TWO men are due to appear in court this morning charged with offences relating to an alleged shooting incident at a North-East horse fair.

Armed police descended on the annual Seagrave Horse Fair, in west Durham, early on Sunday after receiving reports that gunshots had been fired.

Officers spent all of Sunday on land at Checker Leazes, between Evenwood and West Auckland, where up to 5,000 members of the travelling community were staying, and made a number of arrests.

The search of the site was completed yesterday, and police said a number of weapons had been recovered. The travellers have now dispersed.

John Riley and Patrick William Watson, both from the Doncaster area, will appear before magistrates in Peterlee this morning.

Mr Riley, 21, is charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and violent disorder. Mr Watson, 26, is accused of violent disorder.

A third man, 19-year-old Thomas Watson, also from the Doncaster area, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and has been bailed to appear at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 9.

Four other men arrested in connection with the incident were released on police bail, pending further inquiries.

Detective Inspector Paul Harker appealed for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "We are aware of the sensitivities in this particular case and that people might feel frightened or mistrustful about coming forward.

"But we really do ask that people who have been injured, or have any information, to speak to us and they will be treated confidentially and their privacy respected as far as possible.

"We need their help and assistance to get to the bottom of what has gone on."

Anybody with information is asked to contact Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.