AMID tight police security, two men appeared in court yesterday charged with offences relating to an alleged shooting incident at a North-East horse fair at the weekend.

John Riley, 21, of Lime Tree Avenue, Doncaster, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and violent disorder, and Patrick William Watson, 26, of Applegarth Bungalow, also Doncaster, was accused of violent disorder.

Ian Walker, prosecuting at Peterlee Magistrates' Court, in east Durham, told magistrates the charges arose from an incident in the early hours of Sunday in which shots were allegedly fired at the horse fair, at Checkers Leazes between Evenwood and West Auckland, County Durham, where more than 600 people had gathered.

Both men were bailed in the sum of £60,000 with several bail conditions imposed.

They included that both men keep out of County Durham, unless they are attending court or for prearranged meetings with solicitors.

The men were also ordered not to go within ten miles of Appleby Railway Station, in Cumbria. They must live at their given addresses and are the subjects of a curfew between 9pm and 7am.

They must also report to their nearest police station every day and must not communicate with witnesses, either directly or indirectly.

They were bailed to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Tuesday, June 29.

A third man, 19-year-old Thomas Watson, also from the Doncaster area, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and has been bailed to appear at Bishop Auckland Magistrates' Court next Wednesday.

Four other men arrested in connection with the incident were released on police bail pending further inquiries.

Detective Inspector Paul Harker has appealed for witnesses to come forward.

He said: "We are aware of the sensitivities in this case and that people might feel frightened or mistrustful about coming forward.

"But we ask that people who have been injured, or have any information, to speak to us and they will be treated confidentially and their privacy respected as far as possible.

"We need their help and assistance to get to the bottom of what has gone on."

Anyone with information is asked to call Bishop Auckland police on (01388) 603566.