Detectives investigating the horiffic murder of an innocent pensioner who was gunned down by masked raiders arrested a man today on suspicion of murder.

The family of innocent pensioner Fred Fowler, 72, were left distraught at his violent death.

The devoted dad and grandad was enjoying a quiet drink in his local when the men opened fire with a shotgun. He died at the scene at the Tap and Barrel pub, in Sunderland, on Sunday evening.

Police liason officers are helping his daughter and four-year-old granson come to terms with the horrific murder.

A police spokesman said yesterday a man from the Sunderland area had been arrested on suspicion on murder and was helping detectives with their inquiries.

Officers described how the "close-knit" family were "deeply upset" and distressed at the violent and sudden way Mr Fowler met his death.

After he and his wife separated, Mr fowler gave up his job to bring up his nine-year-old daughter, and have been extremely close ever since.

He is described by friends and family as a gentleman, a loving father and grandfather and a very shy man.

He is part of a large family and is survived by two brothers and three sisters. He has a daughter, 37, and a four-year-old grandson.

During the 1980s Mr Fowler did voluntary work for the Alzheimer's Trust in Sunderland and both he and his daughter were on the trust's committee, he as treasurer.

He was also chairman of the Grangetown Workingmen's Club during the 1980s and remained a member until he died. He organised dances at the club and would sing a song at the end of the night.

In 2001 he moved into sheltered accommodation in Hendon and was active on the committee at his new home and was well liked by other residents.

Mr Fowler suffered from arthritis and osteoporosis and walked with the aid of a stick but despite his medical condition he was never ill. He was a regular social drinker at the Tap and Barrel which was the nearest pub he could walk to.

Police yesterday described how a 19-year-old man, who was critically injured in the shooting, was moved from the High dependency Unit into a hospital side ward. His condition is described as stable and comfortable.

Officers have now established that the black Ford Focus car registration LS02 ZKV was stolen from the Ingleby Barwick area just outside Stockton.

Det Supt Barbara Franklin, incharge of the 50-strong team, said: "House to house enquiries are continuing and they will be extending to Toward Road, where the Ford Focus was abandoned by the gunmen."

Det Supt Franklin added: "We would again appeal for anyone with information to contact us.

"Their information could be vital to our enquiries and help us catch the people responsible for this terrifying incident which has shocked the community."