A 48-year-old man has been arrested as a father-of-four is fighting for his life after being shot multiple times while trying to break up a road rage row near the Royal Artillery Barracks.
The 32-year-old Good Samaritan father is understood to have pulled over his car and attempted to defuse an argument between two motorists on France Street in Woolwich, south London, on Thursday evening.
But as he got back into his car, a number of shots were fired in his direction.
At around 8.09pm, police were called after reports of gunfire.
Police say they found the father in his parked car with gunshot wounds, while the shooter made off in a dark-coloured saloon in the direction of Woolwich Church Street.
He was treated at the scene near the Royal Artillery Barracks until the London Air Ambulance arrived and airlifted him to an east London hospital.
Emergency services rushed to the scene near the Royal Artillery Barrack in Woolwich after reports of a shooting at around 8pm on Thursday, October 22
Police said they found the father in his parked car with gunshot wounds, while the shooter made off in a dark-coloured saloon in the direction of Woolwich Church Street
According to reports, the man was shot in the face and is said to have a one per cent chance of surviving.
Today, detectives said they had arrested a man, 48, on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. He was taken into custody, where he remains.
The father remains in hospital in a critical condition, the Met Police said.
The incident happened near the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, which accommodates up to 700 of the Royal Regiment men.
The base, which housed the Royal Artillery from 1776 until 2007, is scheduled for closure in 2028 with the Ministry of Defence deeming the site surplus to its requirements.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who is leading the investigation, said: ‘An arrest has been made, but our investigation remains ongoing into this senseless act of violence that has left a man fighting for his life.
‘I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. Any information provided will be treated in confidence.’
‘Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 6520/22OCT. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.’
