A BRADFORD shop boss is in hospital with "severe injuries" after he was slashed in the face by a knifeman who attacked him at his business.

Ikhlaq Mahmood, 44, suffered severe injuries to his face, hands and back during the incident at his halal meat and takeaway shop in Bradford Road, Frizinghall.

Witnesses told how they saw him with his face bandaged, being taken into an ambulance, after the attack at the Ikhlaq Halal Mini-Market and Rotihouse.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman said they were called to a butcher's shop in Bradford Road, at 8.50pm on Wednesday.

The spokesman said: "The owner had been attacked by an unknown male, with what is believed to be a knife.

"The victim suffered severe injuries to his face, hands and back and was taken to hospital where he remains today in a stable condition. Investigations are ongoing. No further information is available at this stage."

Detectives said the attack took place inside the shop. The victim is detained in Bradford Royal Infirmary, but his injuries are not life-threatening. Police were alerted by a member of the public.

The front of the shop, including empty stalls, was cordoned off yesterday, with an officer on guard at the entrance. The back of the premises was also sealed off.

Renata Kotlarova, who works in a neighbouring shop and lives opposite the scene, said she was watching TV at home when she saw an ambulance and a crowd of people outside the meat shop.

She said: "I went to see what was happening. People were standing round. It was very confusing and we didn't know who had been hurt at first. Then I saw the owner walking into the ambulance. His face was covered, but I don't know anything about his injuries."

She added: "I have just got back from holiday and I am very shocked.

"I know the owner. He is married with children. It's very upsetting. He is friendly and really kind. He helps everyone and has lots of friends around here. I can't think of any reason why anyone would attack him."

A man living opposite the shop said he had just arrived home when he saw police at the scene.

The man, who did not want to be named, said: "There were a couple of police vans and then more police cars arrived.

"I saw the shop owner in an ambulance. All his lower face was bandaged. I heard someone slashed him across his face with a knife. He was taken to hospital but I haven't heard how he is.

"He's a really nice guy, with a good business. He has had the shop for about ten years and has people working for him. It's confusing why they should target him.

"We have never had problems here in the evening. It is a really good, friendly area. We are really shocked by this."