DETECTIVES investigating a shooting in Newcastle have charged eight more people.

Northumbria Police had already charged Nathan Mackay, 31, with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after the incident in West Denton on January 4.

It was reported that a couple in a white VW Polo were arguing before the man got out and fired a gun in the direction of the vehicle. The bullet missed the car and damaged the window of a nearby property.

Mackay, of Ravenshill Road, West Denton, has already appeared in court and been remanded in custody ahead of a trial at Newcastle Crown Court at a later date.

Northumbria Police yesterday said a further eight people have been charged with offences including assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice and will appear in court on March 10.

Detective Inspector Sally Macdonald is overseeing the investigation and said there is “no place” for illegal firearms in our communities.

She said: “This has been a complex investigation that has led to officers carrying out enquiries in the North East and in Yorkshire.

“Nathan Mackay is already on remand awaiting a trial at Newcastle Crown Court but we have spent a significant amount of time identifying other people we believe to have been involved.

“This week a further eight people have been charged who we believe have helped Mackay around the time of the incident.

“We hope this swift action reassures members of the local community and shows that there is no place for illegal firearms on our streets.”

Mackay appeared before Bedlington Magistrates’ Court in January charged with possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life and possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He has also been charged with possessing a firearm when prohibited, common assault, theft and two counts of criminal damage and is currently awaiting a trial.

The eight people charged this week were:

- Yaseen Ashraf, 32, of The Burnside, West Denton, has been charged with assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice.

- Shirley Mackay, 60, of Ravenshill Road, West Denton, has been charged with perverting the course of justice.

- Sebastian Mackay, 26, of Ravenshill Road, West Denton, has been charged with assisting an offender.

- Benjamin Roberts, 24, of Haggerston Road, Newcastle, has been charged with assisting an offender.

- Evangeline Tibbs, 21, of Downend Road, Westerhope, has been charged with assisting an offender.

- Karl Glendenning, 42, of Trevelyan Drive, Newbiggin Hall, has been charged with assisting an offender.

- Matthew Campbell, 44, of Woodedge Avenue, Dalton, Huddersfield, has been charged with assisting an offender.

- Tyrone Vanzie, 30, of Stone Street, Bradford, has been charged with assisting an offender.

They are due to appear before North Tyneside Magistrates’ Court on March 10.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 101 quoting log 944 04/01/20 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.

You can also email central.intellience@northumbria.pnn.police.uk or report online at the Northumbria Police website.