Two stabbed in Bradford violence
Youths fight in the centre of Bradford
Two people have been stabbed and 18 people arrested during violent clashes between white and Asian youths in Bradford.
The city centre was cleared by police after three hours of unrest but the violence later spread to the Manningham area of the city.
Local people said up to 1,000 Asian youths were involved in the trouble but said most did not come from Bradford.
Trouble broke out amid tension sparked by a planned National Front rally. The far right organisation had been banned from holding a march but members said they would still hold a rally.
The Anti-Nazi League held a counter-demonstration in Centenary Square attended by about 500 people, mainly Asian men.
Police said there had been five arrests in the area but there had been no large turnout of National Front supporters.
Community leader Mohammed Riaz said the situation was out of control. "What is happening here is terrible. Businesses are being attacked, cars are being set on fire and I cannot believe these scenes are taking place in a city in England."
He said there was no logic to the violence, which was setting Bradford back 10 years.
"Now is not the time but questions will have to be asked afterwards," Mr Riaz added, "how have the police allowed a peaceful demonstration to disintegrate into this?"
'Racial insults'
Bradford is the latest northern town to suffer race rioting this summer. Oldham and Burnley have both had serious incidents.
The day got off to a peaceful start but trouble flared when a group of white youths left a city centre pub.
Eyewitnesses say the men began shouting racial insults and a fight broke out between groups of white and Asian youths. Riot police were pelted with bricks, stones and road signs when they moved in to try to restore order.
Asian youths were seen running through the streets and one white man was taken to hospital with stab wounds after being attacked.
An eyewitness said the victim had been surrounded by a group of about a dozen Asian youths.
"They corralled in a corner and started hitting him," the eyewitness is quoted as saying. "He tried to fight his way out but was knocked to the ground and he was punched and kicked. One of the youths then pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the back - blood was pouring out and I thought he was going to die. It was terrifying."
Police appeal
Earlier, Chief Superintendent Phil Read of West Yorkshire Police appealed for calm. He said there would be a high visibility police presence on the city's streets to prevent any trouble.
"I would urge troublemakers and those intent on causing disorder to stay away," Mr Read told a news conference on Saturday morning. "They're not welcome either by the police, the council or the local community."
Mr Read said that police would not tolerate any group attempting to cause disorder or stir up racial hatred.
"I would ask people to show restraint and to remain calm," he said.
Bradford, with an Asian population of about 100,000, has a history of good relations between different ethnic groups. But there was serious violence in April following a fight at a Hindu wedding reception.
This week, Mr Blunkett granted the police special powers to ban marches and outdoor meetings in the town until 27 September.
Police have confirmed that the ban applies only
to marches, and not to protest demonstrations
or rallies.
-- Anonymous, July 07, 2001