UPDATE: Man charged in connection with Hillingdon murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A second man has been charged in connection with the murder of Sean O’Neill in west London.

Dellan Charles, 22 (08.10.01) of no fixed address has been charged with murder and possession of a knife.

An investigation was launched after police were called at 18:51hrs on 18 May 2023 to reports of a man found injured in Reynolds Road, Hayes.

Officers responded and found 30-year-old Sean O’Neill with stab injuries. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Following a public appeal, new information was received and a 22-year-old man was arrested at a house in Coventry on the morning of Wednesday, 27 March. He was subsequently charged and remanded in custody to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 30 March.

Another man has also been charged with murder and is due to stand trial at Kingston Crown Court at a later date.

Officers thank community as Catford incident safely resolved

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Statement from Detective Superintendent James Derham on the safe conclusion of incident in Catford

Officers have thanked the local community for their patience and co-operation in bringing a serious incident in Catford to a safe conclusion.

After over 50 hours of engagement and negotiations, officers arrested a man who had been alone inside a property with a gas canister. There had been significant fears that the man would harm himself or others.

Detective Superintendent James Derham, from the local policing team in south-east London, said: “I want to say a big thank you to those in Catford for their patience and assistance over the last few days while officers worked around the clock to resolve this incident safely.

“I absolutely do not underestimate the impact this has had on the day-to-day lives of residents, especially those who were displaced from their homes.

“This morning, specialist Met officers from the firearms command entered the property on Daneby Road and arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of making threats to cause criminal damage with intent to endanger life.

“The man required hospital treatment for an injury to his foot after he was bitten by a police dog and currently remains in hospital.

“Our specialist and local officers used all their skills to deal successfully with this extremely sensitive and complex matter in a thoroughly professional manner. This involved the deployment of crisis negotiators to communicate with the man inside the address and highly trained firearms officers to ensure the safety of all involved.

“Our officers worked closely with partners, including the local authority, to ensure any disruption to residents and those travelling through Bellingham and Catford was kept to a minimum. I extend my gratitude to other emergency services that remained on standby throughout the duration of the incident, ready to offer support as needed.

“At this time, police cordons at the address are still in place while we work to swiftly conclude our enquiries.

“Our priority, from the start, has been to bring this incident to a safe conclusion for everyone involved and I am pleased we have been able to do this.”

Force leads for race action plan come together

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

The event heard from different forces about the great work they have going on in their area.

Nearly 70 leaders working on the Police Race Action Plan in forces across the country have come together to share the work going on to make policing anti-racist.

The conference at the College of Policing on Wednesday (27 March) brought together those leading work locally on the flagship national plan to address racism and bias in the service.

Jacob Henry, the co-founder of youth group Vibe Youth who also sits on the panel scrutinising the Welsh government’s anti-racism plan, was the event’s keynote speaker as he spoke about his experiences with the police and how he felt policing could fulfil its ambition of becoming anti-racist.

The event also heard from different forces about the great work they have going on in their area.

Neil Bennett, director of communications and engagement at Avon and Somerset Police, spoke about his force’s bold approach to community engagement as part of its Race Matters programme.

Assistant Chief Constable Dennis Murray from Thames Valley Police explained the strategy and governance his force has put in place to deliver the progress envisioned through the plan, including a major overhaul of how the force structures its independent scrutiny.

Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan from Essex Police and Andy Harding from British Transport Police both spoke about the work they are doing around key areas of police powers like stop and search and use of taser respectively to address things like disproportionately.

It marks the latest event delivered by the Police Race Action Plan in recent weeks to get people engaged in its work and get their feedback on a refresh of the plan due to be delivered this summer.

This includes the plan launching its National Community Reference Group for experts and community leaders, running an event for stakeholders as well as a specific session for young people from across the country.

Further sessions on the plan are being planned with schools in Birmingham, Bristol, Cardiff, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester and Nottingham to discuss the plan with young people and get their thoughts.

T/Deputy Assistant Commissioner Dr Alison Heydari, programme director of the Police Race Action Plan, said: “It was great to see everyone in person and hear more about work going on across different forces, as well as getting a sense of the collective sense of purpose and passion there is across policing to deliver on the plan and turn its objectives into reality.

