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Man charged in connection with ULEZ camera explosion in Sidcup

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged following an investigation by the Met Police into an explosion at the site of a newly installed ULEZ camera in Sidcup in December last year.

Kevin Rees, (22.08.1962) of Harcourt Avenue, Sidcup, was charged via postal charge requisition with causing an explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property, contrary to section 2 of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He was also charged with three counts of possessing a prohibited weapon, contrary to section 5(1)(b) Firearms Act 1968. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ court on Monday, 11 November.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, who leads local policing in the Bexley area, said:

“We know that this incident caused much concern locally at the time. Local officers have continued to support the investigation team as they have diligently gone about gathering evidence in this case, working closely with the CPS, which has led to these charges being brought.

“The criminal justice process must now run its course and I would therefore ask people not to speculate further as we await the conclusion of this case at court.”

Police were called to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at approximately 18:45hrs on 6 December, 2023.

The investigation into the incident was carried out by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command due to their specialism in dealing with incidents involving the use of explosives.

On 18 December, 2023, a 60-year-old man was arrested in Sidcup on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, contrary to section two of the Explosive Substances Act 1883. He was released under investigation and subsequently charged as above.

A 61-year-old man was also arrested on 18 December, 2023, in Horsham on suspicion of conspiracy to cause an explosion likely to endanger life or property, and criminal damage, contrary to section one of the Criminal Damage Act 1971.

This man was subsequently released from investigation in relation to the explosion incident, but he was investigated in relation to a separate incident of alleged criminal damage to the ULEZ camera, which took place earlier on the same day.

The two incidents – the criminal damage to the ULEZ camera, and the explosion – are not being linked at this time.

The man, who is now 62, was charged via postal charge requisition in relation to damage caused to the camera earlier that day.

Stephen Richard Harwood-Stamper (04.08.1962) of Church Road, Broadbridge Heath, Horsham, West Sussex, is charged with criminal damage, contrary to section 1 of the Criminal Damage Act 1971, and using a false plate whilst driving, contrary to section 44 of the Vehicle Excise and Registration Act 1994. He is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on 27 November.

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Images issued of man sought following crossbow incident in Tower Hamlets

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was threatened with a crossbow in Tower Hamlets.

Between 12:00hrs and 12:30hrs on Monday, 21 October, a man was walking down Alfred Street, E3 when he was approached by a member of the public.

He started being verbally aggressive before threatening him with a crossbow and leaving the scene.

Detective Inspector Nikki Hardy, from Central East BCU, said: “Thankfully the victim in this case suffered no injuries but was understandably shaken by what happened.

“We are now releasing an image of a man we wish to speak to in connection with this incident. We would urge everyone to look at the photo and think about whether they recognise him or know where he may be.

“Anyone with information should contact us on 101 with reference 245/31OCT number.”

Information can also be provided completely anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

As part of their investigation, detectives are looking at whether there may be any connection between this and two attacks in Shoreditch in March this year and are keeping an open mind.

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CCTV footage shows Met officers tackling phone thief in Oxford Circus

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Dramatic video footage released by the Met shows proactive officers foil an attempt to steal a mobile phone on one of London’s busiest streets.

In the footage a man can be seen following an unsuspecting tourist and attempting to remove a mobile phone from his pocket, before being tackled by two Met plain clothes officers, who were proactively looking for thieves.

The video was captured near Oxford Circus on Friday, 30 August after officers noticed a man acting suspiciously and paying attention to people’s pockets and belongings. He was then seen reaching towards the victim and stealing his mobile phone.

Officers arrested Sofian Hadar, 23 (25.7.91) of Cricklewood Broadway, NW2 and returned the mobile phone to its owner, a heart surgeon on holiday from Egypt.

On Wednesday, 07 November, Hadar pleaded guilty to theft and was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court to 11 months in prison.

Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, who leads on phone robbery and theft in the Met, said:

“Thanks to these observant and fast-acting officers another mobile phone thief has been taken off the streets of London.

“We understand the impact robbery can have on victims and we also recognise that there is still much more to do to tackle the problem as we make London safer.

