Neighbours told of their shock last night after three masked intruders stormed a house and threw acid over its occupant in what police believe was a targeted attack.

The victim, a 50-year-old man, was left hospitalised after being attacked in an upstairs bedroom in the dead of night.

The intruders broke into the terraced home in East Bowling, Bradford, before setting upon him, causing serious leg injuries.

They then threw a “dangerous chemical” over him, believed to be an acid.

The emergency services were called just after 2am yesterday and the man was taken to hospital for treatment to serious leg injuries and burns.

Last night, he was said to be in a serious but stable condition. West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team are now appealing for anyone with information to come forward. But they have not revealed which hospital the victim is being treated in, for fear he may be targeted again.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick Wallen, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “This is a particularly serious incident in which a man has been assaulted and suffered burns after being attacked with a dangerous chemical. “We do believe this was very much a targeted incident and not a random attack and I am appealing to anyone who has any information to contact us as it is important we arrest those responsible as quickly as possible.

“Anyone who saw suspicious behaviour outside the property on Rayleigh Street or who has information is asked to contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101 anonymously CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

“I can promise anyone who contacts us that information will be treated in confidence.”

In particular, police are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed any suspicious behaviour outside the property.

A police spokesman said they were conducting enquiries at the home itself, and the local Neighbourhood Policing Team had been carrying out reassurance patrols in the area.

Yesterday, neighbours spoke of their horror at the attack. One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said the victim had only recently moved to the area with his family. He said: “He’s the nicest guy ever. Every time I see him, he always says hi, so I am really surprised – wow. “This is a quiet street, we hardly ever get any trouble. It’s so surprising, I can’t believe it.

“I didn’t think it was anything this serious, and to a nice guy as well.”

Ishah Walford also said it was usually a quiet area. She said: “It’s not that bad really. We haven’t had anything disgusting like that – three of them as well. I hope it wasn’t people who live round here. “I can’t believe it. It’s absolutely terrible.” Another neighbour, who also didn’t want to be identified, said he was still awake when the police arrived in the early hours. He said: “The whole street was full of police.