A targeted shooting in Braintree town centre in Essex, England, left two teenage boys injured Monday night, August 31, 2026, as police launched an investigation and urged witnesses to come forward.
Essex Police said officers were called to Market Place at around 10:10 p.m. following reports of a firearms incident. Two teenage boys suffered potentially serious injuries to their faces and were taken to hospital for treatment. Their injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Police said their current working theory is that a shotgun was fired once and that the incident was targeted rather than a random attack. Investigators believe the shooting may be connected to the sale of drugs. Four males, described as being in their mid-teens to mid-20s, were seen leaving the area in the direction of Braintree train station. One person was arrested in connection with the incident and remained in custody, while detectives continued efforts to identify and locate the four people seen leaving the scene. Police were also examining hours of CCTV footage and speaking with witnesses as part of the investigation.
Chief Superintendent Rob Kirby said investigators believe the incident was directed by one group toward another and that those involved are known to one another. Because of that assessment, police said there was no ongoing threat to the wider public.
A police cordon was established around parts of the town centre while forensic specialists examined the scene. The cordons were later lifted, although residents and businesses could still expect a visible police presence as inquiries continued.
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the shooting or has information that could help identify those involved to contact Essex Police, quoting incident 1345 of August 31. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no further details about the identities of the injured teenagers have been released. Police have stressed that the incident is being treated as targeted and that there is currently no indication of a continuing danger to members of the public.
