Brentwood: Two teenage boys dead and eight arrested on suspicion of murder

Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after two teenage boys died in the early hours of Sunday morning in Brentwood.

Essex Police said officers were called to Regency Court in the town at around 1.30am and found three people had been injured. Despite attempts to save them, two died at the scene.

The third victim was treated for injuries which police said are neither life-threatening nor life-changing.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Clarkson, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, has led the investigation through the night.

He said: “This incident has required an immediate and a large-scale response and officers and investigators have worked through the night to piece together what happened in the lead up to this tragic incident.

Investigations are ongoing in Brentwood.
Essex Police

“Our investigations will continue throughout today. “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.”

He added: “We know there were a number of witnesses to this incident and I would urge anyone who saw anything in Regency Court and the roads around it in central Brentwood between 1am and 2am to come forward and speak to us if you have not already done so.”

Chief Inspector Mark Barber added: “There will continue to be a highly visible police presence in Brentwood this morning and indeed throughout the day.

“I am acutely aware that this incident will shock many without the community. 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.”

A neighbour has described hearing shouts and someone “yelling out in pain” from the scene.

Neighbour Mark MacIntosh said he had only just arrived home before he heard shouting and screaming coming from the nearby residence.

“I came home last night, I came in five minutes before I heard the shouts and screams,” he said.

“I said should I go down as I usually do if I think there’s something serious but I couldn’t hear.”

He said he paced around his flat wondering what he should do.

“And now as I reflect I realise that what I heard was somebody yelling out in pain who may have lost his life shortly thereafter.”

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information on it should call Essex Police on 101 and cite incident 125 of today, October 24.