Man shot dead in County Durham home named as dad with ‘heart of gold’ (2025)

A 60-year-old has been named by police as the man shot dead in a terraced house in County Durham over the weekend - despite their best attempts medics were unable to save his life

A 60-year-old shot dead in a terraced house in County Durham over the weekend has been named by police as Barry Dawson.

The man was inside a terraced home on Elm Street in Stanley, County Durham, on Saturday afternoon when he was fatally shot.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 5:20pm but despite medics' best efforts, Dawson died at the scene.

Durham Constabulary confirmed that a 37-year-old man and a 35-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder yesterday. The two remain in custody.

Officers are continuing to appeal for information including anyone who saw a white Seat Arona in the area at the time.

Neighbours rushed to the house after a gunman fired into the living room on Sunday.

A clip of the incident circulated on social media, which shows two people approach the house at around 5:17pm.

One of them seemingly breaks a window while the other holds a gun.

A shot is fired through the blinds before two people run away.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Neil Fuller, of Durham Constabulary, said: "This is a truly shocking incident in which a man has been shot and has sadly died.

"We are carrying out several lines of enquiry and I would urge anyone who has witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage or CCTV and has not yet spoken to officers to get in touch.

"Residents may see an increased police presence in the area."

Detective Fuller added: "I would like to thank them for their support while we carry out this investigation.

"Our thoughts are with the man's family at this time."

Nikki Miller told Tyne Tees News the victim was a friendly face in the street who was well-liked.

She said: "Everyone knew him, there were no bad words about him."

Dawn Watson said in a post shared to Facebook: "RIP Barry Dawson (Buck). Such a gentle giant with a heart of gold who didn't hurt a soul.

"So, so sad that you've been taken in the most hideous way. Thinking of your family at this sad time, my heart goes out to you all."

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