An eight-year-old boy fired a gunshot which left a five-year-old with serious injuries, police have confirmed.

Officers were called to a house in Essex after reports that a firearm had been discharged. They believe the shooting was an accident.

A spokeswoman said today: "It is thought to have been fired by an eight-year-old boy."

The force has refused to comment on the type of weapon used in the incident on Sunday or the relationship between the two children.

The injured child was taken to the Royal London Hospital with a serious but not life-threatening injury.

It is understood the owners of the property in Upper Park Road, Wickford, were not at home at the time but were nearby.

An 18-year-old man was arrested for possession of a firearm and unrelated drug offences.

The weapon and other legally-held firearms at the property were handed over to police officers.