Two people are recovering after being shot in Spennymoor last night. The shootings happened in an alleyway in Spennymoor just after 5pm on Saturday.
A 40 year old man suffered a minor injury and was released after treatment while a 59 year old remains in hospital where his injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
A police officer said “It is believed both males were shot during the same incident at the rear of Clyde Terrace, Spennymoor, shortly before the police were called”
Acting Chief Inspector Tony Avery said he did not think the men were shot at random and said the wider community was not at risk. He said “Incidents of this nature are very unusual and there is nothing to suggest people in the wider community are in danger.”
He also added “I would like to thank the people affected by the police presence for their patience and we will continue to support them so they can go about their lives as normally as possible. Maintaining the cordon is crucial to the investigation as a thorough search for evidence continues.”
An 18-year-old local man arrested last night on suspicion of attempted murder has been bailed pending further enquiries while a 32-year-old local man, also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, remains in custody at Bishop Auckland police station.
A police cordon remains around Clyde Terrace, the back alleyway and a nearby storage compound and this may remain in place into tomorrow morning.
Police have appealed for any witnesses to come forward and call 0345 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.