A MAN and a woman have been arrested in connection with the murder of a North-East hardman who was gunned down at a beauty spot.

The 38-year-old Gateshead man was arrested on suspicion of the murder of convicted drug dealer David Rice.

The 25-year-old South Shields woman was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

Both were picked up by police this afternoon in South Tyneside.

A 46-year-old Wallsend man arrested by armed officers at 4am on Thursday morning on suspicion of murder and later released on police bail, pending further inquiries.

Mr Rice, who was known as Noddy, was gunned down in his car at Marsden Grotto, at 4pm on Wednesday.

The 42-year-old South Shields man was shot several times by two masked men and tried to drag himself out of the car but collapsed and was shot in the head.

His attackers then fled the scene in Ford Mondeo, which was later found burnt out at nearby Lizard Lane.

Detectives investigating the murder believe he went to the scene for a pre-arranged meeting.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin, leading the investigation, said: "It was a place he often met friends and associates or parked his car before going to train on the beach."

Mr Rice, who was engaged to his current partner, had seven children ranging from two-and-a-half to 25.

His family are said to be distraught.

He was well-known in South Shields and his family said he supported them by buying and selling second-hand cars.