Residents in Southend have been warned to expect to hear explosions next week.

The Ministry of Defence says it is planning some activity on the firing range at Shoebury across three days.

Bosses say explosions could well be heard in the surrounding area on both Tuesday and Thursday.

Gunfire may be heard on Wednesday.

No other activities are planned for the rest of the week.

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Qinetiq, which helps run the site, says schedule for next week is “normal working practice” and does not represent an increase in range activity.

It also says sound coming from the site will be significantly influenced by weather conditions which will determine where and how far away they can be heard.

Range activity is set to take between 9am and 5pm each day, though that is subject to change at short notice.