A group of children and a bus were targeted in two paintgun drive-by shootings.

The ten and 11-year-old youngsters told police they were fired on by a passenger in a car as it drove past them in Iceni Way, Shrub End, Colchester.

Police said the car was described as a silver Vauxhall Vectra carrying four people aged about 19. The paint pellet did not hit any of the children.

Then, in nearby Hazell Avenue, a passenger in what was thought to be a green Ford Focus fired a paint pellet at a bus. Again no-one was injured.

Det Sgt Roger Napier, of Colchester CID, said the incidents were probably linked. Anyone with information about the shootings, reported on Saturday, should call police on 01206 762212