POLICE are hunting a gang of masked thugs who launched a "cowardly" race attack on pizza shop staff.

Three men - the shop's Algerian owner and his two employees, a Libyan and a Kurd - suffered head and facial injuries and needed hospital treatment.

The gang of at least six yobs painted racist graffiti on the shutters of the shop before fleeing the scene.

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

The attackers battered their victims with pool cues and sticks and the shop's owner was knocked unconscious.

One of the injured men has been released from the University Hospital of North Durham but the other two have been kept in for observation.

A Durham Police spokes-man said: "This appears to be a premeditated and cowardly racially motivated attack."

Acting Inspector Vic Deans, of Stanley CID, said: "There has been a fair disturbance where three men have received quite nasty injuries.

"We are not sure exactly what they were armed with but there has been some suggestion of pool cues and sticks.

"What's caused it we don't know. We haven't arrested anyone and inquiries are on-going. We are still interviewing witnesses at the moment."

Mr Deans added that there had been no similar problems reported at the shop before and that such incidents were unusual in the area.

"We are wanting some help off the public and would like to hear from anyone in the area who has information."

Witnesses are asked to call Acting Detective Sergeant Ian Mitchell, of Stanley CID, on (01207) 232144, or ring Crime-stoppers on (0800) 555 111.