TWO men suffered serious injuries in a shooting incident in County Durham last night.

Both victims, who are in their 20s, are expected to undergo further surgery in hospital today as police inquiries are stepped up in the South Moor area of Stanley, County Durham.

Emergency services were alerted by a 999 call from Lime Street, South Moor, shortly after 10pm.

When police arrived at the scene paramedics were treating a man with a wound to his groin area.

He was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, in Durham, where emergency surgery was carried out to stop the bleeding.

His condition is not said to be life threatening but he is expected to undergo further surgery, possibly today.

Almost two hours later a second man attended the hospital with a wound to his arm.

Police said he is also expected to undergo surgery today.

Firearms officers were called to the scene and a large part of Lime Street was cordoned off, as investigations got underway.

House-to-house inquiries were continuing in the area today and a detailed search is underway to identify the scene of the shootings.

Detective Inspector Dave Scott said this morning that neither of the injured men has yet been interviewed in detail by officers.

"At the present time the reasons for the shootings are unknown.

"We need to speak to anyone who knows what has happened and why this has happened."

He added: "There is likely to be a significant police presence in the South Moor area of Stanley today as the investigation continues.

"These officers are there to help the community and anyone with information can speak to them direct."

Anyone with information about the shootings is asked to contact police on 0345-60 60 365, or anonymously, via the Crimestoppers' freephone line, on (0800) 555111.