Police have said they are to focus patrols at the Leisure Exchange in Bradford city centre following a series of disturbances in the area.

Officers have been called to three incidents in the leisure complex in Vicar Lane, Bradford, since last Monday.

The latest was to investigate reports of a racially motivated assault in Bridge Street between 6.20pm and 6.40pm on Saturday. Officers have said a group of about eight Asian men approached a 17-year-old boy before he was struck around the head.

On Wednesday, November 17, officers were called to a report of a fight at the Leisure Exchange.

Two men, aged 18 and 20, both of Huddersfield, were subsequently arrested on suspicion of affray and bailed pending further inquiries.

Others in the area were dispersed by officers. It is believed a group of about 50 had congregated in the area as part of Eid celebrations.

Sergeant Mark Wild, of the City ward Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We will be working closely with the Leisure Exchange to ensure this kind of behaviour does not continue and that anyone involved in such crimes is quickly dealt with.”

The first incident was on Monday, November 15, when a 13-year-old boy and a 15-year-old girl were attacked during a robbery.

The pair were leaving the cinema at about 3.15pm when they were approached by two youths. Police said one of the suspects struck the boy a number of times. As the pair attempted to get away towards Bridge Street, the same suspect then struck the girl and took her mobile phone.

A spokesman for Legal & General, which owns the Leisure Exchange, said: “We take the security of customers of the Leisure Exchange very seriously and always work closely with the police when necessary.”

Police have appealed for information on the latest incident on Saturday.

Witnesses, or anyone with information, has been asked to contact Bradford South police on 0845 6060606 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.