Man Shot In County Durham

Two men have been arrested after a County Durham man was shot in a drive-by attack in broad daylight.

The 56-year-old victim was standing in his garden in Wingate, at 2.30pm when vehicles pulled up outside the house and he was shot a number of times.

He was taken to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds, but his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

Durham Constabulary said two men, aged 24 and 27 and from Wingate, were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after the incident yesterday and remain in custody.

They said they believe the attack was planned and do not think there is a risk to the public.

Chief Inspector Andy Huddleston said ``Our initial investigations lead us to believe the shooting was a planned and targeted attack. We do not believe there is a wider risk to the public at this time.

``An extensive investigation is very much ongoing and further arrests are likely. The investigation team will be conducting house-to-house inquiries, reviewing CCTV footage along with forensic examinations.

``I would like to appeal to any members of the public who saw anyone acting suspiciously or vehicles travelling at speed in and around the Wingate area yesterday afternoon to contact us.

``Whilst this is shocking, incidents of this nature are thankfully rare in County Durham and our neighbourhood officers will be in the community today passing this message on.''