THREE people have been arrested after shots were fired at a car in Southend.

Armed police were called to Blackdown flats in North Road, Westcliff, after shots were fired at a car parked outside at about 5pm yesterday.

The suspects fled the scene but police arrested three people for affray in connection with the incident in nearby Claremont Road a couple of hours later.

A 32-year-old from London, a 32-year-old from Swindon and a 19-year-old form Croydon are currently in custody awaiting questioning.

Police also seized a Volvo, which had a broken rear window, for forensic examination.

Armed police guarded the high rise flats well into the evening yesterday.

The car park remains taped off with a police guard.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police were called to a report of shots being heard in a car park in North Road, Westcliff, shortly after 4.15pm on Wednesday, July 29.

“Armed police attended. The suspects had left the scene and officers carried out a search of the area and made enquiries.

“Three men were arrested on suspicion of affray in Claremont Road, Westcliff, at 6.20pm. The arrests were made in connection with the earlier incident.

“The 32-year-old from London, a 32-year-old from Swindon and a 19-year-old form Croydon are currently in custody awaiting questioning.

“Police also seized a Volvo, which had a broken rear window, for forensic examination.

“Enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Rayleigh CID on 101.”