A MAN has been shot several times after a number of cars pulled up outside his home yesterday afternoon.

The 56-year-old was rushed to hospital with multiple gunshot wounds but his injuries, at this stage, are not thought to be life-threatening.

The shootings happened shortly after 2.30pm yesterday (Monday, August 15) outside a house in Brackendale Court, Wingate, near Peterlee.

A spokesman for Durham Police said it is believed the vehicles pulled up and the victim was shot as he was standing in the front garden.

Two men aged 24 and 27 from Wingate were arrested yesterday on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in custody where they are being questioned by detectives.

Chief Inspector Andy Huddleston said “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 investigation team will be conducting house to house enquiries, reviewing CCTV footage along with forensic examinations.

He added: “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 yesterday afternoon to contact us. 

"Whilst 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 police on 101.