A 42-year-old man was last night in hospital with serious injuries after he was shot in what detectives believe was a “targeted” attack in Bradford.

Police stepped up patrols around the Little Horton Lane area of the city after a gun was fired at a man during an incident at 7.48pm on Saturday night.

The victim’s condition has been described as “stable”.

Yesterday police investigations were focused on a disused takeaway next door to Unique Hair Salon, opposite Brigella Mills, where a cordon had been set up.

Plain-clothed and forensic officers could be seen entering and leaving the building, which used to be Lalaz takeaway, and placing evidence in a police van parked outside.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman was unable to confirm whether the shooting had taken place inside or outside the building when contacted by the Telegraph & Argus yesterday.

However, in a short statement, Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Taylor, of the Protective Services department, said: “This incident happened at around 7.48pm. A 42-year-old man was left with serious injuries as a result and he remains in a stable condition.

“Our inquiries into the incident remain ongoing but at this stage we believe it was a targeted incident.”

Nearby residents spoke of their shock as Supt Paul Hepworth, of Bradford Police, confirmed there had been increased patrols of high visibility uniformed officers in the area for reassurance.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: “When I found out someone had been shot I just couldn’t believe it. It’s horrifying to think that something like this has happened so close to where so many people live and in the evening, when people are about.

“I hope whoever’s done it is caught quickly because it’s not nice to think they are still out there.”

Another added: “I didn’t see anything, but I’ve heard some people were told to stay in their homes while the police and paramedics were at the scene.

“There have been a lot of police around today, including forensic officers.

“It’s really shocking and I hope the man who’s been shot recovers well.”

Coun Alyas Karmani (Ind, Little Horton) said he did not have any details of the incident, but was concerned about “organised crime gangs” operating in the Bradford area.

“There have been a number of shooting incidents in the BD5 area over the last two years.

“I think there are a couple of factors involved. One is around drug supply and organised crime gangs, which is a concern.

“I don’t think there have been any shootings in the last nine months or so, but there were two last year.

“It’s a worrying issue, not just for the BD5 area but for the whole of Bradford.

“What we can say is that police are dealing with this issue very well. There haven’t been frequent incidents, but obviously when anything like this happens it’s a worry and concern.

“The police and partner agencies have been working together to allay people’s fears.

“However, there are still concerns around organised crime gangs in Bradford who have access to firearms and are using them.”

Witnesses or anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.