Masked gang attack teen with weapon during raid on family home

The 18-year-old, who was at home alone at the time, needed hospital treatment after being struck with a weapon.

Police have launched an investigation into what they have described as an “unpleasant” attack and which officers say left the young victim “shocked”.

Police believe the family was targeted, and say the incident was isolated.

The victim was at home in Cumbrian Way, in the Edenhill area of Peterlee, when the four masked men burst in.

Police say the teenager was struck on his arm with the weapon, though his injuries were not thought to be serious.

The raiders are said to have been in the property for 10 to 15 minutes, during which time they also stole some Nike and Adidas trainers.

Officers say the masked gang then made off in the victim’s mum’s car.

The vehicle is described as a red-coloured Renault Scenic, with the registration M30 MBG, and bearing a Scottish white and blue cross badge on the left-hand side of the boot.

Detective Sergeant Andy Reynolds, of Durham Constabulary’s Seaham crime team, is investigating the incident.

He said police believe the incident was a specific attack on the family.

Det Sgt Reynolds added: “Four masked men have entered a house on Cumbrian Way, in Peterlee.

“They struck an 18-year-old male with a weapon, causing an injury to his arm.

“His injury was not believed to have been serious.

“He went to hospital, but was discharged shortly afterwards.

“The men, whose faces were covered, were in and out of the property within 10 to 15 minutes.”

He added: “It’s been an incident which has left the young lad who lives there shocked.

“It will have been very unpleasant to be targeted in your own home.

“We would appeal for witnesses to this incident.”

Any witnesses or anyone who has any information about the incident, which happened around 8pm on Saturday, November 8, should call Seaham crime team on 101, quoting reference DHM-08112014-0420.

Alternatively, people can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.