Two charged over alleged gun attack
PAIR IN COURT AFTER DRIVER ‘SHOT AT’
TWO men have been charged with attempted murder after a gun was allegedly fired in Newcastle.
At about 7.45am on Friday, February 22, police received a report that a gun had shot at a white van as it waited at traffic lights on Windsor Way in Kingston Park.
Nobody was injured and the driver of the van was able to run off, before later contacting police.
The alleged gunman was also seen by witnesses getting into the passenger side of a blue Rover 75 Saloon and being driven away.
This vehicle was quickly abandoned and burned out on South Benwell Road.
A police investigation was launched immediately and extensive inquiries have taken place to identify those responsible.
In total, 11 people have been arrested as part of the investigation but, yesterday, two men were charged by police.
Mark Exley, 44, of no fixed abode, and Christopher David Jones, 34, of Whitbeck Road, Slatyford, have each been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
They were remanded in custody to appear before magistrates in Bedlington this morning.
Yesterday, Northumbria Police’s Superintendent Karl Wilson thanked residents in Kingston Park for their patience during the early investigations.
He said: “This has been a huge investigation and our officers have carried out extensive inquiries in the Kingston Park area.
“Not only are incidents of this nature frightening for residents but they are also very disruptive and I want to thank everyone for their co-operation and patience.
“Since the incident was reported to us we have carried out hundreds of door-to-door inquiries, trawled through hours of CCTV and arrested a dozen people.
“Incidents involving firearms are very rare in our area but when they do happen we will do everything we can to establish what has happened.
“Our neighbourhood officers will continue to provide highly visible patrols in the area and anyone who has any concerns is encouraged to approach them.”
Anyone who has information that may assist police, and is yet to contact officers, is encouraged to call 101 quoting log 175 22/02/19.
You can also report information online at www.northumbria. police.uk, email central.intelligence@northumbria.pnn.police. uk or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.