TWO men have been charged in connection with a drive by shooting at a town centre bar.

Dean Edwards, 38, of Convent Close, Braintree, and Michael Cooper, 40, of Russell Road, Clacton, were arrested following the shooting at the TP Sports Bar in Queen Street, Colchester, at around 2.20am on Saturday morning, September 15.

Damage was caused to the wall of the bar by what police believe to be three shots from a firearm.

Edwards and Cooper have been charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm, while Edwards was additionally charged with criminal damage to a telephone while in custody.

They will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates Court today, Monday.

The shots which hit the wall of the Queen Street bar were in the vicinity of a member of security working on the door. No one was injured.

Armed officers were sent to the scene at around 2.20am and an area search including police helicopter was carried out. A gold coloured Rover 25 was recovered but a search for the weapon is continuing.

Police are trying to reassure residents that the shooting is uncommon.

Detective Inspector Joel Henderson said: "This is an extremely rare incident and one which officers are taking incredibly seriously.

"It is fortunate that no one was injured during this reckless, dangerous, and utterly stupid incident for which we have arrested two men.

"Officers are continuing to search the area for the weapon and ask anyone who come across anything which appears to be a firearm to contact police immediately.”

Usman Muhammad, manager at the Sahara Grill in Queen Street, says he feels lucky to be alive.

He said: "There were big blasts, it was shocking. Everyone was scared - it could have been fired by anyone."

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