POLICE HUNT GUNMAN AFTER WOOLWICH SHOOTING

Police are searching for a gunman after a man was shot on Frances Street in Woolwich, south-east London. The Metropolitan Police said officers found the man with gunshot wounds shortly after 8pm. He was taken to an east London hospital with life-threatening injuries. No arrests have been made. Police have not identified the gunman.

The shooting took place near Woolwich Dockyard station and the Royal Artillery Barracks. Officers gave the man first aid before the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “Firearms officers and specialist crime detectives attended the scene.” The man remains in hospital under police guard. Frances Street is a main road that carries heavy traffic.

Forensic officers and specialist search teams are examining the scene for bullet casings and other evidence. Detectives are also reviewing CCTV footage from the area to establish what happened before and after the shooting. An account of the incident said the man was airlifted to hospital. The Metropolitan Police said he was taken to hospital after ambulance crews arrived, without specifying how he travelled. Police have not announced any arrests in connection with the shooting.