A 21-year-old is set to stand trial for attempted murder after being accused of shooting a man in the leg in a car park in Shoebury.

Adam Valli appeared at Southend Magistrates Court yesterday morning for his first hearing, having been charged over the weekend.

The charges relate to an incident in a car park on Frobisher Way, Shoebury, shortly after 2am on Sunday, May 14.

The victim suffered a single shot wound during the incident and was taken to hospital. However his injuries were not deemed to be life-threatening.

Alongside attempted murder, Valli has also been charged with possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of a firearm with intent to commit an indictable only offence, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs, and possession with intent to supply Class B drugs.

Valli, of Derifall Close, Beckton, answered the charges yesterday morning dressed in an all grey prison tracksuit speaking only to confirm his name.

No pleas were been entered at this stage. An initial trial date has been set for June 19 at Basildon Crown Court.

Valli was denied bail and will remain in custody until his next hearing.

Essex Police is continuing to appeal for any witnesses to the incident or anyone who spotted a Mercedes being driven erratically on the A127 in the early hours of the morning of May 14.

A spokesman said: “We are continuing to appeal for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

“In particular we want to speak to any drivers on the A127 who saw a Mercedes being driven erratically between 1.45am and 2.30am on May 14.

“If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us.

“Please quote the crime reference number 42/86880/23.

“You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.

“Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services.”