A 13-year-old boy was shot in the back of the legs by two men with air rifles on Thursday.

The shooting happened shortly after 7pm near a wooden bridge by the river near to Stone Close and Notley Road Braintree.

Police attended the incident and saw two men making off towards the Rifle Hill and Skitts Hill area.

They found an air rifle at the scene.

Both suspects were white men aged between 15 and 25 years, one was wearing a white top and the other a cap.

The 13-year-old boy was taken to hospital with grazing to the back of his legs.

Sgt Andrew Stott: “It is totally unacceptable for anyone to fire an air rifle in the direction of anyone else.

“If anyone sees a person carrying or using an air gun in a public place, please contact police immediately.”

Anyone with information can contact Pc Piers Harley, investigating officer, on 0300 3334444, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.