A KEIGHLEY shopkeeper was stabbed in the back last night by a group of youths after refusing to let them into his shop in Showfield.

Family members of 21-year-old Bilal Majid have condemned those responsible for the attack, which happened shortly before 7pm yesterday at the junction of Cark Road and East Avenue.

Mr Majid's uncle, Mohammed Iqbal, said his nephew had been working alone in Showfield Newsagents when a large group of teenagers gathered outside the business.

He said his nephew had been dragged outside and stabbed, leaving him needing 11 stitches. He said the attackers had fled after the assault.

Mr Iqbal, who has worked in the same shop for many years, but had been out making a delivery when the incident occurred, said he was shocked by what had happened.

"We don't have any animosity against anyone," he said. "The parents of these youths need to take more responsibility.

"We're a family business and have been here for nearly 40 years. Nothing like this has happened to us before."

He added that his nephew was recovering from his ordeal at home after returning from hospital late last night.

Showfield resident and former Keighley councillor Zafar Ali said he had spotted police officers present at the scene of the stabbing after returning from a trip to Manchester at 9.30pm yesterday.

"Bilal is a very nice, decent, amicable young lad," he said.

"This is shocking, I find it difficult to describe what's happened. As a community we just want to live in peace and we don't want this kind of trouble. Any arguments should not be resolved like this."

Detective inspector Ben McDonald, of Bradford District CID, said: "At 6.57pm yesterday, police were called to a report of a disturbance involving a group of youths in Cark Road, Keighley.

"On attendance, they found that a 21-year-old man had received a stab wound to his shoulder.

"He was taken to hospital where he received treatment for his injuries and later released.

"Following enquiries, police arrested two males, aged 13 and 14 on suspicion of wounding with intent. They are currently in custody.

"Enquiries are continuing into this incident and anyone with information is asked to contact DC 6071 Mohan at Bradford District CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."

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