Ethnic and religious minorites are increasingly being targeted in Britain, government figures suggest.

An Indian sailor was allegedly killed by a gang of young people in Hampshire on October 20.

The Ministry of Justice has confirmed 41,000 similar offences being committed in 2005-06, a rise of 12 per cent on the previous year.

The statistics revealed evidence from immigrant groups that Muslim community has been under particular pressure, including violent assault, verbal abuse and damage to property, since 9/11.

Attacks were carried out on Muslims and mosques in London [Images], Glasgow, Manchester and Bradford shortly after the bungled terror attacks in London's West End and Glasgow airport.

Figures stated that seven per cent of murder victims were Asians and four per cent from other ethnic minorities.

Home Office figures earlier this year showed Asians were twice as likely to be killed in stabbing or "bottling" incidents than a decade ago, The Independent newspaper reported.

One in three black murder victims was shot, compared with one in 10 Asians and one in 20 whites.

The figures showed that black people were seven times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people and much more likely to be caught up in the criminal justice system.

National Black Police Association president Keith Jarett had last week argued that the ethnic minority communities wanted more people to be stopped and searched to reduce the number of shootings on Britain's streets.