Youths armed with baseball bats, bricks and hammers attacked a car in Bradford.

When police arrived at Haworth Road, Heaton, they found a damaged car and two other vehicles were being driven away. One of those vehicles was later found abandoned.

Armed officers and the police helicopter searched for the attackers as witnesses looked on.

Police are now increasing patrols in the area.

One man, who did not want to be named, thought at least one person had been hurt, but police said there had been no reports of injuries.

The witness said he thought two people were in the damaged silver Vauxhall Corsa.

It was left with smashed windows and a brick embedded in the windscreen. The front driver's side wheel had also been seriously damaged.

Ward Councillor for Heaton Mohammad Shabbir (Lab) has called for calm after what he said was the second such attack in the same road in recent weeks.

"The message is that people should calm down," he said. 

"A number of people have expressed concern to me about this incident and it's alarming that people are reacting so violently over whatever issues they may have and so brazenly.

"This is not a reflection on the area, which is generally very good, but this is the second such incident on Haworth Road in the last couple of weeks.

"It's very important that anyone with information reports it."

Police tape cordoned off part of the street, close to the Shell petrol station.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said police called at 4.40pm today to a report of a crash near to the Shell petrol station on Haworth Road, Bradford.

"There were then reports of people smashing cars and being in possession of hammers and baseball bats.

"Officers were sent to the scene and found one damaged vehicle," he said.

"Two other cars made off as police arrived. One of those cars was later found abandoned.

"Enquiries are ongoing."

Superintendent Jon Morgan of Bradford District Police said: "I would appeal to anyone who has any information to speak to the police via 101, or by calling Crimestoppers anonymously via 0800 555 111.

"Increased high visibility and covert policing patrols will be in the area to reassure the community."

A 21-year old man has been arrested and remains in police custody.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Ambulance Service said it had not been called to the incident.