Three teenagers have been arrested after police launched a murder probe. Eghosa Ogbebor was found to have been fatally shot after police responded to reports of the incident at 3.40pm on Thursday
Terrified locals saw a “mob armed with machetes” shortly before a 14-year-old schoolboy was shot dead in broad daylight.
Three teenagers have been arrested after police launched a murder probe. The boy, named by police as Eghosa Ogbebor, was found to have been fatally shot after police responded to reports of the incident at 3.40pm on Thursday.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene on Lord Warwick Street in Woolwich, south east London, he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Two teenagers, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man have since been arrested on suspicion of murder in relation to the incident. All three remain in custody.
One told the Mirror: “There were 15 boys I would say, some of them went under the underpass. They all just split.”
“I was here ten minutes after. I went to the shop and the police were arresting someone on suspicion of murder. It was at the Premier Shop by the Greyhound Pub. Four armed police went into the Premier. There were so many of them though with machetes and stuff.”
A police tent is today in place outside a first-floor flat above a row of shops, including a pub, on Lord Warwick Street in Woolwich. Officers are standing guard on both sides of the block, including above an underpass below the building. It is within sight of the bus stop where 14-year teenager Kelyan Bokassa died after being stabbed to death on a bus in January last year.
Another local said: “A lot goes on with gangs here. A lot of it doesn’t even get reported to police. It’s a real problem. The saddest thing is that another mum has lost their son. It’s heartbreaking.”
Two teams of police forensics officers have just begun searching around the area, including in and around an underpass and in overgrowth.
One local said: “I got back from work about 20 minutes after it happened. I saw three boys being pulled by the police near the pub, but I don’t know if they were part of it. It’s getting worse and worse round here. It’s usually knives, but now guns as well. It’s terrible.” A woman added: “I can’t believe it happened in broad daylight.”
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Eghosa’s family and loved ones, they are being supported by specially trained officers and have asked for privacy at this difficult time.
“I know the concern this has caused within Woolwich and the wider community, particularly considering Eghosa’s young age. We have an increased police presence around the area. While we have made three arrests, our investigation continues and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward and speak to officers.”
London mayor Sir Sadiq Khan said: “My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Woolwich following the appalling fatal shooting of 14-year-old boy. There is absolutely no place for this heart-breaking violence.
“I remain in close contact with the Met who have been working around the clock – arrests have already been made and an investigation is under way. Residents will see an increase in police in the local area.”
Anyone with information or footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 4848/2APR, or independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
