Police appeal for witnesses after Woolwich shooting

Met Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a shooting in Woolwich.

Police were called at 20:09hrs on Thursday, 22 October to reports of shots being fired in Frances Street, Woolwich.

Officers attended and found a 32-year-old man in a parked car suffering from a gunshot wound.

They performed first aid until the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived.

It is believed the suspect made-off in a dark coloured saloon vehicle in the direction of Woolwich Church Street.

The victim was taken to an east London hospital with life-threatening injuries, where he remains in a critical condition. His next-of-kin are being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: “We recognise the shock and concern this will have caused the community and my thoughts are with the victims’ loved ones at this difficult time. We are working around the clock to find those responsible, and we are asking for assistance from the public.

“Our enquiries are moving at pace, but I am keen to speak to anyone who was travelling in the area on Thursday night and might have any information or dashcam footage which could be relevant.”

“Any information you have, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could prove vital to our investigation. Any information provided will be treated in confidence.”

Superintendent Charlene Pavitt, who is in charge of policing for the area, said: “I know the community are rightly shocked by the incident, but I would like to assure you that my colleagues in Specialist Crime are working hard to find those responsible.

“While the investigation is in its early stages, we believe this to be an isolated incident and we have no evidence to suggest that the wider public is at risk.

“People living, working in and visiting the area will see extra officers on the streets carrying out reassurance patrols. If you have any concerns at all, please do speak to one of these officers, or alternatively contact police or Crimestoppers anonymously.”

No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 6520/22OCT.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.