Two arrests made after man in 50s shot dead in broad daylight in County Durham

By Flaminia Luck

A 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman have been arrested in connection with the murder of a 60-year-old man shot dead in a small town in County Durham.

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Barry Dawson was pronounced dead at the scene following the "shocking incident" in the small community of Stanley, according to the Chronicle.

Officers were called to an address in Elm Street at around 5.20pm on Saturday, following reports of a "disturbance".

The Chronicle also reported a large section of Elm Street remains cordoned off with police tape and a tent outside what neighbours say is Barry's home.

A black car outside has also been covered with police tape. A window at the front of the terraced property appears to be broken.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers, Durham Constabulary said.

Officers are also carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the small-knit community.

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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 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.

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."

Nikki Miller told Tyne Tees News the victim was a friendly face in the street who was well-liked.

She said: "Everyone knew him, there were no bad words about him.

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

Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, or 999 in an emergency, quoting incident number 302 of April 5.