Man charged in connection with shooting on A41

A man has been charged in connection with a shooting which occurred on the A41 in Watford last month.

It was reported that at around 5.20pm on Thursday 25 July, a man on an e-bike was travelling southbound on the A41 North Western Avenue, near to Junction 5, when he suffered a serious injury following an incident which involved occupants of a black BMW. The BMW made off from the scene in the direction of the M1.

Emergency services attended and the man, aged in his 20s, was taken to hospital. He remains in a serious condition which is no longer being treated as life-threatening.

Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH) Major Crime Unit subsequently launched an investigation.

Numerous arrests have been made in connection with the incident and a man has now been charged.

Hekmat Galmne, aged 26, of Eastern Avenue, Pinner, was charged with attempted murder on Wednesday (28 August).

He remains in custody until his next court appearance.

Detective Inspector Mark Butler, from the Major Crime Unit, said: “I know the community were shocked that such a violent incident happened locally, and I hope this result provides some reassurance that we are doing all we can to bring those responsible to justice. Our work continues and we have made a number of arrests already, with a readiness to complete more if required.

“I appreciate the previous reports of violence in the Watford area will undoubtedly have raised concerns with the public about their safety. Colleagues across the constabulary have been investigating, arresting and charging individuals involved in other serious street-based violence and collectively we will continue to respond robustly to these offences.”

Anyone who has information and is yet to contact police is asked to please submit this through the information portal.

You can also report information online, speak to an operator in our Force Communications Room via our online web chat or call the non-emergency number 101, quoting Operation Margent.

Alternatively, you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their untraceable online form.