FOUR men were last night under arrest after a vicious attack in Bradford left a 24-year-old man with serious injuries.

The victim and an associate were chased after their Hyundai car was rammed by a Mitsubishi Shogun in Midland Road, Manningham, in what detectives said was a targeted attack.

The man fled to Spring Gardens where he was violently attacked by what one witness said was a gang of ten to 15 masked men.

The victim was described by police as being in a stable condition in hospital last night following the incident which happened at 9pm on Wednesday.

One Spring Gardens resident, who did not want to be named, said the masked gang hit the man with a baseball bat as he tried to escape.

"It was disgusting. There was blood all over the place," said the witness.

"He was being sick at the same time.

"He was being punched and kicked while he was on the floor. They kept hitting him.

"There were about ten or 15 of them doing it. They were laughing while they did it. It was like fun to them. They were wearing masks.

"Somebody said while they were doing it 'don't kill him'.

"It was horrible. The man was not moving.

"I could see that the guy was being hit in the head. They just hit him with whatever they could.

"The attack went on for about five minutes.

"Everybody in the whole street came out to help him after it happened.

"It was shocking and horrible. It's a quiet area."

Detective Inspector Paula Bickerdike, of Bradford District CID, said: "I would appeal to anyone who was in the area around either Midland Road, or Spring Gardens around the time of the incident or who has any information to come forward.

"I believe this to be a targeted incident, and increased high visibility police patrols will be in the area to reassure the public.

"Inquiries are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of what took place."

Four men, two aged 21 and two aged 27, have been arrested on suspicion of affray and remained in police custody.

Anyone with information about the attack has been urged to contact Bradford District CID via 101. Information can also be given anonymously to the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

  • Four men have now been released and police say enquiries are continuing.