A shopkeeper last night appealed for an 'end to the craziness' after four teenagers were beaten by a rival gang with bats and bars in the latest attack on his store.

The young people suffered gashed heads and other injuries after they were attacked by about 20 other youths outside Costcutter grocery store in Rose Hill on Sunday, sparking increased police patrols the following night and yesterday to stop any repeats.

The victims are related to Costcutter owner Anwar Dogar, who said the attack was the latest and most serious incident of antisocial behaviour targeting his family since he took over the lease on the council-owned premises two and a half weeks ago.

A fortnight ago a frightened member of staff handed in her notice after the front window was smashed, and other employees have received abuse from youths hanging around outside the shop.

Mr Dogar, 47, from Headington, could not understand why people were targeting him.

He said: "This craziness has got to end. We are here to help the community. We are only trying to make a living peacefully.

"Co-op pulled out because of all the trouble they were encountering and I am really worried about the safety of my staff and I'm worried about my family working here as well.

"Local people need a store here because otherwise they would have to walk a long way. The majority of people in Rose Hill are nice people, but as always it is the minority that are causing trouble."

The assault happened at about 6pm on Sunday evening when the 13-year-old son of Mr Dogar and two of his friends were closing up after a stocktake. MJ, another of Mr Dogar's sons, said: "My 19-year-old cousin arrived to pick my little brother and his friends up from outside the shop, but the four of them then got surrounded by a gang carrying baseball bats and iron bars.

"My cousin told my brother and his friends to run away but they were unable to get very far.

"Fortunately they were found by a local woman who took them in, took care of them all and called an ambulance. We are very grateful to her."

MJ said earlier in the day a group of teenagers started throwing goods around at the back of the shop and then stealing items while Mr Dogar's daughter and another woman were working behind the counter.

The gang were white teenagers but police spokesman Victoria Bartlett said it was not thought to be a racially motivated assault. This was a very unusual incident and we have stepped up police patrols in the area to reassure the public and deter any people who may be intent on causing further disorder," she said.

Two people - an 18-year-old and a 16-year-old - were arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and released on police bail.