Police are appealing for information after they were called at 11.23am on Sunday September 27 with reports a man had been seen with a firearm in Meadow Lane, Runwell.

While officers were at the scene making enquiries, a further call was made shortly before 12pm reporting two men had been admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds.

The men, aged 37 and 39, from the Basildon and Wickford areas, are currently being treated for their injuries, which are serious but not life threatening.

Police received a further call shortly after 12.50pm reporting a 27-year-old man from the Wickford area had been admitted to hospital with stab wounds and an ear injury.

His injuries were serious but not life threatening.

Police carried out enquiries in the area around South Wash Road, Basildon, and Old Wickford Road, South Woodham Ferrers, in connection with the incident.

An 18-year-old man from the Wickford area has been arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm and is currently in custody awaiting questioning.

DCI John Ross said: "We have two sets of victims who have been admitted to hospital with serious injuries and one of our lines of enquiry is to investigate if the incidents are linked.

"It is also unclear at this stage as to where the men were injured.

"There are people within our community who know what happened and we would appeal for them to come forward.

"Clearly these are serious incidents but we believe they are isolated.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Det Sgt Trudi Arnold at Chelmsford CID on 101. Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org