LONG-STANDING feuds that spilled over into violence were a feature of life on Bradford’s Holme Wood Estate at the time of a fatal quad bike crash, a jury heard today.

Detective Constable Emma Barnes was giving evidence in the case of Jordan Glover who denies murdering teenager Rahees Mahmood on Broadstone Way on the afternoon of Thursday, June 3, last year.

DC Barnes told Bradford Crown Court that her work had a particular focus on organised crime groups in the Bradford area.

Speaking in broad terms about tensions on the estate, she did not disclose any specific incidents or name any individuals.

DC Barnes said there were ‘long-standing feuds’ between different gangs that could spill over into violence, including assaults, criminal damage, vehicle rammings and arson attacks.

She said the disputes could have a wider impact on families, friends and associates of those involved, and an impact on the general community.

Some people in the area were too afraid to help the police or to report matters, the court heard.

Those not part of the groups could get ‘embroiled,’ including when things became violent, DC Barnes stated.

Sam Green QC, leading defence counsel, suggested that residents on the estate must be terrified by the sight of men in balaclavas haring about on unlicensed quad bikes.

Glover, 24, from the Thorpe Edge area of Bradford, pleads not guilty to murder; manslaughter as an alternative count; causing grievous bodily harm with intent; and criminal damage. He admits causing death by dangerous driving.

The jury has heard that last summer tensions were running high in the Holme Wood area with criminality, and sometimes violence between rival groups.

The situation reached “a crescendo” when a quad bike was pursued by a Ford Focus along Broadstone Way. The chase ended abruptly when the car struck the rear of the bike and it was allegedly driven off the road.

The bike’s passenger, Mr Mahmood, 18, died from catastrophic head injuries, the court was told. The rider, Tommy-Lee Haigh, 19, was hospitalised with multiple fractures.

The court heard that neither was wearing a helmet or any protective clothing.

Mr Haigh had declined to take part in the trial process, the jury has been told.

The trial continues.