Armed police at Stanley linked to fatal shooting of “much loved” Barry Dawson

Officers were called to an address in Elm Street, Stanley, County Durham, at about 5.20pm on Saturday, April 5 to the shooting which left 60-year-old Barry Dawson dead.

Images from the scenes in Annfield Plain showed two armed police officers and a car outside a property around South View Gardens.

Other officers were also on scene as they deployed a drone above the area. 

Armed officers at the scene (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) Emergency services remained on scene for multiple hours after searching a property and flying the drone. 

One of the homes on the street appears to have been searched, and a construction worker was seen covering up the hole where the door used to be.

Police officers on the scene deploying a drone above (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) A resident who lives nearby the targeted home said: “I haven’t seen anyone lingering around the house – apart from the odd kids going in and out.

“The armed police came just before lunchtime I think.”

Police officers on the scene deploying a drone above (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO) The house police parked outside of has allegedly been empty since August, neighbours have said, as they have no idea why they would be there. 

Armed officers at the scene (INCIDENTS ON TEESSIDE AND COUNTY DURHAM)

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One neighbour told The Northern Echo that they saw the armed police at the scene and saw them leaving. 

He said that the police didn’t tell him much and the area is usually quite “quiet” bar the “odd ruckus”. 

Despite what’s been going on in Stanley and an ongoing murder investigation, he says he still feels quite safe.

Durham Constabulary could not provide us with an official statement on this incident due to operational reasons, but confirmed the ongoing activity was in connection with the investigation into the death of Barry Dawson.

An investigation has been ongoing since the shooting, with several arrests being made and two people already having appeared in court – one of whom is charged with murder. 

Barry Dawson, 60, was named by police as the person who sadly died in the incident. 

On Wednesday, his family issued a heart-breaking statement, saying: “Barry was a much-loved father, granddad and partner who will be greatly missed.

“We are truly devastated, and his loss will leave an enormous gap in our lives.”

The victim’s family are being supported by specialist family liaison officers.

His friends this week claimed the incident was a case of mistaken identity – although this has not been confirmed by police.

A 35-strong team of detectives from Durham Police’s 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 force said 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 also carrying out extra patrols in the area and we urge anyone with any concerns to speak to them.