A 14-year-old boy who was fatally shot in Woolwich, southeast London, has been identified as Eghosa Ogbebor.
The incident occurred on Thursday at approximately 15:40 BST on Lord Warwick Street. Emergency services responded to reports of the shooting, and despite the efforts of paramedics, the boy was pronounced dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that his family has been notified.
Authorities have arrested three individuals in connection with the murder: two boys aged 14 and 16, along with an 18-year-old man. Detectives are actively investigating the case and are appealing for anyone with information or relevant CCTV or dashcam footage to come forward. In related news, a 13-year-old boy was arrested over a viral trend that has raised concerns across the UK.
Witness Accounts and Community Reaction
Witnesses described a scene of panic as patrons at a nearby pub, The Greyhound, fled inside upon hearing gunfire. Sofia Pereira, a worker at the pub, recounted the moment, stating that she heard a loud bang, which she believed was a teenager falling onto a bin on the patio. She observed a young person running away towards Woolwich Church Street.
„I just heard like a big ‚bang‘, like a big, strong ‚boom‘, which was obviously one of the kids, I think, jumping on the wall, through the bin, and then obviously the bin fell and broke, then he just ran off,“ Pereira said.
According to Pereira, approximately ten customers who were outside rushed inside in a state of panic. She noted that the atmosphere in the pub was „very overwhelming,“ as people were frightened by the sound of gunfire and the sight of an individual wielding a machete.
Another local resident, an 18-year-old girl who wished to remain anonymous, expressed her shock at the shooting, describing it as „unreal“ to walk through the neighborhood the day after the incident. She remarked on the increasing violence in the area over the past few years.
Police Response and Community Support
The area surrounding the shooting site was cordoned off on Friday, with a significant police presence, including forensic officers searching the vicinity. A bouquet of flowers was placed at the end of Lord Warwick Street in memory of the victim.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card stated, „Our thoughts remain with the boy’s family and loved ones. We are aware of the concern that this incident will cause the local community. We have already made three arrests, and our investigation continues at pace. An increased police presence remains in the area.“
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan expressed his condolences, stating, „My thoughts are with the family, friends, and wider community in Woolwich following the appalling fatal shooting of a 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 underway. Residents will see an increase in police in the local area.“
The community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
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Bildquelle: Bildquelle: (Augustin-Foto) Jonas Augustin auf Unsplash
