Brentwood: Eight murder arrests after two teenage boys die

Eight men have been arrested on suspicion of murder after two teenage boys died.

Essex Police said officers found three people injured after it had received a number of calls to Regency Court, Brentwood, at about 01:30 BST.

Two of those have since died, the force said, while the third was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Brentwood and Ongar’s Conservative MP, Alex Burghart, called it a “very dark day for our town”.

Police said they were “working to establish how the boys died” and post-mortem examinations would take place.

The BBC understands the boys are suspected to have suffered stab wounds.

Det Ch Insp Andy Clarkson, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We understand there will naturally be shock and concern within the community after such a tragic loss of life.

“But, at this stage, we do not believe there is any wider threat to the public.”

A neighbour said he had tried to warn police about anti-social behaviour in the area in recent weeks.

Mark MacIntosh told the PA news agency he had only just arrived home before he heard shouting and screaming coming from a nearby residence.

“I realise that what I heard was somebody yelling out in pain who may have lost his life shortly thereafter,” he said.

He claimed the area had been dealing with problems which stemmed from a multi-storey car park that overlooks the scene.

“There’s constant anti-social behaviour, drinking, drugs, shouting, fighting,” he said.

“I’ve heard people saying ‘I’m going to kill him’ up there. I’ve come down and broken up a knife fight down at the bottom here before.”

Mr MacIntosh said he had warned police “three weeks ago” that something bad would happen if they did not arrange “constant patrols” of the area.

Ch Insp Mark Barber, of Essex Police, had earlier said there would be a “highly-visible police presence” in Brentwood following the deaths.

“I am acutely aware that this incident will shock many within the community,” he said. “My officers will be there throughout the day – they will be there to reassure you and keep you safe.

“If you have any concerns or information on the incident then, please, do not hesitate to come forward and speak to them.”

Mr Burghart said: “This a very dark day for our town. My deepest condolences to the families of the boys who have so dreadfully lost their lives.

“I must urge anyone with any information to immediately share it with the police so that justice can be done as swiftly as possible.”

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