Eight held after two teens killed
EIGHT men are being questioned on suspicion of murder after two teenage boys were killed in what police said was a targeted attack.
Neighbours dialled 999 after hearing shouting and screaming in the early hours of yesterday.
The boys were pronounced dead at the scene and a third person was being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
A group of mourners, including a weeping teenage girl, were later allowed through the police cordon in Brentwood, Essex, to lay flowers.
Essex Police said detectives believed the victims knew their attacker or attackers. A spokesman said: “We do think it’s a targeted attack.
“We’re keeping very much an open mind, we will explore all possible lines of inquiry.”
Neighbour Mark MacIntosh said he warned police to step up patrols in the area three weeks ago. He said: “I told them you need to make constant patrols around here because something bad is going to happen soon.
“There’s constant anti-social behaviour, drinking, drugs, shouting, fighting. I’ve come down and broken up a knife fight before.”
Luke Smith, 38, said of the killings: “That’s someone’s parents who are getting that call.”
He added: I have lived in all of Essex but thought this area was the safest.” Detective Chief Inspector Andy Clarkson said officers would be in the area to reassure residents.
He said: “This incident has required an immediate and a large-scale response.
“Officers and investigators have worked through the night to piece together what happened.
“I am acutely aware that this incident will shock many in the community.”