'Racist murder' victim is named

An Asian man who was killed in what police believe was a racially-motivated attack has been named.

Asaf Mahmood Ahmed, 28, of Broomfield Road, Bolton, suffered severe head injuries in the attack near Derby Ward Labour Club in Bolton.

Mr Ahmed was on his way to shops on Friday evening when he was attacked.

An 18-year-old man and a boy aged 15 have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are being questioned by detectives.

Mr Ahmed was discovered by officers at 2150 GMT but died at the scene despite resuscitation attempts.

A post mortem examination was carried out on Saturday but the cause of death has not been released.

Witness appeal

Superintendent Andy Durkin, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "We are treating this as a racist incident.

"Language and comments that were overheard by witnesses at and immediately after the incident led them to believe this was a racist incident.

"I would like to stress that the motive for the attack remains unknown at this stage and is a significant line of inquiry.

"The cause of death has not been conclusively established and further tests are being carried out.

"However, what is known is that the head injuries that he suffered significantly contributed to his death and therefore this remains a murder inquiry."

Police said the attack had no connection with the Labour Club but have appealed to customers who may have seen the incident to come forward.