REFUGEE families have been moved to a new 'safe house' after being shot at by racist thugs.

The house at Middlesbrough, a temporary home to a number of Romanian gipsy asylum seekers, was targeted by youths firing air guns and throwing stones.

A concrete slab had at first been thrown through the front window of the house - missing a baby in a pram, by inches.

Eye witness Rod Jones, whose bi-lingual wife, Gabby, acted as interpreter for the terrified refugees, said: "The house was under siege. The Romanians inside thought these people were going to kill them.

"I was shot at by air guns, I felt my life was in danger.''

Concerned neighbours in Carisbrooke Avenue, took in the youngest of nine children among the 18 refugees in the house which was laid siege to by up to 30 youths.

Cleveland police who sealed off both ends of the street and scrambled a spotter plane, are to have talks with landlords Middlesbrough Council on ways to "reduce the risk of any repeat problems.''

No arrests were made, most of the perpetrators making off into the night before the police moved in. Middlesbrough Council described it as an "isolated incident''.

The families have been moved to a neighbouring local authority.

Updated: 15.45 Tuesday, July 10