Police in Sunderland are recommending that a temporary ban on sending asylum seekers to the city should be lifted.

Dispersal of asylum seekers to Wearside was suspended just two days ago at the request of the local police following tensions caused by the death of Payman Bahmani.

The 34-year-old Iranian asylum seeker died after being stabbed in Hendon on 28 August.

At a meeting at a Sunderland police station on Wednesday, officers decided to ask the Home Office to end the suspension.

I think Sunderland is a safe place for people to visit and for asylum seekers to come to the area

Chief Inspector John Brady

The ban had been described as a "temporary measure" to reduce racial tensions.

Representatives from Northumbria Police, the asylum seeker community and other agencies in Sunderland were involved in talks before the decision was made.

Chief Inspector John Brady, from Northumbria Police, told BBC Radio Newcastle that Sunderland was not a racist city.

"The police have been working very closely with the local community and with asylum seekers in Sunderland to reduce racial tensions.

"That has been very successful.

"I think Sunderland is a safe place for people to visit and for asylum seekers to come to the area."

An 18-year-old man has been charged with murder, racially aggravated assault and violent disorder in connection with Mr Bahmani's death.