A MAN has appeared in court after two people were struck by a car and armed police were called to a rooftop stand-off.

The five-hour operation in Barsloan Grove, Peterlee, ended at 9.30pm on Tuesday.

Earlier in the day two men, aged 32 and 35, were hurt after they were hit by a car on a grassed area in the Edenhill Road area of the town.

Luther Ankonum, also known as Luther Smith, 26, of Fairclough Court, Peterlee, is facing ten charges in connection with the incidents.

He appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court this morning.

He is charged with four counts of attempted GBH with intent, two counts of criminal damage, affray, common assault, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

No pleas were entered and no representations were made on his behalf by his solicitor, David Malone.

Mr Ankonum has been remanded into custody until his next appearance at Durham Crown Court on May 11.