Ebrahimi murder to be made into film

The vigilante murder of a disabled man is to be made into a film - with makers comparing him to Joan of Arc.

Creators say Iranian immigrant Bijan Ebrahimi deserved to become "a symbol" like the French heroine who was infamously burned at the stake.

Mr Ebrahimi, 44, was beaten to death and his body set on fire by neighbour Lee James, who wrongly believed he was a paedophile.

Last month PC Kevin Duffy and PSCO Andrew Passmore were jailed after they were found guilty of misconduct in a public office in connection with the death.

Now an independent film-maker has announced plans to create a movie of the case, and an online fundraising appeal has already raised nearly £7,000 to help fund the movie which is set to be released later this year.

• READ MORE: PC and PCSO found guilty of misconduct

The film will feature a character called Oscar, a victim of racism and misconduct from the authorities, and will be directed by Hamid Khairoldin.

Disabled Bijan called police to report a mob outside his home just days before his death, only to find himself arrested 'for his own safety'.

He was released without charge the following morning and made 12 further desperate calls to police hoping beat officer Pc Kevin Duffy would help him.

But Duffy, 52, said he was busy because he "disliked" Mr Ebrahimi and saw him as a liar and a nuisance and instead sent PCSO Andrew Passmore, a court heard.

Three days after first asking for help the Iranian-born refugee was murdered at 1am.

Lee James, 26, is serving life for the murder of Mr. Ebrahimi and accomplice Stephen Norley, 25, was jailed for four years for assisting an offender.

Joan of Arc was a teenage peasant girl who advised the heir to the French throne and even led forces in war from 1429 until 1431, when she was captured.

The young heroine was then burned at the stake as a heretic and sorcerer by the English.