Man fights for life after suspected shooting in Watford

Police are investigating reports of a shooting on the A41 yesterday, saying arrests have been made

Author: Cameron GreenPublished 26th Jul 2024
Last updated 26th Jul 2024

Police are appealing for witnesses, information, and dash cam footage following reports of a shooting on the A41 North Western Avenue in Watford on Thursday, 25 July.

At around 5.20pm, a man on an e-bike travelling southbound near Junction 5 sustained a serious injury in an incident involving occupants of a black BMW. The BMW fled the scene towards the M1. Emergency services attended, and the man, in his 20s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, stated: “We’d like to hear from anyone who was in the area around the time of this incident and saw what happened or has dash cam footage. We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the black BMW in the vicinity at the time of the incident. Arrests have been made in connection with last night’s incident.”

Watford Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman added: “Following further intelligence which has come to light, we are now treating previous reports of targeted violence in Watford as connected. I understand news of this incident will be of concern to the community, and you can expect to see additional officers in the area as investigations are being carried out to determine the circumstances of what happened. The section of the A41 from Woodmere Avenue to the Berrygrove roundabout is to remain closed today until those investigations are concluded.”

Councillor Aga Dychton, Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Community, commented: “We commend the extraordinary efforts of our police partners for making numerous arrests within 24 hours of the recent incidents in Watford. Their swift action underscores Watford's Community Safety Partnership's commitment to ensuring the safety of our community. We want to reassure residents that this was a targeted incident, and there is no broader threat to public safety. Officers will be present in the area, along with councillors, to provide reassurance and the council will continue to support the ongoing investigation.”

Road closures remain in place in both directions as investigations continue. These closures are expected to persist for much of today, Friday 26 July.

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