DETECTIVES investigating the shooting of a 21-year-old soldier at the weekend believe those responsible may have been in the area up to an hour beforehand.

Witnesses have come forward to say a dark-coloured Land Rover Discovery was in the Princes Square area of Thornaby, Teesside, an hour before the 9.30pm shooting on Saturday.

The 4x4 was possibly driven by a woman who had shoulder-length blonde hair, was of slim build and was wearing a dark jumper.

There were two men with her. The first was white, in his 20s, 5ft 9in to 5ft 10in tall, of stocky build with short blond hair. He was wearing a blue top with white stripes. The second man was also white, in his thirties and 5ft 9in to 5ft 10 tall. He had short dark hair and a large head. He wore a black top.

Yesterday, police said an X-reg Land Rover Discovery was found burnt out near Redmarshall in the early hours of Sunday.

Officers are investigating the possibility of a link between the two vehicles and are asking people who may have seen the vehicle on Saturday to come forward. They would also like to hear from anyone who saw people in the Thornaby area acting suspiciously.

The shooting victim was last night said to be stable in a secret hospital location, under armed police guard.

Anyone with information is asked to call (01642) 302226.