Man left with fractured skull after attack by balaclava-clad 'rival' gang in West Yorkshire

A man was left with a fractured skull after an attack by a balaclava-clad 'rival' gang in West Yorkshire

It happened on Saturday, May 2 in Devonshire Street in Keighley.

The man, in his thirties, was taken to hospital.

Four men aged between 24 and 37 were arrested in connection with the attack.

A man was left with a fractured skull after an attack by a balaclava-clad gang in West YorkshireA man was left with a fractured skull after an attack by a balaclava-clad gang in West Yorkshire
A man was left with a fractured skull after an attack by a balaclava-clad gang in West Yorkshire
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The attack is believed to be related to other incidents in the area and "appeared to be targeted and involve rival criminal groups."

On Friday, May 1 police received reports of a group of people carrying weapons and wearing balaclavas in Devonshire Street and Highfield Lane.

On Saturday, before the attack took place, police received reports of large groups of men in vehicles gathering in the area again.

The disorder led to additional search powers being put in place in the area for 24 hours.

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These powers gave the police the right to search people or vehicles for offensive weapons or dangerous instruments.

At the time, Superintendent Sally Fryer, of Bradford District, said: “These incidents appear to have been targeted and involve rival criminal groups.

"We will not tolerate violence in our communities and are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify those responsible so we can take positive action against them.

“In the meantime, we are putting measures in place to deter any further incidents including these additional search powers under Section 60 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.

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"Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team will be increasing their patrols and presence in the area and will be taking robust action against anyone they suspect of being involved in these incidents."

The order covered an an area bounded by the A629 between High Street and Spring Garden Lane; Spring Gardens Lane to Shann Lane; Shann Lane to West Lane; West Lane to B6143; B6143 to High Street; High Street to A629.

The order was rescinded on Monday, May 4 after no further incidents occurred.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell, of Bradford District Police, said: "Our enquiries are continuing into this serious assault, which we believe was a targeted incident with no threat posed to the wider community.

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"Violence in Bradford District will not be tolerated and we will take positive action against those identified as responsible.

"Local officers are continuing to patrol the area and are on hand to speak to anyone with concerns."

Anyone with any information which may assist the investigation can contact police via 101, quoting log 1500 of May 3 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat

Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers.