People have described the “terrifying” moment three shots rang out this weekend as a shotgun was blasted into the front of a house.

Yesterday (August 24), police commander Chief Inspector Denise Morrissey said it was “very fortunate” no-one was injured when the gun was fired at a property in View Close, Chigwell, just after 2am on Saturday.

A window was smashed, the house front was “peppered with what is believed to be shotgun pellets” and spent cartridges were found nearby after the incident.

“I just heard three shots, it was very loud and frightening,” said one neighbour who wanted her identity hidden.

“I had to stay in bed, it was terrifying.”

Another neighbour who also asked to remain anonymous said she had seen a party at the house that evening, although this was not confirmed by police.

She said: “I heard a couple of gun shots and there was a bit of a ruckus.

“There was a party going on, they had a bit of overspill and you have got young ones going in and coming out, things like that.

“It is unusual for here, things happen sometimes on the estate.

“This used to be a nice little quiet area.”

She added: “They could have been gate-crashing and it got out of hand.”

The party spiralled out of control after details were put on Facebook and too many people turned up, claimed one neighbour, although the police also refused to confirm or deny this.

Police spokesman Stephen Partridge said: “We are not going to be commenting on the circumstances of what was or what was not happening in that house.

“We will look at all the circumstances.”

Chief insp. Morrissey said: “Any use of illegal firearms is taken extremely seriously by Essex Police.

“It is very fortunate that no-one was injured during this incident and we are keen to find and arrest those involved as soon as possible.

“I am sure there will be people who have heard information on who was involved and I would urge them to contact our detectives at Loughton on 101 so we can take action.

“Our enquiries are continuing and we will be looking at all of the circumstances surrounding what happened and what led up to the firing of the weapon.”