Terry Dearsley, a 32-year-old man, has died after being found with a gunshot wound in a parked car in Woolwich, prompting the Metropolitan Police to launch a murder investigation. He was discovered on Frances Street near the Royal Artillery Barracks at 8.09pm on Thursday, October 22, 2026. Mr Dearsley, who was initially rushed to hospital in a serious condition, died from his injuries on Wednesday, November 4.
Charges Filed in Connection with Shooting
A 48-year-old man, Paul Rosser-Davies, of Brewhouse Road in Greenwich, has been charged in connection with the incident. He was charged on Sunday, November 1, with attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that Rosser-Davies appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, November 2, and was remanded in custody. He is next due to appear at the Old Bailey on Monday, November 30.
The Metropolitan Police described the event as a senseless act of violence.
Detective Chief Inspector Wayne Jolley, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, stated that the investigation remains ongoing. Our investigation remains ongoing into this senseless act of violence that has left a man fighting for his life,
he said, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Jolley added, I would urge anyone with information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward. Any information provided will be treated in confidence.
Mr Dearsley’s family continue to be supported by specially trained officers, the Metropolitan Police confirmed.
Following the death of Terry Dearsley in hospital following a shooting in Woolwich on 22 October. @metpoliceuk launched the 77th Publicly Reported Murder Investigation of the year and the 2nd in November. This is the 9th reported murder involving a firearm this year.@CrimeLdn… https://t.co/jIJOrC2rfC pic.twitter.com/VAMQEEFMud
Police were called to reports of shots being fired in Frances Street at 20:09 on Thursday, 22 October. Responding officers found a 32-year-old man inside a parked car with a gunshot wound. Officers performed first aid at the scene until ambulances, including London’s Air Ambulance, arrived. The victim was rushed to a hospital in east London with life-threatening injuries.
The barracks in Woolwich, near where the shooting took place, is home to some 700 soldiers and housed the Royal Artillery from 1776 to 2007. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a murder investigation into the incident has been opened following the victim’s death.
A statement from the Metropolitan Police reads: Detectives investigating a shooting in Woolwich have launched a murder investigation after a man was fatally shot.
