DETECTIVES investigation the shooting of a man in his garden have appealed for information about three cars seen in the area around the time of the attack.

A 56-year-old man 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).

Durham Police said it is believed a number of vehicles pulled up and the victim was shot five times as he stood in his front garden.

He suffered multiple wounds to the lower part of his body, but was this afternoon (Wednesday, August 20) described as “doing well and on his way to making a full recovery”.

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

Detective Chief Inspector David Ashton said today: “The two men have now been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

“The investigation is still very active and we are trying to establish what has occurred.

“There are three vehicles in particular we would be interested in finding out more about.

“They are a small black 4X4 vehicle, a grey hatchback vehicle and a red estate vehicle.

“We know they were driving around the Wingate area or in the village between 2pm and the time of the incident at 2.30pm.

“In some instances they were driving around together. If anyone saw them we would be grateful for a call."

DCI Ashton said, five or six people were believed to be involved.

He added: “We think there is a specific reason behind what happened and it was a planned and targeted attack.

“It certainly wasn’t a random attack and we would like to reassure the community, particularly around Wingate."

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

DCI Ashton said: “Witnesses can either contact police directly on 101 or Crimestoppers.

“There are a range of measures police are ready to put in place to make sure that people are safe. “We would encourage anyone with information to give us a call.

“If they don’t feel comfortable coming to the police, then they can use the Crimestoppers number 0800 555 111.”