POLICE investigating an incident outside a pub that left three people injured earlier this month have arrested eight teenagers.

Two men and a woman were injured, one of the men seriously, when they were assaulted by a gang of up to 12 youths outside The Crown, which is at the junction of Front Street and The Wynd, Pelton, near Chester-le-Street, at about 8pm on Sunday April 19.

It is believed the victims were assaulted after confronting the group outside the premises after windows were broken.

One of the victims, a man in his late 30s, sustained a broken nose and fractured cheekbone as well as damage to one of his eyes.

He is receiving outpatient treatment at a Sunderland hospital. The woman, in her mid-30s, and the other male victim, in his late 40s, suffered bruises and cuts.

Inspector Eddie Bond, of Chester-le-Street neighbourhood policing team, said: "Incidents of this nature will not be tolerated and those responsible will be brought to justice.

"There is no hiding place for such people and they need to understand that. Chester-le-Street and its surrounding areas are safe places to live and work.

"We will do all that is necessary to ensure that remains the case and any person contemplating doing anything to change that needs to know we will act swiftly and decisively to deal with them."

Eight youths aged 14 to 16 have been arrested on suspicion of offences including grievous bodily harm, violent disorder and criminal damage.

They have been released pending further enquiries.