Cars were left burnt out following the night of violence

A man in his 20s was killed, three more were stabbed and a police officer was injured during Saturday night's disturbances in the Lozells area.

The violence followed a day which saw a rally and a community meeting held over an alleged assault on a teenage girl.

Community leaders Justice Williams and Salma Yaqoob said: "We need to make progress together to bring about calm."

'Condemn crimes'

Witnesses have spoken of people being pulled out of cars and attacked and their vehicles set alight.

A statement read by community representations said: "We acknowledge community tensions but escalating violence is not the answer.

Asians and blacks are both the perpetrators and the victims of the crime Justice Williams

"We utterly condemn those who are endeavouring to stir up hatred and discord, we condemn those who are perpetrating crimes in the name of the community."

Ms Williams added: "Asians and blacks are both the perpetrators and the victims of the crime."

The disturbances on Saturday started after a late afternoon public meeting at the New Testament Church of God over the alleged assault.

Ms Yaqoob said: "A rumour started off - we still don't know what basis it has. It might be real but we haven't had anyone come forward and said 'a crime has been committed' so the police have been put in a very difficult situation."

The confrontation between rioters and police began on Saturday evening and saw cars burned, property damaged, missiles thrown with rioters wearing masks, or covering their faces with hoods.

Another community representative, who was unnamed, called for an end to the violence.