Man fighting for life after being 'shot multiple times' near Royal Artillery Barracks - amid hunt for attacker

A man is fighting for his life after being shot multiple times near the Royal Artillery Barracks as police launch a manhunt for the shooter.

Armed police rushed to Frances Street in Woolwich after reports of gunshots just after 8pm last night.

Officers performed first aid on a man in his 30s until paramedics arrived, with the man taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

It's understood the man remains under police guard.

No arrests have been made yet, and a manhunt has been launched for the gunman. 

The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich accommodates up to 700 of the Royal Regiment men.

The base, which housed the Royal Artillery from 1776 until 2007, is scheduled for closure in 2028 with the Ministry of Defence deeming the site surplus to its requirements. 

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: 'Police were called at 8.09pm on Thursday, October 22 to reports of a shooting in Frances Street, Woolwich.

'Officers attended and found a man, aged in his 30s, suffering from gunshot wounds. 

'They performed first aid until the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived.

'The man was taken to an east London hospital with life-threatening injuries.

'Firearms officers and specialist crime detectives attended the scene.

'No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.'

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Daily Mail has approached the Ministry of Defence for comment.