Man is shot dead after 'disturbance' in County Durham

by · Mail Online

A man in his 50s has been fatally shot in a 'truly shocking incident' in the north of England. 

Officers were called to reports of a disturbance on Elm Street, Stanley, at around 5.20pm yesterday evening where they found the man suffering from gunshot wounds.

Paramedics treated the casualty but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

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

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

The man's family have been 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.

A man in his 50s has been has been fatally shot in a 'truly shocking incident' in the north of England
Officers were called to reports of a disturbance on Elm Street, Stanley, at around 5.20pm yesterday evening
A heavy police presence remains at the address as police begin their investigations, with a cordon expected to stay in place for some time

'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. 

Officers are knocking on nearby doors to gather clues about what happened yesterday evening

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

Detective Superintendent Neil Fuller of Durham Constabulary said: 'This is a truly shocking incident in which a man has been shot and has sadly died.

'Residents may see an increased police presence in the area. I would like to thank them for their support while we carry out our investigations. 

'Our thoughts are with the man's family at this time.'

Officers are knocking on nearby doors to gather clues about what happened yesterday evening. 

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