A man has been arrested in connection with the murder of an Islamic leader who was stabbed to death on his doorstep last week.

Salik Uddin Choudhury, 64 was stabbed while his eight-year-old daughter and seven-year-old nephew watched in horror.

A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder has been bailed until January 7.

Salik Choudhury went to the door of his Birchdale, E7, home at about 5.30pm on November 3, after his daughter said there was a man outside who wanted to come in.

Mr Choudhury spoke to the caller before an argument broke out, which ended in the 64-year-old father of seven being stabbed in the abdomen.

He was taken to hospital where he died on Sunday night.

Eight of Mr Choudhury's relatives, including some of his children, were in the house at the time of the stabbing.

Mr Choudhury received a threatening letter in March this year, police said. Further information about the letter was not available but police were told about it at the time.

Mr Choudhury was retired but was secretary of Forest Gate mosque in Romford Road. He was married and had six children, three sons and three daughters, aged between seven and 39.

Detective Chief Inspector Dave Anthony said Mr Choudhury was a leading member of the local community and a founder of the local mosque.

Police released a detailed description of Mr Choudhury's attacker today, saying he was a black man aged between 16 and 20 and of a slim build. Last seen running toward Sherrard Rd, the man was wearing a black crew neck jumper, dark trousers, dark shoes, and had a white gold hoop earring in his right ear. He was seen carrying an unknown object across his chest.

Anyone with information can contact the incident room at Barking on 020 8345 3715 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

November 12, 2002 11:00