Police were warned by fearful locals about violence and antisocial behavior near the Essex scene, where two 16-year olds were stabbed to death Sunday morning.
Eight men, including two aged 49 and 40, were arrested on suspicion for murder and are currently being held by detectives.
Police reported that three people were injured in an incident at Regency Court, Brentwood on Sunday morning.
Two of those have since died while the third was treated for non-life threatening injuries, the force added.
A neighbour at the scene said he heard shouts and someone ‘yelling out in pain’ from the scene of the suspected double murder, and claimed he tried to warn police about anti-social behaviour weeks earlier.
Mark MacIntosh said to reporters that there was constant anti-social behavior, including drinking, drugs, shouting and fighting. “I’ve heard people say, “I’m going out to kill him” up there.
“I’ve broken up a knife fight down below here before.
“I realized that what I heard was someone screaming in pain and who may have died shortly afterwards.
He claimed that the area had been experiencing problems because of a multi-storey carpark that overlooks it.
Police stated they were ‘working hard to determine how the boys died’, and that post-mortem exams would be conducted. The teens were believed to have suffered stab wounds.
Stephen Jennings, Detective Superintendent of Police, said that there was an altercation among ‘two groups’ who he ‘knew’.
Two teenagers died at the scene in Brentwood, Essex. A third victim was taken to hospital for stab wounds.
After receiving numerous calls from the public around 1.30am this morning, emergency services arrived on the scene in large numbers.
As officers continue to collect evidence, a forensics tent was set up at the exact spot where the tragedy occurred.
A forensic officer at Regency Court Brentwood, Essex where two teenage boys were killed in the early morning hours of Sunday morning
Police stated that officers found three people injured following a series of calls to Regency Court in Brentwood at 1.30 am on Sunday. Two of those who died have been identified as the force. The third was treated for non life-threatening injuries.
According to Mr MacIntosh, he had warned police of bad consequences if they didn’t arrange ‘constant Patrols’ in the area.
“I called the police three week ago and told them that you must keep an eye on everything around here because something bad will happen soon.”
Reporters were told that he was just returning home from work when he heard screaming and shouting coming from a nearby house.
“I came home last night, and I arrived five minutes before I heard the screams and shouts.” I asked if I should go down. I said “should I go down?” as I do when I feel there’s something more serious, but I can’t hear it.
Mr MacIntosh claimed that he then paced his flat, wondering what he should do. “Now, I am able to see that what I heard was someone shouting in pain, who may have died shortly afterwards.”
South Street residents who requested anonymity said their thoughts and condolences were with the family members affected.
Essex Live was told by the couple: “You feel for this family – some poor mother has seen her world destroyed.” Although we have always been surrounded by noise and other sounds from the clubs and children, I didn’t anticipate this.
‘I feel sorry to the people, their families and their parents. A poor mother is suffering today from a broken heart.
Alex Burghart, Conservative MP for Brentwood & Ongar, stated that the community is in a “state of shock”.
Left: Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings speaks to the media outside Brentwood Town Hall in Essex. Right: A police officer and sniffer dog at Regency Court
A forensic officer at Regency Court Brentwood, Essex where two teenage boys were killed in the early morning hours of Sunday morning
Forensic examiners remained at their posts throughout the day and are still looking for evidence.
The street remains closed to pedestrians and traffic, except for residents of the nearby building.
Today, he stated that incidents like these are not common in our town and that two boys were killed in one night has made us very upset.
“I understand that people will be shaken by this, but I hope they can take some comfort in knowing that police believe it to be an isolated incident and will be increasing their police presence over the next few days.
“There are no words that can make this better, but my deepest condolences go to the families affected. I know that everyone in Brentwood will want to send their sympathies.
The site has a blue tent that was erected and police tape was used to stop the public from accessing it.
This afternoon, a group of mourners arrived on the scene. They were allowed to leave flowers outside after they passed through the police line.
As they approached the scene, one teenage girl burst into tears. Another mourner refused the opportunity to speak to media, saying: “I don’t understand anything.”
A spokesperson for Essex Police said that they received many calls to Regency Court, from colleagues in ambulance service, and at 1.30am.
Two forensic officers were spotted on the street near the scene where the violence took place.
After the deaths of two teenagers, a police guard is still on duty at the Brentwood, Essex scene.
A blue tent was set up nearby, and police tape was used to stop the public from accessing the site.
Brentwood is a wealthy part of Essex where scenes from ITV’s hit reality show TOWIE (The Only Way is Essex), are filmed
“We arrived and found that three people were injured.
“Despite the best efforts of medics, only two of them have now died.” Specialist officers are supporting their families.
“We are currently investigating the cause of death of the boys and will conduct a forensic post-mortem exam.”
“The third victim was treated for injuries that were neither life-threatening nor life-changing.”
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Clarkson, Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, was in charge of the investigation throughout the night.
He said, “This incident required an immediate response and a large-scale investigation. Officers and investigators have worked throughout the night to reconstruct what happened in the wake of this tragic incident.”
“Our investigations will continue throughout the day.
A forensic officer is on the scene of the tragedy
Police officers are in the area to provide comfort to residents who were worried about the violence that broke out early this morning.
“We know there will be shock, grief, and concern in the community after such tragic loss of life.
“But, at the moment, we don’t believe there is any greater threat to the public.
“We know there were many witnesses to the incident and I would urge anyone that saw anything in Regency Court in central Brentwood between 11am and 2am to come forward, if not already, and talk to us.
Chief Inspector Mark Barber said: “There will continue to remain a highly visible police presence at Brentwood this morning, and throughout the day.
“I am acutely aware of the shock that this incident will cause in the community. My officers will be present throughout the day – they’ll be there to reassure and keep you safe.
If you have any questions about the incident, please don’t hesitate to contact them.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has any information, should call Essex Police 101 or report online, quoting Incident 125 of 24 October.