Police investigation ongoing into attempted murder in Horden

Officers were called to the scene in the early hours of Sunday, December 8.

A man was left with serious injuring after he was shot in the incident at around 1.45am on Sunday at Moutter Close.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Two women are also in the force’s custody on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

The victim was rushed to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesborough where he remains.

Police officers carry out a search outside the home in Moutter Close, Horden.

Forensic teams have been working at the address and a police cordon is in place.

Detectives carried out house-to-house inquiries in and around Moutter Close as forensic teams combed the area for evidence and clues.

One man, who lives nearby but did not wish to be named, said: "It was about three or four in the morning, I just heard the police helicopter, I didn't hear any sirens.

“I heard the helicopter, I looked out of the window and saw loads of policemen with guns. So I just locked the door.”

The man’s partner said she was told to walk “the long way round” to get to her home by officers after returning from her mother’s to find the street cordoned off.

She added: “We’ve just moved back, but I used to live round here for 16 years and there’s been nothing like this round here before.”

Another neighbour aded: “This is terrifying. To think that someone has come here with a gun. It’s shocking.

“There were police everywhere andsome of them had guns as well. I just hope police get to the bottom of it quickly.

“This is a decent street and the people here are decent people. you don’t expect to wake up to find there has been a shooting.”

Detectives are now pleading to the community for anyone who may have information to come forward.

DCI Stephen Thubron, of Durham Police, said: “I am appealing to anyone within this community who may have witnessed this incident or have any information to come forward and speak to us.”

Witnesses can contact the force on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident reference 51 of December 8.

Information can also be shared anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.