AN MP has called for an end to the “outrageous” behaviour of violent gangs treating Keighley “like their playground”.

Robbie Moore – the town's MP – said Keighley had been plagued with “terrifying” violence, drug dealing and speeding on residential streets.

He said: “The recent spate of gang violence around our area has been terrifying and we must send a loud and clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.

“For too long residents of Keighley have lived in fear from gangs committing violent acts, dealing drugs and speeding up and down residential roads in their modified cars.”

He was speaking after an armed gang wreaked havoc last Thursday morning, slashing the tyres of two cars and damaging the front door of a house. Police were called at 4.17am to reports of a group of people armed with weapons causing damage to parked cars in Westburn Avenue, Keighley.

A police cordon was put in place whilst officers carried out investigations and examined the scene.

The attack was believed to have been targeted, with no threat to the wider public, the police said.

It was the latest in a string of criminal incidents that have centred on the Keighley area in the past six months.

At the start of last month, police were called to an ongoing fight – also in Westburn Avenue – where a group of men was carrying weapons and a number of cars had been rammed.

A brawl erupted later in March outside Danyaal Food Store in North Street, with a man suffering a head injury.

There have also been numerous suspected arson attacks on cars.

Mr Moore said: “Only recently I challenged a group of young boys who were openly injecting drugs in the middle of the afternoon in Cliffe Castle Park.

“Over recent months, a number of high-profile violent acts and incidents have been reported.

“I am deeply concerned that a minority of individuals seem to treat Keighley like their playground, having no respect for the rest of our community. This behaviour is outrageous and has to stop. I am in close contact with West Yorkshire Police on these issues.”

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Farrell, of Bradford District Police, said the force had been cracking down in the area in recent weeks to tackle and disrupt organised crime.

Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team had been helping with the efforts.

DCI Farrell said: “Its recent increased presence in the Knowle Park area – following concerns from residents – has led to several arrests, many seizures of drugs and the dismantling of cannabis farms, all of which appear to be linked to organised crime."