Watford shooting and stabbings latest - what we know

He was critically injured on July 25 at around 5.20pm while travelling southbound near junction 5 on an e-bike. The shooting reportedly happened during a run-in with the occupants of a BMW, which fled towards the M1.

Police believe it was one of several recent “targeted” attacks in the area that officers are now linking – which include two stabbings, a Meriden Park row, and a man reportedly being chased with a gun in central Watford.

Police combing the A41 after the shooting. (Image: Newsquest)

Attempted murder arrests over A41 shooting

Six people aged between 18 and 26 were arrested in connection with the A41 shooting. Suspected crimes include attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, possession of firearms with intent, and assisting an offender.

• An 18-year-old man from Watford, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.
• An 18-year-old man from Watford, on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder.
• A 19-year-old woman from Bushey, on suspicion of assisting an offender.
• A 20-year-old man from Watford, on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of firearms with intent.
• A 23-year-old woman from Edgware, on suspicion of assisting an offender.
• A 26-year-old man from Pinner, on suspicion of attempted murder.

They have since all been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Attempted murder charge over stabbing

One of the attacks the A41 shooting is being connected to is a stabbing in Brocklesbury Close, Watford, at 12.15am on Wednesday (July 24). Two 18-year-old men had been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in connection.

On Saturday (July 27), Emmanjuel Nyanutenha, of King George Avenue in Watford, appeared in Hatfield Magistrates’ Court charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place (Brocklesbury Close).

The 18-year-old has been remanded in custody ahead of an appearance in St Albans Crown Court on August 27. The other suspect has been released on bail.

Other linked attacks

Clarendon Road stabbing

Less than two hours before the Brocklesbury Close stabbing, there was another one in Maeme’s takeaway in Clarendon Road.

Two people apparently entered the shop with weapons, believed to be knives, and attacked a man. Police were called and found a man in his 20s with a suspected stab wound before he was taken to hospital. No arrests have been made.

High Street gun row

Another linked attack was on Wednesday (July 10) at 4pm, which reportedly involved suspects brandishing a gun at the victim who was sitting on a bench outside Watford High Street Railway Station.

The victim, a man in his 20s, fled into the station and was allegedly chased by the suspects and hit on the back of the head. No arrests have been made.

A man was reportedly chased with a gun on July 10, near Watford High Street Station. (Image: Submitted)

Meriden Park

At around 3.30pm on July 25 – roughly two hours before the A41 shooting – there was reportedly what police described as a “disturbance” involving a large group, understood to be a scuffle, in Meriden Park.

Police are also linking it to the other violence and have requested anyone with information or footage come forward. No arrests have been made.

MP reacts

Following the shooting, Watford’s MP Matt Turmaine told the Watford Observer: "These incidents are clearly very worrying and naturally people are concerned.

"I’ve spoken with the police and they have assured me that everything is being done to apprehend those responsible and analyse the complete picture."

He urged anyone with information to contact the force.

What have police said?

After the shooting, Watford Chief Inspector Andy Wiseman said: “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.”

Following the six A41 arrests, Detective Inspector Mark Butler added: “We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have been in Meriden Park during the afternoon and saw any kind of disturbance.

“We would still like to hear from anyone in the area of the A41 who saw what happened or has dash cam footage and if anyone saw a black BMW in the vicinity.”