Three people have been taken to hospital following a firearms incident in Braintree town centre. Essex Police has arrested one person in connection with the investigation, and that individual remains in custody.
Emergency services were called to Market Place at around 10.10pm on Monday 31 August following reports of a firearms incident. Residents reported seeing multiple police cars, ambulances, and an air ambulance landing nearby.
Police describe incident as 'targeted'
A spokesperson for Essex Police said: "Officers are on scene and investigating a targeted firearms incident in Braintree. It happened in Market Place at around 10.10pm yesterday (Monday 31 August)."
According to the force, three people have been injured and taken to hospital, but none are believed to be in a life-threatening condition. One person has been arrested and is currently in custody.
Those involved believed to know each other
Detective Inspector Richard Trower said: "At this stage we believe all those involved in this incident know each other. We do not believe this was a random incident but instead directed by one specific group of people towards another specific group of people.
"We also do not believe this incident poses an ongoing threat to the public. Four men or boys aged in their mid-teens to mid-20s were seen leaving the area and work to identify and locate those involved are ongoing.
"There is currently a large and visible police presence in the town centre and we expect to remain there into the morning as we carry out enquiries.
"If you have any information about what has happened then please contact us. We will provide an update with further information when we can".
Appeal for information and footage
Police have appealed for anyone with information, CCTV, dash cam, or other footage to come forward, quoting incident 1345 of 31 August. Reports can be submitted via the Essex Police website or through their online Live Chat service, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Anonymous reports can be made to independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or calling 0800 555 111.
