RACE riots that split communities in Birmingham may spark violence in Leyton, community workers fear.

They say tensions between rival gangs are at breaking-point as longstanding turf wars continue.

Much of the trouble is centred around territorial disputes between gangs from the area's two estates Beaumont and Oliver Close.

But it is feared that racial tensions may also be simmering.

Vital community work is taking place to stave off a crisis.

The Birmingham riots broke out after difficulties between the Afro-Caribbean and Pakistani communties on Saturday evening.

A 24-year-old man, Isiah Young-Sam, was stabbed to death when the trouble erupted.

A groundbreaking project is now being launched in Leyton by a new community group, the Active Change Foundation (ACF) based at Al Badr health and fitness centre.

Hanif Qadir, of ACF, said: "We have been out on the streets talking to the guys. The tensions are mainly territorial but there is a big cultural issue too. I am concerned that it wouldn't take much to inflame the situation."

The group is organising a pool tournament with young people, many known offenders, local councillors and the police tonight .

The group's ambition is to work with young people from all community groups to promote integration.

Mohammed Sadiq, also of ACF, said: "All the communities want peace and harmony. Nobody wants to see their youths getting caught up in violence.

"We hope the youths will eventually be able to understand more about each other's cultures."

A conflict between asian and afro-caribbean youths is rumoured to have broken out at the youth forum event Defendin Da Hood organised by Waltham Forest Council in August.

Mr Qadir said: "If we get the young people playing pool together, eating together and talking in their own environments it will help them to get to know each other. We want to make a difference."

A police spokeswoman said no incidents had been reported in the borough since the Birmingham riot.

She added that the police will work with the Active Change Foundation and other community groups. Officers will monitor the situation.

The council is also supporting community work to prevent tensions.

A council spokesman said the community cohesion task group was overseeing projects to promote respect and understanding between different groups.

"A Defendin da Hood conference is being held on November 17. This will provide the opportunity for young people from black and asian communities to come together and work positively together," the spokesman said.