An air gun thought to have been used when a 24-year-old man was assaulted in north-east Essex could be lying in a nearby garden, police have said.
Officers are urging people in Clacton to check their homes in a bid to find the weapon after the victim was assaulted in Alton Park Road in the town on Thursday.
If discovered, the suspected pistol should not be touched but police should be called immediately on 999.
Residents of Ford Road, Alton Park Road, St Osyth Road, Watson Road, Old Road, Priory Road and Leas Road are being encouraged to look in their gardens to see if the weapon has been discarded there.
Two men have been arrested and charged in connection with the incident.
People with any other information about the incident is urged to call Clacton CID on 101.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here