A police chief today pledged patrols will be stepped up in the Queensbury area of Bradford following two violent deaths in two months.

Chief Superintendent Phil Read, divisional commander of Bradford North Police, has acted after ward councillors claimed the area had become a "frightening" place to live and called for a pub watch scheme to be introduced.

Dale Marshall, 40, died after being found unconscious in High Street Place on July 25. Steven Sharp-Tetley, 22, of Ford Hill, Queensbury, has been charged with his murder.

In June, Philip Moore, 21, died after a fight at a party in the village. His brother Robert Moore, 25, of Ward Street, Great Horton, Bradford, has been charged with his murder.

Chief Supt Read said: "I am aware of the deaths which occurred recently.

"They were separate incidents and all have people charged and are in the process of going through the court system so I can't comment on these particular cases.

"But, as the divisional commander, I am well aware of local concern arising from these incidents and, as such, we are increasing police patrols and arranging meetings with interested parties in the village."

He added the police did have a community contact point in the village for people with concerns which was opened a year ago.

Councillor Stuart Hanson (Con, Queensbury) said: "It's becoming quite frightening up here and we need to do something now before it gets out of control.

"Unfortunately we only see the police when something bad happens. But, if a squad car could drive through during the late evening, then that might help prevent crimes like this."

He said he would also be talking to pub licensees about setting up a pub watch scheme.

"If the pubs have a ring-round system, they will be able to let each other know of any problems or suspicious characters in the village," he said.

"We have a lot of pubs in the village and often on weekends people come in from other areas and it's not necessarily people who live here who cause the problems."

Coun Michael Walls (Con, Queensbury) said he was pleased action was being taken.

"I hope the patrols will improve matters," he said.

"I'm pleased the police have taken on board what has been said by concerned residents and councillors."