Videos of teenagers taking part in bare-knuckle fights in the street which were posted on the internet were today condemned as "reprehensible".

Police have launched investigations into reports of the street fights in the Holmewood area of Bradford after they were filmed and published on the YouTube website.

The videos reportedly show teenagers brawling bare-chested on the housing estate as crowds around them cheer them on.

One of the competitors is knocked to the ground and repeatedly punched in the face until he is covered in blood.

Today Tommy Hughes, Bradford Council's senior policy officer for safer communities, said: "Bradford Council finds these videos absolutely reprehensible and we have already contacted YouTube to get this material removed.

"Councillors and council officers, including our neighbourhood wardens and anti-social behaviour team will be offering West Yorkshire Police our full support in working to identify the people responsible for this criminal behaviour.

"We understand that this issue is not just a local one but something which has happened in other parts of the country and we will work with the police and other agencies to stamp out such violence and anti-social behaviour.'' West Yorkshire Police said they had increased patrols in the area and would visit schools as part of their investigations into reports of street fighting.

A force spokeswoman said: "West Yorkshire Police are aware of activities, like those that appeared in the YouTube videos, that go on across the force and country.

"Inquiries are ongoing into reports of street fights in the Holmewood area and officers have increased patrols and will be visiting schools as part of their inquiry.

"West Yorkshire Police cannot base investigations on video clips. If a crime is reported we will investigate it."