Two men have appeared in court charged with attempted murder after armed police were called to a firearms incident in Willington.

Emergency services were called shortly after 9pm on Tuesday (May 21) to reports of a disturbance at an address on Russel’s Yard.

Armed officers attended the scene following reports of a man with a weapon alongside colleagues from the ambulance service.

One man suffered hand and leg injuries and was taken James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough for treatment.

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The suspects, Thomas Patterson, aged 50 and 37-year-old Shaun Wilks, were arrested a short time later.

They were both charged with attempted murder, the 50-year-old was additionally charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and assault on an emergency worker.

The men appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates court this morning and were remanded into custody until their next court date on June 20.

The Northern Echo:

A Durham Constabulary spokesperson said: “Officers worked around the clock to secure evidence to put forward to the courts and I would like to thank them for their professionalism and diligence.

“The impact of gun crime on individuals, families and communities is truly devastating and long lasting.

“Anyone found carrying or using a weapon will face the full weight of the law and we will move as quickly as possible to protect the public.”