Racial motive probe into van driver murder (From Darlington and Stockton Times)

Racial motive probe into Easingwold van driver murder

11:09am Monday 24th September 2012 in News

Police at the scene in Long Street, Easingwold

FOUR people have been arrested as part of a murder investigation in a market town, which police say may have been racially motivated.

Mohammed Saleem Khan was found to have been stabbed in the neck after crashed into bollards in Long Street, Easingwold, North Yorkshire at 2.30am on Sunday.

The 36-year-old was orginally from Luton, but had recently been living in Birmingham.

Police initially thought Mr Khan, who was delivering shower parts in North Yorkshire in a hired van, had died as the result of the collision.

North Yorkshire Police launched a murder inquiry after officers found Mr Khan, who was found with injuries to the leg and neck, died as a result of stab wounds.

A 26-year-old local man has since been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Three others from the Easingwold area - a 20-year-old woman and two men aged 21 and 25 - have also been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Detective Chief Inspector Heather Pearson urged witnesses to call detectives on 101 as soon as possible, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

She said: “If you saw or heard anything suspicious in the early hours of Sunday morning you may have information which is vital to our inquiries.

“I can assure people who may be hesitant about coming forward that any information received will be treated in the strictest of confidence.”