Police were guarding a man with gunshot injuries in hospital last night following an evening of violence in Bradford.

Detectives are linking a street battle in Wrose, Shipley, with the suspected shooting a short time later in Shearbridge Road, Great Horton.

Inspector Howard Buckley, of Bradford North police, said reports were received of a fight involving up to 50 people in Snowden Road, Wrose, near the Wrose Bull pub, at about 5pm on Sunday.

He said: "Mention has been made of a gun but that is an unconfirmed report.

"It appears that bottles and glasses were thrown and people were being beaten up."

Police arrived at the scene to find the gangs had gone.

Insp Buckley said some of the suspects then appeared to have moved on to Shearbridge Road where there was a reported gunshot at about 5.20pm.

"A 40-year-old man with what are thought to be gunshot injuries is under police protection," he said.

"It was established that a fight had taken place between two groups and a firearm was discharged.

"Arrests have been made and police inquiries are continuing."

Councillor Tony Miller (Lab Wrose) said: "Wrose is a quiet area with a lot of older residents and I think and hope that this is an isolated incident.

"I would urge residents to stay calm until the police have completed their investigation.

"We have been doing a lot of good work with young people in Wrose working directly with the police and it was all going very well so I am very disappointed to hear of this incident."

Wrose resident Richard Jasper said there was a police presence when he arrived in the Snowden Road area at about 10pm.

"I'm really surprised something's happened because it's a really quiet area. We've never had trouble," he said.

But another resident, who refused to be named, said the area had a problem with drug dealing in Snowden Road.

Abdul Khan, a worker at Haqs Superstore in Shearbridge Road, said a man had run into the store shortly before 5.30pm on Sunday.

He said: "He was injured. His arm was swollen and he said he'd been injured in a fight.

"We gave him tissues and called an ambulance. He said his brother had also been injured. Within half an hour there were about 50 people here."

Detectives at Bradford South CID have appealed for witnesses to the two incidents to come forward.

They also want information about a white Mitsubishi Lancer car which was seen at both the incidents.

Anyone with information should call Bradford South CID on (01274) 376485 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

e-mail: jennifer.sugden@bradford.newsquest.co.uk