Three of the earlier victims were also pensioners. As local community tensions grew, police stepped up patrols near the Idara E Jaaferiya mosque where Mr Haque was attacked last Monday.

The culprits, who were black and wore hooded tops, are believed to be as young as 12.

Police say they are treating the attack on Mr Haque as racially motivated.

rabble rousing words often lead on to terrible deeds