Update following death of a man in Stanley

Today Superintendent Peter Carr spoke outside Stanley Police Station to give this update:

At 5.20pm on Saturday, April 5 we were called to reports of a disturbance at an address in Elm Street, South Moor.

During the incident Barry Dawson was shot through the window of his own home.

Sadly, despite the best effort of the paramedics Mr Dawson died at the scene.

A 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman who were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder on Sunday remain in police custody.

This is an extensive investigation. A 35-strong team of detectives from our major crime team are currently working around the clock, with support from armed response officers, specialist crime scene examiners, search teams, and neighbourhood officers.

The victim’s family are being supported by specialist family liaison officers and our thoughts remain with them.

This was a frightening incident for those involved and those living nearby. I’d like to thank the local community for their patience and cooperation while we work to establish exactly what has happened.

Several lines of enquiry are being pursued and the community will have noticed there has been significant police activity and they can expect this activity to continue for a significant period of time.

Officers are carrying out extra patrols in the area and we urge anyone with any concerns to speak to them.

We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who saw a white Seat Arona registration NA24 OJK on the Saturday in the Stanley and Annfield Plain area.

I’d also urge anyone who has any information that could assist our investigation and has not yet spoken to us, to please get in touch – either call us on 101 or approach an officer.