Metropolitan Police have identified the teenage victim of Thursday afternoon’s fatal shooting in south-east London as Eghosa Ogbebor, whilst three suspects including two minors remain in custody on suspicion of murder.
The 14-year-old was discovered lifeless on Lord Warwick Street in Woolwich after officers responded to emergency calls at 3.40pm, with detectives characterising the attack as targeted rather than random violence.
Boys aged 14 and 16 alongside an 18-year-old man were arrested following the broad daylight killing, with all three continuing to be questioned as investigators piece together circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the murder inquiry, stated: “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.”
Investigators established a police tent on the terrace of a flat above a row of shops and The Greyhound pub near the crime scene, with the pub’s landlady confirming to the daily mail she had been contacted for CCTV footage whilst the barmaid reported hearing “a loud bang outside” without witnessing the incident directly.
The pub employee suggested one suspect may have jumped from the flats attempting to escape, adding: “I think one of them may have lived in the flats.”
A Jamaican food van operator positioned yards from the shooting location revealed he had briefly departed to locate a generator when the attack occurred, returning to discover police blanketing the area.
Local residents reported unconfirmed claims that approximately 15 youths armed with machetes participated in the attack, with one witness stating: “Apparently the people involved haven’t only just come round today – they have been here for the past week looking for someone.”
The same resident described witnessing armed police arresting a suspect at the Premier shop roughly ten minutes after the shooting, characterising it as “a planned attack according to people who live round here.”
Unverified reports circulating locally suggested the firearm “ended up in the Thames,” though police have not confirmed this detail.
DCI Card acknowledged community concern particularly given Eghosa’s age, confirming: “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.”
Authorities are appealing for witnesses or anyone possessing footage of the incident to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 4848/2APR, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The killing represents another tragic addition to London’s youth violence statistics, with investigators working to establish motive and determine whether gang affiliations played a role in the targeted attack.
