Witness appeal following incident in Watford

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

It was reported that at around 5.20pm, a man on an e-bike was travelling southbound, 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. His condition is believed to be life-threatening.

Road closures were put in place in both directions as investigations into the incident were carried out.

Those closures are likely to remain in place for much of today (Friday 26 July).

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “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 said: “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.”

Anyone with information 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.