A 14-year-old British-Nigerian boy, Eghosa Ogbebor, has been shot dead in the Woolwich area of London, with three teenagers arrested in connection with the killing.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the incident in a statement on Friday, revealing that officers responded to reports of a shooting on Thursday afternoon.
According to police, the teenager was found at the scene on Lord Warwick Street after emergency services were alerted at about 3:40 pm.
“An investigation into a fatal shooting in Woolwich continues, and while a formal identification is yet to take place, the victim has been named as 14-year-old Eghosa Ogbebor,” the statement said.
“Officers were called to reports of a shooting at approximately 15:40 hours on Thursday, 2 April… Despite the efforts of paramedics, a boy was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.”
Authorities disclosed that three suspects — aged 14, 16, and 18 — have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.
“Two boys, aged 14 and 16, and an 18-year-old man have been arrested… They remain in custody,” the police added.
Leading the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card described the killing as deeply troubling and appealed to the public for information.
“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,” she said.
“I know the concern this has caused within Woolwich and the wider community, particularly considering Eghosa’s young age. We have an increased police presence in the area.”
Card added that although arrests have been made, investigations are ongoing.
“While we have made three arrests, our investigation continues, and I would urge anyone with any information to come forward and speak to officers,” she stated.
The incident has once again drawn attention to rising concerns over youth violence in the United Kingdom, particularly involving teenagers.
In a similar case earlier this year, a 17-year-old was charged in connection with the fatal stabbing of Nigerian national John Onetufo in the Lewisham area of London on New Year’s Eve.
