Three arrested for conspiracy to murder after shooting

Two teenagers and a man have been arrested after a shotgun was fired in a town centre.

Police were called to Market Place in Braintree at about 22:10 BST on Monday following what they described as a "targeted attack".

Two teenage boys sustained serious but not life-threatening injuries to their face and upper body after the shooting involving two groups, Essex Police said.

Two men from Chelmsford - aged 18 and 23 – and a 17-year-old boy from Braintree have all 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 be connected to either group, was also injured.

Officers say they have also since recovered a shotgun and ammunition.

The two teenagers injured in the alleged attack required "ongoing medical treatment", Essex Police said.

Det Insp Frazer Low said: "These arrests are the result of days of intensive work by officers and staff, and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

"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."

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