Man and woman released by detectives leading Horden shooting attack inquiry

Durham Constabulary has said the attack in Moutter Close in Horden was a “targeted attack” and believe it is an isolated incident.

The shooting, in the early hours of Sunday, December 8, left a man seriously hurt, but police later said they were not life-threatening.

The 40-year-old was taken by ambulance to the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough, with no information available from police about his current condition.

Officers sealed off the street, off Bruce Kircup Road, as inquires began into the shooting, while the village’s household waste recycling site was shut off to visitors while a search was carried out.

The force said searches in the village, as well as in Peterlee, would continue as part of the probe.

Three people initially arrested in hours after the shooting – a man questioned on suspicion of attempted murder and two women arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder – have been released under investigation.

Two days later, police arrested a man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, while a woman was detained on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They too have been released under investigation.

Witnesses to the incident, or anyone who may have any information which could help the inquiry, are asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting the incident reference 51 of December 8.

Alternatively, any information can be passed on anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.