POLICE are hunting a masked gang who burst into a flat and attacked a 21-year-old labourer with baseball bats on Sunday evening.

The victim was struck repeatedly about the body and suffered two fractures to his left arm, and extensive bruising to his legs and upper body in the attack, which took place in Shirley Close, Evenwood, County Durham.

Between 8.30pm and 9pm, four attackers, all wearing balaclavas, climbed stairs to reach the flat, which contained four people.

One young man escaped through a window, and a second youth, in his late teens, hid in the kitchen.

A young woman, a friend of the 21-year-old victim, tried to intervene but was held back by one of the attackers. She was left shaken, but was unharmed.

The victim was taken to Bishop Auckland General Hospital, where he was released after treatment.

He returned on Monday for further medical attention.

Detective Constable Shaun Goad, of Bishop Auckland CID, said: "This was a vicious and pre-planned attack carried out by intruders who had said little during their time in the flat.

"The motive for what had been an unprovoked assault is unclear at the moment."

After the assault, the gang left the flat in the direction of the end of Shirley Close, towards some garages.

A vehicle had been heard in the area prior to the gang kicking their way into the flat, but it is unknown if the assailants had a vehicle.

In July last year, Teesdale District Council said the council-owned flats in Shirley Close had become a serious problem.

Fourteen of the properties were unoccupied and some had been empty for more than a year, despite repeated advertising in the Press and on the Internet.

Residents and councillors complained the vacant flats made the estate look rundown and attracted vandals.

DC Goad said he was anxious to hear from anyone who might have seen the gang before or after the attack, or anyone who might know the identity of those responsible.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01388) 603566, or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.