ONE bonfire night robbery gang is being blamed for three incidents which left one man in hospital, a second victim hurt and goods stolen from Bradford businesses.

Detectives are now investigating the incidents, which are being linked, to try to trace those responsible.

Officers have been told all three involved a group of males, who all had their faces covered.

The first incident happened shortly before 6.40pm at a shop in Mortimer Avenue, Bradford Moor, where the offenders went in an approached the counter.

An altercation then took place between the gang and two shop staff which resulted in one worker, aged 21, being taken to hospital for treatment to facial injuries and cuts to his hands.

Some packets of cigarettes were taken and the group fled, last seen heading towards Gain Lane.

About 20 minutes later a similar group of males approached a 16-year-old boy and a 37-year-old woman outside a shop in Fagley Terrace.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "One of the males ordered the woman into the shop, before two others engaged in an altercation with the 16-year-old.

"As the woman attempted to break this up, one of the males pushed past her and entered the shop.

"The woman shut the door, but the male then pushed his way out of the shop. Another male then damaged the shop door with a golf club.

"No demands were made for property and nothing was stolen," he said.

The 16 year old sustained facial injuries during the confrontation but they were not thought to be serious.

It was unclear where the offenders went after that incident but at about 7.40 pm two males wearing face coverings entered a shop in Killinghall Road, Undercliffe, and began shouting.

They were followed by a third man who started struggling with a male worker in the shop.

As that happened, one of the males then approached the cigarette display and filled a bag with cigarettes. A small quantity of cash was also taken, said police.

There were no injuries and no weapons were seen during that incident.

No weapons were seen and no one was injured.

Victims described the suspects as being Asian males, of average build and between five feet two inches and five feet ten inches tall.

All had their faces covered and were wearing hats when the offences took place.

Detective Inspector Ryan Bragg, of Bradford District CID, said: "Given the short distance between where these incidents occurred, we can confirm we are linking them at this stage."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.