A PUB customer told a court yesterday how terrified women hid in the toilets after gunmen opened fire.

Chris Botham was talking at the trial of two men accused of shooting dead pensioner Fred Fowler.

She said she was in the ladies toilets when she heard a bang from the bar at the Tap and Barrel in Hendon, Sunderland, on July 18 last year.

Ms Botham told jurors at Newcastle Crown Court: "There were lots of women running into the toilets. They were terrified, panicked. They were scrambling to get into the cubicles."

She said she grew concerned for her sister, who was in the bar when the shots were fired, but was reassured by a customer that she was safe.

After making her way back into the bar, Ms Botham tried to assist Mr Fowler, 72, then noticed Michael Nixon, 19, had also been injured.

Paramedics arrived a short time later. Mr Fowler died at the scene and Mr Nixon will be permanently affected by his injuries.

Prosecutors claim Robert Fox and Robert Chapman shot the men in a botched attempt to target a rival of Mr Fox.

Mr Fox, 37, of Redhouse, Sunderland, and Chapman, 36, of Hartlepool, deny murder, attempted murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent and firearms charges.

The trial continues.