POLICE have released e-fits of two men suspected of a robbery and a vicious assault on two security guards at the weekend.

One of the guards was seriously injured when the robbers beat him with a metal bar.

The guards, aged 18 and 38, were on duty at International Cuisine, on the Hounsgill Industrial Estate, in Consett, County Durham, when the attack happened, at about midnight on Saturday.

The robbers attacked the first guard as he patrolled the perimeter of the factory. They entered the complex and assaulted the second guard in the factory canteen.

The raiders then broke in to a secure area, where they stole an undisclosed amount of money. They escaped by climbing the perimeter fence and running away towards a cycle track.

Both guards were taken to the University Hospital of North Durham. The first guard was only slightly hurt, but the second suffered head injuries.

The first robber is described as in his late 20s to mid 30s, 5ft 10in, stocky, with a pockmarked complexion and brown to fair hair. He was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved zipped jacket, and dark trousers, boots and a woollen hat.

The second man was in his teens or early 20s, 5ft 5in, of medium build, with a "baby face". He was wearing a woollen hat, dark trousers and blue jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Vic Deanes on (01207) 504204.