LATEST: Mass street brawl 'involved older, middle-aged men' say eye-witnesses

A MAN was left with facial injuries following a "distressing" brawl involving between 15 and 40 men in Bradford yesterday.

Police were called to the incident in Canterbury Avenue, Little Horton, at around 7.10pm on Tuesday to reports of a group of men fighting in the street.

The brawl had cleared before police arrived but one man, aged 31, was found with facial injuries following inquiries at the scene.

An eye witness who lives in Canterbury Avenue said: "I heard the commotion to start with but thought it was just another argument going on outside and didn't take any notice at first.

"I then heard a bang and went out and saw a van had crashed near the bus stop. There were lots of people running up and down the street between Central Avenue and the steps further up the Avenue. 

"I don't think the vehicle that crashed was anything to do with it because the shouting was going on before. I did see a car drive off and wondered if that had hit the van which stayed there.

"The shouting and commotion carried on for around 20 minutes and then stopped. There seemed to be a lot of older, middle aged people involved. I have no idea what it was about."

Police believe the two groups who were fighting were known to each other.

West Yorkshire Police are now appealing for information about the incident.

Superintendent Daniel Greenwood of Bradford District Police, said: “This is believed to have been a localised incident between groups of people who were known to each other and enquiries are continuing today to determine the circumstances of what took place.

“We recognise the distress this incident would have caused to those in the area who witnessed it and patrols are being stepped up by local NPT officers.

“I would urge anyone who saw what happened or has any information about the affray to contact the Bradford East NPT on 101.”

“Information can also be given the to the independent Crimestoppers charity in total anonymity on 0800 555 111.”