Woman heard 'banging' as four men arrested in Great Horton

West Yorkshire Police was called at 7.11pm on Wednesday evening to a report that a firearm had been discharged at a building on Great Horton Road, in Bradford.

Officers rushed to the scene and footage shows armed personnel there, alongside a number of police vehicles.

With the help of the police helicopter, police arrested four men - aged 17, 17, 18, and 20 - in the vicinity and they were taken into custody.

They have been detained on suspicion of offences including possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon.

A spokesperson for the force said: "No injuries have been reported and at this time enquiries are ongoing in relation to any damage caused."

The other side of the cordon, in Pleasant Street (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

The Telegraph & Argus visited the scene on Thursday and discovered a police cordon covering a snicket between Great Horton Road and Pleasant Street.

It was also stretched along the wall outside the Cornerstone Methodist and United Reformed Church building which is currently up for sale and runs alongside the snicket.

Residents in and around the area spoke to the T&A about their shock at what happened, with some describing the moment police descended on the street.

One resident said he saw "lots of police last night" and officers were "searching under bushes on a grass section nearby".

He told the T&A his neighbour said she "heard banging and thought it was fireworks".

Referring to Pleasant Street and the bottom end of Bake Street, the resident added: "We're just sick of it around here."

Another person also expressed their concerns about ongoing issues in the area.

The Pleasant Street resident said it's a regular thing there these days and they've had to install CCTV because "you never know what's going to happen". 

He said he saw people run up to the snicket between Great Horton Road and Pleasant Street, before returning back down the road.

Looking down the snicket from Great Horton Road (Image: Telegraph & Argus)

Meanwhile, a shopkeeper in Great Horton Road said he didn't know anything but added: "It's a bit of a shock".

He told the T&A there were generally no problems in the area but said people often used the snicket as a shortcut and there has been suspicious activity around a phonebox on numerous occasions.

Detective Inspector Helen Chapman, of Bradford District CID, said: “In this instance, there is no suggestion that any firearms have been directed at others, but we know that any use of weapons will cause some concern in the wider community. 

“We have four people in custody, and they will be interviewed in due course. 

“Local residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area while we conduct enquiries into this incident.” 

Police have launched an appeal for witnesses and information as part of the investigation.

Anyone who witnessed any of the incident, or saw anyone behaving suspiciously in the area, should contact Bradford District CID on 101, or using the contact options on the West Yorkshire Police website.

You should quote crime reference number: 13240219823. 

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers online or call: 0800 555 111.

Full statement from West Yorkshire Police

"Four people have been arrested following reports of a firearms discharge in the Great Horton area of Bradford. 
 
"Police were called at 7:11pm to a report that a firearm had been discharged at a building on Great Horton Road, Bradford.  
 
"Officers attended the scene and following enquiries, including the use of a police helicopter, four males were arrested in the vicinity and taken into custody.  
 
"The males, aged 17, 17, 18 and 20, have been arrested on suspicion of offences including possession of Class A and B drugs with intent to supply and possession of an offensive weapon.  
 
"No injuries have been reported and at this time enquiries are ongoing in relation to any damage caused."