A SHOPKEEPER was stabbed in the shoulder by a group of teenagers after refusing to let them into his shop.

Family members of 21-year-old Bilal Majid have condemned those responsible for the attack, which happened shortly before 7pm on Tuesday at the shop at the junction of Cark Road and East Avenue, Showfield, Keighley.

Mr Majid's uncle, Mohammed Iqbal, said his nephew had been working alone in Showfield Newsagents when a large group of teenagers gathered outside the business.

He said his nephew had been dragged outside and stabbed, leaving him needing 11 stitches. He said the attackers had fled after the assault.

Mr Iqbal, who has worked in the same shop for many years, but had been out making a delivery when the incident occurred, said he was shocked by what had happened.

"We don't have any animosity against anyone," he said. "The parents of these youths need to take more responsibility.

"We're a family business and have been here for nearly 40 years. Nothing like this has happened to us before."

He added that his nephew was recovering from his ordeal at home after returning from hospital later on that same night.

Showfield resident and former Keighley councillor Zafar Ali said he had spotted police officers present at the scene of the stabbing after returning from a trip to Manchester.

"Bilal is a very nice, decent, amicable young lad," he said.

"This is shocking, I find it difficult to describe what's happened. As a community we just want to live in peace and we don't want this kind of trouble. Any arguments should not be resolved like this."

Keighley central ward councillor Khadim Hussain lashed out at the "thuggery and criminality" which led to Mr Majid being injured. He also expressed his sympathy for Mr Majid's family.

Coun Hussain said he visited the scene of the attack about an hour and a half after the stabbing.

"This is a horrific incident," he added. "Keighley is again making headlines for the wrong reasons. I'm sure the police will be working hard to get to the bottom of this, and I fully support them."

Detective inspector Ben McDonald, of Bradford District CID, said: "At 6.57pm on Tuesday, police were called to a report of a disturbance involving a group of youths in Cark Road, Keighley.

"On attendance, they found that a 21-year-old man had received a stab wound to his shoulder.

"He was taken to hospital where he received treatment for his injuries and later released.

"Enquiries are continuing into this incident and anyone with information is asked to contact DC 6071 Mohan at Bradford District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

* Two boys, aged 13 and 14, were in custody last night after being arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent