RESIDENTS have told of their shock at hearing gunshots and seeing armed police on their street.

Police descended on a quiet cul de sac in Bierley, Bradford, early yesterday after reports of two gunshots being heard near to a house.

The occupants of the modern, stone-built, semi-detached property, in Cedar Close, had apparently fled the scene before officers arrived. Police said they had chosen to leave the address, but they had been located and confirmed to be safe and well.

It is not thought anybody was hurt in the shooting incident, and no damage seemed to have been caused to the house.

Part of the street remained cordoned off by police yesterday, with officers in a van keeping guard, hours after the shooting took place.

Police were called to the scene at about 12.40am.

One resident, who did not want to be identified, said: "I was woken by two bangs like gunshots. Five minutes later the police arrived. There were about eight police vehicles and I could hear some of the officers shouting 'armed police.'

"Normally it's all right round here, but I am worried after this."

Another resident, who also declined to be named, said she was woken by a text message from a neighbour, alerting her to the incident.

She said: "He told me he had heard a gunshot and called the police. He then heard somebody screaming 'no' and then heard a second gunshot.

"I looked out of the window and the next thing, the street was full of police. There were at least five police cars and two vans. One of the vans had dogs in and there were armed police.

"Before the police arrived, two vehicles, a Seat and a 4X4, turned up. Two men got into the car and it sped off up the street."

The woman said an old Suzuki Jeep had been parked in the street, near to the house targeted, and had apparently been used for drug deals to take place. But the previous day the vehicle had been towed away.

She added: "The police were there about a week ago, making inquiries about drugs.

"I feel disgusted by what has happened. I have lived here for eight and a half years and it's been quite peaceable. We have got children and expected it to be a nice, quiet cul de sac. This has upset and shocked us. It doesn't seem real. It always happens somewhere else, not on your own doorstep."

One source said the targeted house was lived in by a couple with two young children, aged three years and 18 months. The source said a man had been arrested at the address after police discovered a small cannabis farm at the premises around three weeks ago.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman confirmed they were investigating reports that a firearm was discharged at or near a property, but no damage was found by attending officers.

The force also confirmed a 26-year-old man was arrested on January 11 on suspicion of production of a Class B drug following a search of a property in Cedar Close, Bierley, and was later released on bail.

The spokesman said inquiries has been made about the welfare of the occupants of the reported targeted address, who had left the area prior to police attendance and they had been found fit and well.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Swift, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: "From our initial enquiries it is not believed that anyone has been hurt in this incident or any damage caused to any property.

"Clearly, any use of a firearm is of concern though, and we are making extensive enquiries to trace those responsible.

"We are working with local neighbourhood officers who will be conducting reassurance patrols in the local area."

Any witnesses, or anyone with information, should call the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team via 101, quoting log 29 of 8 February, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.