The trial of four men accused of being involved in a pub shooting where a pensioner died will be held later this year.

Fred Fowler, 72, died and Michael Nixon, 19, was injured when two gunmen burst into the Tap and Barrel pub, in Hendon, Sunderland, on July 18, last year.

Lee Hay, 19, of Patter-dale Street, and William Tobin, 46, of Kilwick Street, both Hartlepool, Robert Fox, 36, of Rotherham Road, Sunderland, and Robert Chapman, of 36, of no fixed address, were due to face a jury in connection with the incident this week.

But Mr Justice Christopher Holland adjourned the case at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday and a new trial date will be set when the case is returned to court today.

All four deny charges that include murder and attempted murder.