A THIRD man has been arrested in connection with the death of a pensioner who was shot as he sat enjoying a pint in his local pub.

A police spokesman said a 27-year-old Hartlepool man been arrested in connection with the theft of the car used in the shooting at the Tap and Barrel pub, in the Hendon area of Sunderland.

A 31-year-old man. who is also from the also from the Hartlepool area, has been released on police bail pending further inquiries, after being questioned about the same theft.

Robert Fox, 36, of Rotherham Road, Sunderland, was remanded by magistrates on Wednesday charged with murdering 72-year-old Fred Fowler and causing grievous bodily harm with intent to 19-year-old Michael Nixon at the pub on July 18.

He also faced related charges of possessing a .38 calibre handgun with intent to endanger life and possessing a .38 calibre handgun without a certificate.

Mr Fox also faced a further charge of possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life relating to an incident in March this year.

Mr Fox will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday.