An MP was today planning urgent talks with police after a “punishment-style” shooting of a man in Bradford.
The 20-year-old victim was seriously injured when he was shot twice in the legs in what police have described as a targeted attack.
Police chiefs and politicians have been quick to reassure residents that they are not at risk and the latest shooting, in Tyersal , might have been a revenge attack involving rival criminals.
The man was found lying in the street, at the junction of Dick Lane and Parsonage Road, at 11pm on Monday. He was taken to an undisclosed hospital where he was undergoing surgery on serious injuries to his legs.
Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who is leading the investigation, said it was clear “it was a targeted attack, likely undertaken by those who knew their victim.”
Bradford East Liberal Democrat MP David Ward said it was obvious there was “some sort of vendetta between gangs”.
He said: “The community and the police need to work together to try and eradicate this issue. There is another world out there and this is part of it. Quite clearly it was a serious, deliberate, punishment-style attack.”
Mr Ward said ordinary members of the public would be safe and would not be affected.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark McManus, of Bradford South Police, said most shootings were against property rather than people.
He said: “We do get the occasional incident where somebody is deliberately targeted, as this appears to be. We will do our utmost to bring those responsible to justice.”
He said a motive had not yet been established, but he added: “The drugs market is a significant driver of firearms-related incidents.”
It is believed the victim was shot before an attempt was made to drag him into a car. One resident, who lives close to the scene of the shooting, said she heard screaming and two shots before running out to see the man lying in the street.
Det Supt Ridley said: “We are extremely conscious of the fear and concern that such offences can bring to our neighbourhoods. There is a tremendous amount of work taking place behind the scenes, specifically targeting individuals known to be involved in the use or possession of firearms.”
Dick Lane and Parsonage Road were cordoned off yesterday as scenes of crime investigators continued to comb the area for clues, with what appeared to be blood-stained clothing left close to a post box.
The neighbour told of her fear after hearing the shots.
“There were so many people. I don’t know where they came from. They were papping their horns and I could see the man lying on the concrete near the post box.
“I heard he was shot in both legs and that somebody was trying to drag him into a car, but then the police came and brought dogs with them. There were five or six police vans.
“Somebody said he was chased across the field before they caught up with him.”
The shooting happened yards from the Tyersal Children’s Centre and a play area and caused chaos as buses and cars were forced to find alternative routes.
A police spokesman said the man’s injuries were not believed to be life-threatening and that there had not been any suggestion of a chase.
He said that they believed the suspects made off in a silver vehicle and urged anyone with information to call them.
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