Shotgun attack in Braintree town centre leaves three injured, teen arrested

A shotgun was fired in Market Place, Braintree on Monday night, injuring three people. Police arrested a 16-year-old and link the attack to drug dealing.

Shotgun fired in Braintree town centre, three hurt in suspected drug-linked attack

Google News CA — Crime (EN) reports that three people were injured after a shotgun was discharged in Market Place, Braintree, at approximately 22:10 BST on Monday, in what Essex Police have described as a "targeted attack."

Two teenage boys sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries to their face and upper body. A third person, not believed to have been part of either group involved, was also taken to hospital with injuries described as less severe.

Chief Superintendent Rob Kirby said the incident involved two distinct groups. "At this stage we do not believe this to be a random attack, but instead directed by one specific group towards another specific group," Kirby said, adding that there was no "ongoing threat to the wider public."

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in connection with the shooting and remained in custody, police confirmed. Officers said their "current working theory is that this incident is linked to the sale of drugs."

Four additional young men or teenage boys were seen leaving the area in the direction of Braintree train station immediately after the shooting. Kirby said enquiries to identify, locate and arrest them were ongoing. "This will include studying hours of CCTV, as well as getting statements from witnesses," he said.

Several cordons were put in place across the town in the hours following the shooting, including along Rayne Road between Francis Road and George Road. Police later confirmed those cordons had been lifted.

Kirby said the force was "making good progress with this fast paced investigation" and pledged a continued visible police presence in the town centre. "We do not underestimate the impact an incident like this can have," he said.

Anyone with information or footage relating to the incident has been urged to contact Essex Police directly.

Source: Google News CA — Crime (EN)