A LEADING figure in the travelling community has called for an end to the 'senseless' violence and attacks believed to be linked to a gipsy feud.

Two skulls belonging to teenage brothers were dug up from a County Durham cemetery at the weekend - an apparent escalation of the feud which has already seen two lorries rammed into homes and a petrol bomb thrown into a house in Darlington.

The senior figure in the area, who did not wish to be named, told The Northern Echo: "We're absolutely shocked and disgusted by it. It has shocked the community.

"Never in the history of our people have I heard anything like this."

On Monday Durham Constabulary reassured members of the public that recent incidents were 'focused and targeted' and did not involve the wider community.

Detective Superintendent Adrian Green said the feud 'had to stop', adding the force would be running regular police patrols in key areas to 'deal robustly' with any further incidents.

The assurance came as it emerged the disturbed graves at Metal Bridge cemetery, near Spennymoor, belonged to Levi George Price and Gareth Price who both took their own lives aged 16.

Levi George was found hanged at home in Lovaine Terrace, Ferryhill, in 2001.

His sibling Gareth hanged himself in 2005 in Lancaster farms Young Offenders' Institution while waiting to be sentenced for the rape of a 17-year-old girl.

The leading figure in the travelling community called for an end to the violence.

He said: "You just can't get your head around it, it's like a horror film. We would like it to stop - it's ridiculous and senseless."

It is believed the graves were dug up overnight on Friday.

An investigation was launched the next day after a member of the public spotting the damaged grave and a damaged headstone.

Forensic teams were sent in and exhumed the bodies of the two boys which were taken to a mortuary.

Durham Police do not know the whereabouts of the skulls and have appealed for anyone with information about the 'sickening incident' and wider feud to come forward.

"Be assured, we will treat any information you pass to us with complete confidentiality," said Det Supt Green.

Condemning the grave thefts, he added: "The family are absolutely shocked and devastated by this news. This has taken things too far. It is depraved and goes against the religious and cultural beliefs of decent people."

A cordon remained in place at the cemetery on Bridge Street yesterday.

Anyone with information is asked to call non-emergency 101 quoting log-number 0217 of November 21, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.