A 28-year-old man appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today accused of two charges of attempted murder following a shooting incident at a gypsy camp at Upchurch, near Sittingbourne, on May 2.

At the brief hearing by TV link to the high- security Belmarsh Prison, the prosecution said Gerry Connors was also accused of two charges of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one of attempted grievous bodily harm, eight firearms offences, dangerous driving, criminal damage and robbery.

Connors, of no fixed address, was arrested in Dublin on May 18 and extradited back to the UK.

Judge Andrew Patience, QC, remanded Conners in in custody until September 9 when he is expected to enter pleas to the charges.