceitful bid to cover his tracks. Emergency services at the scene of the explosion in Leicester in February this year Speaking of the explosion itself, Detective Chief Inspector Michelle Keen, who led the investigation, said: 'The evidence we have identified is that this was a significant amount of petrol - significant such that it caused that level of devastation and five people lost their lives.' Describing the CCTV evidence, Ms Keen continued: 'We know there were acts of planning - we don't know whether they knew about the cameras. 'Certainly some cameras were moved in an attempt to avoid detection but we will never truly know what was in their mind as they haven't told us.' Asked about Kurd's accounts to the media, Ms Keen said: 'Clearly, at the outset, the devastation was such that it was unknown as to what the cause was. 'There were a number of possibilities - one of those was a criminal act, but in those early stages we really didn't know what caused it. 'As part of that a number of people were spoken to, and certainly at the scene he (Kurd) was spoken to as a witness and obviously, at that time, he also gave an account to the media as well.' Ms Keen added: 'It was clearly deceitful and a bid to almost cover up what had actually gone on and what his knowledge and involvement was.' Addressing why Kurd chose to speak to the media after the explosion, Ms Keen said: 'There's probably a curiosity as to where the investigation is going and what we know. 'Also, social media and the media is so much more high profile and available that he probably felt like there was a need to put some sort of account across in some way to portray their innocence at an early stage.' Speaking of the motive behind the killings, Ms Keen said: 'The motive would seem to be purely financial greed and personal gain. 'The intention was to claim against an over-inflated insurance policy for business interruption and contents. 'There was significant investment into the shop's set-up and it is evident that it wasn't as profitable as expected. This led to the subsequent fire and explosion.' When asked about victim Viktorija Ljevleva's involvement in the insurance claim, Ms Keen continued: 'Of course, Viktoria sadly lost her life as a result of this incident so we are unable to understand exactly her full knowledge of what was to come. 'And, the fact is, she is unable to be complicit in her own murder.' Advertisement

Tragic Leicester owner helped father whose wife and sons died in the blast

A heartbroken father whose wife and two sons were killed in the Leicester explosion told how the late Leicester FC helped him through his own darkest hours.

Speaking after the death of Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in a helicopter crash outside the King Power Stadium in October, Jose Ragoobeer delivered a tearful tribute.

Mr Ragoobeer's wife Mary, 46, and two sons Shane, 18, and Sean, 17, were killed in the explosion in February, leaving him devastated.

Jose Ragoobeer (left, outside Leicester Crown Court today) was supported by Leicester City owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha (right), who later died in a helicopter crash in October

In the days that followed, Mr Srivaddhanaprabha, who died in a tragic helicopter crash moments after taking off from the city's home ground on Saturday, offered the family help.

And Mr Ragoobeer told ITV: 'I recently lost my wife and sons in a fire and they have been good to me

'They've been very supportive. They even gave me the hall for the wake and this is a big shock for me.'