A MASKED gang are being hunted by police after a petrol bomb attack on a house.

Up to nine men with covered faces are said to have driven into Furness Street, off Raby Road, Hartlepool, at about 8.30pm on Thursday night, smashed the windows of the house and thrown the incendiary inside.

There was nobody in the house at the time and the fire brigade quickly arrived and put out the blaze.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “Police received several reports relating to a suspicious incident on Furness Street in Hartlepool at around 8.30pm on Thursday night.

“Witnesses reported seeing up to eight or nine men with their faces covered get out of three vehicles, smash windows at a house, then throw what is described as a petrol bomb into the address, before driving from the scene.

“One vehicle was possibly a pick-up type van.

“The house was unoccupied at the time and the fire was extinguished.

“Inquiries are on-going and we appeal for any local people who may have captured anything on private CCTV systems to get in touch via the 101 number. Please quote Event 235349.”