GUNMAN HUNTED
Shock over incident
POLICE were yesterday hunting a gunman suspected of shooting out windows of a Newcastle home.
Detectives and forensics officers are investigating after a property on Lordenshaw in West Denton was damaged during the night.
The occupant of the house was not injured and police say they have not made any arrests.
The shooting happened shortly after 1am yesterday, in the residential street. A cordon was put up and extended to include both Lordenshaw and Lowleam Court with police dog handlers turning up shortly after 10am.
Neighbours have spoken of their shock at hearing the sound of a “gunshot” during the night, but police say “there is not believed to be any wider risk to the public”.
One resident said they heard the sound of a “pop” at around 1.30am.
She said: “We thought it was a gunshot, like a gun shot through a window”.
One elderly woman said: “I woke up at 4am to go to the toilet and saw all these officers outside. It looked like they were armed.
“I don’t actually know what happened. I assumed it might have been a robbery or burglary.”
Another resident who lives on the street said she heard “a big bang” just after 1am.
The mum said: “I was sitting downstairs and I heard this bang. I just jumped, I got such a shock.
“I then heard a lot of commotion but I couldn’t actually see anything. I heard what sounded like maybe police talking on radios.”
Patrols in the area have been stepped up and a Northumbria Police spokeswoman said: “An investigation has been launched after windows were damaged at a house in Newcastle.
“At around 1.21am today [Friday], we received reports of a disturbance on Lordenshaw in the West Denton area of Newcastle. Officers attended the scene and found that windows had been damaged at an address.
“Police spoke to the occupant of the address who did not require any medical treatment.
“At this stage it is believed the damage could have been caused by a firearm but enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances.
“Extra patrols are in the area to offer reassurance to local residents but there is not believed to be any wider risk to the public.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference 58 01/06/18.