A SPATE of racially motivated firebomb attacks have been carried out in a North-East town.

A mosque, Chinese takeaway and pizza shop in Darlington have been targeted in the early morning attacks.

Glass bottles filled with a flammable liquid were thrown at windows and doors.

The properties only sustained minor damage and no- one has been hurt.

Yesterday, police appealed to people in Darlington to help catch the perpetrators before they strike again.

Three firebombs were thrown at the mosque in North Lodge Terrace between 1am and 8am on Friday.

Secretary Badsha Miah said: "We first noticed the damage when people arrived for Friday prayer.

"We are lucky the window had safety glass in it, or it could have gone through into the building. It could have been a lot worse."

The mosque, the only one in County Durham, was also targeted two years ago when the Gulf War started.

Thaer Azab, the owner of the Pizza Box, in Northgate, looked out of his door at about 4am on Saturday to find seven-metre flames raging up his walls.

He said: "The fire was very big, it covered the whole wall. I managed to put it out using a bucket and water from my sink.

"I am sure it was a racist attack, and that makes me angry."

The fire damaged the rear of the building and blackened a first-floor window.

Mr Azab, who spent ten years in the Palestinian Army, said he was prepared to fight the perpetrators if they came back.

Yings takeaway, in Major Street, was also targeted some time after 12.15am on Saturday.

Robin Wong discovered the damage at the 34-year-old family business. He said: "The fire cracked the window, and the guttering will need replacing, but I count myself lucky. It could have been a lot worse."

Chief Superintendent Michael Banks, of Durham Police, said: "We are treating these as racist incidents because of the nature of the premises which have been singled out for attack.

"The fact they are potentially linked is worrying.

"The people involved should be in no doubt about the risks they are running.

"Their actions could lead to serious damage and, ultimately, loss of life. We have stepped up police patrols in these areas."

Police are meeting community leaders today.

A 16-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of arson and is being held at Darlington Police Station.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 606 0365.