THREE men have appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of two police officers after a shot was fired 'with intent to endanger life' in Worcester.

The three defendants all appeared separately in the dock at Kidderminster Magistrates Court during the course of yesterday morning and afternoon.

We have previously reported how a shot was fired at a police car in Blackpole Road, Worcester on Tuesday. There was a crash, the road was closed and armed police attended the scene.

Kyle Ryley, 21, of no fixed address, Gerard Doherty, 20, of Oxford Road, Ryton-on-Dunsmore, Warwickshire and Ciaran Irvine, 19, of no fixed address are jointly charged with the attempted murder of two police officers, PC Simon Damm and PC James Rimmer.

They are further charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm without a certificate and possession of an offensive weapon (a machete) in a public place. Ryley alone faces charges of dangerous driving and driving while disqualified.

We reported how, at around noon on Tuesday, a car was said to have failed to stop for officers which led to a pursuit along the A449 on to Blackpole Road before it crashed into two stationary cars.

Doherty was supported by a large gathering of family and friends at court, including his mother.

Magistrates restricted access to the court to six members of Doherty's family and friends who sat with police at the back of court room.

One man spoke to Doherty, telling him: "Stay strong. Love ya."

As the defendant left court he said: "Love ya."

The case was prosecuted by Shafquat Reaz who described the offences as 'a serious matter' involving 'the discharge of a weapon in a public place'.

None of the defendants entered pleas and magistrates declined jurisdiction for the case. The case will next be heard at Worcester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing at 10am on April 6.

All three defendants were remanded in custody.