Daughter of Mohammed Saleem criticises West Midlands Police

The daughter of a man killed on his way home from a mosque says she believes his death was racially-motivated.

Mohammed Saleem, 75, was stabbed after leaving the Green Lane Mosque in Small Heath, Birmingham, on 29 April.

His daughter, Shazia Khan, said police were not listening to her family and her brother was threatened, apparently by the English Defence League (EDL), prior to their father's death.

West Midlands Police said it would work "tirelessly to find the killer".

The force has previously said it has "no evidence" to suggest Mr Saleem's murder was racially motivated.

But Ms Khan said she believed it was "premeditated" and she had "concerns about how the investigation is going at the moment".

She added: "As far as we can see it's a racist motive.

"As time has gone on, the more information we've given them.... I just feel like are we creating more work for them? It's like a hassle and it shouldn't be the case.

"I know the detective in charge has worked very hard and I do respect that. Indeed we respect the work that's gone into the investigation but I just don't think it's enough."

'Threatening' letter

Letters purporting to be from the EDL were received by Shazia Khan's brother, who runs a gym, in April and September last year.

Mohammed Saleem was stabbed after leaving the Green Lane Mosque in Small Heath last month

Ms Khan said the letters had been passed to detectives by the family.

One letter said: "It has come to our attention that you are training terrorists at your premises. We will not tolerate any terrorist activities on our soil. We urge you to close this gym as soon as possible."

Ms Khan added: "The second letter... was more threatening in its manner - that there will be serious consequences because you haven't listened to us.

"This information was given to the police when my father was murdered six months later, so I'm not saying there's a link but clearly there's obvious motives. That was my brother and this is my father."

Police have said there had been "real support from local residents and members of the congregation" of the mosque.

In a statement on Friday, Assistant Chief Constable Sharon Rowe said it was "a live, complex and sensitive murder inquiry".

She said: "We will work tirelessly to find the killer of Mohammed Saleem and I would ask people to contact the police with any information they have on 101.

"There are a large number of officers dedicated to solving the murder of Shazia Khan's father and we will continue this difficult and complex investigation and efforts to engage the family."