Volunteers running a club for the elderly have called for greater police protection, saying some frightened members are staying away.

They said the latest attack on the Hindu Community Centre in Shearbridge, Bradford, saw fireworks tossed through a letterbox, sparking a small blaze.

Kanti Panchal, who helps run the Madhav elderly people's club at the Rugby Place site, said it was the latest in a string of incidents including windows being broken and cars attacked.

He said: "The club is very important to the elderly people who come here but some are beginning to stay at home because they are scared."

Mr Panchal said that local youngsters were the prime suspects for the incidents and added: "I don't know if it is for fun or to frighten people."

He said that furniture had been pushed up against the letterbox in a bid to stop objects being thrown through, but the fireworks had fallen on the floor, burning the carpet.

One elderly member, Balvant Patel, said the situation had worsened in the last two years with rubbish bins being upturned or fireworks let off outside the doors almost weekly.

He said: "We believe that it is happening because there are not enough police in the area. We were told that that there were only two officers covering the area now which is simply not enough."

Mr Patel claimed that while relations were good with the majority of local residents, the fact that the Hindu centre was situated in a largely Muslim area may be the reason behind the incidents.

He said: "You have to ask why this property is being targeted rather than any others?"

Police confirmed that three large fireworks had been thrown through the letterbox and that an arson investigation had been launched.

Chief Superintendent Phil Read called the attack "regrettable" but said while fireworks remained on general sale - and available to "hooligans" - such incidents would occur.

"Right across Bradford there are scores of incidents of fireworks being let off irresponsibly," said Chief Supt Read.

He added: "I am satisfied that we are adequately policing the area. In addition to regular police patrols, we have recently had additional officers in that area to help reassure members of the Hindu community during the Diwali celebrations."

And he said the recent review of Bradford policing meant that services were equitable across the district.