A top detective yesterday told of his concern after shots were fired on a busy residential Bradford street in the middle of the day.

Nobody is thought to have been injured during the incident – a confrontation between two groups – but evidence has shown that a shotgun was discharged at least once.

Pellets were found in a 4x4 vehicle, involved in the incident, in Upper Rushton Road, Thornbury, which happened at about 2.40pm on Tuesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Wallen, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, who is leading the investigation, said there had been a disagreement between two groups, but it was not clear what it was about.

Witnesses said people got out of two 4x4 vehicles, and began fighting in the street.

Det Chief Insp Wallen said: “One of the vehicles was abandoned at the scene and we have found shotgun pellets in that vehicle. We have found other items in the street, including an iron bar.

“The second vehicle, a Mitsubishi Pajero, with the registration L188 LNE, left the scene and we have not been able to trace it. We appeal to anyone who knows of its whereabouts to contact us.”

Det Chief Insp Wallen said the two vehicles collided with each other and with street bollards during the confrontation.

He added: “It is incredibly worrying that people are firing shots at 3pm on a busy residential street.

“Although there is no suggestion the weapon was being fired indiscriminately at passers by, and it appears nobody has been injured, it is still very concerning and the sooner we find who has done this, the better.”

Ten men, aged between 19 and 28, who had been arrested in connection with the incident, have now been released on bail pending further inquiries. A 33-year-old woman has also now been arrested and remained in custody last night.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact HMET, via 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.