AN MP and councillors have condemned a 'turf war' in the district after a police revelation about a drugs gang feud being cause of an outbreak of violence in Bradford and Shipley.

Those who live in Windhill where shots were fired, a car crashed into a garden and four vehicles were set on fire in West Royd Drive and Haslam Grove in the same night, were invited to air their views to police at Windhill Community Centre.

At the meeting, chaired by Bradford Council leader, Councillor Susan Hinchcliffe, who represents the Windhill and Wrose ward, police also warned the drugs feud was not over.

Sergeant John Toothill told the 50-strong audience that there was a lot of work going on to try to stop the shootings and arson attacks.

“They appear to be rival gangs from West Royd, Eccleshill and Thorpe Edge. It is believed to be all drugs related,” he told residents.

Sgt Toothill added that six people had been arrested and one charged. The others had been released pending further inquiries or on conditional bail.

Sgt Toothill added: “All the people involved, bar two, have been arrested.

“I don’t think this feud is over, but hopefully there will be some significant sentences come out of this.

“They were targeted attacks so there are no risks to you, apart from in terms of vehicles chasing around.

“There are undercover operations going on and lots of inquiries being made. I can’t give you details of these, though,” he said.

Speaking yesterday, Shipley MP Philip Davies said: “It is worrying. We don’t want drugs turf wars in my constituency. That’s hugely concerning.

“I hope that the the police are able to find the evidence they need to get these people brought before the courts and given stiff custodial sentences.

“We need these people in prison. That is why I am a big fan of long prison sentences.”

Cllr Brendan Stubbs (Lib Dem, Eccleshill) said: “It is disappointing that people have to live their lives with this craziness going on around them.

“We can’t live in a place where people feel like it is lawless.

“People can’t go around destroying people’s lives and neighbourhoods and we can’t have people who think that they are above the law. It’s worrying.

“It is just a few people. I hope the police crack down on these few.”

Cllr Vanda Greenwood (Lab, Windhill and Wrose), who attended Wednesday’s meeting, praised the police for their swift action.

She said: “The police were open and honest. It’s a family feud. It seems this has been going on for a long time.”