“The past few weeks feel like they have given the plan fresh impetus and energy as we take the plan’s important messages and progress out across the country.

“The Police Race Action Plan remains vitally important for all of us to implement and buy into. We are lucky to have so many passionate individuals driving this work in our forces across the country and we will be doing everything we can moving forward to support this work and ensure this brings in long term cultural change for the better.”

You can read more about the Police Race Action Plan on the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s website.

Fourth arrest in Enfield murder investigation

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of George Eric Rogers in Enfield have made a fourth arrest.

The 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, 24 March. He remains in custody at a north London police station.

An investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a man found injured in Lockhart Close at 19:21hrs on Friday, 1 March.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services, the 66-year-old died at the scene. His next of kin continue to be supported by family liaison officers.

A post-mortem examination carried out on Monday, 4 March confirmed he died as a result of sharp force trauma to the neck.

Two other people have been charged as part of the same investigation.

Ellie Ackhurst, 30 (30.07.93) and Anthony Elliott, 42 (13.10.81), both of no fixed address, were charged with murder on Tuesday, 5 March.

Ackhurst and Elliott appeared at Highbury Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 5 March.

They were remanded in custody and will next appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 23 May.

Another woman, who was arrested on Tuesday, 5 March on suspicion of murder, was released with no further action taken against her.

The investigation continues and information can be shared directly with the investigation team here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS24W20-PO1

Urgent appeal to locate van stolen from terminally ill boy

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are appealing for the public’s help to recover a specially modified van that was stolen from Hackney.

We are investigating the theft of the grey Ford Transit Custom, that has been specifically converted by the Cariazo family to transport their terminally ill son Elijah.

The 13-year-old was born with a rare muscular condition called myotubular myopathy which makes it difficult for him breath and swallow.

Elijah survives with the help of bulky medical equipment that has required the family to use a specially modified van which took nine months to fully customise. This is required to take him to hospital for appointments and cannot be easily replaced.

Sergeant Adam Hunter of the Haggerston Safer Neighbourhood team said: “The Met takes every theft seriously, but this case is of particular concern to us due to the type of vehicle and the time sensitive nature of the investigation.

“Officers are based in the area and are well known within the community. They are conducting house-to-house enquiries and trawling through hours of CCTV footage to track down the van, but time is of the essence so we are appealing to the public for any information they may have.”

The Cariazo family was due to go on holiday for the Easter weekend following a deterioration in Elijah’s condition, however when they woke on Tuesday, 26 March, their car was gone.

CCTV has captured footage of two men breaking into the car outside their house on Loanda Close, before turning left onto Clarissa Street and left again onto Lee Street towards the A10 Kingsland Road.

The suspects are two while men, approximately 5 foot 10 and slim building. They were seen wearing black tracksuits and one was wearing a rucksack.

The van has one missing hubcap on the rear right-hand side and has a distinctive sticker for the wheelchair ramp on the back doors.

Elijah’s mother, Onessa said: “I am appealing to everyone to keep an eye out for Elijah’s lifeline, this is not just a vehicle, it is our road to freedom. Without it, our poor boy cannot see in his final days. Every day is an extension, and we thank God.

“This vehicle cannot be easily replaced and it is his 14 birthday in a few short days. We had hoped to take him away with his medical team to enjoy the surroundings of the countryside which he loves so much.

“If you see a vehicle of this colour parked up unattended or don’t recognise it, please report it to the police, it may be nothing, but we need everyone to keep their eyes peeled and thank them in advance, this means so much to our family.”

Anyone with any information is urged to call 101 quoting the 01/141980/24.

To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Met officers make seven arrests in west London as part of investigation into online drug dealing ring

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Specialist Met officers raided eight properties in west London as part of an ongoing investigation into the sale of cannabis online. They also seized in excess of £10,000 in cash, as well as drugs estimated to be in excess of £1 million in street value.

As part of the investigation, officers have established that a criminal group are using a website to sell cannabis across the country. The scale of the operation is believed to be vast – and it is alleged that the criminal network are making up to £500,000 a month from the proceeds of the illegal drugs trade.

