Appeal after assault leaves man in life threatening condition

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing to the public for information following a disturbance on a bus in Brixton yesterday that has left a man fighting for his life.

The Specialist Crime Command has launched a major investigation following an incident involving two men on a route 59 bus in Brixton Road, SW9 at approximately 10:20hrs on Thursday, 21 November.

A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital following the incident, where he remains in a critical condition. His family have been informed.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was taken into police custody where he remains.

At this stage it is not thought any weapons were used in the incident but enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

Anyone with information, including footage of the incident or CCTV footage, mobile phone, doorbell or dashcam footage of anything nearby that you believe may be relevant, is asked to contact the police as soon as possible by calling 101 OR messaging @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2089/21Nov.

The public can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A dedicated online page has been set up to make it easier to provide information or material – such as images or video – online.

Appeal to locate burglary suspects after Met officers arrest man in north London

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police have arrested a man following two burglaries in north London and are appealing for information and witnesses to identify outstanding suspects. The arrested man has pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary.

At around 19:00hrs on Wednesday, 20 November, police responded to a burglary at a residential address in Winnington Road, N2.

On seeing police as they left the house, a male suspect carrying a pickaxe moved towards officers. The five men then made off in a black Audi A3. Police pursued the suspects in a marked police vehicle.

In Osborne Road, N4 the suspects abandoned the Audi, which was subsequently confirmed as stolen and being driven on false number plates. One man was arrested at that location.

The other males got into another car – a black BMW 5 series – and drove off.

Stolen property from the burglary in Winnington Road was recovered inside the Audi, along with cash and jewellery from a house in Sheldon Avenue, N6 which had been burgled at around 18:00hrs that evening.

Detective Inspector Peter Fernandez, one of the senior officers investigating burglaries in north-west London, said: “I am pleased that officers were able to arrest one person, who has been convicted of burglary. Our investigation is now focused on identifying the four outstanding suspects, and I am appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

“The four men were wearing dark clothing and driving a black BMW 5 series. Might you have seen these men or this car on Wednesday evening? If you saw anything suspicious or have any information please contact police or, to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers.

“We understand burglary is a key concern within the communities of Barnet. This arrest is part of the Met’s ongoing response to burglaries in north-west London.

“As seen here, officers will respond to incidents at pace and with courage and determination. Over the next few weeks, local Community Policing teams will be conducting additional patrols across Barnet providing a high visibility presence and offering crime prevention advice. If you do have any concerns please speak to our officers or contact your local team, details of which are available via the Met police website.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call 101, ref 6443/20non. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.

The arrested man – John Cooper, 40, (13/11/84) of Lymington Avenue, N22 – pleaded guilty at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 22 November, to two counts of burglary. He was remanded in custody. Officers await details of a date for sentencing.

Man jailed following Met investigation into fatal Islington stabbing

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A teenager has been jailed for 22 years after a Met investigation into a fatal stabbing in Islington.

Sanchez Tate, 18, [15.7.06] of Tufnell Park Road, Islington was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 21 November, He had been found guilty of the murder of Mohamed Abdi Noor on 1 October following a trial at the same court.

The murder investigation was led by Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith.

DCI Smith said: “The dispute started as a verbal argument between Tate and Mohamed after Mohamed had found his motorbike had been knocked over while left parked-up near his home.

“This escalated tragically to physical violence, and was further accelerated by the fact that Sanchez Tate was carrying a sword with a 43.5cm long blade and made the terrible choice to use it.

“My thoughts are with Mohamed’s family and those who knew him, who have lost a dearly loved family member and friend.

“I am also mindful that there are no winners in this case and Tate, who was 17 years of age at the time, will have many years in prison to reflect on the callous stupidity of his actions.

“The investigation team would like to thank the witnesses to this shocking incident, who stepped in to try to stop it. They also alerted emergency services, assisted with first aid, made statements to police and gave crucial evidence at the trial.”

Police were called at 19:27hrs on Monday 11 December 2023 to Tufnell Park Road, N7.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found 21-year-old Mohamed Abdi Noor with stab wounds. He was taken by ambulance to hospital, where, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he sadly died in the early hours of 12 December.

Mohamed’s family were informed and have been supported throughout the investigation and court proceedings.

