Man charged with attempted murder after Consett ‘shooting’

At around 1.05am last Sunday (September 13), an Audi is believed to have been rammed by a Mitsubishi on Front Street, Consett.

One of the occupants of the Audi is then alleged to have fired shots towards an occupant in the Mitsubishi before making off from the scene.

(Image: Joshua Nichol)

Nobody was injured during the incident, according to police.

Yesterday (September 18), armed police arrested a 37-year-old man in Burnhope and brought him into police custody for questioning.

Today (September 19), David Railton, of Framwellgate Moor, in Durham, has been charged with attempted murder.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday (September 21).

(Image: Joshua Nichol)

A large police cordon was put up between the junctions with Albert Road and Medomsley Road on Friday, blocking off several businesses.

Further searches have also been carried out at a house in the Framwellgate Moor area of Durham in connection with the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Atkinson, from Durham Constabulary, said: “We understand this incident will have caused a great deal of concern and alarm in the local community.

(Image: Joshua Nichol)

“As a result, we have increased our patrols in the area to provide reassurance to residents.

“I’d like to thank the community for their patience and support while we carried out our enquiries at the scene.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about this incident to please report it, either directly to the police or anonymously to Crimestoppers.”

During the incident, residents and business owners were left baffled by the police presence.

One business owner told The Northern Echo: “They’ve been here about an hour.

“There was a line of officers sweeping the street. I’m not sure what they are looking for.

“We’ve had cannabis raids before, but this is different to that.”

A resident, who wishes to remain unnamed, added: “I don’t know what’s happened, but five or so officers were sweeping the path.

“It looked like they were looking for evidence.”