Five teenagers have been quizzed by police after a street attack left a 25-year-old man in an intensive care unit.

Community leaders and residents said they were shocked by the incident in Baildon Road, Baildon, at 1.15am on Saturday.

The man, who has not been named by police, was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary with what were initially regarded as life-threatening injuries.

Two 18-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy were arrested and later freed on police bail pending further inquiries.

Two 17-year-old youths, who were also arrested, were released without charge.

Last night, Detective Inspector Peter Craig, of Airedale and North Bradford CID, said the injured man’s condition had improved allowing him to be moved out of intensive care, although he remained in hospital and was not yet well enough to be interviewed by detectives.

Det Insp Craig also appealed to a male driver of a dark blue or black old-style Vauxhall Vectra who stopped at the scene to come forward. He described him as white, in his early 20s, wearing a green shirt and blue jeans.

“This man stopped and spoke to a couple of witnesses and was also there when the ambulance arrived,” said Det Insp Craig.

Part of Baildon Road was cordoned off by police on Saturday as a detailed examination of the scene took place.

The investigation appeared to be focusing on an area near to the junction with Temple Rhydding Drive.

Norman Warner, 72, of St Aidan’s Road, just off Baildon Road, said: “It’s something we would not expect and don’t want around here.

“There’s always a buzz up and down this road on a Friday night and you do get one or two youths and a bit of shouting, but it’s not a bad area really.

“Certainly, we’re not used to anything as bad as this. It’s very unusual for there to be incidents here, but not unheard of.”

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “There was lots of noise and quite a commotion around 1am. We do get some trouble around here but not often anything as serious as that.”

Councillor John Cole (Lib Dem, Baildon) said: “Naturally, I am shocked and appalled that this should happen anywhere.

“But it would be wrong to say this has come completely out of the blue because there have been one or two incidents in Baildon that have been discussed at the police ward tasking meetings.”

Val Townend (Con, Baildon) said: “It’s absolutely terrible. It’s not something that normally happens in Baildon.

“My thoughts are with the family of the 25-year-old. It must be distressing for them.”