Boy, 14, shot dead in Woolwich named
Fourteen-Year-Old Boy Identified in Woolwich Shooting
A 14-year-old boy killed in Woolwich, south-east London, has been identified as Eghosa Ogbebor. The incident occurred on Lord Warwick Street around 15:40 BST on Thursday, according to police. Emergency services were called to the scene, where the boy was treated by paramedics but later succumbed to his injuries.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Eghosa’s family had been informed. Three individuals—two minors, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man—were taken into custody on suspicion of murder. Investigators are actively seeking additional details, including CCTV or dashcam recordings, from witnesses.
Pub Patrons’ Account of the Shooting
Residents near The Greyhound pub reported a sudden surge of panic as gunshots echoed through the area. Sofia Pereira, a staff member, described the moment: “I heard a loud ‘bang’ that sounded like a strong ‘boom’. It was clear one of the kids had jumped onto the wall, causing a bin on the patio to fall and break before he ran off.”
“Everyone got scared because they heard shooting and could see one of the guys had a machete, or something like that. So everyone just ran inside, said ‘lock, lock all the doors and everything’, because obviously we didn’t know what was going on.” – Sofia Pereira
Approximately 10 customers on the pub’s patio fled inside, creating a chaotic atmosphere. The area was cordoned off on Friday, with a dozen officers conducting forensic work on a section of grass near the street.
Community Response and Continued Investigation
A local 18-year-old woman, who chose not to reveal her name, described the event as “shocking”. She noted that while such violence is unexpected, the neighborhood has experienced significant activity in recent years. Detectives have expressed concern over the impact on the community, emphasizing the ongoing investigation.
Det Ch Insp Lucie Card stated: “Our thoughts remain with the boy’s family and loved ones. We are aware of the concern this incident has caused. Three arrests have already been made, and our investigation continues at pace. An increased police presence remains in the area.”
London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan added: “My thoughts are with the family, friends, and wider community in Woolwich following the tragic shooting. There is absolutely no place for this violence. Residents will see more police activity in the local area.”
