Category: England

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward following the death of a 27-year-old woman in Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford.

On Saturday, 16 August at 5:34hrs police were called to reports of an assault in Chadwell Heath Lane. A woman was found with serious injuries and despite the best efforts of paramedics was pronounced dead at the scene. She has since been identified as 27-year-old Zahwa Salah Muktar.

Zahwa’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Investigators are continuing to urge any witnesses who may have information to contact police.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke who is leading this investigation said:

“Our thoughts remain with Zahwa’s family and friends at this undoubtedly difficult time for them all.

“We are keen to understand the events prior to Zahwa’s death.

“We know that Zahwa was in the company of a group of people in the vicinity of Palatine Road, N16 in the early hours of Saturday, 16 August.

“We would like to speak with anyone who was with Zahwa and who may have any information that may help police understand her movements on that day.”

Superintendent Clare McCarthy from the policing team in the local area said:

“This was a tragic incident, and our thoughts are very much with Zahwa’s family and loved ones.

”We understand how important it is to address any concerns within the community and we are working closely with our partners, including local authorities, faith leaders, and community representatives, to provide support and reassurance.

“The community has been deeply affected by Zahwa’s death, and we are committed to working together with partners to ensure people feel safe, heard, and supported.

“I would continue to urge anyone who has information, no matter how small it may seem, to come forward and speak to us. Your information could be crucial in helping officers understand exactly what happened and in securing justice for Zahwa and her family.”

Members of the public can submit any information via the major incident portal here.

Alternatively, anyone with information is asked to contact police by calling 101 or online, quoting CAD 1625/16AUG Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by submitting an online form.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A serving Met officer has been charged with misconduct in public office.

PC Peter Woodfine, attached to South Area Command Unit, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 20 August, charged with one count of misconduct in public office. He was charged on Friday, 18 July.

The charge relates to a series of incidents between June 2023 and September 2023 where it is alleged that PC Woodfine engaged in an inappropriate personal relationship with a member of the public while acting in his capacity as a police officer.

The alleged offence took place when he was on duty.

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards have been informed.

He is currently suspended from duties.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man involved in a shooting which left a nine-year-old girl with life-changing injuries has been found guilty of attempted murder.

A jury delivered the verdict to 33-year-old Javon Riley (13.12.1993) of Moselle Street, Tottenham at the Old Bailey on Monday, 18 August following the conclusion of a three-week trial on Wednesday, 13 August.

He was found guilty of the attempted murder of three men, as well as causing grievous bodily harm to nine-year-old.

Specialist detectives are now offering a financial reward of up to £15,000 for information that leads to the identification, arrest of and prosecution the man who fired the weapon.

Riley did not shoot the gun but played a key role in orchestrating and implementing a plan intended to end the lives of rival members of an organised crime network on Wednesday, 29 May 2024.

At 21:19hrs outside a bustling Dalston restaurant, a gunman pulled up on a stolen Ducati Monster and opened fire six times. One of those bullets lodged in the brain of a young girl as she ate ice cream with her family – the other rounds struck three men.

All four were taken to hospital for emergency, life-saving surgery.

In the months that followed, detectives discovered that Riley scoped the area over several days.

Evidence showed that he sat at a bar opposite the restaurant – sipping a pina colada as he studied the flow of traffic in Kingsland Road – calculating what was needed for the gunman to successfully carry out the shooting.

On the evening of the incident, Riley drove from north London in a stolen car and travelled past the restaurant on several occasions to ensure that the intended targets were present.

After the shooting, Riley was instrumental in ensuring the shooter evaded capture, transferring him from the scene as well as disposing of the firearm. Both the gun and gunman are yet to be found.

Speaking at court following the verdict, Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, who led the investigation, said: “Javon Riley’s actions traumatically altered the trajectory of a little girl’s life. While this outcome serves as a slither of justice, the dangerous individual responsible for pulling the trigger remains on our streets.

“Those who ordered this shooting are a highly sophisticated criminal organisation. We understand that people may be worried about talking to us because of this, but it is imperative we hear from anyone who can assist this investigation.

“Justice must be secured for this little girl and her family.”

The mother of the nine-year-old girl added:

“In a single moment, the future we had imagined for our daughter was torn away. She was once an energetic, adventurous child — everything that celebrated movement, energy, and life.

“Now, weakness on her left side means she can only watch from the sidelines, living with a titanium plate in her skull and a bullet still in her brain. As parents, we are shattered — emotionally, physically, mentally, and financially. Each day brings new challenges, from her slower growth on one side to the emotional and mental scars that cannot be seen.

