Essex Police confirm the gun used in Braintree 'shooting'

The incident took place in Braintree town centre yesterday around 10.10pm in Market Place.

Two teenage boys sustained potentially serious, but not life-threatening, injuries to their faces and are receiving treatment.

A man was also hurt in the incident and remains in hospital.

Chief Superintendent Rob Kirby of Essex Police 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.

Town centre - more forensic investigators in Braintree (Image: NQ)

"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."

Essex Police have described the four individuals who were seen leaving the area as men or boys aged between their mid-teens or mid-20s.

Bank Street - a police car (Image: Newsquest)

The third victim, a man, is not believed to be connected to either group involved in the dispute, and his injuries are not considered serious.

Chief Supt Kirby said: "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."

Anyone with information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage is urged to contact Essex Police, quoting incident 1345 of 31 August.