A MAN has been charged with attempted murder following a shooting in Washington on Thursday.

Police were called at about 2pm on Thursday after a 28-year-old man was shot in Washington.

The man was taken to hospital and remains in a critical but stable condition. 

Four people - three men and a woman - had been arrested in connection with the shooting.

Today, police charged John Dees, 33, of No Fixed Address, with attempted murder and possession of a shotgun with intent to endanger life.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear before South Shields Magistrates on Monday.

The woman who was arrested has been released on police bail while enquiries continue while the two others arrested have been released without charge.

The firearm believed to have been used in this attack has been recovered by police. 

Chief Inspector Sam Rennison, of Northumbria Police,  thanked the community for their cooperation and support over the last 48 hours.

“Any incident of this type is likely to shock the local community, but I would like to thank the community of Washington for the way they have come together and supported officers at every step of this investigation,” Chief Insp Rennison said.

“Firearms incidents are very rare in this area and I would like to reiterate we believe this was an isolated incident with all parties involved thought to be known to each other.

“A man has now been charged with attempted murder and I would ask members of the public to respect the active legal proceedings and refrain from speculating on social media, as this could potentially prejudice the case.”

Police are urging any witnesses or vehicle owners with dashcam footage of the area in question who have yet to come forward to get in touch.

Anyone who can assist police is asked to call 101 quoting log 569 10/10/19, online at the Northumbria Police website, or anonymously by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.