LOUGHTON: Police probe link to man shot last nignt

1:23pm Thursday 26th June 2008

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THIS morning's armed incident in Loughton when a shot was fired at a police car could be linked to the shooting of a man last night, it has emerged.

A man and a woman were arrested this morning following the 8am incident when the window of a police car was damaged.

Essex Police say the incident began when officers were contacted following what they describe as a "motoring complaint" on Pyrles Lane.

A spokesman said: "Officers stopped a car, but the window of the police vehicle was then broken after it was shot at."

The Guardian understands that a police sergeant was either in the police vehicle or had just got out when the shot was fired.

It is unclear how many shots were fired.

One eyewitness who spoke to the Guardian said he heard a single shot but the Metropolitan Police said it was alerted after "shots" were fired at an Essex Police car.

No police officer or member of the public was injured.

A suspect vehicle then drove off.

Armed Metropolitan Police officers, and the force helicopter, were alerted as the vehicle headed towards the Metropolitan Police area and a vehicle was eventually stopped in Rainham Road, in Hornchurch, at about 9.30am.

The male driver, aged 22, was Tasered by armed officers and arrested.

A woman who was also in the car was also arrested and both are currently being held in custody at an east London police station.

Police are investigating a possible link with the shooting of a man who went to the accident and emergency department at Queens Hospital, in Romford, last night with shotgun injuries. His injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.

Detectives from Trident and Essex Police are investigating and enquiries into the full circumstances of the incident continue.

A stretch of Pyrles Lane from the Burney Drive junction - including the parade of shops - remained cordoned off this morning as police took details from passers-by, some of whom reported hearing the gunshot.

Joe Roberts, of Mead Close, in Loughton works at the Costcutters convenience store close to the scene which was within the police cordon.

Speaking at the scene, he told the Guardian: "I just heard the gunshot and saw the car driving off. It's a bit shocking really."

Another passer-by, Carol - who did not want to give her full name - said: "I think it's quite scary really. I've just moved out (of this road). It makes me glad that I've moved from here."

Were you in Pyrles Lane this morning? What did you see or hear? Did you take any pictures of the aftermath of the incident?

Email your comments or photos to djackman@london.newsquest.co.uk, or ring our newsdesk on 01992 563104.