Armed police have flooded parts of Woolwich this evening following reports of a fatal shooting involving a teenage victim, as shocked residents described scenes of chaos near Woolwich Dockyard.
Emergency services were called to the area earlier today, with witnesses reporting a heavy police presence around a residential estate near shops, a pub, and a nearby alleyway. Armed officers were seen securing the scene while forensic teams began initial examinations.
Unconfirmed reports circulating locally suggest a teenage boy, believed to be around 16 years old, has died after being shot. Some witnesses have also claimed the victim may have been attacked with a weapon, though this has not been officially confirmed.
Residents took to social media describing the unfolding incident, with one saying: “It’s full of armed police about the estate.” Others reported hearing gunfire and described the situation as both a shooting and a stabbing, highlighting the confusion in the immediate aftermath.
The atmosphere in the area has been described as tense, with locals left shaken by the scale of the response. One resident said: “It’s terrifying – you don’t expect something like this so close to home.”
Police have not yet released full details about the incident, including the exact circumstances or whether any arrests have been made.
A spokesperson for the Met Police is expected to provide an update as enquiries continue. The London Ambulance Service has also been contacted for further information regarding the response and any casualties.
At this stage, the incident remains ongoing, and cordons are believed to be in place while officers continue their investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police.
