A wounded teenager is under armed guard in hospital this morning (thu) after being shot in the stomach.

The 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries after being attacked last night in what police believe was a targeted attack.

Two men have been arrested over the shooting, which happened at around 7.15pm in Tilbury, Essex, leaving him in a serious but stable condition.

A cordon remains at the scene this morning as detectives quiz a 36-year-old man from Tilbury, Essex, and a 40-year-old man from Stanford le Hope, Essex, on suspicion of attempted murder.

Shortly after the incident, police were seen surrounding Basildon Hospital in relation to the attack.

A man who lives nearby but asked not to be named, said: "I was in my room on the computer and all I heard was people screaming.

"After that all I saw was police cars down the road. I found out that it was a shooting at around 11pm.

"I was so shocked. I've lived here three years and it feels like it's getting closer."

Detective Inspector Stuart Truss, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "This investigation is in a very early stage but we're already building up a picture of the circumstances which led up to it.

"While it is unclear what the motive behind the attack was we believe it was targeted and there is no risk to the wider public.

"I appreciate this will be concerning for the local community but I want to emphasise incidents like this are very rare."

The officer appealed for anyone with information to contact police.

DI Truss added: "The area where it is thought this incident took place is a busy residential one and I believe someone will have seen something.

"I particularly need to speak to anyone who saw a small black car in the area at the time of the incident."