A Braintree Wetherspoon pub was ordered to lock its doors as police responded to a firearms incident in the town centre.
The Picture Palace, in Fairfield Road, was placed into lockdown on Monday night, August 31, due to its proximity to the scene of the incident in Market Place.
Wetherspoon stressed that the incident did not take place at its pub.
A spokesman for the chain said police directed staff at The Picture Palace to close the premises as a safety precaution for customers and employees.
Eddie Gershon, a Wetherspoon spokesman, said: “It is important to note that the incident did not take place at the Wetherspoon pub.
“Due to its close proximity the police ordered the Wetherspoon pub to close its doors for staff and customer safety.”
Essex Police have said they are investigating after a suspected shotgun was fired once in Market Place at around 10.10pm on Monday.
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Two teenage boys suffered potentially serious, but not life-threatening, facial injuries and are receiving treatment.
A third person, a man, was also injured and taken to hospital, though police do not believe he was connected to either group involved and his injuries are not thought to be serious.
Detectives believe the incident was targeted, involving one group directing violence towards another, and say there is no ongoing threat to the wider public.
A 16-year-old boy remains in custody after being arrested in connection with the investigation.
Police have also said four people — described as men or boys aged from their mid-teens to mid-20s — were seen leaving the area and are being sought as enquiries continue.
Anyone with information, CCTV, dashcam footage or other recordings should contact Essex Police, quoting incident 1345 of August 31.
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