Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of two teenage boys in Brentwood, Essex this morning
In what is being described as a major incident, Essex Police officers are present on the spot.
Police surrounded Crown Street and Regency Court, with several officers patrolling the area.
A neighbor said he heard screams and someone ‘shouting in pain’ from the scene of the double murder.
Two teenagers died on the spot, while another victim was taken to a hospital in Brentwood with stab wounds
Emergency services reached the spot after a call at 1.30 am today
Forensic officers outside the tent at Regency Court in Brentwood, Essex
The area has been cordoned off as the forensic investigation of the spot continues.
The alleged murders happened close to this building at the Regency Court in Brentwood
When officials were called to the Regency Court at around 1.30 a.m. on Sunday, it was found that three people were injured.
Despite attempts to save them, two boys died. The third victim was treated for injuries, which police said were not life-threatening
A police guard remains at the scene in Brentwood, Essex, after the deaths of two teenage boys
A blue tent was erected nearby and police tape was pulled across the site to block public access
Brentwood is an affluent part of Essex, where many of Tovey’s scenes were filmed.
Mark McIntosh told reporters that he had just arrived home when he heard screams from a nearby house.
He said, ‘I came home last night, five minutes ago I heard the screaming.
‘ I said “Should I go down?” As I usually do if I feel there is something serious but I can’t hear.’
He said that he walks around his flat and thinks what he should do.
‘Now, as I reflect, I realize that what I heard was someone screaming in pain, who must have lost his life shortly after.’
A blue tent has been put up at the site and police tape has been put around it to block public access.
A batch of mourners has also reached the spot. They were allowed to leave flowers outside the police circle.
On reaching the spot, a teenager started crying bitterly.
Another mourner declined to speak to the press, saying: ‘I don’t know anything.’
An Essex Police spokesman said: ‘We received several calls to the Regency Court, including associates in the ambulance service, at around 1.30am.
‘We arrived and found that three people were injured.
‘Despite the efforts of the doctors, two people from that group have now died. Specialist officers are helping their families.
‘We are working to establish how the boys died and forensic postmortem will be done.
‘The third victim was treated for injuries that are neither life-threatening nor life-changing.’
Officials are patrolling the area to reassure worried residents after the violence this morning
A forensic officer next to a vehicle outside Regency Court, near the spot where two boys lost their lives
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Clarkson of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate has led the overnight investigation.
He said: ‘This incident requires an immediate and massive response and officers and investigators have worked throughout the night to piece together what happened in the lead up to this tragic event.
‘Our investigation will continue today.
‘We understand that there will naturally be shock and anxiety within the community following such a tragic loss of life. But, at this stage, we do not believe there is any widespread threat to the public.
‘We know there were many witnesses to this incident and I would urge anyone who has seen anything between 1 a.m. and 2 p.m. to visit Regency Court in central Brentwood and its surrounding streets and if you’ve already If you haven’t, then talk to us. ‘
Chief Inspector Mark Barber said: ‘There will be a highly visible police presence in Brentwood this morning and indeed throughout the day.
‘I am fully aware that this incident will shock many without the community. My officers will be there all day long – they will be there to reassure you and keep you safe. If you have any concerns or information regarding the incident, please feel free to come forward and speak to them.
Anyone who has witnessed or has information about the incident should call Essex Police on 101 or report online, quoting the incident 125 of October 24.
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