“Met officers are targeting resources in hotspot areas with increased patrols and plain clothes officers – and this result makes clear this approach is having a positive impact.

“We encourage people to report as soon as they can whenever they have been the victim of a robbery or theft so officers can attend the scene and investigate swiftly.”

As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met is improving how we police more precisely, using technology and data to build intelligence and track stolen phones. This includes using ‘Find my phone’ data to apprehend offenders and locate victims’ mobiles. This information is used to develop intelligence about common locations for where stolen phones are kept.

Between January and June 2024 officers have recovered more than 750 stolen phones.

To report a phone robbery or theft – call 999 immediately, or report on 101 or online.

For more information on how to protect your phone from theft visit: Protect your phone | Metropolitan Police.

For more information on how to protect your phone from snatchers visit: Protect your mobile phone against criminals on bikes and mopeds | Metropolitan Police.

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Taekwondo coach jailed for multiple sexual offences against young children following Met investigation

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives from south London led a meticulous investigation into the sexual abuse suffered by two young girls, unknown to each other, by a Taekwondo coach who targeted the children in their own home and during group classes.

Following a trial at Inner London Crown Court, on Thursday, 7 November Diego Solarte, 44 (21.02.1980) of Studley Road, Stockwell, was sentenced to nine years imprisonment for his sexual crimes against children. The horrific nature of these crimes, which took place between 2018 and 2021, have left a profound impact on the victims, their families, and the wider community.

The court heard heart-breaking testimonies which revealed the grooming, manipulation and betrayal experienced by these young individuals, who sought sports mentorship from someone in a position of trust. Their bravery in coming forward has been crucial in ensuring justice is served.

Detective Constable Mel Jordan, from the Met’s Child Abuse Team, who led the investigation, said:

“I want to acknowledge the bravery of the victim-survivors, whose courage has been unwavering throughout this process, especially considering their young age. Coming forward is not only a tribute to their strength, but serves as a sign to any other victims, that they will be listened to and supported.

“Solarte used his position and trust of the victims’ families to take advantage of young girls in both in public classes and private settings, where they should have been at their safest.

“We understand that this case will have shaken the local and Taekwondo community. Safeguarding children is our top priority. If you or someone you know has been groomed or sexually abused, please come forward. You are not alone, and there are officers ready to support you.”

The first victim-survivor came forward while Solarte was employed by the family as a Taekwondo instructor. She reported serious sexual assaults to the police in September 2021.

Shortly after Solarte was arrested and interviewed by specialist Met detectives, he said the children did not want to do Taekwondo anymore and that they had made up the allegation so that they no longer had to do it.

A second victim-survivor bravely came forward to police while the first investigation was still active.

She reported to her school counsellor that Solarte had touched her inappropriately.

Solarte was arrested for a second time on 30 May 2022 and interviewed by police and said the victim had fabricated the sexual assault allegation against him. In interviews with specially trained Met detectives Solarte stated he had never touched the victim inappropriately and that he was not sexually interested in children.

The families of the victim-survivors made a joint statement:

“We are eternally grateful to the officers who worked tirelessly to bring justice for our children. We would encourage anyone who is in a similar situation of being a victim, supporting a victim or being a witness of abuse to come forward to the police.

“In a truly dark moment of our children’s lives, Detective Constable Jordan’s compassion, dedication, and relentless pursuit of the truth gave us a way forwards. The abuse our children have experienced has left a wound that will never fully heal, but knowing that justice has been served, and there are incredible officers protecting the safety of others, brings us comfort.

“Detective Constable Jordan did not only seek justice—but created a platform for our children to have a voice and speak out against abuse. We thank wholeheartedly each and every member of the team and the lead investigator, Detective Constable Mel Jordan, for their work and professionalism throughout this ordeal.”

Children and young people are the most vulnerable in society, and the Met is committed to keeping them safe in person and online. As part of the New Met for London plan, our officers are working closely with third sector partners, including The Children’s Society to help young people, parents and carers spot the signs of sexual abuse and predatory behaviour online and offline.

