SIMMERING tensions in a North-East city threatened to spill over into violence as marchers found themselves in standoff with police at the scene of a racially-motivated murder yesterday.

Hundreds of protestors bearing flowers and posters had come to pay homage to Iranian refugee Peyman Bahmani, 30, who died from a single stab wound suffered during a confrontation with a group of white people.

But when the orderly march arrived to lay their wreaths at the crime scene in Peel Street, Hendon, Sunderland, they found their way was barred by police, anxious to protect any evidence.

Emotional and angry, the mourners pushed impatiently against a cordon of police and the proceedings threatened to erupt, as community leaders implored the police to take control and allow them through.

Eventually, with a semblance of peace restored and watched closely by forensic experts, the marchers were allowed through in groups of two and three to pay their respects.

And last night, fearing that today's Premiership game between Sunderland AFC and Manchester United could lead to trouble in the streets, community leaders advised ethnic minorities to stay indoors.

Yesterday's protest march through the city came days after the death of Mr Bahmani, who was knifed outside his home.

Mr Bahmani, who fled to Britain from his native Iran two years ago, was stabbed hours before he and his partner Sonia Voza, 50, were due to leave Sunderland to start a new life in Brighton, Sussex.

At 11am yesterday, more than 200 people converged on the city centre, bearing banners proclaiming Stop Racist Attacks, Stop Dispersal of Refugees and Asylum Seekers Are Not Criminals.

When Sunderland area commander, Superintendent Paul Weir, arrived to field questions, he was quickly hemmed in by a press of incensed asylum seekers demanding police protection and action.

"What can we do if we are attacked? We cannot hit them back," one asked.

Supt Weir replied: "Anyone who is attacked can use reasonable force to protect themselves."

Another protestor claimed he had complained ten times to police about problems at the hands of racists - but nothing had been done and there was no record of his complaints.

Supt Weir withdrew as he faced more heated exchanges and a relative wailed inconsolably. Many of the marchers spoke of a campaign of race hate levelled against them and of the impotence of the police.

Speaking following a meeting with police chiefs, Shahab Shafaatian, a spokesman for the asylum community, said: "Police have promised to do something for us. They have said that if we have any problems they will follow them up promptly. Supt Weir has promised a big meeting with us next week."

He added: "It is very dangerous in Sunderland at the moment. I would advise any asylum seekers to stay at home on the match day."

Supt Weir said: "We want to reassure all members of the public, including ethnic minority communities, that our priority is to assure their safety at all times. We are in liaison with community leaders and are continuing to address their concerns."

Meanwhile, police yesterday arrested a fourth man in connection with the death of Mr Bahmani. The 18-year-old was arrested in Edinburgh in the early hours of yesterday.

Three other people, two men and a woman, were continuing to be questioned in connection with the fatal stabbing after officers were granted an extended licence to hold them in custody which will last until lunchtime today.