NINE people have been bailed after an armed gang attack in Colchester.

Armed police swarmed into Vineyard Street in Colchester town centre shortly after 6pm also closing Queen Street.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing a gun being pointed out of the flat and officers arrested nine people on suspicion of a variety of assaults.

Five people were injured during the fighting.

A woman suffered knife wounds to her face and arm and a man received head injuries.

Both were taken to Colchester General Hospital but have since been released.

Three others were treated by paramedics at the scene.

A gun has been recovered.

Essex Police took an air weapon from the scene.

Officers surrounded the first floor flats, between Eclipse Computers and Sheelagh Ross Tattoo and Body Piercing, from the street at the front and a pub beer garden at the back.

One witness told the Gazette she heard shouting from a neighbouring flat before gunshots were heard and police swarmed the building.

Another said he saw a gun being pointed out of the flat before police charged in and took several people away in handcuffs.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Nine people were arrested on suspicion of assault and public order offences.

"Two people were taken to hospital.

"Police enquiries continue into the exact cause and nature of the incident."

Queen Street was reopened shortly after 8pm and Vineyard Street shortly after 8.30pm.

All nine suspects are currently on bail while investigations continue.