AN Iraqi-run pizza restaurant has been the target of a petrol bomb attack.

A round-the-clock police guard was ordered after a petrol bomb was thrown through the front window of Luisiano Pizzeria, in Redcar, Cleveland.

The incendiary device was thrown through the window as staff served pizzas. No one was injured.

Cleveland Police last night urged refugees living in the area of the Roseberry Square shops to remain calm.

A spokesman said: "There are excellent relations in the community and it is a deplorable act which has shocked residents."

He added: "We would urge anyone with information to get in touch."

Local councillor David Walsh last night appealed to local people to help police with their inquiries.

Coun Walsh, the leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, said: "I would condemn it utterly. We in Britain do not have any quarrel with the ordinary people of Iraq."

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Fire Brigade said: "It was reported to us as a petrol bomb in the shop."

Some flooring in the restaurant was destroyed in the fire, which was out before firefighters arrived. There was smoke damage to the front of the restaurant and some damage to the rear.

A woman working in the restaurant, open for business last night, declined to comment. Professionals working with asylum seekers say police have been carrying out a risk assessment of possible racist targets during the war in Iraq.

Teesside has a large Muslim population, mosques and businesses which could be vulnerable in the event of a backlash to military casualties in Iraq.

The police will only say there have been discussions with ethnic groups.

Reacting to the Redcar arson attack, Pete Widlinski ,of the North of England Refugee Service, said: "I don't know if this was because of the war or not, but what local people have to realise is that Kurds or Iraqis in general hate Saddam Hussein - more than we do.

"They may not want to blow up families and friends to get rid of him.

"They certainly hate him and that is why some of them are over here. Intelligent people understand that, but not everyone does."

* A 34-year-old Redcar man was arrested by detectives last night and taken to Redcar police station where he is helping police with their inquiries.