POLICE are appealing to residents to help to identify whoever was responsible for two shooting incidents in East Cleveland.

A 43-year-old Guisborough man arrested by Redcar detectives earlier this week in connection with the incidents at Lingdale at the weekend, has been released unconditionally.

In the first incident, a shotgun was fired into a house in Lingdale High Street.

The shot smashed through the lounge window and through an internal door into an adjoining room.

The 34-year-old homeowner's two dogs were later shot dead in their enclosures on nearby Rosedale Garden allotments.

Specialist forensic teams carried out searches of two addresses, one in Lingdale, the other at Guisborough, but found no trace of a firearm.

Cleveland Police are hoping local people could help them to locate the gun.

Detective Sergeant Jon Green said: "Our inquiries are ongoing and we are still intent on locating the firearm used in these incidents.

"I am aware that Lingdale is a close-knit community and feel sure there are persons who can assist us locating this weapon and identifying those responsible for its use.

"I would urge those persons to come forward and speak to us.

"Any incident involving firearms is obviously of great concern to us and we are thankful that no one was seriously hurt on this occasion, although the outcome so easily could have been much worse."

He added: "We are determined to remove firearms used in this way from circulation and I would urge anyone with information to contact us."

The bodies of the dogs were removed by police for further examination.

Anyone who can help is asked to call Cleveland Police on (01642) 302626 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.