BOLTON'S leaders are pleading for calm following the racist murder of a 28-year-old man in Deane.

Asaf Mahmood Ahmed, aged 28, of Broomfield Road, was killed in a vicious attack on Friday night.

Police bosses, Muslim leaders and MPs are now urging not to retaliate to the murder.

Sup Andy Durkin from Bolton police said: "I am heartened that community tensions do not appear to be significantly raised as a result of this and that the community remain supportive of the police and continue to work towards a harmonised community."

Muslim leaders are appealing for communities to pull together in light of the tragedy.

Mohammed Adam, chairman of the Bolton Council Of Mosques said: "Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate and extended family who have lost a loved one in this season of festivities.

"This is a tragic event and it appears to be cold blooded. There is serious concern within the community. We need to give serious consideration as to why we have young men, children in some cases, in our society who are able to resort to such action, which colded and criminal.

"We will continue to work closely with police, the local authority, the family and with the local community to ensure we can provide the necessary support and assistance."

Bolton was recently rated as one of the best town's in the country at helping people from different races to mix.

But the report, which was commissioned by Bolton Council and involved interviews with the police, health bodies and community and faith groups, also said more needed to be done to tackle racism among youngsters, drug problems and gang culture to prevent increased tensions between ethnic groups.

Dr Brian Iddon, MP for Bolton South-east, said: "I'm very saddened because of all the effort that's been put in by various agencies in Bolton around community cohesion. We've had a good record but this will certainly upset the apple cart.

"I would call for calm among the community. Hopefully this is a one in a million attack and whoever is responsible for it deserves just punishment. I'm always shocked by incidents such as this but not surprised because there's an undercurrent of racism in every society, including Bolton."