A man being hunted by police in connection with a pub shooting in Bradford is on the run from prison, it was revealed today.

Detectives want to question 39-year-old Stephen Flaherty in connection with the incident in which Deena Contreras was shot during an argument between two men in the Peel Park Hotel, Otley Road, Undercliffe, on Sunday evening.

Police today confirmed that Mr Flaherty failed to return to Wealstun open prison, Wetherby, six months ago. He was serving six years for assault.

Detective Superintendent Stuart Hyde, who is leading the investigation, urged Mr Flaherty to contact the police.

"We are doing everything possible to try to find him," he said. "My appeal still is for him to come and speak to us - and he can do that at any police station.

"We will meet him wherever he wants. I believe he may have an Irish background but whether he has contacts in Ireland I can't say."

Det Supt Hyde said Deena was "very traumatised" by the incident but he added: "Hopefully she will make a full recovery."

Witnesses say an argument developed between two men and one walked out, only to return with a handgun.

Her brother David Mitchell said last night she was "in the wrong place at the wrong time".

"You just don't expect anything like this - especially round here," he said.

He said the bullet hit his sister in the left side of her chest.

Two regulars at the pub chased a man after the shooting and managed to wrestle the gun from him.

It was later handed to the police who are examining it.

Anyone who has information about the incident is asked to contact police on Bradford 373132.

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