TWO men arrested in connection with the shooting of a man in his garden have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

A 56-year-old man was was rushed to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds following the incident in Brackendale Court, Station Town, near Wingate, east Durham, at 2.30pm on Monday (August 15).

A spokesman for Durham Police said it is believed the vehicles pulled up and the victim was shot five times as he stood in the front garden. He suffered multiple wounds to the lower part of his body.

Two men aged 24 and 27 from Wingate were arrested in Darlington later that day on suspicion of attempted murder.

They were released after being questioned by detectives. Police are expecting to make further arrests.

Chief Inspector Andy Huddleston said yesterday: “Our initial investigations lead us to believe the shooting was a planned and targeted attack.

"We do not believe there is a wider risk to the public at this time. An extensive investigation is very much ongoing and further arrests are likely.

"The man’s condition is described as serious, but not life-threatening.”

The investigation team have been conducting house-to-house inquiries and are reviewing CCTV footage along with forensic examinations.

Chief Insp Huddleston said: “I would like to appeal to any members of the public who saw anyone acting suspiciously or vehicles travelling at speed in and around the Wingate area on Monday afternoon to contact us.

"While this is shocking, incidents of this nature are thankfully rare in County Durham and our neighbourhood officers will be in the community today passing this message on.”

Anyone with information can contact Durham Police on 101.