A community has been left in shock after a woman was shot in the face by a gunman in an apparent random attack, without any motive.

A mum, who lives doors away from the shooting incident, said: “At about 9am I saw police walking up the road with guns – there was a one man with a police dog and three policemen behind him with guns.

“I looked out of the window and saw all the commotion, I couldn’t believe it.

“Then a policeman knocked and asked if I had heard anything, they said that they were carrying out inquiries, but that it was not fatal.

“It was quite shocking, especially when they had guns – I knew something serious had happened.

“I was really worried for the kids. I asked the policeman if I could let the kids play in the back garden.

“He was hesitant, but he said the children would be fine in the garden.”

Carol Petty, manager of the Olde Dog Inn, in Herongate, who also lives in Chesham Drive, said: “I could see from my window there were three police cars and one parked outside mine, that’s what made me look.

“I didn’t see her, I just saw all the emergency vehicles.

“I have lived here for 26 years and there’s never been anything like this.

“I have always thought it was very safe. You never knowwhat’s going to happen.”

The victim’s neighbour Hannah White, who is studying equine management at Writtle College, said: “It was very scary. I got up at about 7.30pm to take out the trash and about 20 minutes later, she had been shot.

“It could have happened to us.

“It’s so shocking, you just don’t expect it.

“She is a very down-to-earth, caring person.

“If you needed anything, you would go there. She would always help you out.

“She didn’t deserve this.”