A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder following the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old in Woolwich last week, the Metropolitan Police has confirmed.
The victim, named by police as Eghosa Ogbebor, was described by loved ones as a “kind and gentle soul whose presence lit up any room he was in” and the “sweetest little kid”. He was found with serious injuries in Lord Warwick Street, a residential road near the Woolwich Ferry, at approximately 3.40pm on Thursday, April 2, and died at the scene.
According to reports, Eghosa had been going out to film a music video with friends near The Greyhound pub at the time of the shooting. A member of staff at the pub told police she heard someone fall on bins on the patio before seeing a teenager run through the area towards Woolwich Church Street.
A Complex Web of Arrests
The police investigation, which was launched immediately, has involved a series of arrests over the past ten days, with individuals repeatedly being bailed and, in one case, rearrested.
The first arrests came on the day of the shooting, April 2, when three people – two boys aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man – were detained on suspicion of murder. They have since been released on bail.
On Saturday, April 4, officers arrested a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man, both from Woolwich, on suspicion of murder. A 46-year-old man was also arrested the same day on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three were released on bail.
Five days later, on Thursday, April 9, the 16-year-old originally arrested on April 4 was rearrested. The following day, Friday, April 10, that teenager, from Romford, was charged with murder. He is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, April 11.
Also on April 10, a further 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.
Community in Mourning
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the investigation, stated that inquiries are ongoing and reiterated an appeal for witnesses or anyone with footage to come forward. “The family continue to be supported by specialist officers,” she added.
The death has sent shockwaves through the local community. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan expressed his condolences, stating there is “absolutely no place for this heart-breaking violence.” He confirmed he is in close contact with the Met and that residents would see an increased police presence in the area.
Eghosa’s family, including his mother and siblings, are said to be “living in fear” following his death. A GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral costs has raised almost £1,000.
The Metropolitan Police and London Ambulance Service had attended the scene on April 2, with an air ambulance and a Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) also dispatched.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 4848/2APR, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
