Gainford residents in shock after shooting

People in Gainford have described their fear and shock after a shooting that left a man in a critical condition.

A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were arrested soon after the incident in Balmer Hill on Saturday, August 29, but have since been released pending police investigation.

About 12 police vehicles and three ambulances attended the incident which was reported at about 8.10pm.

A man who lives around the corner from the shooting described hearing what he thought was a motorbike “roaring” into the estate.

He added: “We heard it roar in, and that was unusual and that’s what made you prick your ears up, and then two shots, and then what we thought was a motorbike roaring out.”

Police have since asked for anyone who has seen the movements of a red F-type Jaguar cabriolet with a black roof between noon and 9pm that day to get in touch.

The vehicle was recovered at Witton Park less than an hour after the incident.

It is believed to have been in the Crook, Willington, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe and Gainford areas.

The resident said his son walked down to the corner to see what was happening and quickly returned to call the police, but they had already been alerted.

“The police were very quick.

“From what we could see from here we counted nine police vehicles, but apparently there were another three that we didn’t see around there.

“They all jumped out and it was body-armour time while they dealt with the situation.”

Talking about the impact on the village the man said: “Shock.

“It was 1978 when we moved in here and there has never ever been anything quite like that.

“Now we live in fear.”

He described Balmer Hill as a quiet estate with a lot of retired residents, but also with younger couples moving in.

Another resident, a woman, said: “We are worried.

“I have lived here 38 years and nothing like this has ever happened.”

A police spokesperson said an investigation is ongoing.

“A 46-year-old man suffered birdshot injuries to his abdomen and was taken to hospital.

“His condition has been described as critical but stable.

“No one else at the address was injured,” they said.

“A 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

“The boy was also arrested on suspicion of theft, failing to stop and driving without a licence.

“Both have since been released under investigation while further enquiries are carried out.”