A MAN has been shot in the chest in a daylight attack just yards from a children's play area.

The 20-year-old victim survived the attack and was taken to hospital, where his condition is described as stable.

The shooting happened on Sunday evening in Heaton Road, Manningham, Bradford, across the road from a popular playground and around the corner from the Miriam Lord Primary School.

Police described it as a 'targeted attack' and are now appealing for anyone who saw a possible getaway car to get in touch.

Detective Chief Inspector Jim Dunkerley said: "We would like to hear from anyone who was in the Heaton Road area in the time leading up to the attack, as they might have seen something which could prove vital to our investigation.

"We would also like to speak to anyone who saw a blue VW Golf car in the area at the time, as it is possible that the attackers might have travelled to and from the scene in this vehicle."

The police were called to the scene at 7.26pm and cordoned off Heaton Road between Morningside and Springcliffe Street.

The road reopened just before 1pm yesterday, but a grassed area by the side of the road remained taped off.

The victim was named locally as Mustafa 'Mussy' Farooq, who lives nearby.

His neighbour, Mohammed Khan, said he didn't know the victim well, but that his family "seem to be very good people".

He described the violence as "very dangerous", adding: "I don't know where these guns are coming from. I just want to find out how he's doing."

Ward councillor Shabir Hussain (Lab, Manningham) reacted with anger at those who had brought violence into the heart of the community, and said he hoped they were caught as soon as possible.

He said: "There should be stronger sentences for this, it is unbelievable, threatening people and behaving in such a way as if this is a third world country.

"We are not in a third world country, we are here, and you have to respect the law of the land.

"It is close to a play area, it is close to a school. The harm they are doing to the community itself - not just Manningham, but Bradford - it is a real shame."

Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed (Ind, Manningham) urged locals to stay calm.

He said: "I hope members of the community will come forward and help the police find those responsible."

Shocked neighbours told of hearing a gunshot shortly after 7pm, when the streets were busy with people enjoying the evening.

Nearby resident, Amjad Hussain, said after hearing the gunshot, he went down to the end of the road to see what had happened.

He said quite a crowd had gathered, but that the victim had already been taken to hospital, possibly in a private car.

The shooting happened near T Khan and Sons Newsagents, which was closed at the time.

Shopkeeper Tariq Khan said: "I have been here 32 years and we've never had any trouble like this."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.