POLICE officers continuing to investigate a firearm incident at a Thurrock retail park have charged three people.

Officers were called to Weston Avenue, Lakeside, at around 2.45pm on Tuesday 13 September following a report of a man holding an item described as a firearm. 

Forest Bentick, 24, of no fixed abode, London, was charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent and possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition, possession of a bladed article, three counts of possession of drugs (cocaine, MDMA and cannabis) with intent to supply.

Adem Yildiz, 25 of Huntsman Road, Ilford, was charged with three counts of possession of drugs (cocaine, MDMA and cannabis) with intent to supply.

Chantelle Fowler, 24, of Aldriche Way, London, was charged with dangerous driving.

All three were further charged with money laundering.

Officers investigating continue to appeal for witnesses and dash cam footage from anyone who was in the area at the time. Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about the force website reporting services. Alternatively, you can call 101.

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

Please quote crime 42/236563/22 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible. 

Another man was arrested in connection with this incident. Rio Burton-Devine, 23, of no fixed address, London, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on Saturday 17 September to answer a charge of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence in connection with the incident and possession of drugs (cannabis). He will appear at  Basildon Crown Court on 17/10/2022