Tayman Bahmani, 34, died on 28 August.

An 18-year-old man is due in court on Monday charged with his murder, racially-aggravated assault and violent disorder.

The memorial service for Mr Bahmani, who worked as a restaurant manager, is taking place at Newcastle-upon-Tyne Civic Centre.

It has been organised totally by the Iranian community in the North East, but we will be there to add our condolences to this very sad event

Andrew Templeton, North of England Refugee Service

Andrew Templeton of the North of England Refugee Service, said about 200 to 300 people were expected to attend the service.

"The memorial service is solely for the friends and relatives of Mr Bahmani," he said.

"It was an idea put forward by the friends and family and I think a lot of the Iranian community throughout the UK will be travelling up to pay their last respects.

"It has been organised totally by the Iranian community in the North East, but we will be there to add our condolences to this very sad event."

Mr Bahmani was stabbed in Peel Street in the Hendon area of the city and later died in hospital.

The service will be held at Newcastle Civic Centre

His death provoked an angry response from other asylum seekers.

About 200 held a rally in Sunderland the following day, demanding more protection from Northumbria Police.

Mr Templeton said there was still tension in Sunderland and the service was being held in Newcastle partly for safety reasons.

'Anger remains'

"More flames do not need to be added to this burning problem.

"There is still a lot of anger amongst, not just the Iranian population, but also amongst all the other asylum seekers," he said.

Northumbria Police said the service was being held in Newcastle only because the family wanted a "private and dignified" service.

A memorial fund has been set up by relatives and friends of Mr Bahmani, who hope to repatriate the body to Iran.