A drugs feud between rival gangs is thought to be behind a chilling acid and gun attack on a man at his home on a Bradford estate.

The 52-year-old victim was last night in a battle for life in a hospital burns unit with 50 per cent acid burns to his face and body after the targeted attack.

Detectives have confirmed the man was also shot in the attack in his bedroom, in Rayleigh Street, East Bowling, shortly after 2am on Monday.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Wallen, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said the victim was still “very, very poorly”.

The attack is being treated as attempted murder. He said: “He has been attacked by a group of men who had squeezy bottles and sprayed him with a very strong acid. We are seeking the help of specialists to establish the type of acid used.”

Det Chief Insp Wallen said officers at first thought the victim had also been beaten, but surgeons found a bullet in his leg while operating.

He said two other shooting incidents causing damage occurred at addresses on the Holme Wood estate earlier the same evening, which appeared to have led up to the acid attack.

He said: “There appears to be an ongoing feud between groups of young men on the Holme Wood estate. I would say it is drug-related. We have seen various shooting incidents and assaults in and around the estate over the last few months. They appear to be tit for tat, which has then led to this incident, which is by far the most serious.”

Det Chief Insp Wallen said the victim, who is not being named, was a family man and may have been targeted because of his son.

He said: “I would ask that the people of Holme Wood put their trust in the police. They can do so in confidence by coming forward with information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of people involved in gun crime in the area. The message to the criminals involved is that we are actively looking for them and will do our utmost to arrest and convict them.”

He said armed police had been visiting various addresses in Holme Wood throughout the day searching for specific suspects.

A 23-year-old Bradford man remained in custody last night after he was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police also arrested a 36-year-old Bradford man, who was later released on police bail pending further enquiries. More arrests are anticipated.

Anyone who saw suspicious behaviour outside the property in Rayleigh Street, or who has information, is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.