Police officers hunting a gang terrorising a Bradford street with air rifles stopped and searched cars in the hunt for the gunmen.

Frightened residents in the road - where there have been more than 20 incidents in two months - have been left with costly repair bills for windows and windscreens after the attacks with the high-powered weapon.

The Wyke home-owners have faced a string of drive-by shootings - with dozens of homes and cars targeted in the early hours.

Many residents fear the gunmen could cause serious injury if they are not stopped.

Bradford South police stopped and checked 21 vehicles during the operation in Wyke Lane, Wyke, between 10pm and 1am on Friday night and Saturday morning.

Nine people were also stopped and searched but no-one was arrested.

The operation was carried out as part of a police action plan drawn up after the drive-by shootings were reported in the Telegraph & Argus.

The action plan will see extra officers targeting affected areas to try to catch those responsible.

Wyke Lane resident Tracy Womack, whose car has been targeted on several occasions by the vandals, today welcomed the operations.

"Since the article appeared in the Telegraph & Argus it has all been quiet on the street," she said. "Hopefully the operation had a good effect. It's good to have a police presence.

"There weren't many police cars coming up here before and this operation has helped to act as a deterrent."

Sergeant Dave McHugh, of Bradford South police, said: "Such mindless vandalism will not be tolerated and this is why we carried out the operation on Friday. We will continue to investigate these offences and further operations are planned."

Anyone with any information on the drive-by shootings should contact Sgt McHugh or PC Richard Ormondroyd on (01274) 376459.