HORRIFIED Bradford residents have revealed shocking images of drug addicts openly "shooting up" on their private property.

They told how a hard core group of users inject themselves with drugs in people's back yards on a daily basis, in full view of their homes and within sight of children.

Some families are now keeping their children indoors and other people are afraid to go out.

One resident compiled a sequence of photographs which show the addicts blatantly injecting themselves, and leaving a trail of rubbish, including used needles.

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A senior police officer said the images were "very concerning" and urged anyone who could name those involved to get in touch.

Residents believe the addicts have moved to their area, in side streets close to the University of Bradford, after being forced out of the city centre by a police and a Bradford Council zero tolerance crackdown.

Senior police said they were working on an action plan to deal with the issues, which could include use of specialist legislation and setting up neighbourhood watch groups and residents association to work together to tackle the problems.

A SOLUTION MUST BE FOUND TO STOP DRUG USERS IN PEOPLE'S BACKYARDS

One resident,who asked not to be named because of concerns for his safety, said many residents were worried about the situation, which covers private properties in streets including Sherborne Road, Spring Place and Grantham Place.

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He said: "What you see in the images happens on a daily basis, throughout the day. There are probably eight or ten hard core addicts. They are people who were in the city centre and have been moved out by the police.

"There are a lot of families living here with children, and some students. It's always been a community orientated area but it's got to the point where kids aren't allowed out by their parents, they are concerned for their health and safety. People are scared to go out of their houses.

"Kids who played on the street could see these addicts hanging around, they would see needles all over, and dealers giving drugs to the addicts.

He said some of the users could be abusive.

"They do what they do in the open. The photos are self evident," he said.

"We want the authorities to make our streets safe and a place where we can get on with our daily lives without being concerned that when we open our curtains we will see this. It's unpleasant, just something you don't want to see."

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Inspector Tom Horner, neighbourhood police inspector for Bradford West, said a meeting to discuss the issues had recently been held at Lawcroft House police station, attended by himself, representatives of the council's Bradford West area co-ordinator, more than 30 residents, Councillor Shakeela Lal (Lab, City), and health and other organisations.

Insp Horner said: "I have listened to the issues raised by the community, and they have genuine issues regarding drugs problems in that area. I share their concerns. People injecting drugs in residential areas is completely unacceptable.

"The photos are clearly very concerning and shocking. People should not have to witness this kind of behaviour. We need to stop this kind of unacceptable criminality and behaviour."

Insp Horner said some of the issues were brought on by effective policing in the city centre, which had dispersed some drug users and dealers to other areas, including Great Horton. An action plan is now being formulated, with other partners.

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He said the dispersal of people with substance misuse issues would be raised at a higher level, and all available legislation, including Criminal Behaviour Orders, was being explored to see where it could be used.

Insp Horner said: "We are trying to stop the problem now. When 30 people come to the police station, it tells me there are genuine concerns, and I am listening to them."

He said ward officer, PC Simon Ritchie, was working with the local authority to tackle the issues.

He said police were also working with the Border Agency as some of the people involved may have immigration issues.

"If there is power to return anyone involved in criminality and anti-social behaviour to their home nation, we will progress that where possible.

"We are working to identify those involved and take positive action against them where we can.

"Photos and evidence has been provided to the police. If people are experiencing ongoing drug abuse and dealing in their community, they should report it to us. And if they want to name these people, they can let us know."

Bradford West Labour MP Naz Shah has set-up a meeting with police and council representatives about the issue.

Ward councillor Nazam Azam (Lab, City) said: "I am aware of the serious nature of the drug taking and anti-social behaviour in that area. To do it blatantly is not an experience anyone would envy witnessing."

Ian Day, Bradford Council's Assistant Director Neighbourhoods and Customer Services, added: "We have been working closely with police and local residents to try and stamp out this anti-social behaviour, drug taking and dealing in this area.

"We are concerned about this behaviour and the litter that is left by drug users and the impact on local residents. There is no easy solution to this problem and we don't want to simply move it to another area. Our city centre and Bradford West clean teams and wardens have been carrying out extra patrols in the area to report suspicious behaviour and clear away needles and other items dumped by drug users.

"We urge anyone to report to the police any suspicious behaviour they witness."