A councillor called for mosques in the city to play a key role in tracking down criminals following the latest violent incident which left a man in hospital with serious injuries. The 33-year-old victim, who has not been named, was targeted at his terraced home in Killinghall Road, Bradford, by a gang wielding bladed weapons, including a knife, who forced their way in yesterday lunch-time.

 

He broke both feet when he jumped from a first-floor bedroom window in a bid to escape but managed to stagger into the street where the four men attacked him.

Witnesses said he was left in the middle of the road after his attackers kept hitting and hacking at him with weapons, including machetes.

The victim, who suffered lacerations to his head and body, was being interviewed by detectives yesterday in his bed at an undisclosed hospital.

He is in a comfortable condition. Police say the victim was targeted but are still trying to establish why he was singled out.

But Councillor Ghazanfer Khaliq (Lab, Bradford Moor) said it was likely the incident was drug-related and urged the community to stand up and be counted.

"The amount of serious crime, involving knives or firearms, taking place is quite alarming. Not a week goes by without somebody using such a weapon," said Coun Khaliq.

He added: "The number of people openly selling drugs on the streets in the evenings is unbelievable.

"The only way to deal with it is for the community to fight back. It's not possible for the authorities to deal with this alone. There has to be a joint effort.

"People need to come forward and give information about who was involved in this latest incident. They don't have to give their name and address.

"Mosques and temples have a major role to play, especially in the Holy month of Ramadan when more people attend the mosques. I would urge that special efforts are made to encourage people to come forward if they are aware of people who are involved in drugs and crime."

Detective Inspector Gerry O'Shea, of Bradford South CID, said: "We are seeking to establish the full circumstances surrounding the assault and why this man has been singled out for such a violent attack.

"We are making extensive inquiries in order to find out who is responsible for the man's injuries and would like to hear from anyone who may be able to assist with the investigation.

"We are not linking this to any other incidents."

The suspects are three Asian men - one in his 30s, another aged 20 to 25 and a third thought to be 27 or 28 - and a white youth aged about 17. They made off towards Folkestone Street after the assault.

Anyone with information about the assault, or who may be responsible, is asked to contact Bradford South CID on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

 

Source: AsianImage.co.uk