TWO men have been charged as part of a police investigation into a disturbance which took place at the Lakeside retail park in Thurrock earlier this week.

It happened close to the Nike Factory store at the Thurrock Shopping Park, Weston Avenue, on Monday (19 December) when police, ambulance and fire service crews were deployed in response to calls around 3.45pm.

Four arrests were made after people were sprayed with an unknown substance. One person was arrested before being taken to hospital.

A police statement at the time said: "It's not believed anyone was seriously injured but one of the people arrested has been taken to hospital. At this stage we believe this was a targeted incident and it poses no risk to the wider public."

Now it has been announced that two people have been charged. A further police statement says: "We were called shortly before 3.45pm on Monday 19 December to reports a number of people being involved in an incident which involved the spraying of an unknown substance at each other.

"Officers attended and arrested four people. Thankfully, no serious injuries were reported. Two people have now been charged with affray.

"Francie O'Donnell, 23, and Simon O'Donnell, 21, both of Lindhill Close, Enfield, appeared at Southend Magistrates' Courton Wednesday, 21 December.

"Two other men arrested, both from Hertfordshire, have been released conditional bail while our enquiries continue."

Officers involved with the ongoing investigation have appealed for information or witnesses. If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, you are asked to get in touch.

Police say: "Please quote incident 773 of 19 December. You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 or call 101. If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.