UPDATE: ‘Drive-by’ shooting leaves man in hospital with gunshot wounds

Police are appealing for information after the incident, which happened just after 2.30pm on Monday afternoon.

Police say it is believed vehicles pulled up outside of a property and the man, aged 56, was shot a number of times as he was standing in the garden of the house.

The vehicles then left the scene.

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Police have now revealed that the man was shot a number of times in the lower body.

Chief Inspector Andy Huddleston of Durham Police 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.”

The man who was shot in Brackendale Court, Station Town, was taken to hospital with multiple gunshot injuries.

His injuries are believed, at this stage, to be non-life threatening.

Two men aged 24 and 27 from Wingate were arrested yesterday and remain in custody where they are being questioned by detectives.

Chf Insp Huddleston added: “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.”

Anyone with information can contact police on 101.