Three men were today appearing before magistrates charged in connection with the murder of an Iranian asylum seeker.

Peyman Bahmani, 30, died of a single stab wound after an incident in the Hendon area of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear last Wednesday afternoon.

An 18-year-old man from Scotland was yesterday charged with murder, violent disorder and racially aggravated assault.

Two other men, one aged 23 and the other 27, were charged with violent disorder and racially aggravated assault.

All three were remanded in custody pending today's appearance before Sunderland magistrates.

In total, five people were arrested in connection with incident.

A man and a woman were originally arrested and then later released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Mr Bahmani fled to Britain from his native Iran two years ago to avoid persecution.