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

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

A 19-year-old, Micky Nixon, was wounded by the two masked gunmen and 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 winning a 24-hour extension from magistrates.

Fliers and posters bearing a picture of Mr Fowler, of Nelson Court, have been distributed and put up around Hendon in a bid to encourage mor3e people to come forward with information.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin said: "We have made appeals to the public and carried out house-to-house enquiries 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 enquiry please don't wait to be asked by an officer. Come forward and speak to us.

"Your information, however insignificant it may seem, could be vital to our investigation.''

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