A second night of race riots in suburban Sydney saw a number of detentions, while seven people were hurt.

A number of premises and vehicles were damaged around Cronulla Beach, including this dental surgery in Caringbah.

Gangs of youths of Middle Eastern appearance rioted in apparent revenge for attacks by white youths on Sunday.

Police are to be given new powers to deal with those causing the disturbances.

Cronulla Beach was calm by day on Tuesday. PM John Howard and others have made appeals for ethnic tolerance.

However, police are still on high alert and are considering some curbs on alcohol sales.