'Racist murder' inquiry continues

Police say the attack has no connection with the Labour Club

Police are continuing to question two people over the suspected racist murder of an Asian man.

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.

On Sunday, Bolton Magistrates' Court granted police an extra 36 hours to question a 18-year-old man and a boy, 15, arrested on suspicion of murder.

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.

Head injuries

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.