A gunman opened fire in the middle of a Bradford street during a gang-related ambush.

Car windows were blasted out and bodywork damaged, and a house peppered with gunshot in the attack last night.

Police believe friction had been 'bubbling under' between two groups before the targeted attack in the Bradford Moor area of the city.

Armed response units and the police helicopter were scrambled to the estate after residents in Newlands Avenue heard gunshots at 8.45pm.

It is thought one of the gangs had been inside a house on the corner of the street when the other gang turned up and launched its attack.

Detective Inspector George Marshall, of Bradford North CID, said: "One of the parties is believed to have pulled up outside in a number of vehicles and a firearm, possibly a shotgun, was fired at the property and a number cars parked nearby."

Nobody was injured in the incident and the attacking gang then fled.

Resident George Baptiste said he was painting when he heard gunfire.

"I heard three shots: bang, bang, bang, but I thought it was kids playing with fireworks. I popped my head out today after my grandson said there had been a problem.

"I've been here 14 years and its the best street I've ever lived in. I'm very happy here."

Kantilal Patel, who runs the newsagent and general store on nearby Mortimer Avenue, also heard the shots.

He said: "Between 8.45pm and 9pm I heard gunshots and voices.

"I was behind the counter serving customers and one of them was frightened, they didn't want to go out of the shop.

"It's not usually quiet here but we haven't had any problems."

Today, police tape surrounded the scene as detectives returned to continue their inquiries. Three cars - a white Hyundai, red Rover and a dark-coloured Toyota Carina - stood parked outside the property with their windows blasted out. One ground floor window of the house was also shattered, evidence of another gunshot.

Det Insp Marshall said: "It appears that there may have been an ongoing feud between two groups which, for some reason, came to a head last night."

The precise background to the ambush is not known, although it believed to have emerged out of a domestic dispute. It is thought there had been a dispute which had resulted in a number of earlier clashes between the gangs. It is not known if drugs were involved.

Teams of officers had converged on the estate last night, supported by the police helicopter, which hovered over the area and sought out suspects with its searchlight. Armed response units also searched Newlands Avenue and the surrounding streets.

Five men were arrested in a car close to the scene and a firearm was recovered. Today, they were being held at a Bradford north police station and questioned by senior detectives.

Det Insp Marshall said: "We have spoken to a number of residents from the area but we would appeal for anyone who saw anything suspicious to come forward and speak to us."

Anyone with information should contact Bradford North police on (01274) 376059.