Eight arrested on suspicion of murder after two teenage boys killed in Essex

Watch a report by ITV News Anglia's Hannah Pettifer.

A double murder investigation has been launched after two teenage boys were killed in Essex.

Police were called to Regency Court, Brentwood, in the early hours of Sunday morning after receiving a number of calls, and found three people had been injured.

Despite the efforts of medics, two of those have since died, while a third victim was treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Eight people have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police believe the individuals involved were known to each other and that the incident may have been preceded by another altercation in the town earlier in the evening.

Essex police said they were "working to establish how the boys died" and post-mortem examinations are due to take place.

Officers remain open-minded as to what happened, and said investigations so far suggest it was an "isolated incident."

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."

Officers are urging anyone who saw anything in the area between 1am and 2am to come forward.

Police patrols will continue in Brentwood on Sunday to reassure the local community.

“I am acutely aware that this incident will shock many without the community", Chief Inspector Mark Barber added.

"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.”

Brentwood and Ongar's Conservative MP, Alex Burghart, called it a "very dark day for our town".

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has information on it should call police on 101 and cite incident 125 and the date 24 October.