Police were today hunting a gang of 'car-jackers' who hurled racist abuse at their victims while holding them up at gunpoint.

And they appealed to the public for help in tracing the stolen car in which the attackers escaped.

The victims - four white men in their early twenties - were sitting in the parked vehicle in Young Street in Girlington when the robbers struck at around 9pm on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector George Marshall said the driver was approached by a masked Asian male armed with small handgun.

"He told him to get out of the car and then he took the keys out of the ignition."

A second Asian man stepped in, searched the driver's pockets and took the contents. A gang of Asian youths then surrounded the men in the car.

It is thought around seven men, all Asian, were involved. The victims were ordered out of the vehicle and robbed of cash, credit cards and mobile phones.

"They used force and made racist insults during the incident," said Det Insp Marshall.

The attackers then jumped into the car - a yellow Seat Ibiza registration P31 PYG - and drove off towards the Thornbury area.

Det Insp Marshall said: "We appeal for anyone who sees the car to contact us immediately."

Detectives also want to hear from a motorist who drove the four victims to the Bradford South Police station at the Tyrls.

The robber armed with the handgun was described as in his early twenties, around 6ft tall, of medium build and wearing a grey and black striped jumper. His face was covered with a stocking mask.

Anyone with information about the attack or the car should contact Bradford North CID on (01274) 376059.