“The world we once believed was safe for our child now feels frightening and uncertain. This was not just an accident — even if our daughter was not the intended target, those responsible were still attempting to take lives, It is brutal and inhumane. We live with this pain every day, knowing nothing will ever be the same for our family.”

The Ducati Monster used in the shooting had a white body, red chassis and red wheels. In 2021 it was stolen from a Wembley property and at the time of the shooting, was displaying the registration plates DP21 OXY. It has since been recovered and is believed to have links to Nunhead.

Detective Superintendent Brittany Clarke, who leads policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: 

“This incident had a devastating impact on local communities throughout north London.

“Although crime has decreased in Hackney, events such as this remind us that violence has a lasting effect on children and young people. We continue to work with the council, local charities and wider partners to address cause and impact of organised crime.

“If there is someone in the local community who knows what happened that night, and is yet to talk to us, please reconsider your decision to stay silent and share what you know.”

If anyone has information relating to this incident, please contact the Met via 101, quoting 8082/29MAY24 or 01/402921/24. All information shared will be taken in confidence.

People can also get in touch through independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 – all information shared here remains anonymous.

Riley will be sentenced on Friday, 12 September at the Old Bailey.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police have now made a fourth arrest in relation to a murder investigation in Romford.

A 35-year-old man was arrested on the evening of Sunday, 17 August on suspicion of assisting an offender and he remains in police custody.

This is in addition to a 35-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder, alongside a 21-year-old and 22-year-old who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

All four men remain in police custody.

A murder investigation was launched on Saturday, 16 August after police and the London Ambulance Service were alerted to a woman who had been assaulted in Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford at around 05:30hrs.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman has been identified as 27-year-old Zahwa Salah Mukhtar. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

Early enquiries by detectives indicate this is an isolated incident and those involved are believed to be known to each other.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hobbs said: “Our thoughts today are with the victim’s family and friends in light of this truly tragic event.

“Although we have now made arrests, local residents will continue to see an increased number of officers in and around the area while our investigative work is carried out.

“I would ask anyone who was in the area of Romford, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to speak to us.”

Zahwa’s family said:

“Zahwa was a kind and loving person with high aspirations in life and her presence brought warmth to those around her.

“She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

“Zahwa’s tragic loss has left us heartbroken, and she will be truly missed by all who knew and loved her.

“Her memory will live on in our hearts forever.”

If you saw anything, or have any information then please contact police via 101 quoting 1625/16Aug. Alternatively, to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Three men have been arrested in connection with the murder of a woman in Romford.

A 35-year-old was arrested on suspicion of murder, alongside a 21-year-old and 22-year-old who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A murder investigation was launched on Saturday, 16 August after police and the London Ambulance Service were alerted to a woman who had been assaulted in Chadwell Heath Lane, Romford at around 05:30hrs. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Although formal identification has yet to take place, officers believe the victim was in her twenties. Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

Early enquiries by detectives indicate this is an isolated incident and those involved are believed to be known to each other.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hobbs said: “Our thoughts remain with the victim’s family and friends in light of this truly tragic event.

“Although we have now made arrests, local residents will continue to see an increased number of officers in and around the area while our investigative work is carried out.

“I would ask anyone who was in the area of Romford, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to speak to us.”

If you saw anything, or have any information then please contact police via 101 quoting 1625/16Aug. Alternatively, to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are investigating a fatal assault in Romford.

On Saturday, 16 August at 05:34hrs police were called to Chadwell Heath, Romford following reports of an assault.

Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, but despite their best efforts, the woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Although formal identification has yet to take place, officers believe the victim was in her twenties.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course.

The woman’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers. We await formal identification.

No arrests have yet been made at this early stage in the investigation.

Detective Superintendent Brian Hobbs said: “Our thoughts today are with the victim’s family and friends in light of this truly tragic event.

“Local residents will see an increased number of officers in and around the area while our investigative work is carried out. I want to thank residents for their patience while this continues. I would ask anyone who was in the area of Romford, who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, to come forward to us.”

If you saw anything, or have any information then please contact police via 101 quoting 1625/16Aug. Alternatively, to remain anonymous you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with the murder of Ahmed Ali Jama in Camden in 2023.

Arlind Hashani, 22 (04.05.03), of Bray Fellows Road NW3 appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 15 August where he was charged with murder following his extradition from France. This follows his arrest in Paris on 30 July.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Wood Green Crown Court on Tuesday, 19 August.

Ahmed, aged 29, was found with stab wounds near Gaymead, on the Abbey Estate, in Abbey Road at around 19:32hrs on 29 December 2023.

Officers and paramedics provided first aid and Ahmed was taken to hospital, where he sadly died later that evening.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with murder after the death of a woman in Bethnal Green.

