IMAGES of fighting between white and Asian youths in a city have been captured on a mobile phone camera.

The pictures show brawling rival Asian and white gangs - some members dressed in school uniform.

Girls can be heard screaming racial insults at Asian youths in the incident in Sunderland.

Police are working with the city's Thornhill School and ethnic community to resolve the issues. A mediation service is also being used to tackle the issues.

Only a small minority of those involved are believed to be from the school, with older youths understood to be the gang-leaders.

Chief Inspector Paul Orchard, from Sunderland Police, said: "It is unfortunate that this video has presented the opportunity for extreme groups and individuals to capitalise on a local incident.

"This reflects very negatively on the groups and communities involved in what is unacceptable behaviour."

Neighbours living in Beechwood Street, Havelock Terrace and Elmwood Street say they regularly see gangs of youths being escorted along the street by police to prevent further violence.

Shops in the area say customers are regularly complaining about fighting, although the police presence is believed to have calmed tensions.

Chief Insp Orchard said: "The key messages we want to get across are that we will arrest anyone, regardless of their background, who is involved in a racist crime."

Thornhill School headteacher John Hallworth said: "While the depicted incident involves older youths not associated with Thornhill, in a location well away from the school, we deplore all acts of anti-social behaviour and take strong action against anyone in our charge who might act inappropriately."

In recent months, police have stepped up patrols outside the school gates with marked vans and officers on patrol.