A MAN was taken to hospital after being shot in the face in an attack with a BB gun.

Detectives are investigating after receiving reports that a man had suffered injuries in Tofts Walk, Braintree, on Monday, at about 7.15pm.

The victim – a man in his 40s – had sustained an injury to his face as a result of a BB gun being fired at him.

He was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure but his injury is not being treated as life-threatening or life-changing.

Police said it is believed the assault took place following an argument between the victim and two men.

Pictures taken at the scene suggest the incident took place in the car park of the nearby Sainsbury’s.

Witnesses said most of the car park was cordoned off while police attended the incident with between five and six police vehicles attending.

Witnesses also said a police helicopter could be spotted circling above Braintree and Bocking with some saying they feared a gunman was on the loose in the town.

A spokesman for Essex Police added: “One of the suspects is described as wearing a blue beanie hat with a blue puffer jacket.

“The second is described as having a long white beard and hair, and was wearing dark trousers and a dark jacket.

“If you witnessed the incident, recognise the descriptions or may have footage from the area, please contact us.

“You can submit a report online or call us on 101 and cite incident 1012 of today.”

Ward councillor Andrew Hensman said: “What the heck are people doing carrying weapons?

“OK it’s a BB gun but it can still cause harm.”

Mr Hensman also called for more CCTV cameras in the town.

“You will have people say it constricts on their privacy, but I’d rather feel safer and get swifter justice,” he said.

“It is about giving the police more tools and empowering them to get people justice.

“The more cameras we have, the more likely people are to get a resolution.

“You will get people who will be deterred by CCTV but others who, if they’re going to commit violence, will just do it no matter what.

“I don’t know what the answer is, but I’m still an advocate for better resources.

“I want the town to be a better place, a nicer place and a safer place.

“The deterrents just aren’t there but it is about making the most of what we’ve already got and empowering police with something else.”

Sainsbury is working with the police.

A spokesman said: “An incident that took place in our Braintree store car park yesterday evening and we are supporting the police with their investigation.”