A motorist was dragged from the driver's seat and beaten with a golf club in a vicious carjacking last night.

The 23-year-old victim was sitting in his black Subaru Impreza outside the Co-op store in Bradford Road, Idle, when he was approached by two men, one of whom was brandishing what appeared to be a golf club.

The driver's window was smashed and he was pulled out of the vehicle. He was hit several times on the back with the weapon and his attackers threatened to stab him, though no blade was seen.

One of the suspects drove off at speed in the Subaru, colliding with another vehicle, which had no-one in it, as it left. The second suspect fled in a silver Vauxhall Vectra.

The victim suffered bruising to his neck and back but did not require medical treatment.

The incident happened shortly after 10pm and detectives are linking it to a series of other crimes, including the theft of two silver Vectras, one from Wyre Close, Buttershaw, at 2.15am yesterday and the other from a car park at Birkslands Street, Laisterdyke, at 4pm the same day.

Five minutes before the carjacking a burglar was disturbed at a house in Summerley Court, Idle, and escaped in a silver Vectra. He was described as white, 5ft 10ins to 6ft tall, of heavy build, with short scruffy blondish hair. He was wearing a blue and grey tracksuit with darker stripes down the sleeves and white trainers.

The driver of the Subaru filled up with petrol at a Murco filling station in Killinghall Road, 25 minutes after the carjacking, and made off without paying.

And two hours later the car was seen at a burglary in Harrogate Road, Rawdon. A stone was thrown through the window of a boutique and designer clothes stolen.

The Subaru has not been found. It has the registration NA55 ERZ and will have accident damage.

Detective Inspector Gerry O'Shea, of Bradford North CID, said: "We are treating all the offences as connected. Those responsible are committed and determined criminals."

The men involved in the carjacking were both white, about 5ft 10ins tall, aged 20 to 25 and of medium build. The man with the golf club had short dark hair and wore a dark and light striped top. His accomplice wore a white hooded top and had stubble.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Bradford North CID on (01274) 376285, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: steve.wright@bradford.newsquest.co.uk