Woman Shot with Air Rifle in Chadwell Heath, Two Arrested

Key Points

• A woman in her 50s was rushed to hospital after sustaining an injury consistent with being shot by an air rifle on Whalebone Lane South, Chadwell Heath, Dagenham, at approximately 19:14hrs on Friday, 2 January 2026.​
• The injury has been assessed as neither life-changing nor life-threatening.​
• Two men, aged 29 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and intent to endanger life; the arrests occurred at a nearby address shortly after the incident.​
• Police were called to a report of a firearm discharge; officers attended the scene and found the woman injured.​
• The Metropolitan Police are appealing for information or footage from anyone who may have details, urging contact on 101 quoting reference CAD5868/02Jan.​
• The incident has raised community concerns about firearm-related violence in the quiet Dagenham neighbourhood.​

A woman in her 50s was rushed to hospital from Whalebone Lane South in Chadwell Heath, Dagenham, after being found with an injury consistent with an air rifle shot around 7:14pm on Friday, 2 January 2026. Two men, one aged 29 and the other 18, have been arrested nearby on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Her injuries are neither life-threatening nor life-changing, according to medical assessment.​

As reported in MyLondon, police were called to the scene at 19:14hrs following a report of a firearm discharge, where officers attended and discovered the woman injured before she was taken to hospital. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police stated:

“Police were called to a report of a firearm discharge on Whalebone Lane South, Chadwell Heath at 19:14hrs on Friday, 2 January. Officers attended and a woman, aged in her 50s, was found with an injury consistent with an air rifle. She was taken to hospital and assessed to have non-life-changing or life-threatening injuries.”.​

The swift police response has been highlighted across reports, with arrests made promptly to address the alarming incident in the residential area.​

What happened in the Chadwell Heath shooting incident?

The incident unfolded on Whalebone Lane South, a typically quiet road in Chadwell Heath, part of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, at around 7:14pm on 2 January 2026. As detailed by The London Current,

“The recent shooting incident in Chadwell Heath has sent shockwaves through the community of Dagenham. On the evening of January 2, a woman in her 50s was shot, reportedly with an air rifle, prompting immediate medical attention.”.​

Metropolitan Police officers responded to reports of a firearm discharge, finding the victim at the scene. She was promptly transported to hospital by emergency services. Coverage from social media posts by Spotted London News noted:

“Woman shot with air rifle in Chadwell Heath – Two men arrested… Whalebone Lane South as police swoop after firearm discharge reported just after 7.20pm on Friday, 2 January. Victim injured but stable. Officers found a…”.​

No further details on the exact circumstances leading to the discharge have been released, but the event has been described as unsettling in a neighbourhood generally viewed as safe.​

Who was the victim and what is her condition?

The victim is a woman in her 50s, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed by authorities. As reported by The London Current in their overview,

“She sustained injuries consistent with an air rifle and was taken to the hospital, where her injuries were determined to be non-life-changing and non-life-threatening.”.​

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson confirmed her injuries were assessed as non-life-threatening upon arrival at hospital. The London Current FAQ section reiterates:

“The woman injured in the Chadwell Heath shooting has been classified as having non-life-threatening and non-life-changing injuries. Therefore, she is not in critical condition, but she was transported to the hospital for treatment.”.​

Updates from CrimeLdn on X (formerly Twitter) state:

“A woman in her 50s has been rushed to hospital after being shot with an ‘air rifle’ in Chadwell Heath. Metropolitan Police officers were called to Whalebone Lane South at around 7.15pm on Friday (January 2) after reports of a shooting.”.​

Who were the arrested suspects?

Two men, aged 29 and 18, were arrested in connection with the incident. According to The London Current,

“Following the Chadwell Heath shooting, two men, aged 29 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and intent to endanger life. The arrests were made at a nearby address shortly after the incident.”.​

MyLondon reporting aligns, stating two men aged 29 and 18 have been arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and intent to endanger life. Echo News social media post indicates:

“They are being quizzed on suspicion of possession of a firearm and intent to endanger life.”.​

No names of the suspects have been released, and they remain in custody as investigations continue.​

Where exactly did the incident take place?

The precise location is Whalebone Lane South, Chadwell Heath, Dagenham. This is confirmed across sources, including the Met Police statement via MyLondon and The London Current’s incident table: “Location: Whalebone Lane South, Chadwell Heath.”.​

What type of firearm was used?

The injury is consistent with an air rifle, as stated by police. The London Current reports:

“The injuries sustained by the victim in the Chadwell Heath shooting were consistent with those caused by an air rifle. The police have indicated that the investigation is focusing on this type of firearm.”.​

Facebook posts from CrimeLnd echo:

“A woman in her 50s has been rushed to hospital after being shot with an ‘air rifle’ in Chadwell Heath.”.​

What is the police response and investigation status?

The Metropolitan Police have launched a full investigation. As per their spokesperson in MyLondon: officers attended, assessed the scene, and arrested the suspects. The London Current notes:

“Following the Chadwell Heath shooting, the Metropolitan Police are conducting an investigation into the incident. This includes reviewing evidence, gathering witness accounts, and following leads related to the firearm and the suspects arrested.”.​

An appeal for public assistance is ongoing. The police urge:

“Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact the Metropolitan Police on 101, quoting reference number CAD5868/02Jan.”.​

How has the community reacted?

Residents of Chadwell Heath and Dagenham have expressed shock. The London Current covers:

“Public reaction to the crime report stemming from the Chadwell Heath shooting has been one of shock and concern. Many community members expressed an urgent need for better safety measures and increased police presence.”.​

Social media comments, such as on MyLondon’s Facebook post, reflect worry: “What’s going on in the uk with all these weapons and violence with the young people lately. It wasn’t this bad in the 60’s, 70’s etc.”. Romford Recorder wishes “her a full recovery”.​

The incident highlights ongoing challenges with firearm-related violence, prompting calls for vigilance.​

What measures are in place for public safety?

Increased police presence and community engagement are under consideration. The London Current states:

“In the wake of the Chadwell Heath shooting, local authorities are reassessing current safety measures… Increased police patrols and community engagement initiatives are being considered to reassure residents in Dagenham.”.​

Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activities. The focus is on prevention to avoid future incidents.

Could this be linked to previous Chadwell Heath incidents?

While this air rifle case appears isolated, Chadwell Heath has seen prior violence, such as a fatal assault in August 2025 on Chadwell Heath Lane, where a woman in her 20s died, leading to arrests. No direct link is suggested in current reporting for the January 2026 event.​

The London News Today podcast episode “Woman Shot in Chadwell Heath, Suspects Arrested” emphasises:

“Two men arrested after woman shot in Chadwell Heath, Dagenham; victims injuries non-life-threatening; police seek witnesses.”.