Tributes Flow for 14-Year-Old Boy Fatally Shot in Woolwich While Filming Music Video
The family of a 14-year-old boy who was shot dead in Woolwich after going out to film a music video with friends has been left "broken" by the tragedy. Eghosa Ogbebor, described as a fun-loving and talented teenager, was killed on Lord Warwick Street in south-east London at approximately 3:40 PM on Thursday, April 2.
Family's Heartbreaking Loss
Speaking from the family home in Abbey Wood, about a mile from the scene, Eghosa's aunt shared poignant memories with Metro. "He was so fun, playful and full of life," she said. "He loved his family and had so many friends; he was very popular. He loved music, he was so talented and lived for it. On the day he was shot, he had gone out to film a video with his friends. He never came back. His mother is broken. He was so young, he had his whole life ahead of him. He was so young, just a boy."
The aunt emphasized that Eghosa had left home that afternoon to shoot a video but never returned, leaving his loved ones devastated by the senseless violence.
Police Investigation and Arrests
In response to the shooting, the Metropolitan Police have launched a thorough investigation. On Saturday, a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of murder. Additionally, two boys aged 14 and 16 and an 18-year-old man, who were detained on Friday, have been released on bail. A 46-year-old man remains in custody after being detained for assisting an offender.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, leading the investigation, stated: "Our team of dedicated detectives are continuing inquiries to investigate Eghosa's tragic death. Residents in Woolwich may have noticed a large amount of police activity last night, as officers arrested three further people in connection with the investigation."
She added: "We appreciate the concern that Eghosa's death has caused, particularly among the local community who will continue to see an increased police presence around the area. There may be people who have heard information or witnessed suspicious activity in the area but not yet contacted police. We urge these people to contact us and assist with the investigation."
Eyewitness Account of the Shooting
Sofia Pereira, 33, who works at The Greyhound pub near the shooting location, described the chaotic moments when the incident unfolded. She reported hearing a loud "bang" or "boom", followed by someone falling on a bin on the patio.
"I just heard like a big 'bang', like a big, strong 'boom', which was obviously one of the kids, I think, jumping on the wall, through the bin, and then obviously the bin fell and broke, then he just run off," Ms. Pereira said.
She continued: "It was a lovely day, a few people were outside. And obviously everyone got scared because they heard shooting and they could see one of the guys had a machete, or something like that. So everyone just ran inside, said 'lock, lock all the doors and everything', because obviously we didn't know what was going on."
Approximately ten customers on the patio ran inside panicking, creating an "very overwhelming" atmosphere in the pub, according to Ms. Pereira.
Community and Official Responses
Scotland Yard confirmed that Eghosa's family is receiving support from specialist officers during this difficult time. London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan expressed his condolences, saying: "My thoughts are with the family, friends and wider community in Woolwich following the appalling fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy. There is absolutely no place for this heartbreaking violence. I remain in close contact with the Met, who have been working around the clock. Arrests have already been made and an investigation is under way. Residents will see an increase in police in the local area."
DCI Card reiterated the police's commitment: "We will continue to support and update Eghosa's family as the investigation continues and our thoughts remain with them at this incredibly difficult time."
Call for Information
Authorities are urging anyone with information or footage related to the incident to come forward. Individuals can call police on 101, quoting CAD 4848/2APR, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. The community's cooperation is vital as investigators work to bring justice for Eghosa and his grieving family.
