TWO men were injured in a raid on their home, a court was told yesterday.

Paul Jones and Mark Milburn answered a night-time knock at the door of the mid-terrace house in Wycomb Street, Darlington.

Several men entered the house and attacked the pair.

They were also hit with a telescopic police baton and sprayed with CS gas, Teesside Crown Court was told.

Mr Dodds said that at one stage the first caller to the house said: "I am Leanne's boyfriend. Never phone her again."

Mr Dodds said: "The penny started to drop. Paul Jones used to have a girlfriend called Leanne. The defendant is Leanne's new boyfriend."

Martin Matthews, 25, of Wilson Street, Darlington, denies aggravated burglary with others last November 1 and a charge of affray.

Arrangements had been made for Leanne to return some of Mr Jones' property including cassette tapes. There was some animosity, the court heard.

Mr Dodds said: "The defendant took the opportunity to enlist the help of some of his friends in returning the property, and violence ensued."

Police recognised the smell of CS gas when they answered an emergency call.

Mr Matthews was traced through the girl, and the men picked him out at two identification parades.

The hearing continues.