A MAN was struck over the head and ordered out of his BMW convertible by a man who then stole the car, in what police believe was a targeted attack.

The victim was left needing hospital treatment for head and arm injuries and the new car, thought to be worth around £35,000, was later found burnt-out.

The attack, described as "mindless thuggery, happened at about 10pm on Tuesday when the victim was parking his car in Odsal Road.

Police say he was approached by a man who spoke to him before making threats, striking him over the head with "an object" and ordering him out of his car.

Another man then got into the vehicle with the suspect and the pair drove away towards Wibsey.

Police have now issued a photo of the stolen BMW, which was later found in Penzance Court, Girlington.

Local councillors are disgusted by the crime and urged anyone with any information to contact police immediately.

Councillor Ralph Berry (Labour, Wibsey) said: "This is absolutely outrageous. My first thoughts are sympathies for the victim, who has suffered an appalling crime of violence and intimidation.

"Somebody out there will know who did this, and I completely endorse the call for all information to be given to police.

"This is unacceptable criminal behaviour that needs to be stopped, and I would encourage anyone who knows anything to come forward."

Councillor Lynne Smith (Lab, Wibsey) added: "This was a particularly nasty case of what can only be described as mindless thuggery. It was senseless.

"This man was beaten up and had his car stolen, which shouldn't happen to anybody.

"It appears he was followed and targeted, so if anyone has any information they need to come forward, as these people need taking off the streets."

Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed (Bradford Independent Group, Manningham) said he hoped police would leave "no stone unturned".

"This was a horrendous act and my thoughts are with the victim, who I hope is recovering well.

"Incidents like this cause shock and anxiety in local communities."

Detective Inspector Richard Partis, of Bradford District CID, said police were treating the incident as a targeted attack.

"We know the BMW was later seen with the roof down in the Hollings Road area of Girlington, a short time before it was found burnt out," he said.

"It had a distinctive numberplate, AE14 BMW, which would have been instantly recognisable to anyone who saw it.

"We believe the suspects may have followed the victim home in a dark coloured hatchback vehicle, which left the scene around the time of the robbery, and we are very keen to trace this vehicle too."

The suspect who spoke is described as Asian and slim. He was wearing a grey hooded top, with the hood pulled up, and tracksuit bottoms.

Anyone with information about the incident, or anyone who might have seen either car after 10pm on Tuesday night, is asked to contact Detective Constable Barrett at Bradford District CID on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.