A SHOP owner has described the aftermath of a stabbing in Bradford city centre as a "war zone".

Police are today investigating the stabbing incident, which took place at around 8pm Monday on Sunbridge Road and resulted in a 41-year-old man sustaining multiple injuries. The man is in serious condition in hospital.

Lino Massimo runs the Cafe Sunflower and it was outside his coffee shop where the incident took place.

"I got a camera alert and arrived 10 to 15 minutes after it happened," said Mr Massimo. "It was like a war zone.

"There were so many police and the area was cordoned off. It was obvious that something big had happened."

Police investigating the incident said "a number of men wearing black hooded tops and masks were involved in the incident and made away on foot along Sunbridge Road".

Mr Massimo, who reviewed his CCTV footage of the incident, said: "I checked the cameras and it looked like a big fight. It was quite furious.

He said the victim "ended up badly hurt and looked like he had been stabbed" when he fell down to the ground.

He said the video footage showed "two men were running away as a convoy of police arrived at the scene."

"There have always been problems here," added Mr Massimo. "I bought this shop before lockdown but I haven't been able to open it yet.

"Lockdown came and everything shut down. I was hoping to open it in November.

"I hoped that a shop opening would bring something positive to the area.

"It's sad really because this area has so much potential.

"Sometimes I just want to give up, but there are some good people who live here."

If anyone has any information about the stabbing, ring police on 101 quoting reference 1629 of (26/10).

People can also use the live chat via the West Yorkshire Police website or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 1111.