Man and woman shot then gun aimed at police officer when suspects' car crashes after dramatic chase

A MAN and woman were shot after a gunman entered a building and fired a handgun into a group of people.

The attack happened at the Commonwealth Buildings, Woolwich Church Street, in Woolwich, south London, at about 3am on Monday.

A Met Police spokesman said: "Officers are urgently appealing for witnesses after a firearm used in a shooting in Woolwich was aimed at an unarmed police officer.

Officers attended the scene after reports of a gunman having entered the building and discharged what was described as a handgun into the group present, injuring a man and a woman. They were taken to hospital and their injuries are described as non-life threatening." A vehicle, believed to be stolen, was pursued by armed police from New Cross to Camberwell where it crashed. The suspects fled from the scene on foot.

A foot chase ensued in which one of the suspects pointed a firearm at an officer.

Four suspects were subsequently detained and arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life; possession of ammunition; possession of an offensive weapon and aggravated vehicle taking.

Inside the car officers found four Rambo knives, and a further knife, a self-loading pistol and two magazines of ammunition were recovered nearby.

Enquiries continue, with particular focus on forensics and ballistic evidence.

Of the four suspects arrested; one has been released under investigation; one has been bailed pending further enquiries and another has been recalled to prison.

The fourth male was initially taken to hospital for treatment to injuries sustained as he attempted to flee from police but has now been discharged into custody where he remains.

Detective Inspector Lydia Stephens said: “This shooting injured two people and will have had a severe impact on everyone present.

"We are determined to make sure those responsible face the consequences of their actions and the investigation team is working tirelessly to bring them to justice.

“Our officers operate in some of the most dangerous and violent situations and often put themselves in harm’s way. This is yet another example of the risks they have to take in order to tackle violence and keep London safe.

“It is essential that the public provide us with any information about people who may be in possession of firearms or other weapons or who are engaged in violent crime so that we can draw together all available evidence to build strong cases and remove dangerous individuals from the streets of London."