AN ARMED gang of men in balaclavas in Keighley launched a terrifying carjacking attack on two young men returning from a night out.

Ingrow resident Ashley Clough, 20, and a friend were assaulted and robbed in Staveley Road in the early hours of Saturday morning. (Oct 20)

Mr Clough, a trainee chef, said he was threatened with a knife and a screwdriver during the ordeal, which saw the assailants speed off with his Volkswagen Polo.

He and his grandmother, Caroline Denton, have warned motorists to be vigilant and to keep their car doors locked when possible.

“It was shocking and frightening,” said Mr Clough. “It happened so fast I didn’t know how to react. At first I thought it was some friends messing about but then I had a screwdriver and a knife held to my chest. I didn’t think it was worth getting hurt over a car.”

Mrs Denton, 58, a care home worker who also lives in Ingrow, explained her grandson and his friend had been returning from the cinema in Bradford.

At about 12.15am on Saturday, Mr Clough pulled over to drop his friend off in Staveley Road, opposite Staveley Court sheltered housing complex.

He said his car was briefly stationary and his friend had only just stepped out when the robbers struck.

Mr Clough said the men were wearing gloves, dark clothing and balaclavas and were brandishing screwdrivers and at least one knife. He said he thought the men could have been white, but did not recognise their voices.

“They told me to get out, dragged me out of the car, jumped in themselves then drove off quickly,” he said. “They were heading towards the centre of Keighley.

“Me and my friend got in his car, which was parked nearby, and tried to follow them. But they were going so fast we lost them and couldn’t tell which way they’d gone.” Both Mr Clough and his friend were uninjured.

Mrs Denton said her grandson arrived at her home shortly after the carjacking, looking pale and very shaken. “Ashley is normally such a happy-go-lucky young man, so as his gran it was heartbreaking to see him come home in that state,” she said.

“I think he must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. He’s still shaken up, and telling me to make sure my doors are locked and to be careful when I go out.”

She said it was disturbing the attackers went after such an ordinary car, adding she suspected they wanted it to use to commit another crime. The stolen car is silver coloured and has the license plate DE 03XMA.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “Police are investigating a report of a robbery which is reported to have happened in Staveley Road, Keighley, at about 12.33am on Saturday October 20.

“Anyone with information which may assist is asked to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference number 131805 25227.

“Information can also be given using the live chat facility on the West Yorkshire Police website, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.”