The arrests come as part of a Met-wide focus on using data and technology to target resources to tackle the issues that matter to London’s communities the most, including drug dealing.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Reynolds said: “We are determined to crackdown on those who brazenly flout the law and seek to make colossal amounts of money from the illegal drugs trade.

“These arrests come after a lengthy investigation carried out by a team of dedicated police officers, who have left no stone unturned in their pursuit to dismantle criminal groups operating in London.

“Drug criminality is often the driving force behind violence and anti-social behaviour across our streets and it is only right that we do everything in our power to tackle this type of crime – including online.”

Seven men – aged between 20 and 55 – were arrested as part of raids on Wednesday, 27 March across west London, including in Ealing and Hounslow. They remain in custody for questioning.

Met prepared for busy Easter weekend across London

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An extensive policing plan is in place for the Capital over the coming Easter bank holiday weekend and officers will be working hard to ensure various religious, sporting and protest events can take place safely, whilst causing minimal disruption to local communities.

With a number of large events as well as the Easter holidays, we are expecting a high number of visitors to the Capital and officers are reminding the public to remain vigilant and to report anything that doesn’t feel right to police. While the UK terrorism threat level remains at ‘substantial’, dedicated counter-terrorism patrols by Project Servator officers have been taking place in busy locations across London throughout this week and these will continue into the weekend.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, who is overseeing policing across London for the Easter weekend said: “We expect this weekend in London to be extremely busy, with families and communities celebrating Easter and other religious festivals, as well as a mix of major sporting events and various protests taking place in the Capital. We have an extensive policing plan in place to ensure these can take place safely, but I also want to be clear that we will not tolerate anyone who is intent on causing criminality, disorder or anti-social behaviour at any of the events.

“We have maintained a good dialogue with event holders, including protest organisers who are aware of our expectations in terms how individuals and groups conduct themselves and how their stewards can help us. We continue to provide them with information about what kind of activity would constitute a criminal offence and have made it clear that we will take swift and decisive action where crimes occur.

“We also know that many people – particularly those from Jewish and Muslim communities – remain concerned about hate crime and are worried about their safety and we recognise the cumulative impact of frequent protests.

“Local officers continue to meet with community representatives and we will have presence at places of worship right across London through the weekend and beyond. While we have an extensive plan in place to police the various major events, we also have plenty of officers who will be on duty to provide a local policing presence across all of our boroughs.

“This is possible, in part, because we are once again being supported by colleagues from other forces across the UK and I’d like to thank all of the officers and staff who will be working this weekend to keep London safe.”

On Good Friday, police will be present at the Rolling Thunder protest in relation to military veterans taking place in the central London area during the morning, as well as policing a number of football matches. On Saturday, there will be a policing plan in relation to the Boat Race in west London, which includes specialist officers from the Marine Police Unit, in addition to land-based officers. Policing plans are in place for a number of other football matches and officers will be present at the planned march by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC), which will be starting in Russell Square and ending in Trafalgar Square.

As with all protest events, the Met will continue to police without fear or favour, remain independent, impartial and uphold the law so people can exercise their democratic right to protest. However, this is balanced with the right for people, visitors and businesses to be able to move or operate freely. Equally, we are ensuring we are visible and responsive to our wider communities – particularly given the policing of these protests since October last year has required in excess of 35,000 officer shifts, and more than 5,200 officer rest days to be cancelled, and costs of more than £32.3 million.

Pre-conditions imposed this weekend:

Notice under section 12(3) Public Order Act 1986

Any person participating in the “Palestine Solidarity Campaign” procession must not deviate from the route specified on the map below and described as:

Procession starting in Woburn Place – Russell Square – Southampton Row – Kingsway – Aldwych – Strand – Duncannon Street – Trafalgar Square.

Notice under section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986

The “Palestinian Solidarity Campaign” rally in Trafalgar Square must conclude by 1700hrs.

Anyone who fails to comply with these conditions will be dealt with by officers.

Former officer convicted of sexual offences

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A former officer has been convicted of sexual offences following a joint investigation by the Met and West Midlands Police.

