A murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 40s was found shot dead inside a car on St Bartholomew’s Road in Newham in the early hours of Tuesday.
Officers from the Metropolitan Police were called to the scene at about 3am, where they discovered a man suffering gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene, the Met said. A crime scene remains in place and there have been no arrests so far.
Police activity and local scene
The road and adjacent parts of Central Park Road were cordoned off. Reporters at the scene saw a white Toyota Prius with front-left damage that appeared to have collided with a black Range Rover; an evidence tent had been erected near the vehicles. Forensic teams in blue suits were observed entering and leaving the tent carrying equipment. Several police and forensic vans were parked on the Barking Road end of the street while plain-clothed officers carried out door-to-door inquiries.
Local residents and businesses are being supported by specialist officers after the family of the deceased were informed, the Met added. Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten, who is leading the inquiry, said he understood the impact this will have on the community and pledged an increased police presence while investigators work to establish what happened.
"Firstly, our thoughts remain with the friends and family of the man who has sadly died. We know this incident will cause concern in the local area, and I want to reassure the community that my team and I are doing everything we can to determine what happened and trace those responsible."
The investigation is at an early stage. Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed anything in the early hours of the morning, or who has dash-cam or doorbell footage, to come forward.
Context and wider trends
The Met’s statement referenced national data showing that firearm homicides remain a minority of killings in England and Wales. Government figures cited in police briefings put the number of homicides involving a firearm at 32 between April 2024 and March 2025, representing 6% of all homicides for that period.
| Period | Homicides by shooting | Share of total homicides |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 2024 – Mar 2025 | 32 | 6% |
While shootings remain a relatively small proportion of homicide overall, incidents like Tuesday’s are likely to heighten concern locally and trigger visible policing operations.
What residents should know
- Police cordons remain in place; avoid St Bartholomew’s Road and nearby streets while inquiries continue.
- If you witnessed anything, have dash-cam, CCTV or doorbell footage from the area in the early hours of Tuesday, contact the Metropolitan Police — in an emergency call 999; for non-emergencies call 101 or submit information via the Met’s online portals.
- Specialist officers are supporting the deceased’s family; community reassurance patrols will continue as enquiries progress.
From the pavement outside the cordon I spoke with people who said they were unsettled by the visible forensic operation. "You don’t expect this on our road," one neighbour told a local reporter, echoing the sense of shock in the area.
Detective Chief Inspector Whitten reiterated the importance of even small pieces of information: they could prove vital to establishing a timeline and identifying those responsible. The Met did not provide further details about the identity of the victim or a motive as inquiries continue.
I will remain in Newham as officers carry out forensic examinations and witnesses are spoken to. WE NEWS will update this story as the Met releases further information or if arrests are made.
