A long-awaited report into race relations in Bradford criticises divisions which have been allowed to build up between racial groups in the riot-hit city.

The independent study was completed months before the weekend's violence, now estimated to have caused �25 million of damage.

It says the city is "gripped by fear", with communities segregated along racial, ethnic and religious lines and schools doing little to promote racial relations.

There is the fear of challenging wrongdoing because of being labelled racist

Lord Ouseley's report

The race review was conducted by Lord Herman Ouseley, the former head of the Commission for Racial Equality.

It warns: "There is a fear of people talking openly and honestly about problems because of possible repercussions, recriminations and victimisation.

"There is the fear of challenging wrongdoing because of being labelled racist.

"There is the fear of confronting the gangs' culture, the illegal drugs trade and the growing racial intolerance, harassment and abuse that exists.

"There is the fear of leading and managing effective change because of possible public and media criticism."

Widespread disorder

The report comes just days after some of the worst rioting Britain has seen in 20 years.

More than 200 police officers were injured, properties were firebombed and businesses looted, causing an estimated �25m damage.

The review was ordered by Bradford Vision, formed by Bradford Council and other local organisations.

The events at the weekend ... have made the review even more pertinent

Cllr Margaret Eaton Bradford Vision

It was commissioned to examine why the community was fragmenting along social, cultural, ethnic and religious lines, and to recommend ways of promoting race relations and equal opportunities.

Thousands of residents from all ages, communities and backgrounds were consulted by the review panel.

They found poor academic achievement in many schools, and children leaving education with little knowledge of other communities.

The report states: "There is a fear of confronting all-white and all-Muslim schools about their contribution, or rather the lack of contribution, to social and racial integration and segregation in schools ... one sign that the communities are fragmenting along racial, cultural and faith lines."

Leadership vital

Lord Ouseley recommends an examination of the number of public positions filled by members of ethnic minorities and suggests reforms to bring communities together.

The district desperately needs a powerful unifying vision and strong political, municipal and community leadership, the report states.

Lord Ouseley: Unifying vision required

"It needs a people programme that creates social harmony, rejects racial hatred, brings communities together and shows them how to value people of all backgrounds," the report says.

Councillor Margaret Eaton, chairman of Bradford Vision, said the review was "a genuine attempt to look at our problems and to find ways of moving forward together".

"The events at the weekend were regrettable and have made the review even more pertinent," she said.

"I am determined to work with local communities and other organisations to ensure that we can build a district we can all be proud of."

Lord Ouseley is due to present the review at Valley Parade stadium, Bradford, to an audience of about 150 delegates from local organisations, institutions and communities.