Former PC Thomas Thorpe, who was attached to the South Area Command Unit, was found guilty of the following offences at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 28 March:

– Three counts of making an indecent photograph of a child;
– Attempting to cause a child under 13 to look at an image of sexual activity;
– Attempting to cause a child under 13 to look at engage in sexual activity;
– Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child.

He was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the same court on 14 May.

The court heard how Thorpe engaged in online conversations with a person he believed was a 12-year-old girl. This was in fact an undercover police officer from West Midlands Police. Thorpe sent sexually explicit images to the ‘girl’ over four-week period in November and December 2019.

Thorpe was arrested 6 December 2019; a search of digital devices recovered from his address revealed indecent images of children. The devices also contained the images that he been sent to the ‘girl’.

Thorpe was suspended from duty following his arrest in December 2019. He resigned from the Met in September 2022.

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, local policing commander in south London, said: “People rightly expect police officers to uphold the highest standards and when an officer fails to meet those standards they can expect to face the consequences of their actions through the courts and our own misconduct process.

“Former PC Thorpe’s behaviour was abhorrent and he has been convicted of serious sexual offences. Prior to his conviction misconduct proceedings established that he would have been sacked had he not already left the organisation.”

An accelerated misconduct hearing took place in May 2023 and found former PC Thorpe had breached the standards of professional behaviour which amounted to gross misconduct. The hearing concluded had he still been a serving Met officer he would have been dismissed without notice.

NPCC welcomes first ever lead for Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

Temporary Chief Constable Alex Murray believes AI will make policing more efficient 

The first-ever policing lead for Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been appointed by the National Police Chiefs Council.

Temporary Chief Constable Alex Murray, who also leads West Mercia Police, took up the ground-breaking role earlier this month.

During his long-running career in the West Midlands, London and West Mercia, T/Chief Constable Murray has developed initiatives to tackle violent crime, worked in neighbourhood policing as well as Counter Terrorism. 

The senior officer has always been an advocate for data driven policing and evidence-based practice and wants to ensure the benefits of AI are maximised, whilst ensuring that appropriate safeguards are in place.

Speaking about his new role within the NPCC, and the importance of technological advancements in policing he said:

“Artificial Intelligence is here, and it is developing fast. 

“The police is at the forefront of protecting communities by bringing justice and preventing crime in the first place. Our remit is huge, from tackling online child abuse, organised crime through to preventing burglary and reassuring the public.  In all these areas AI can make us more effective – it can be a tool for good.

“In addition, it can allow policing, which is ultimately paid for by the public, to be more efficient and productive.”

He added: “I understand there are many fears and misconceptions around AI and my role is to make sure policing, our partners and our communities are well informed and kept up to date about the systems and digital technologies we are investing in. 

“Trust and confidence are central to successful policing so it’s important we are open and transparent about what we are piloting and testing and as well as being honest about how AI works.  Policing has a covenant for the use of AI that places transparency and fairness at the heart of AI development.

“We will continue to work closely with partners, including the Office of the Police Chief Scientific Adviser, and take advice from academia, industry and remain receptive and open to criticism.

“Policing is in a challenging period and AI presents opportunities for forces to test new ideas, be creative and seek innovative solutions to help boost productivity and be more effective in tackling crime.

“The police can choose to ignore developments and be left behind or embrace innovation and better protect the public. UK Policing is choosing to lead in this area.”

Dog enjoys new life after being rescued by caring officer

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A Staffie cross is enjoying a new life after being rescued by a Met police officer.

In December 2023, police were called to a flat in Tottenham after a member of the public reported seeing what appeared to be an abandoned dog through a window.

Response officer PC Joe Allen attended and after forcing entry, found the dog cowering under a broken bed frame, surrounded by mounds of rubbish.

The dog was extremely malnourished and needed immediate medical attention.

PC Allen said: “Seeing a dog in that state was so shocking and I immediately picked her up and cradled her to make her feel safe.

“She was obviously taken away to get the attention and care she needed, but I couldn’t stop thinking about her and it was clear I needed her in my life.

“We were so lucky to be able to adopt her and she has now been living with my partner and I for two months and is loving her new home. I think it was meant to be and she has definitely made our lives better.”