Sanchez Tate was arrested on 11 December at his home address, near to the murder scene and Mohamed’s home. Following the death of Mohamed Abdi Noor, he was charged with murder.

If you are concerned about knife crime – and in particular if you know somebody who carries a weapon, has been a victim or is at risk of becoming a victim – please visit the Crimestoppers website or the Met’s ‘Stop Knife Crime’ web pages.

Four charged following Flying Squad arrests in Kilburn

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Four men who were arrested by Flying Squad officers in Kilburn have been charged.

They were arrested at around 17:25hrs on Tuesday, 19 November, at the EE mobile phone shop in Kilburn High Road.

All four appeared in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 21 November, charged with conspiracy to commit robbery.

They are:
James Adodo, 24, (05/09/2000) of Perry Street, Crayford
Ayomide Olaribiro (alias Yemi Imbrahimigbo), 21 (29/04/2003) of Warrior Square, E12
Olabiyi Obasa, 28, (06/04/1996) of Norfolk Road, Dartford; and
Nelson Joel, 27, (09/09/1997) of St Martins Road, Dartford.

They were remanded to appear at Harrow Crown Court on 19 December.

Detective Inspector Nikki Owen, from Flying Squad West, said: “We will continue to work closely with our communities, partners and industry leads to prevent and disrupt crime.

“Under A New Met for London officers are intensifying efforts to reduce crimes that matter most to the community, particularly robbery, while actively engaging with the local communities to foster collaboration and trust.”

PC Lewis Rollins found guilty of assault by beating

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An officer has been found guilty of assaulting a woman while he was off-duty.

PC Lewis Rollins, attached to Central West Command Unit, was convicted at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, 20 November following a trial.

An investigation was launched on Saturday, 18 May when officers received a report of an assault inside an address in Balham.

On arrest, PC Rollins made attempts to lie about his identity. He was later charged and suspended from duty.

At the same trial, he was found not guilty of intentional suffocation and actual bodily harm, relating to a separate victim. He will be sentenced in March 2025.

Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who leads policing in the Central West area, said “PC Rollins’ actions are completely unacceptable and at odds with the Met’s values.

“I commend the women who have demonstrated extreme strength and bravery throughout this investigation. Our Directorate of Professional Standards is now progressing a misconduct investigation which remains ongoing.”

Flying Squad detectives arrest four men as part of operation to crackdown on robberies in mobile phone shops

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Four men have been arrested after Flying Squad officers swooped in and detained them while they were robbing a mobile phone shop in Kilburn.

On Tuesday, 19 November at 17:25 hours, four men wearing surgical masks and hoods entered the EE mobile phone shop in Kilburn High Road and threatened staff to open the safes containing the devices.

Two of the suspects detained staff and customers on the shop floor whilst the remaining two forced a staff member to open the storeroom.

The suspects proceeded to load phones into the bag but Flying Squad detectives arrived swiftly on scene and stopped them before they could run away.

Four men, aged 24 [A], 27 [B], 28 [C] and 21 [D], were arrested on suspicion of robbery of a business. They were taken to a police station where they remain in custody.

The Met’s Flying Squad officers and telecom industry leads from EE have been working together following a recent increase in high value commercial robberies at mobile phone stores across London.

Data, intelligence and reactive enquiries have enabled officers to conduct proactive deployments, including the one in Kilburn High Road, resulting in the arrest and charge of eight males who are linked to 10 robberies and one attempted robbery.

Detective Inspector Nikki Owen, from Flying Squad West, said: “Robbery involves theft by use of force. Whilst the industry is left counting the financial losses, the repercussions have a deep and lasting impact on victims and witnesses. We will continue to work closely with our communities, partners and industry leads to prevent and disrupt crime. I am pleased to see that joint working is having a positive impact and shows our dedication to rebuilding public trust and confidence.

“Under A New Met for London officers are intensifying efforts to reduce crimes that matter most to the community, particularly robbery, while actively engaging with the local communities to foster collaboration and trust.

“Stolen mobile phones are often shipped overseas but many are sold on social media sites and in small shops. Members of the public need to be aware of unwittingly purchasing stolen phones as the IMEI numbers are recorded by the industry and purchasers may lose the phone if it is identified as stolen property.”

Flying Squad detectives arrest four men as part of operation to crackdown on robberies in London mobile phone shops

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Four men have been arrested after Flying Squad officers swooped in and detained them while they were robbing a mobile phone shop in Kilburn.

