Shotgun attack in Braintree town centre: three held for conspiracy to murder

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder after a shotgun was fired in Market Place, Braintree. Two teenagers sustained serious injuries in what police called a targeted attack linked to drug activity.

Three arrested after shotgun fired in Braintree town centre

Two teenagers and an 18-year-old man are in custody after a shotgun was discharged in the centre of Braintree on Monday evening, bbc.co.uk reports.

Essex Police were called to Market Place at around 22:10 BST following what officers described as a "targeted attack" involving two groups. Two teenage boys suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries to their face and upper body and require ongoing medical treatment.

Two men from Chelmsford — aged 18 and 23 — and a 17-year-old boy from Braintree have each been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. A 16-year-old boy, previously arrested in connection with the incident, has been released on police bail until 30 November.

A man not believed to have any connection to either group was also injured during the shooting.

Officers have since recovered a shotgun and ammunition.

Detective Inspector Frazer Low said the arrests were "the result of days of intensive work by officers and staff" and confirmed police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident. Low added: "While we continue to believe this incident is linked to a dispute connected to criminal drug activity, our inquiries have established that none of those injured were involved in that offending."

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)