The imam of a mosque in Newark, New Jersey, was shot and killed early on Wednesday morning by an unknown attacker who remains at large.

Authorities said in a news conference that they believe the killing of Imam Hassan Sharif was not motivated by domestic terrorism or “bias”.

Mr Sharif was found with multiple gunshot wounds outside his mosque, Masjid-Muhammad-Newark, before dawn.

He was taken to hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.

“The evidence collected thus far does not indicate that this was an act motivated by bias or an act of domestic terrorism,” New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin told reporters.

He added that investigators normally would “not go public with this type of information so early in our process” but that a rise in prejudice against the Muslim community compelled them to reveal their preliminary findings.

“I know that in light of global events and with a rise in bias directed at many communities we’re experiencing across our state – particularly the Muslim community – there are many in New Jersey right now who are feeling a heightened sense of fear or anxiety at the news of this slaying,” he said.