A manhunt has been launched for two gun-toting muggers who are threatening teenagers in a Bradford park.

The robbers have struck eight times in Bowling Park since Monday stealing mobile phones from terrified youngsters.

In some of the incidents they have pointed a handgun at their victims' chests and heads warning them: "Don't make me use it."

Their victims have been aged between 13 and 15 and have been left very distressed by the attacks.

Today the detective leading the hunt for the thugs described their actions as "scandalous" and said they needed to be behind bars as soon as possible.

Acting Detective Inspector Tony Nicholson, said: "These have been very distressing experiences for the victims - even though no-one has actually been physically injured.

"They have pointed the gun to their heads and chest and threatened them. They deserve to be locked up not just to stop them but for what they have already done.

"They are picking on vulnerable targets."

The muggers have been specifically targeting mobile phones and have been leaving behind wallets and cash.

Police patrols in the park have been stepped up and officers are now scanning cctv cameras of the area to try to identify the robbers.

The attacks started on Monday evening and all have occurred between 4.30pm and 6pm through into Tuesday and Wednesday.

The gunman is described as white, aged between 18 and 25, 5ft 8 to 5ft 11 tall, of thin build, short light coloured hair with a very pale complexion and bags under his eyes.

His teeth are described as dirty and crooked. He was wearing a baseball cap in either blue or cream, a cream top, light coloured tracksuit bottoms, and a local accent.

The second man is described as white, between 17 and 25 years of age, 5ft 8 to 5ft 11, of skinny build with dark brown hair and a spotty chin.

He has prominent teeth, and was wearing an Adidas baseball cap, blue jumper with hooped, horizontal stripes which is believed to be either Fred Perry or Henry Lloyd tracksuit bottoms and trainers.

Acting DI Nicholson said: "We have increased patrols in the area and are now viewing cctv from Bowling Park in an attempt to trace those responsible.

"I would ask local people to remain alert but not alarmed and urge anyone with any information to pass it to the police or crimestoppers and let us judge its relevance to the investigation."

He asked people not to make themselves targets and to keep phones out of sight.

"Don't make it easy for them," he said.

**Anyone with information or who may have witnessed any of the incidents is asked

to contact Bradford Central Helpdesk on 01274 376459 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Calls to Crimestoppers are not taped or traced and no police will call.