Sir - Finally, somebody has had the guts to say what many white (and Asian people) have known for many years but only now in the face of such thuggery by the Asians can it be said without writer Jim Greenhalf and the T&A being branded as racists.

The people of Bradford have had enough. For too long these thugs have hidden behind the defences of racism and provocation when carrying out acts of mindless violence; but they have gone too far this time and have actually shown their true colours.

They have not only bitterly let down their fellow law-abiding Muslims but have finally demonstrated to the rest of the country that they will act like third world fundamentalists when things don't go their way.

Britain has not come so far to be the democratic society it is today, to bow down to these thugs anymore who consistently blame the police for inciting their extremist behaviour.

Whatever mistakes the police may have made this weekend, it is no excuse for those disgusting scenes. It is accepted that white thugs will have played a part but the evidence of wanton destruction clearly points to the Asian thugs, that nobody of any sanity can seek to excuse.

If the Muslim community genuinely want peace, they will root out these thugs. Don't blame the police this time.

Miss Paula Hamilton, formerly of Moore Avenue, Wibsey, Bradford.

SIR - As a Muslim community member, I strongly condemn the recent Bradford riots and agree with Shahzid Sheik that lack of understanding Islam among Muslim youths is one of the core problems.

I strongly believe that, like other religions, Islam believes in tolerance too.

Our Holy Prophet Muhammed was stoned mentally as well as physically tortured, but he forgave all those who were responsible.

I am pleased that newspapers highlighted Tariq Mahmood's story. I like to assure all Bradfordians that the Muslim community has more people like him.

I urge all communities to work together to improve the image of Bradford, a city where our children's futures lie.

Mohammed Rafiq Bhatti, Cecil Avenue, Bradford.

SIR - Once again we have seen the destruction of the Manningham area by rampaging Asian youths. It is now clear to see that nothing has been done since the last disturbance in 1995.

The police and Council as well as local community leaders promised at that time that effective action would be taken so that no repeat of such disturbance would occur in Bradford. This has obviously failed.

I would like to thank the police for their efforts in trying to control the mob but I feel if they had been more vigilant at the beginning in stopping members of the National Front entering the city, then we would not have witnessed the destruction.

The police should now seek ways to build bridges with the unemployed youths who loiter about the streets.

There is no real representation of the Asian youths in Bradford. Many of the councillors are completely out of touch with them.

The parents should now stand up and try to educate their sons that they are destroying their own community.

Jabbar Majeed, Haslingden Drive, Heaton, Bradford.

SIR - I would just like to add my voice to all those others to condemn the participants in the recent troubles in Bradford.

I would also like to condemn all racist parties like the BNP, NF, and would say it is about time these so-called parties and all other racist parties were outlawed.

There is no place in any society for racism and supporters of racist ideals to exist.

Let's all unite, repair the wounds and show the rest of England and the world what a great city Bradford could be.

Darren Midgley, Mark Street, West Bowling, Bradford.

SIR - During the rioting in Bradford, I was heartened to hear David Blunkett stating that consideration would be given to allowing the use of water cannon to assist the police in controlling such incidents in future.

A sensible move, given that we expect our police forces to maintain law and order, and face mobs of hooligans hell bent on causing damage and injury to anything and anyone in their path, with nothing more than a plastic shield and baton.

Now it appears that Mr Blunkett is backtracking by apparently stating that water cannon is not to be considered. God help us.

A further worrying aspect in the aftermath of the riots is the suggestion that these hooligans are to be offered Summer Camps as some kind of 'reward' for their actions. Is it any wonder therefore that honest law-abiding citizens are asking "what next?" Maybe the offer of a two weeks all-expenses-paid trip to the Canary Islands?

These hooligans should be locked away for a long time for their crimes, not as appears on the surface, to receive some kind of reward for the trouble caused.

It is vital that all parties are seen to be determined to crack down on the hooligans, so as to send out a clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated in the future.

Stewart Kellett, Grange Road, Eldwick, Bingley.

SIR - After the riots in 1995, I wrote the following to the T&A: "How angry I am at the mindless destruction of our city, by today's bored youths.

They say they have nothing to do. If they put half as much effort into looking for work as they do rioting, I'm sure they would be in full-time employment in no time.

"There has been vast amounts of money spent in Bradford's communities. For what? So it can all be destroyed? These bored youths then turn the whole issue into a racial one. They are being victimised and pushed around by the police. What are the police supposed to do?

"If you commit a crime, you do the time, regardless of race, religion, or culture."

Nothing seems to have changed in the past six years. All the talking and regeneration money spent in deprived areas has obviously had no effect.

I believe National Service should be considered an option. It would teach the youths discipline and respect.

Mrs E Midgley, Hopbine Avenue, Bradford.

Sir - To paraphrase a typing-practice phrase, "now is the time for all good water cannoneers to come to the aid of the population".

For years I have advocated water cannon as a weapon against civil disturbance. I have seen it used in Germany and even with just water it is a very effective. Put dye in the water that stays on a person for a week or so and it is positively awesome!

Just think about this then as taking a step further. When I attended Belle Vue College of Knowledge on Manningham Lane in the Fifties, we were all shown how to make a most vile-smelling concoction.

If this was added to the dye and water and showered on the miscreants, I personally guarantee that nobody, whatever their colour or creed, will come back for a second helping, and when they go home, their families and neighbours will all know what they have been up to!

There are no innocents at street demonstrations such as we have seen over the last two or three weeks or so in the UK. Get 'em doused.

Phil Boase, Elizabeth Street, Wyke.

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