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Three injured after shotgun fired in town centre

Rachael McMenemy
Essex Police A police officer standing behind police tape on high street.Essex Police
Police were called to an incident in Market Place, Braintree, at about 22:10 BST on Monday

Three people have been injured and a teenage boy has been arrested after a shotgun was fired in a town centre in what police have called a "targeted attack".

Essex Police were called to an incident in Market Place, Braintree, at about 22:10 BST on Monday.

Two teenage boys sustained serious, but not life-threatening, injuries to their face and upper body, police said, after the shooting involving two groups.

Ch Supt Rob Kirby said: "At this stage we do not believe this to be a random attack, but instead directed by one specific group towards another specific group", adding that there was no "ongoing threat to the wider public".

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the shooting and remains in custody, police added.

The force confirmed that their "current working theory is that this incident is linked to the sale of drugs".

Lewis Adams/BBC Three people in white forensics suits kneeling on the ground outside a shop. They are all wearing face masks and the suit covers their heads. Police tape is attached to an orange cone several metres in front of them. Lewis Adams/BBC
A shotgun was fired on Monday evening which injured three people, police said

Kirby added: "Because we believe this was a targeted attack, we don't think there is an ongoing threat to the wider public.

"Four young men or teenage boys were seen leaving the area in the direction of the train station and enquiries to identify, locate and arrest them are ongoing.

"This will include studying hours of CCTV, as well as getting statements from witnesses."

Lewis Adams/BBC Police tape around bollards in the centre of town. There is an unused fountain in front of a brick built pub and a road runs through the centre of the market area.Lewis Adams/BBC
Several areas have been cordoned off by police throughout the town

A third person, not believed to be part of either group, was injured and taken to hospital, but his injuries are not thought to be serious, police added.

Kirby said the force was "making good progress with this fast paced investigation".

"We do not underestimate the impact an incident like this can have, and will continue to be visible in the town centre so if you have any information or concerns please speak to one of our officers," he said.

Lewis Adams/BBC Three people in white forensics suits on a pedestrianised area. Two are crouching down looking at something on the pavement. A third is walking away carrying a yellow marker. Lewis Adams/BBC
Police say there will be an increased presence of officers in the town

Several cordons put in place throughout the town - including Rayne Road, between Francis Road and George Road - have now been lifted, police said.

Anyone with information or footage of what happened has been urged to contact the force.

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