Woman and man arrested after 60-year-old shot dead on the street

A 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the alleged murder of a man shot dead in north-east England.

The 60-year-old man died in Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday evening in a 'truly shocking incident'.

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance on Elm Street where they found the man had been gunned down. 

Paramedics treated the 60-year-old but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police taped off the terraced street in the South Moor area of the town and a blue tent was erected in the road.

Forensic officers in blue overalls were working at the scene and a police drone buzzed overhead while Durham Constabulary warned residents that a large police presence is expected to remain for some time.

The man's family were informed of his passing and are receiving support from specialist officers.

Danielle Scott, who lives a few doors away from the shooting, said it was 'terrifying'.

She said: 'I live on my own with my two-year-old daughter and I walk past that house on a daily basis to take my daughter to the park.

'I normally take her out around that time [of the shooting] as well.

'I don't know if whoever has done it has been caught, that's even more scary, I don't know if it was a random attack.

'It's just terrifying not knowing what's going on. I never thought I would experience anything like this.

'I want to move out, I don't want to be here.'

Another neighbour, Nikki Miller, told Tyne News the victim was a well-liked, friendly face on her street.

'Everyone knew him, there were no bad words about him,' she said.

'He was a working man and never in any trouble.' 

On Sunday, Durham Constabulary said: 'Officers were called to an address in Elm Street at about 5.20pm on Saturday, April 5, following reports of a disturbance.

'A 60-year-old man was found to have been shot and, despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was sadly declared dead at the scene.

'An investigation was launched and officers have this evening arrested a 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

'They have been taken into police custody, where they remain.'

Police originally said the man was in his 50s.  

Detective Superintendent Neil Fuller of Durham Constabulary called it 'a truly shocking incident' on Saturday. 

Anyone who witnessed the incident has been urged to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting incident number 302.