Teenaged twin brothers have been charged with attempting to murder their stepfather, and offences of violence against their mother and sister.

Cleveland Police said the two 15-year-olds were arrested following an incident at a house in Windsor Street, Hartlepool, on Wednesday night.

The teenagers appeared at the town's magistrates' court yesterday facing an attempted murder charge in relation to their 41-year-old stepfather, as well as charges of assaulting their 36-year-old mother - causing her grievous bodily harm - and wounding their 18-year-old sister.

One of the boys also faced a further charge of assaulting a police officer.

The stepfather is currently being treated in James Cook Memorial Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

The twins' sister was due to undergo surgery for a knife wound to her hand. The mother was released from the University Hospital of Hartlepool after treatment for cuts and bruising.

Cleveland Police said they wanted to hear from anyone who may have heard a commotion on Wednesday night and into the early hours of yesterday.

A police spokesman said: "Police inquiries are continuing into these alleged attacks and we are appealing to anyone living in and around Windsor Street, who may have heard screaming and shouting, to come forward."

The twins, one of whom is thought to have been living with at his mother's home at the time of the incident, were remanded in custody and will appear before Hartlepool Magistrates' Court again on May 12.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 302126.