Following a fatal shooting in County Durham, two individuals have been taken into custody, the local police force has stated. The pair have been detained on suspicion of conspiracy to murder after the lethal shooting event on Saturday night.

After receiving calls about a "disturbance" at an Elm Street address in Stanley, County Durham, around 5.20pm on Saturday, officers rushed to the scene. They found a 60-year-old man who had sustained gunshot wounds.

Despite the efforts of emergency medical teams, the man was pronounced dead at the scene, as confirmed by the police. Locals in Stanley expressed their shock over the shooting, with one nearby resident stating: "I never thought I would experience anything like this. I want to move out, I don't want to be here."

In response to the incident, an investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of a 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman by Sunday, both suspected of conspiracy to murder and currently being held in police custody.

The area remains cordoned off as the investigation proceeds. The family of the deceased has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Superintendent Neil Fuller, the senior investigating officer from Durham Constabulary, said: "Our officers are carrying out extensive inquiries and I am grateful for the support and co-operation we have received from the community so far."

He added: "I would urge anyone who has yet to get in touch with us to do so. Please don't assume we already know. All relevant lines of inquiry will be explored.

"Our thoughts remain with the man's family at this time."

Durham Constabulary is urging anyone with information to contact them on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency, quoting incident number 302 of April 5.