DETECTIVES investigating a suspected shooting in Newcastle have arrested a man after a policing operation in Leeds.

Officers are investigating an incident that took place at about 1am last Wednesday, where it is believed a firearm was discharged on Bentinck Street in Elswick.

Initially the incident was not reported to police but officers later became aware that a 19-year-old man was undergoing treatment in hospital for injuries consistent with being shot.

The man in question suffered non-life threatening injuries to his leg and was discharged the same day.

Since enquiries began, armed officers have carried out a number of address searches and have now arrested 12 people, five men and seven women.

A 58-year-old Newcastle man was arrested in Leeds on suspicion of wounding with intent on Tuesday.

Superintendent Peter Bent said: “This is a significant arrest as this particular individual has been wanted for a number of days in connection with the case.

“Twelve people have now been arrested as part of this investigation and it shows that we will take robust action against anyone involved in firearms criminality.

“We stated publicly that we would find the people wanted in connection with this suspected shooting and we have now made some significant arrests.”