RESIDENTS have spoken of their concern after a woman was threatened with a knife before four men forced their way into a house in the early hours of this morning.

It happened between 2.15am and 2.17am on Southfield Lane, Great Horton. 

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: "It took place after a 27-year-old woman inside a house there answered a knock on the door and was confronted by four men.

"The males forced their way inside with one of them then threatening the woman with a knife while others searched the downstairs room.

"They fled empty handed a few moments later after a witness upstairs phoned the police.

"Nothing was taken in the incident which left the victim unhurt but very distressed.

"One of the men was described as black while the other three were wearing masks."

One Southfield Lane resident said he was "shocked" by what had happened and said: "It's very, very worrying. 

"I'm very shocked to hear about this, especially someone threatening someone with a knife.

"It's very bad for the community, it's very worrying."

Another resident slammed the incident as "appalling". 

Sal Khan wrote on Facebook: "Need to have some cameras put on that road for the safety of the elderly and young that live or commute on this road."

Others said they had seen crime scene investigation vehicles parked at the bus stop close to the road's junction with Cross Lane. 

Councillor Joanne Dodds (Lab, Great Horton) said: "For me, something like this is one of the worst crimes that can happen to somebody.

"To open their front door and find these armed men, it must have been absolutely horrendous.

"I don't know how you ever get over that, because this is your home and it's where you feel safe and then to have that happen - I really feel for this lady and what she must have gone through.

"They may not have got anything - to me the damage is done by the fact they have been there."

She added: "I urge the community, if they've seen anything or somebody acting suspiciously to let the police know.

"This is awful and they need catching."

Detective Inspector Sally Shipley of Bradford District CID, said: “This was clearly a very frightening experience for the victim and we are conducting a number of enquiries today to determine a motive for what took place.

“Neighbourhood Policing officers are conducting reassurance patrols in the area and officers are also conducting door to door and CCTV enquiries.

“We would like to speak with anyone who may have information or who saw four men entering and leaving the property or hanging around outside just before the incident took place.

“Anyone who has information is asked to contact Bradford CID on 101 referencing crime number 13180423103.

“Information can also be given using the 101 Livechat facility at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101LiveChat or to the independent Crimestoppers charity  in confidence on 0800 555 111.”