Bradford's Muslim Professionals Network has joined the chorus of voices condemning rioting by young Asians in the city.

Group spokesman Nafees Nazir described the damage caused by rioters as "mindless acts of violence and aggression".

He said: "We deplore the actions of a minority of young men who are hell-bent on destruction. There is no justification for this behaviour, which we unconditionally condemn."

The criticism comes as the Pakistani High Commissioner was due to meet leading figures from Bradford's Pakistani community today to discuss the violence which swept the city.

Abdul Kader Jafer asked for the meeting to be arranged in the aftermath of the troubles which erupted last week.

Mohammed Riaz, ethnic-minority adviser to the Conservative party, said: "The primary purpose of the commissioner's visit is to meet leaders who are at the forefront of the Pakistani community and to try to take stock of what has taken place in the city during the last week. He wants to look at exactly what happened, how the events have affected the Pakistani community and how we are going to move forward and deal with issues. The commissioner also wants to express his concern."

Elsewhere, the first Islamic Awareness Week held in Yorkshire has attracted more than 1,000 people at the Al-Hikmah Centre in Batley.

The Indian Muslim Welfare Society (IMWS) organised and hosted a four-day programme designed to promote better understanding of Islamic values.