A MAN arrested after an armed siege appeared before magistrates yesterday on a wounding charge.

John Piggins, 32, of Cross Street, Leadgate, County Durham, was also charged with causing an affray on June 25 and two further charges of criminal damage between June 5 and 6.

Appearing before Peterlee magistrates, Mr Piggins made no application for bail and was remanded in custody to Durham Crown Court, on July 3, on a charge of wounding Dawn Elliott with intent, and of causing an affray.

He was also bailed on the two criminal damage charges and remanded until July 10 at Peterlee Magistrates' Court.

Mr Piggins surrendered to officers on Tuesday afternoon after an 11-hour stand-off with armed police at a home in Willow Crescent, Leadgate.