THREE men arrested after gunshots were heard in a residential area have been released from police custody.

A spokesman for Essex Police said the men, who were from Braintree and Haverhill, have been released under investigation after being quizzed by officers.

They had been arrested on suspicion of firearms and drugs offences following an incident on Friday in Bailey Bridge Road in Braintree.

Police were called to a property after a row broke out at a house and gunshots were heard.

Officers arrested three men and set up a cordon in the area.

Eyewitnesses said the cordon remained in place for more than 24 hours.

Detectives say it was a targeted incident but are appealing for information.

A force spokesman said: "Witnesses have reported seeing at least two men running from the scene, and we are asking anyone with further information to get in touch with our detectives."

Contact Braintree Police Station on 101 and quote reference 42/185734/20.