A TERRIFIED mum has described the moment three men tried to hijack her car as she waited at traffic lights.

Care worker Safina Akhtar, 34, from Allerton, was driving home from work on Friday evening when she came to a stop on Barkerend Road, opposite Lidl.

The mum-of-three said a white Audi car with three men inside pulled up alongside her.

The driver was wearing a balaclava and started sounding his horn and shouting obscenities at the mum before getting out of his car.

"They came along side me and wanted to have an argument for no reason," she said.

"I asked them what was wrong and when I said that they jumped out the car.

"My heart started pounding and I fled through the lights.

"I realised something was going to happen and I panicked.

"It looked like they were going to attack me.

"If I hadn't taken off they would have attacked me or taken my car."

Mrs Akhtar believes the men targeted her specifically because of her car, which has alloy wheels and a sat nav, and says she feels lucky to have escaped the terrifying situation.

She added: "I cannot believe they tried this. It's disgusting.

"I've got three children and don't get into fights.

"I go into work to look after people and look after my family.

"I've worked hard to get a good car and this is not fair.

"I was traumatised and so glad my kids weren't in the car with me."

Mrs Akhtar was able to flee the scene and sought refuge at her sister's house nearby.

West Yorkshire Police is now appealing for information and anyone who witnessed the crime is being urged to contact officers.

A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police were called at around 7:30pm on Friday 25th May to reports of an incident which occurred on Barkerend Road in Bradford.

"A white Audi vehicle stopped at the traffic lights alongside the car of a 32 year old woman.

"The driver of the Audi subsequently got of the car wearing a balaclava and approached her vehicle before the woman drove away.

"Officers are investigating the circumstances and would call on anyone who witnessed this occur or has further information to contact the non-emergency number 101.

"Alternatively, you can use the Contact Us section of the Force website to access the live-chat facility."