POLICE hunting a gang of masked thugs involved in a brutal race attack on pizza shop staff have urged a community to turn the culprits in.

The appeal was made after three men, the shop's Algerian owner and his two employees, a Libyan and a Kurd, were taken to hospital with head and facial injuries.

The attack happened at 8pm on Saturday at Munchees Pizza Shop, in North Road, Catchgate, a former pit village near Stanley, County Durham.

Acting Inspector Vic Deans said last night: "Catchgate and Annfield Plain are very small communities and it is not the sort of place commuters would go for a drink.

"There are local people who will know who is responsible and we would urge them to come forward."

At least six people, who were masked, attacked their victims with pool cues and sticks, before painting racist graffiti on the shutters, and fleeing.

The shop's owner, who was knocked unconscious, was treated in hospital and has been discharged.

His two employees were last night still recovering in the University Hospital of North Durham, where their condition was described as comfortable.

Acting Insp Deans said: "There was a group of people outside the shop while the attack was happening. They were not involved in the attack, but we would like them to come forward."

He added that no similar problems had been reported at the shop before.

Police have arrested two 38-year-old men, who were last night helping with inquiries.

A 16-year-old male was also arrested and released on bail.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01207) 232144.