Police have reassured the public after a man was blasted in the back of the legs with a shotgun in a targeted attack in West Bowling, Bradford.

The 26-year-old was shot just feet from a children’s play area on Monday at 7.45am.

Residents and police said after the shooting they were thankful it happened at the start of the school Easter holidays, before any children were in the play area.

Chief Inspector Damien Miller, from the Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team, has now moved to reassure locals.

He said yesterday that the incident would have “understandably generated a considerable level of concern among members of the community”.

He said there had been a 20 per cent increase in the amount of calls to Crimestoppers over the last 12 months, specifically relating to drugs intelligence and information within West Bowling.

“We have been offering our support and reassurance locally,” he added.

“The issues raised by residents in relation to drugs and anti-social behaviour are firmly on our radar, with a significant amount of work already taking place to address it.

“The ongoing BD5 project in particular is aimed at raising awareness of how drug dealing can be reported confidentially through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“Local primary schools, Bradford Council, My BD5, Bradford Trident as well as local faith groups have all become involved in delivering this message. This has subsequently led to further action being taken to tackle it.

“We are by no means complacent and fully realise the scale of the task ahead. I can say, however, that we are determined to make a difference and we will be listening to residents and their suggestions around street security.”

The victim’s injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

The incident happened on the day the Telegraph & Argus revealed armed police responded to more than 100 firearms incidents in the Bradford district last year. The figures were described as “staggering” by community leaders.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information, should contact police on the non-emergency number 101, or Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.