AN Iranian man has earned a special commendation for helping a police investigation into the death of an asylum seeker.

Asylum seeker support worker Vadood Aghajani was presented with a Northumbria Police Chief Constable's compliment by Superintendent Carolyn Peacock.

It follows Mr Aghajani's work with officers during the initial stages of a murder inquiry in Sunderland, last summer.

Iranian refugee Peyman Bahmani, 30, died in Sunderland Royal Hospital from a single stab wound, following a confrontation outside his home in August.

Mr Aghajani, who joined Northumbria Police as a civilian worker last July, is fluent in Farsi and provided a vital link between detectives and the victim's family.

He said: "It was a very stressful role, but I was pleased to be able to help. As an asylum support worker I spend most of my time dealing with victims of crime, giving them support and introducing them to agencies such as Victim Support.

"I also help improve the links between the police and asylum seekers and refugees coming into the area."

This is Mr Aghajani's first job in Britain and his experience has encouraged him to become a registered interpreter.