Community leaders asking for people to help bring Israr Ellahi killers to justice

Last week a savage attack on Dad of three Israr Ellahi was left lying unconscious in the street. The vicious attack which involved up to 20 people left Mr Ellahi lying in a coma for the past week before sadly passing away of his injuries yesterday.

Police have yet to say if they are now treating this as a murder inquiry.

On Tuesday, Police Officers have arrested four teenagers as part of their inquiries, and since then two youths, aged 16 and 17 and from the Tunstall area, have been charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent and affray and appeared before magistrates in Newcastle on Monday. Two other youths have been released on police bail.

Detective Inspector Jim Wood, from Staffordshire Police, said: "Police were called to a disturbance in the Roundwell Street/Nash Peake Street area of Tunstall. It is believed 20-plus males were involved.

"When police arrived a male was unconscious in the road with serious head injuries.

"We are keeping an open mind about what was behind the disturbance, and we are investigating whether there was any racial motivation.

"Officers have been doing house-to-house inquiries in the area and speaking to nearby businesses.

"We would urge anyone who has any information to come forward."

The incident happened at about 11pm on Friday and police have ruled out any link with England's World Cup match earlier that night.

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Community leaders have spoken of their shock at the incident.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council leader Mohammed Pervez said: "I would like to express my deepest and sincere sympathies for the family and friends of Israr Ellahi.

"It is always tragic when someone loses a life through violence but even more devastating when it is the life of a young man who leaves a wife and three children behind.

"We will support and help the police with any investigation to make sure the offenders of this violent attack are caught and brought to justice.

"I would encourage anyone who knows anything connected with this incident to contact the police straight away."

Mohammed Alam, chairman of the Tunstall Residents' Association and a community worker in the town, said: "It's devastating news and my thoughts are with the family.

"This is a difficult time in their lives and we should all pray for them."