Bradford pubs attacked in weekend of rioting

A weekend of racist riots in Bradford saw licensees and customers terrified as pubs were firebombed, windows were smashed and cars were set alight.

West Yorkshire Police confirmed that at least seven pubs in the city were attacked over the weekend but a police spokeswoman denied that the trade was being specifically targeted.

"These attacks are not premeditated," the spokeswoman said. "Although quite a lot of damage has been done to businesses in the area we don't believe that the pub trade is being singled out."

The licensee of the Bradford Arms, Steve Ford, said he had no idea if the trade was being singled out but told The Publican his pub had been attacked twice over the weekend.

"The first time was Saturday afternoon (July 7) when all the windows were put through," Mr Ford said.

"We'd actually shut as soon as the trouble started but we had around 15 to 20 regulars inside drinking, who were very disturbed by the attack.

"On Sunday night just before 1am in the morning we were firebombed. Luckily some Asian lads across the road saw it happen and they ran over and put the fire out with extinguishers. It's very unnerving, but luckily nobody has been hurt," he added.

Other pubs in the area to suffer attacks were the Junction pub, the Manningham Ward Labour Club, Arthur's Bar, the Upper Globe, the Girlington Conservative Club, the Girlington Hotel and The Beehive.

These latest riots are the most terrifying disturbances in a spate of riots to hit northern towns over the last few months. Pubs in Oldham, Greater Manchester and Burnley in Lancashire have been attacked and firebombed during previous disturbances.