A long-awaited report into race relations in Bradford has depicted the city as living "in the grip of fear" but set out solutions for the future.

The independent study was carried out before the widespread violence in Bradford at the weekend, involving white and Asian youths.

The report by the former chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality, Lord Ouseley, paints a picture of segregation and also a deep-rooted concern about crime.

Lord Ouseley said there were solutions and he proposed what he called a "people's programme" to bring social harmony to the city.

Lord Ouseley: Unifying vision required

He envisaged a strengthening of partnerships between community groups, better education of diversity issues in schools and a review of policing methods.

Launching the report, Lord Ouseley said it would not offer "quick solutions" or recriminations, but longer-term strategies for healing a fractured city.

"The review is about the deep changes in attitudes and behaviour that must be achieved across communities...to bring about changes for all the people in Bradford," he said.

Cost of riots

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.

Lord Ouseley said that after talking to a wide range of people in the city, he had found a strong picture of communities' ignorance of each other.

He said segregated schooling had emerged as a real problem.

And he said the fear of harassment, violence and crime was also high.

Report's main findings

People fear confronting crime because of victimisation Communities are dividing on racial, cultural and faith lines Segregated schools problematic - children unaware of other communities Some Asian gangs viewed as untouchable

He called for strong civic leadership, and effective communication, to end such fear and mistrust.

"Different cultural communities believe they get nothing while others get all the benefits," he said.

The report, entitled "Community Pride Not Prejudice", was ordered by Bradford Vision, formed by Bradford Council and other local organisations.

Councillor Margaret Eaton, chairman of Bradford Vision, said a team would be set up to carry out the recommendations made in the report.

And she said the city should be "praised and proud" to address its problems so publicly.

Main recommendations

Audit of ethnic minorities in public posts Programme to unite communities and end racial hatred Review policing Strong civic leadership

She hoped the report would "point the way - not only for Bradford but for the country - in how to make diversity work."

Lord Ouseley agreed that Bradford had many achievements which it should "celebrate with pride".

West Yorkshire Police, which had come under fire in the report for being afraid to tackle ethnic minority crime for fear of being labelled racist, welcomed the report.

Assistant Chief Constable Greg Wilkinson said the claims were not borne out by the facts.

But he said the report's timing created an ideal chance to focus positively on the future.

"We are certainly ready and willing to play our part in improving community relations and tackling the issues that are raised in the report," he said.