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

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Officers appeal to public to trace man who absconded from Ilford hospital

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers are appealing to the public to help trace a man who absconded from a mental health facility in east London last week.

Kanya Ntuli, 35, was last seen at 07:19hrs on Friday, 1 November where he left Goodmayes Hospital in Ilford.

He is described as a black man, 6ft tall, medium build and last known to be wearing a grey jacket, blue/green t-shirt, black trousers and black trainers.

Kanya has links to Hackney, Walthamstow, Chingford and the River Lea areas.

While our investigation to locate Kanya continues, we are appealing to the public to help locate him.

We are concerned for his wellbeing and if seen, we are advising people to call police rather than approach him.

If seen, please call 999 immediately, quoting CAD 3125/1Nov.

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Detectives have named the victim of a fatal stabbing at Sussex Road, Harrow

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in Harrow have named the victim.

Corey Graham, 48, suffered knife injuries at around 16:40hrs on Wednesday, 30 October at Sussex Road, Harrow.

He was taken to hospital where, despite the efforts of medical professionals, he sadly died at 14:35hrs on Thursday, 31 October.

His family has been notified. They are being supported by specialist officers.

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Javan Lee, 37 [19.02.87] of Sussex Road, Harrow appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday, 5 November charged with the murder of Corey Graham.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on 21 January 2025.

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UPDATED: Charge in Harrow rape investigation

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Male charged after detectives investigate an allegation of rape in Harrow.

A male, believed aged 16, was arrested on Monday, 4 November on suspicion of rape, kidnap and two attempted robberies. He was charged on 5 November.

He is remanded in custody to appear at Willesden Magistrates Court today, Tuesday, 5 November.

This follows police being called at 23:45hrs on Saturday, 2 November to reports that a woman, aged in her 20s, had been raped on Church Hill, Harrow-on-the-Hill.

Detective Sergeant Phil Inman said: “We know this incident will cause much concern and anxiety in the area, especially for women and girls, and we would like to confirm that we are not seeking any other suspects in connection with this investigation.”

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County Lines are changing to become more localised, reveals new County Lines Strategic Threat Risk Assessment

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

County Lines is a higher risk enterprise for those criminals’ intent on controlling lines.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) County Lines and Gangs alongside the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC) have today (5/11) released the County Lines Strategic Threat Risk Assessment covering the period from April 2023 to March 2024.

Key findings within the assessment reveal that:

  • The County Lines threat has become more localised, with fewer lines running outside force boundaries and fewer children recorded by the police as involved in any capacity.
  • County Lines is a higher risk enterprise for those criminals’ intent on controlling lines.
  • External lines (cross a force boundary) have reduced by 12.2%, whilst internal lines (start and end within a force boundary) have increased by 232%, year-on-year. This represents the shift from a traditional County Lines Business Model to one that is more local.

Furthermore:

  • Between April 2023 and March 2024, more adults and fewer children have been recorded by the police as having County Lines involvement, in any role (including victim or perpetrator).
  • Despite this trend, the County Lines Business Model continues to involve child criminal exploitation, as well as child sexual exploitation.
  • Children going missing is a fundamental feature, where they are trafficked to work on drug lines at the sharp end, as drug runners transporting and selling drugs directly to users.
  • This puts them in the most dangerous role within the supply chain, possessing valuable cash and commodity that other criminals may seek to steal, and with potential for violent conflict linked to the drugs operations, particularly over territory.
  • OCGs operating in a County Lines context are overwhelmingly recorded as British (91.3%).
  • For all regions (except London) the greatest proportion of individuals are of White ethnicity. However, in all regions, individuals of Black ethnicity, where recorded, are over-represented in comparison to the regional population data (based on the 2021 census). Nationally, 65.7% individuals are of White ethnicity, 22.3% Black, 10.5% Asian and 1.5% other (including mixed).
  • Crack cocaine and heroin is rarely available for sale on social media accounts advertising drugs for sale, and instead continues to dominate the traditional County Lines market, offered for retail supply on-street, via burner or ‘graft’ phones.

