What detectives have confirmed about the case
A 16-year-old boy from Romford has been charged with the murder of Eghosa Ogbebor, the 14-year-old who was shot dead in south-east London last week, the Metropolitan Police have announced.
Eghosa was attacked on Lord Warwick Street in Woolwich, with officers called to the scene at around 3.40pm on Thursday 2 April. Despite the efforts of paramedics and police, he was found with severe injuries and pronounced dead where he lay. In the immediate aftermath, officers were unable to confirm his identity and initially referred to him as an adult.
The teenager now charged was first detained the following Saturday and bailed, before being charged this week. He is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday 11 April. A second 16-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday and remains in custody.
Why the inquiry has drawn in so many suspects
The investigation has cast a wide net. Six other people arrested in connection with Eghosa’s death — boys aged 14, 16 and 16, alongside men aged 18, 19 and 46 — have been released on bail while enquiries continue.
The first wave of arrests came on 4 April, when detectives detained a 16-year-old boy and a 19-year-old man in Woolwich on suspicion of murder, along with a 46-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender. All three were subsequently bailed. A further round of arrests on 3 April brought in a 14-year-old boy, another 16-year-old boy and an 18-year-old man, each of whom has also been released pending further enquiries.
A community still searching for answers
Detective Chief Inspector Lucie Card, who is leading the investigation, said specialist officers were continuing to support Eghosa’s family as the inquiry pressed on. “Our team of dedicated detectives are continuing enquiries to investigate Eghosa’s tragic death,” she said. “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.”
The Met has urged anyone with information, or who witnessed anything suspicious, to call police on 101 quoting reference CAD 4848/2APR, or to pass information anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
