POLICE investigating a double shooting earlier this month have recovered a second firearm.

Officers had been conducting searches around Clyde Terrace, Spennymoor, County Durham, where on Saturday, October 9, two men from the town received shotgun injuries during an incident in an alleyway. Neither victim was seriously hurt, although one received hospital treatment.

Last week, police recovered a shotgun from an outbuilding at the rear of Clyde Terrace, and on Tuesday, a second shotgun was found on open land in the area.

The two weapons will be examined to see whether either of them was used in the incident.

Police have stepped up foot and mobile patrols to provide additional reassurance to local people. “It should be stressed this was not a random incident between strangers. Those involved all knew each other,” said Chief Inspector Vicki Martin.

Last week, a 44-year-old local man was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and assault causing actual bodily harm in connection with the incident.

On Wednesday, at Durham Crown Court, the case against him was discontinued following advice from the Crown Prosecution Service.

Six other men remain on police bail pending further inquiries.

Anyone who can assist the police investigation who has not already come forward should contact the incident room via the non-emergency number, 0345-60-60-365. They can also call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.