Strangers praised for help in saving victim

The quick-thinking of two strangers has been praised by a detective as a gunman was sentenced for shooting his victim in a broad daylight attack

John Dees used a sawn-off shotgun to blast his victim fromthepassengersidedoorof hiscaraftertheformerfriends fell out, sparking the shocking street attack.

He has now been jailed for 21 years over the shooting.

Leaving his victim lying on the ground for dead, the 33-year-oldthugdroveoffaway fromoutsidetheOneStopshop in Blue House Lane in Washington, and began efforts to cover his tracks.

Yesterday, as Dees was sentenced, the officer who led inquiries said it is down to the quick actions of witnesses which helped save the man’s life.

The 28-year-old victim was left with life-changing injuries andwastreatedforalargegunshot wound to his chest, shattered ribs and damage to his liver.

Detective Sergeant Steve Brown, of Northumbria Police’s homicide and major inquiry team, said people on the spot realised there was not time to wait for paramedics.

“It’s really thanks to the initial witnesses at the scene, because they acted so swiftly and knewtheyneededtogethimto hospital,” he said.

“Theygavehimfirstaidand realised how badly injured he was. They took him to hospital in their own vehicle, two complete strangers, while his friend rang ahead.

“It’s because of the communication between the driver, his friend and the NHS being readytodowhattheydoiswhy he survived and that has got to be nothing short of a miracle.

“The community rallied roundandknewtodotheright thing.