A 36-year-old man was remanded in custody by magistrates yesterday charged with the murder of a pensioner who was shot as he sat enjoying a pint in his local pub.

A teenager was also injured during the shooting at the Tap and Barrel pub, in the Hendon area of Sunderland, nine days ago.

Robert Fox, of Rotherham Road, Sunderland, appeared before city magistrates 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.

No application for bail was made and reporting restrictions were not lifted.

Mr Fox was remanded in custody to appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, August 3.

* Police have arrested a 31-year-old Cleveland man in connection with the theft of a vehicle used in the shooting. The suspect was arrested by Cleveland Police on behalf of Northumbria Police. He was last night helping police with their inquiries.