POLICE hunting the killer of a pensioner in a pub shooting have renewed their appeal for information.

Grandfather Fred Fowler, 72, was murdered in the Tap and Barrel pub, in Salem Street, Hendon, Sunderland, on Sunday night.

Micky Nixon, 19, who was wounded by the two masked gunmen, is recovering in hospital.

Police have released without further action a man arrested on Teesside on suspicion of murder.

Last night, they were still questioning a Sunderland man after being granted a 24-hour extension by magistrates.

Fliers and posters bearing a picture of Mr Fowler, of Nelson Court, have been distributed in Hendon to encourage more people to come forward.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin said: "We have made appeals to the public and carried out house-to-house inquiries in part of Hendon.

"Fliers and posters will reinforce the message about the information we are seeking.

"They will also bring home to people the fact that, as a result of this attack, Fred Fowler was murdered and a 19-year-old, who was seriously injured, is facing a long road to recovery.

"I am grateful to people who have come forward already after what was initially a slow start.

"I would now renew my appeal to the Hendon community. If you have any information that could help this inquiry please don't wait to be asked by an officer. Come forward and speak to us."

She said any information, however insignificant it may seem, could be vital.

People can ring the incident room on 0191-454 7555 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.