Mizanur Rahman, 45 (14.6.1980), will appear at Thames Magistrates Court on Saturday, 16 August after being charged on Friday, 15 August.

Officers were called by the London Ambulance Service to an address on Russia Lane at 21:00hrs on Thursday, 14 August.

A woman was found with a serious head injury and pronounced dead at the scene. She has since been identified as 73-year-old Sufia Khatun.

Her next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A further 60 people will be prosecuted for showing support for the proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action.

This follows the arrest of more than 700 people since the group’s proscription on 7 July.

The Metropolitan Police, Counter Terrorism Policing the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Attorney General’s Office have been working closely together to process the case files with more prosecutions expected in the coming weeks. We have put arrangements in place that will enable us to investigate and prosecute significant numbers each week if necessary.

Palestine Action was proscribed in July after the group claimed responsibility for damage to jets at RAF Brize Norton and was also linked to allegations of a serious assault on staff and police officers at a business premises in South Gloucestershire. Proscription of Palestine Action made membership or support of it a criminal offence.

There is a difference between showing support for a proscribed organisation – an offence under the Terrorism Act – and legitimate protest in support of cause. Individuals are entitled to protest within the law, but where that activity breaks the law, the police will make arrests and the Crown Prosecution Service will bring prosecutions.

Last weekend in central London 15,000 people demonstrated peacefully in support of the Palestinian cause with only one arrest taking place. However, 522 were arrested for an illegal show of support for Palestine Action on the same day. There have been hundreds of protests expressing support for the Palestinian cause over the last two years without showing mass support for proscribed terrorist groups.

Stephen Parkinson, Director of Public Prosecutions, said:

“The decisions that we have announced today are the first significant numbers to come out of the recent protests, and many more can be expected in the next few weeks. We are ready to make swift decisions in all cases where arrests have been made.

“The public has a democratic right to protest peacefully in this country, and I understand the depth of feeling around the horrific scenes in Gaza.

“However, Palestine Action is now a proscribed terrorist organisation and those who have chosen to break the law will be subject to criminal proceedings under the Terrorism Act.

“When protest conduct crosses the line from lawful activity into criminality, we have a duty to enforce the law.

“People should be clear about the real-life consequences for anyone choosing to support Palestine Action. A terrorism conviction can severely impact your life and career – it can restrict your ability to travel overseas and work in certain professions.

“I urge people to think very carefully about their actions at protests. Anyone who chooses to disobey the law will have to face the consequences.”

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said:

“I am proud of how our police and CPS teams have worked so speedily together to overcome misguided attempts to overwhelm the justice system. If necessary, we are able to investigate and quickly charge significant numbers of people each week if people want the potentially life-changing consequences of a terrorist conviction.

“At the same time, we will continue to police the numerous protests each week where people express their views in support of Palestine without choosing to break Counter Terrorism Laws by supporting proscribed terror groups.

“To be clear, these arrests and prosecutions do not outlaw people’s right to demonstrate in support of Palestine, or any other cause. They are simply the enforcement of a specific provision under the Terrorism Act in relation to a specific proscribed terrorist organisation, Palestine Action.

“Where officers see these offences, we will continue to make arrests and, as shown today, the CPS and police will work to quickly secure charges, at whatever scale is necessary.”

The consequences for those charged with offences under the Terrorism Act include:

•A maximum sentence of six months’ imprisonment.

•The Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) will have a record of a person’s TACT conviction, and this will be seen by employers who use DBS to carry out checks on staff or new applicants. The existence of a TACT conviction may be seen by employers as grounds for a refusal to employ a person or to dismiss them.

•Universities also carry out DBS checks, and may refuse entry to courses to those with terrorism convictions.

•Any application to visit another country usually requires a declaration of criminal convictions. A TACT conviction will be a potential bar to entry to countries including the US, Australia, Japan, and from 2026 when the ETIAS system is introduced, countries of the European Union.

•If a person is a member of a professional body, they may face disciplinary proceedings and potentially removal from the profession.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for help to find Yaqub, 16 who is missing from Camden.

Yaqub was reported missing on Sunday, 22 July at 17:30hrs. He was last seen near Tottenham Court Road wearing Nike grey clothing and has a distinctive crossbody bag.

He has links to Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, but could be anywhere in London.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarb Kaur from the Missing Persons Unit:

“We are appealing for any information on Yaqub’s whereabouts. His family are very worried about him and are urging anyone to contact police if they have heard from him.

“We continue to progress several lines of enquiry to locate Yaqub, but are becomingly increasingly worried about him.”

You can call police on 999, report online or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD8615/22JUL or contact the Missing Persons phone on 07881330963.