ARMED police officers responded to reports of an incident in the Seabrooke Rise area of Grays this evening (Saturday, 24 May) after residents reported hearing gunshots.

The police helicopter also hovered over the scene in the inital minutes of the alert. On the ground, police oficers later conducted door-to-door enquiries.

A statement from Essex Police says: "We received a number of calls from members of the public shortly after 7pm, which all reported a confrontation involving two groups of people.

"A dark-coloured vehicle was also reported as being driven suspiciously in the area.

"During that confrontation, witnesses reported hearing what they've described as gunshots.

"At this stage, no one with injuries consistent with a gunshot have been identified.

"However, the reports were taken extremely seriously, and a number of armed units arrived on the scene very quickly.

"Those officers have since carried out an extensive search of the area and no one matching the descriptions given in the reports have been identified.

advertisement

"Our enquiries are continuing and we're following a number of fast-paced and targeted lines of enquiry

"Officers will remain in the area throughout the rest of the evening.

"We've taken accounts from a number of people who witnessed the incident and reported it to us and we're appealing for anyone who has information but hasn't yet spoken to us to please come forward.

"This could be first-hand accounts or dashcam and doorbell footage of the incident.

"We'd ask anyone with information to get in touch as soon as possible.

"You can let us know by submitting a report on our website where you can use our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit https://www.essex.police.uk/digital101to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call us on 101.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report, you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers on Twitter at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."

advertisement