Residents are living in fear after two families were held to ransom for expensive gold jewellery in violent raids at homes in a quiet Bradford suburb.

Three raids have caused “tremors” in parts of Heaton, Bradford, leaving some residents too scared to leave their homes, it has been claimed.

In one, the robbers are understood to have brandished a sawn-off shotgun, hitting the home-owner’s wife over the head with it, before stealing jewellery.

It is believed that the family’s children were at home at the time of the shocking attack, which happened in the Allerton Road area.

Another victim said raiders kicked in the front door of his home in Wheatlands Drive and manhandled his wife, before demanding gold.

Steve Snow, of Bradford South CID, said the crimes were being treated as separate incidents but said there were “similarities” between the two.

Councillor Imran Hussain told a public meeting he has raised the families’ concerns with Bradford South divisional commander, Chief Superintendent Alison Rose.

He said: “It is shocking. I have had people ring me to say these burglaries have taken place when the male occupier has left the house, or has sometimes been induced to leave the house, and the burglars have gone in when there are women and children in.

“There are families where the males feel they can’t leave the house. These aggravated burglaries are causing tremors within the community.”

Coun Hussain (Lab, Toller) spoke out after he was contacted by members of the community. He said: “I have not seen anything as serious as the aggravated burglaries.

“The same pattern has been followed on each occasion. Those that have been burgled – I have spoken to three – say there has been a great deal of violence used and gold taken.”

Inspector Steve Dodds, who attended a neighbourhood meeting, moved to reassure residents following three aggravated burglaries in the Heaton and Daisy Hill areas in February.

In a statement, he said: “The Toller Ward remains a safe area for residents but I would urge people to ensure that they lock their doors and ensure they have suitable locks on those doors.

“I have personally met and spoken to the complainant of the robbery on Wheatlands Drive and have, through liaison with my colleagues within Bradford South CID, ensured that all lines of inquiry offered by the complainant have been followed up.”