TWO police officers feared they were about to be shot when a drunken man took aim in their direction with an air rifle, a court heard.

The officers were called to South Hetton, in east Durham, following reports of a disturbance involving two young men, one carrying a rifle, late last April 28.

Durham Crown Court was told that PCs Ian Sanders and Eamonn Kavanagh saw Anthony Dale Cross, 20, sitting on a wall in Hawthorn Cottages, with the rifle.

David Callan, prosecuting, said Cross approached the police car, pointing the rifle.

"The officers thought it was about to be discharged and, fearing for their safety, tried to reverse the vehicle.

"He was only ten metres away, approaching the passenger side, and the officers braced themselves. But he struck the side of the car with the rifle and then threw it into the road."

Mr Callan said he ran off but was caught and arrested.

Cross, formerly of Bevin Square, South Hetton, admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause a fear of violence.

He received a 12-month community rehabilitation order, the first three months of which he must spend living at a Middlesbrough bail hostel. He was also ordered to pay £653 costs.