A MAN was injured by a gang of people during a 'nasty attack' on a petrol station forecourt.

The 24-year-old was taken to hospital with head and arm injuries following the incident at Sainsbury's on Harrogate Road, Greengates.

Police could not confirm reports that weapons - possibly even a machete - were used during the assault, which officers were called to just before 5pm.

UPDATE: MANHUNT - Three masked men used weapons in targeted Greengates petrol station forecourt attack

A witness said the station was surrounded by police tape, with all entrances and exits closed off and an ambulance there, when she drove by on her way home from work at around 6pm today.

"The whole forecourt was cordoned off. There were a couple of police vans and bobbies on the beat and some officers from CID. It sounds like it was a nasty attack," she said.

Another driver added: "There was a dark car on the forecourt, possibly a Skoda."

A spokesman tonight said enquires were in the early stages.

"Police were called to Harrogate Road, Bradford, at about 4.57pm to a report a 24-year-old man had been assaulted by a number of persons at a petrol station forecourt.

"The suspects fled the scene shortly afterwards," he said.

"The victim suffered injuries to his arms and head and was taken to hospital.

"Initial enquiries are ongoing and anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact Bradford CID on 101."

As a precaution, police would not say which hospital the victim was taken to.