A MAN was recovering in hospital last night after he was shot on a North-East housing estate.

Police have launched an investigation into the firearms incident which took place in Bishop Auckland, yesterday afternoon.

The 26-year-old man, who has not yet been identified by police, sustained a gunshot wound during the shooting in Wensleydale Square, on the Woodhouse Close Estate, just before 1pm.

A police spokeswoman said last night that it appeared the man, who is thought to live locally, had been shot at from a distance.

It is not known what type of firearm was discharged during the shooting.

The injured man was initially taken to Bishop Auckland Hospital for treatment, before being transferred to Darlington Memorial Hospital.

The extent of his injury is not yet known, but last night hospital staff said he was in a stable condition.

The motive for the incident has not yet been established.

Shocked householders living in the area were yesterday remaining tight-lipped about the incident, but some neighbours believe the victim may have known the person who shot him.

Police officers were making door to door inquiries in the vicinity of Wensleydale Square throughout yesterday afternoon and there were two officers standing guard outside a house on the estate.

Two men, aged 26 and 47, who are also thought to live locally, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

Last night they remained in custody at Bishop Auckland and Spennymoor police stations.

Police are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information about the incident to call 0345-60-60-365 or Crimestoppers 0800-555-111.