The Stirrer reported a few days ago on calls for segregated schools in the West Midlands.

Here may be a further example of why many in the African Caribbean community think its necessary.

Leaflets have been distributed to hundreds of parents by Sandwell Council showing a young black girl pointing a toy gun at the head of another one.

The leaflet was created by a community group in the area to promote a schools' arts festival.

But its publication was then overseen by the local authority.

In the eyes of white parents, this may look like an innocent image of children playing.

Black parents see it as further evidence that their children are the victims of negative stereotyping by those in power who only ever portray black kids as gun-toting villains.

Sandwell Council has now apologised and withdrawn the leaflet, but The Stirrer's contacts on the streets say that as far as community relations are concerned, the damage has already been done.

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