A BRADFORD man is fighting for life in hospital after being attacked while playing football in a park.

Police are investigating reports that the assailants used a baseball bat when they struck at Attock Park in Laisterdyke.

The attack happened at around 8pm on Tuesday, while the 21-year-old victim was playing football in the park with a 17-year-old boy, also from Bradford.

He was taken to hospital with serious head injuries and still remains in a critical condition.

The 17-year-old received minor injuries, which needed hospital treatment.

Police are now appealing for any witnesses to the attack to come forward.

Detective Inspector Alan Weekes, of Bradford District CID, said: "While we have arrested a number of males in the course of this inquiry, our investigation is continuing to find out who was responsible for the attack which has left a man seriously ill in hospital.

"This is believed to have occurred close to some football pitches, where the victims had been playing just moments before.

"A man is now fighting for his life and I would urge anyone who witnessed the attack or who may have information about those responsible to contact Bradford District CID on 101, quoting crime reference 13160363829 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, who can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555111."

Councillor Riaz Ahmed (Lib Dem, Bradford Moor) said he understood the two victims were from the area's growing Gambian population, who were proving to be good neighbours to the existing Asian community.

He said: "I spent over three hours the following day at the scene, reassuring people and asking people to come out and cooperate with the police if they have seen anything.

"There must be somebody out there who has seen this incident and would recognise the people who attacked this good young man."

Cllr Ahmed said he was growing increasingly concerned about anti-social behaviour around Attock Park and had raised the issue with police before.

He said: "It seems to me it is actually driving people out of the area and that is the last thing I want to see."

Councillor Mohammed Shafiq (Lab, Bradford Moor) said: "My heart goes out to the victim and his family. I hope he makes it through this difficult time.

"He is critical in hospital and my prayers are with the victim and his family.

"There is no reason for such violence in any part of the UK, particularly in the ward which I represent.

"There is a good community spirit within Bradford Moor but this attack is extremely serious and I am urging the community to work alongside the police and support them in identifying the perpetrators of this very serious crime.

"I would ask the police to use all possible resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"It is a very busy area and it's well-used by the local community. Particularly, the council has invested a significant amount of resources to make it an area which is safer and provide facilities to play."

Five men were arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent following initial enquiries.　

Two of the men, aged 18 and 21, both from Bradford, have been released on bail pending further enquiries. 　

Three men, aged 26, 32 and 46, have been released without charge.