The former head of the Commission for Racial Equality, Herman Ouseley, has published his report into race relations in Bradford.

Lord Ouseley paints a depressing picture of "self-segregation" by the communities, and a city "in a grip of fear".

He says no situation is irremediable, but warns that it's easier to describe than to prescribe

The independent study was completed months before clashes between white and Asian youths on the city's streets last weekend, estimated to have caused twenty-five million pounds worth of damage.

Virtual apartheid

The report criticised local schools for accepting a system of "virtual apartheid" and for a regime which doesn't challenge racial bullying, and the perpetuation of racial stereotypes.

A lack of understanding of different cultures

Lord Ouseley said ignorance, demography, cultural and religious affiliation and fear of crime had all contributed to self-segregation in Bradford.

However he pointed to education as undoubtedly the most important factor.

The Mayor of London's race adviser, Lee Jasper, is in favour of 'black schools' where black children can study their culture without fear of bullying.

Legalised segregation

He insisted it was not about legalised segregation, but about choice.

Lee Jasper: "Parents must be allowed to send children to the best schools available"

"People must have the opportunity to send their children to the best schools that are available to them," he said.

"Is it really the position that people can send their kids to 100% all-white schools, and say there's nothing with that, but God forbid that that choice should be extended to the black community?"

The leader of Bradford City Council Margaret Eaton said it was important to tackle why children in schools only rarely met young people from outside their own community.

Positive role models

"We've got to find ways in which young people can meet each other in positive environments," she said.

Riots have heightened tension in the city

"And local communities must decide on what basis people are allowed to stand and purport to represent their interests.

"We've got to make sure the representatives are giving positive messages and are role models for all people," said Mrs Eaton.

Lord Ouseley refused to criticise all-white or all-asian schools - it was what happened in those schools that mattered.

"The reality of all-white and all-Asian schools cannot be wished away.

"There are good schools and there are bad schools. What we are saying is that in many schools there's not enough being done to teach our young people about the values and contributions and lifestyles of those that are unlike themselves," he said.