On Tuesday, 19 November at 17:25 hours, four men wearing surgical masks and hoods entered the EE mobile phone shop in Kilburn High Road and threatened staff to open the safes containing the devices.

Two of the suspects detained staff and customers on the shop floor whilst the remaining two forced a staff member to open the storeroom.

The suspects proceeded to load phones into the bag but Flying Squad detectives arrived swiftly on scene and stopped them before they could run away.

Four men, aged 24 [A], 27 [B], 28 [C] and 21 [D], were arrested on suspicion of robbery of a business. They were taken to a police station where they remain in custody.

The Met’s Flying Squad officers and telecom industry leads from EE have been working together following a recent increase in high value commercial robberies at mobile phone stores across London.

Data, intelligence and reactive enquiries have enabled officers to conduct proactive deployments, including the one in Kilburn High Road, resulting in the arrest and charge of eight males who are linked to 10 robberies and one attempted robbery.

Detective Inspector Nikki Owen, from Flying Squad West, said: “Robbery involves theft by use of force. Whilst the industry is left counting the financial losses, the repercussions have a deep and lasting impact on victims and witnesses. We will continue to work closely with our communities, partners and industry leads to prevent and disrupt crime. I am pleased to see that joint working is having a positive impact and shows our dedication to rebuilding public trust and confidence.

“Under A New Met for London officers are intensifying efforts to reduce crimes that matter most to the community, particularly robbery, while actively engaging with the local communities to foster collaboration and trust.

“Stolen mobile phones are often shipped overseas but many are sold on social media sites and in small shops. Members of the public need to be aware of unwittingly purchasing stolen phones as the IMEI numbers are recorded by the industry and purchasers may lose the phone if it is identified as stolen property.”

Police chiefs urge communities to stay alert to online misinformation

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

Police chiefs have today spoken about the role that misinformation played in the riots and disorder over the summer and the devastating impact it had on communities.

After the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport in July, widespread unrest spilled into violence and disorder in communities across England and Wales.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Head of the National Police Co-ordination Centre (NPoCC), said:

“I am incredibly proud of the way that policing pulled together to deploy officers to protect the communities most at risk.

“The disorder was one of the biggest challenges to national policing since the 2011 riots and was the first time the National Mobilisation Plan was evoked by NPoCC, which releases officers from forces to be deployed to the worst affected areas.”

During the 12 day period of rioting, over 40,000 hours’ worth of shifts for public order officers were stood up to protect communities from the violence and disorder. The estimated cost of the police operation stands at £31.7 million, a cost that is expected to rise.

Police chiefs reflected on how exposure to misinformation and harmful ideologies online are influencing the actions of an increasingly younger demographic, as data reveals that 17% of those arrested in relation to the disorder were under the age of 18.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said:

“As well as responsible ownership of technology companies and the international work of government to stop misinformation spreading online, we need to equip people to know how to deal with false information.

“It’s too late to wait to de-bunk misinformation that has real-world consequences, we need to get into classrooms so we can ‘pre-bunk’ and teach young people how to respond to this online content.”

Noting the impact this had on communities, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, said:

“Some felt they had legitimate cause to protest, some were hell bent on causing violence and damage. We need to ensure that the public have accurate information to stop this from happening again. It’s about having the right information out there that people can believe in.”

Drug dealer with sophisticated central London commercial enterprise jailed after Met investigation

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man living in Westminster has been jailed for multiple drug offences following a dedicated investigation by Met detectives who acted on concerns from local residents.

This investigation comes as part of the Met’s determination to tackle issues that matter most to London’s communities, including drug dealing and associated anti-social behaviour and violence.

Grant Lock, 44 (06.11.1980), of Villiers Street, Charing Cross, pleaded guilty at Southwark Crown Court on Wednesday, 26 June to 15 drug dealing related offences, including possession with intent to supply ketamine, MDMA, cocaine and GBL. In court, Lock was described by the judge as overseeing a ‘sophisticated commercial enterprise’. Lock was sentenced at the same court on Friday, 15 November to seven and a half years in prison.

