Police have stepped up patrols on a Bradford estate at the centre of a murder investigation after a dad was shot and had acid sprayed over him at his family home.
Inspector Andrew Addy, of Tong and Wyke Neighbourhood Policing Team, said patrols in Holme Wood would continue as detectives continue to investigate the killing of 50-year-old Barry Selby.
Mr Selby was attacked in the bedroom of his house in Rayleigh Street, East Bowling, early on Monday, October 14 , and died four days later. Last night, police were continuing to question two Bradford men arrested on suspicion of murder.
A 21-year-old arrested yesterday and a 23-year-old arrested on Tuesday remained in custody last night.
Another man, Lee Calvert, 22, of Stirling Crescent, Holme Wood, will face a murder charge when he appears at Bradford Crown Court on Friday. Despite the increased police patrols in Holme Wood, Insp Addy insisted it was not a “no go” zone and that crime in the area was low.
“We are aware of concerns in relation to recent incidents and have increased our policing presence to reflect this,” he said.
“I would also like to make it completely clear that Holme Wood is not a no-go area and that people should feel safe to go about their business as normal, but if they have any concerns they should contact the NPT and we will take positive action.”
Residents gave mixed views to the increased police presence.
A woman, 39, who did not want to be named, said: “It does make you worry.
“I don’t know what’s going on, but you hear rumours and then see lots of police around and it makes you wonder what’s happening.”
Another said: “I just keep my head down.
“I wouldn’t say anyone I’ve spoken to is particularly frightened, but it’s obviously a worry when something like this happens so close to home.”
But a 45-year-old man said: “To be honest, I’ve never felt safer around here with so many police about.”
Councillor Alan Wainwright (Lab), whose Tong ward includes the estate, said he had been contacted by “one or two people” with concerns, but said: “The police are taking action.
“I am confident they know exactly what they are doing.
“I do understand that people have concerns and quite rightly so, but the police are dealing with it.”
Councillor Michael John-son (Tong, Lab) added: “No one’s contacted me to say they’re frightened.
“I know there’s a high police presence in the area because the police have kept us informed.
“That should be reassuring to residents in the area.”
Witnesses or anyone with information about Mr Selby’s murder should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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