A 63-year-old Bradford shopkeeper was subjected to an horrific knife attack after he was lured outside his store by a masked raider.

Khadim Hussain is in intensive care after what detectives described as an "apparently motiveless" attack.

The balaclava-wearing attacker slashed him repeatedly about his head, face and neck, leaving him with severe injuries.

The knifeman walked into Jahangir Brothers fashions, in Barkerend Road, shortly after Mr Hussain opened up.

The shop bell rang while Mr Hussain was in a back room. He went to investigate the chimes and as he went outside he was knocked to the ground and slashed.

Detective Constable Vas Bashir, leading the inquiry, said: "There is no obvious reason. Nothing was stolen from the shop and nothing was taken from Mr Hussain.

"He has owned the shop for 15 years and is well-respected in the area."

The attacker ran off down Gladstone Street. Mr Hussain was taken to Bradford Royal Infirmary with severe injuries and was today said to be "stable" in intensive care.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack at 9.15 am yesterday.

DC Bashir, added: "At that time of day people were on their way to work or taking children to school and may have seen something.

"We want to hear from anyone who saw the man running away."

Today one woman who works nearby said: "I saw two police cars and a van pull up and went out to look and there was blood all over the door and the steps. I am terrified that this happened here.

"I didn't know if it was an armed robbery and they would come back."

A neighbour of Mr Hussain, who lived above his shop, said: "He is a very quiet man who kept himself to himself. He has been in the street for more than 30 years."

She said Mr Hussain's car had been smashed up a few months ago and had fitted security cameras to the front and back of the store.

Anyone with information about the attack is asked to contact police on (01274) 376483.