Lock was first arrested after concerns were raised around drug dealing in the Charing Cross area. Local neighbourhood officers worked together with specialist officers to uncover the key drug dealing hubs. Officers arrested Lock at his home in Villiers Street, where large quantities of drugs were found. In this first instance, Lock tried to claim that the GBL found, amongst numerous other drugs, was a cleaning product – rather than a drug commonly used for spiking drinks and in the chemsex scene.

Lock was arrested a second time after officers were told of residents’ concerns that drugs were being sold from a second flat in Newburgh Street, Soho in May 2020. Officers discovered that Lock was at the property and forced their way in after he refused them entry. Once inside, they then arrested Lock for possession with intent to supply after more drugs were found. Across both arrests, officers seized a bounty of drugs including 18 grams of cocaine, 235 doses of LSD, 296 MDMA pills, 241 packets of methylamphetamine, 36 packets of ketamine and 11 litres of GBL.

Detective Contable Nigel Pacquette, who led the investigation, said:

“Lock was a prolific drug dealer who had no regard of the law. He was found to be dealing a wide range of drugs, and even had notebooks full of records of who he had sold to and whether they had paid.

“Today’s result was only possible thanks to the close cooperation between local communities and the police. When people tell us they are concerned, we will act – combining specialist intelligence gathering techniques, with community policing to get results that will benefit the community.”

“The drugs trade is blight on Londoners, bringing crime and violence to its neighbourhoods and ruining lives. As part of its New Met for London strategy, the Met will continue to tackle crimes that matter most to communities and deliver on their behalf.”

Police leaders set out vision for new era of policing

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

Senior police leaders have today, Tuesday November 19, set out their vision for a new police service focused on delivering for communities.

Speaking at the NPCC & APCC Partnership Summit, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), and Emily Spurrell, Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), announced their intention to work with government to deliver far reaching reforms that will deliver capability to address new crime threats and help restore the public’s trust and confidence.

Headlines from the announcement, which was made at the QEII Centre in Westminster, include:

  • A national policing body with legal status, that can lead the policing response to national threats and drive efficiencies.
  • Ambition to draw together national policing data to identify and intercept criminal activity quicker.
  • Renewed focus on crime prevention to reduce crime and reoffending.

Outlining the need for a central policing body that can respond to some of the biggest national and global threats, freeing up forces to respond to important local issues, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC Chair, said:

“An organisation of this nature could provide strategic, operational and enabling capabilities on behalf of all police forces, doing so once, and well, preventing duplication, and if sustained over the long term, enabling reinvestment into local policing, where it is most needed.”

Setting out the need for wide-reaching change, the Chair of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, Emily Spurrell said:

“We are united in our ambition to serve local communities better. We have to increase the pace of change in policing, driving improvement so that we can deliver a better service and improve public trust and confidence. To deliver this, we have to follow the evidence of what will genuinely improve policing for the public and how and where we can make the biggest impact.”

Gavin said: “Fortunately, never before have chief constables, police leaders and Government been so united in the view that to protect our communities locally, from global threats, policing needs to change.”

As well as a national policing body, Gavin spoke about the importance of improving policing’s ability to collect data at a national level to drive better strategic decision making:

“We must draw together national policing data under common standards, allowing us to identify criminal activity quickly, intercept it proactively and highlight patterns of growing concern. 

“It will also enable us to build the tools needed to combat advancing criminal tactics – not in a force-by-force manner which is hugely expensive, but nationally, once – and for all.”

APCC Chair, Emily Spurrell, welcomed the government’s support for Police and Crime Commissioner and Deputy Mayor led initiatives in crime prevention:

“PCCs respond to local issues and community concerns on crime and policing. It is telling that some of the most impactful innovations have started locally, before being rolled out nationally. Operation Pegasus addressing retail crime and Operation Soteria, tackling rape and serious sexual assault, as well as hotspot policing addressing serious violence and anti-social behaviour, to name just a few.

“Proposals for reform need to recognise that a one-size-fits-all approach will rarely be the right solution but, scaling up approaches that demonstrably work is in all of our interests.”

In her speech to the Summit, the APCC Chair praised the police and wider public response to the summer disorder. She also gave her support for a duty of candour in policing and the wider public sector to improve and increase public trust and confidence. 

In his closing remarks, Gavin summed up his drive to make policing better for everyone, and how we must not shy away from the challenge of reform:

“I make no exaggeration when I say this is a once in a generation chance for us to transform policing. The last one was 60 years ago. Let us not delay any longer.”