Man arrested after shooting at Lanchester Car Wash

Police were called to reports of shots being fired at Lanchester Hand Car Wash, just before 7.30pm on Monday (August 11).

It is believed a car pulled onto the forecourt of the business, where four men had arrived a short time earlier, police said. 

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A passenger from the car then allegedly opened fire before the vehicle fled the scene.

Police at the scene of Lanchester Hand Car Wash on the A691 (Image: STUART BOULTON) A man in his 50s suffered pellet injuries to his chest, face, forehead, and eye. He was treated by paramedics at the scene but declined hospital treatment.

Firearms officers tracked down a man in his 20s who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He remains in police custody at this time.

Police at the hand car wash in Lanchester (Image: STUART BOULTON) The A691 remains closed in both directions between Consett and Lanchester, with a cordon in place opposite St Bede’s Catholic School and Sixth Form College.

Investigators were pictured at the scene on Tuesday (August 12) carrying out forensic work.

Police and CSI on the A691 at Lanchester (Image: STUART BOULTON) A marked police car could be seen blocking the A691 into Lanchester, while officers stand guard at the car wash.

Durham Police appealed for information from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or captured dashcam footage in the area around the time.

“Officers would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage from the area at the time,” a spokesperson said.

“If you have any information, call 101 quoting incident reference number 437 of August 11, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The A691 is expected to remain shut until investigators complete their work.

Motorists are advised to divert via Maiden Law and Howden Bank if travelling to or from Lanchester.