MURDER squad detectives are following up several major leads in the hunt for the killer of an Isle of Wight taxi driver.

Police believe Paul Jacques Rosenberg was the victim of a racially motivated attack, which left him with fatal head injuries.

The 56-year-old was found dead in Newport Road, Cowes, in the early hours of Thursday.

A murder inquiry codenamed Operation Devisdale was launched, with a team of 40 police officers drafted in from across the Island and mainland.

Led by Southampton-based Det Insp Jason Hogg, the investigation is working from a major incident room set up at Ryde police station.

Today Det Insp Hogg said: "We are making a number of inquiries. These include house-to-house calls in the area the man was found.

"We are also looking at CCTV images of the route the taxi took that night. We are taking very seriously the fact that we believe this to be a racially motivated crime. The suggestion of a racial motivation was raised by a witness and any such allegations are always investigated thoroughly."

Detectives arrested five people in connection with the murder of Mr Rosenberg, who worked for Newport-based 3Cs private hire firm.

Two men and two women were later released on police bail but a 19-year-old Cowes man was still being questioned yesterday.

Today police made a further appeal for potential witnesses.

Det Insp Hogg said: "We would still like to hear from anyone who may have seen the attack on the taxi driver.

"He was driving a red Mondeo estate in the Cowes area between the hours of 12.30am and 1.30am.

"We would also like to reassure members of the community and taxi drivers on the Island, that we are doing all we can ensure whoever is responsible is brought to justice.

"We have increased patrols on taxi ranks on the Island.

"Taxi drivers help us to reduce disorder in the community, especially late at night and on weekends."

Anyone with information on the tragedy is urged to call 0845 045 4545, or the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.