Specialist detectives and forensic team at the scene of shooting in Braintree as police issue update
Essex Police say the incident does not pose a threat to the public
Essex Police have issued an update following a shooting in Braintree on Monday night.
Specialist detectives are on the scene and the force says there is no ongoing threat to the wider public.
The incident happened in Market Place at around 10:10pm.
Two teenage boys sustained potentially serious injuries, yet they are not life-threatening. They are receiving treatment.
Four people, described as men and boys aged between their mid-teens or mid-20s were seen leaving the area following the incident.
Chief Superintendent Rob Kirby said: “Specialist officers are investigating this incident and there will be a visible police presence in the area throughout today.
“We are making good progress and believe that a shotgun had been fired once.
“We continue to believe this incident was directed by one specific group of people towards another specific group of people.
“Because of this we don’t believe there is an ongoing threat to the wider public.
“Four people were seen leaving the area following the incident and work is ongoing to identify and locate them.
“A 16 year-old boy arrested in connection with this incident remains in custody.”
Chief Supt Kirby added: “There are a number of scenes in place in Braintree town centre and we know this will have an impact on the community this morning.
“We are working to lift cordons as quickly as possible and minimise the disruption.
“If you have any information about this incident please speak to officers in the town or contact us online or via 101”.
A third person, a man, was also injured in this incident and is in hospital. Essex Police don’t believe he is connected to either group and his injuries aren’t believed to be serious.