FOUR people have been arrested in connection with a firebomb attack on a police vehicle in a village.

After an early morning raid by 30 police officers in West Cornforth, two men and two teenagers were arrested over the attack on a police personnel carrier earlier this week.

Detectives and uniformed officers carried out simultaneous raids at four houses in the village at 7.30am yesterday, as part of an intelligence-led operation.

As a result of the raids, two youths and two men were arrested on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

The four were all taken to Newton Aycliffe police station where they were being questioned by police last night.

No one was hurt in the incident, when the two home- made petrol bombs bounced off the vehicle, which contained three police officers and two community support officers.

The personnel carrier suffered minor smoke damage in the attack, and the fire was quickly put out by officers using a fire extinguisher.

People in the village have been complaining about an increase in anti-social behaviour in the village, with some residents saying they were afraid to leave their homes.

One resident called for a curfew in the village following the firebomb attack.

A public meeting was held last night in West Cornforth Community Centre, which was attended by police and representatives from other agencies, to discuss the problems.

A police spokesman said: "Despite being called at short notice to discuss the long-running problems of disorder and anti-social behaviour, over 150 people attended."

An expert from Northumbria Fire Service's Arson Task Force, accompanied by a specialist dog, took part in the raids.

As a result of their involvement, a quantity of material was seized from the four houses and will be subjected to a detailed forensic examination.

Police have launched a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the village and have pledged to increase visibility.

Community inspector Steve Winship has asked residents to be patient and keep providing police with information and community intelligence.