Right-wing extremists must not be allowed to drive asylum seekers from Sunderland, refugee officials have urged.

Police and council officials in the city have also renewed calls for calm in the wake of reported attacks on five Kurdish families.

Racial tensions in the city have been rising since the murder of Iranian asylum seeker Peyman Bahmani in August.

Daoud Zaaroura, chief executive of the North of England Refugee Service (NERS), said: "The actions of minority extremists must not be allowed to drive asylum seekers out of the city."

Sunderland is still experiencing the consequences of the tragic murder of Peyman Bahmani

Daoud Zaaroura, North of England Refugee Service

On Friday Northumbria Police, Sunderland City Council and NERS issued a joint statement in an effort to calm fears amongst the refugee population in Sunderland.

Superintendent Jim Campbell, of Northumbria Police said: "We accept the difficulties faced by asylum seekers within our local communities and realise racist attacks do happen in Sunderland, as they do in all towns and cities.

"However, the problem here is not as widespread as some reports suggest.

"It is unfortunate that in this particular incident that the five families, possibly based upon tragic experiences in their own pasts, perceived that they were under threat.

"We would like to reassure people that racially-motivated attacks will not be tolerated and those responsible will be pursued with the utmost vigour."

Five Kurdish families have been moved from Sunderland's Ford Estate after attacks on property earlier this week.

Mr Zaaroura, said: "Unfortunately Sunderland is still experiencing the consequences of the tragic murder of Peyman Bahmani.

"Understandably emotions remain high. The murder of Mr Bahmani should serve as a reminder to us all that asylum seekers are one of the more vulnerable groups within our society.

'Minority extremists'

"While a lot of work has already been done, I hope that all the organisations working directly or indirectly with asylum seekers, now re-double their efforts.

"The actions of minority extremists must not allowed to tarnish the reputation of Sunderland or drive asylum seekers out of the city."

Sunderland City Council deputy leader, Bryan Charlton said: "A lot of effort is going into integrating refugees into the community by meeting their housing and welfare needs.

"Sadly, as with any large city, Sunderland has its handful of extremists but giving them the publicity they crave not only plays into their hands, but has the added effect of upsetting the lives of law-abiding people."

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