Two men have been arrested following reports shots had been fired in Rayleigh earlier this week.

The 53-year-old from Rayleigh and 24-year-old from Benfleet remain in custody for questioning on suspicion of possession of firearms with intent to cause fear of violence.

They were arrested last night, Wednesday August 7, in connection with an incident in Station Avenue on Tuesday evening. 

Three men were seen in a dark coloured car and one of them had what appeared to be a gun.

Essex Police are treating it as a targeted incident. 

Det Insp Nick Brunton, of Southend CID, said: “Although we have arrested two people in connection with this incident, we are progressing a number of lines of enquiry and continue to appeal for witnesses.

“We would especially like to speak to any local residents with footage from CCTV or doorbell cameras, and any drivers who were in the Station Avenue area at around 8pm on Tuesday who have dash cam footage.

“I’d like to thank those witnesses who have already come forward and we will be in contact with you if we haven’t already.”

Contact Southend CID on 101, quoting incident 1121 of August 6.

You can also call the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org