Armed police swoop on Middleton-in-Teesdale

A major police operation unfolded in Middleton-in-Teesdale as officers investigating a shooting in Gainford made a series of arrests.

Police apprehended six more people in relation to the shooting, which occurred in Balmer Hill on August 29 and left a 46-year-old man in a critical, but stable, condition.

A man aged 20 and a 16-year-old youth were arrested soon after the incident.

Subsequently, two men were seen in handcuffs outside the Forresters Hotel, in Middleton, last Friday (September 4).

Of the latest arrests, a police spokesperson said: “Three men, aged 32, 31 and 26, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

“A 31-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

“A 39-year-old man and 16-year-old boy have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

“All six remain in custody while further enquiries are carried out.”

About a dozen armed officers and four police vehicles were involved in the operation, which took place early in the morning.