It is unfortunate for Bradford that ever since the Manningham disturbances, the media have been quick to home in on any trouble and make it major national news. That is the last way that Bradford, striving to improve its image and move forward, needs to be making the headlines.

Sadly, though, there are some people who seem only too happy to live up to that reputation. They were at it again on Sunday night, filling the nation's television screens with pictures of burned-out cars, boarded-up pubs and smashed shop windows, and bringing shame on Bradford.

Thankfully there was no repeat of the disturbances last night, leading police and community leaders to suggest this was a one-off incident. Even so, it has done this city of ours a lot of harm. It has also caused a great deal of distress to the people living in the Lidget Green area, who must have been terrified as the rioting raged around their homes for hours.

Any problems in that area must be identified and tackled as a priority. But it is vital, too, that the culprits are traced and dealt with. There was a lot of criticism, after the Bonfire Night disturbances of 1999, of the fact that no-one was charged. That was something many people felt very strongly about.

It is important for the Lidget Green community and for Bradford as a whole that those who ran amok on Sunday night, committing criminal acts including looting and arson, are seen to be firmly dealt with through the proper channels to send out a clear message that this city will not tolerate such disgraceful behaviour.