Schoolboy, 14, is shot dead in broad daylight in London as police arrest three teens in murder probe
Three teenagers have been arrested after a 14-year-old boy was shot dead in broad daylight in London; incident described by locals as a “targeted attack”.
The unnamed student was found lifeless when police responded to emergency calls on Lord Warwick Street in Woolwich at 3.40pm yesterday.
Two young people, ages 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder.
All three are being held in custody.
Detectives set up a police tent on the terrace of a flat above a row of shops and The Greyhound pub.
The pub’s bar attendant told the Daily Mail he did not witness the incident but ‘heard a loud explosion outside’.
He added: ‘I think one of the people involved jumped to escape. I think one of them might have lived in that flat.’
The landlord of the popular local bar said he was contacted by police about the security footage.
A Jamaican food truck owner, yards away from the shooting, said he briefly left the scene to find the generator when the incident occurred.
Police have launched a murder investigation after a 14-year-old boy was shot dead in broad daylight in Woolwich, London, on Thursday (Image: Scene in Lord Warwick Street)
Three young people, ages 14, 16 and 18, were arrested. The Met Police said all three remained in custody (Image: Forensics at the scene)
He added: ‘When I came back the police were everywhere. ‘They’re talking to people in the bar.’
Another resident said there were reports of the gun “falling into the River Thames”.
He said: ‘I was here 10 minutes after the shoot.
‘I went into the Premier store and four armed police were arresting someone on suspicion of murder.
‘According to the people who live here, it was a planned attack.’
According to a local resident, approximately 15 boys were armed with machetes at the time of the attack, but this has not yet been confirmed by the police.
He added: ‘It appears that the people involved in this incident have not only been here today but have been looking for someone here since last week.’
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card said: ‘Our thoughts are with the boy’s family and loved ones.
‘We are aware of the concern this incident has caused in the local community. We have already detained three people and our investigation continues apace.
‘Police presence in the area is increasing.
‘I would appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time, has CCTV or dashcam footage of the incident, or has information that could help my officers come forward.’
DCI Card said the child’s next of kin had been informed and were being supported by specialist officers.
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is asked to contact police by calling 101, quoting CAD 4848/2APR.
Alternatively, those wishing to report anonymously can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