In July the NCLCC launched the Disrupting County Lines Policing Strategy 2024 to 2027 which aims to:

  • Prevent people engaging in County Lines, and the associated violence and exploitation.
  • Proactively safeguard children and vulnerable adults from harm.
  • Better prepare communities by building resilience against the harms of County Lines.
  • Relentlessly pursue offenders, including Organised Criminal Groups, Urban Street Gangs and individuals running County Lines.

The 4P approach within the strategy focuses on prioritising the prevention of people becoming involved in County Lines and protecting people. Missing episodes are a key indicator of vulnerability to child criminal exploitation on County Lines. It is estimated 1,900 children went missing in 2021/22 specifically due to County Lines. County Lines has disproportionately impacted the Black community, therefore it is vital that using specialist resources, such as our County Lines Programme Taskforce’s, we proactively rescue children who are reported missing and at high-risk of serious harm.

Working in partnership with specialist support providers such as Catch22, Missing Persons SafeCall and Barnardo’s, we can better protect those children from serious harm, prevent future missing episodes and gather evidence to identify and prosecute the perpetrators of child exploitation.

Relentless and robust action to bring down County Lines gangs is part of policing’s strategic objective in breaking the model used by the organised criminals and protecting vulnerable people who are being exploited by them.

Since the set up in 2018 of the NCLCC, it has been able to develop the national intelligence picture for County Lines and helped police forces improve recording around the threat of County Lines, increase collaboration across policing areas and develop a fuller picture of the threats faced nationally.

Commander Paul Brogden, NPCC lead for County Lines, said: “One of our priorities has been to enable police officers to recognise the signs of exploitation when encountering young people involved in County Lines so that they are able to safeguard those being exploited via these violent criminal gangs.

“Identifying potential indicators of vulnerability at an early stage gives policing the opportunity for early intervention, which could mean a referral to statutory and/or specialist support provision.

“Our highly successful County Lines programme, coordinated by the National County Lines Coordination Centre (NCLCC), has built strong collaborations across police forces resulting in significant numbers of arrests and charges, County Line closures, large quantities of drugs seized, weapons including knives and firearms recovered, and the disruption and dismantling of organised criminal groups.

“Ultimately, as a result of our continued policing pressure making County Lines a high risk enterprise, we are seeing changes in the way County Lines operate, with offenders moving away from running cross-border drug lines to a more localised business model, within their areas.

“Whilst we have seen this change, we have also developed better understanding and improved our reporting and detection around how County Lines operate, which has revealed around 6,600 active lines operating last year.

“The demographic data shows us that County Lines are affecting the Black community disproportionately, who are over-represented as both offenders and victims (when compared with census data) in all regions, and we must continue to do all we can to reduce and remove this disparity.

“We continue to push for further improvements in the way we safeguard individuals so that less children are been drawn into this coercive criminal business model.

“We know the County Lines drugs supply business model continues to exploit children and vulnerable adults, so we must continue working across the country to effectively tackle this cross-border crime.

“County Lines drug dealing destroys lives, and we are committed to stopping the supply of illegal drugs, and the exploitation and violence that is frequently associated with it.

“Our message is clear to anyone running county lines across the country; we will be relentless in our pursuit of you, we will shut down your county lines, we will take drugs off our streets and we will rescue those who are being exploited by you.”

The County Lines Strategic Threat Risk Assessment shows that:

  • Three in every four County Lines offenders (76.5%)[1] have one or more previous arrests for offences of violence and/or the possession of weapons.
  • Child criminal exploitation on County Lines remains a significant risk, with 2,888 (22% of total) children recorded as having County Lines involvement (victim or perpetrator) between April 2023 to March 2024, down from 3,216 (26% of total) the previous year.
  • There are 1,447 Organised Crime Groups (OCGs) linked to County Lines this year, with the numbers of new OCGs and individuals linked remaining steady.
  • With continued improvements in recording practices and understanding, across policing, a higher number of lines (6,644) were recorded in the last year (2023-24). This number was 4,007 in 2022-23.
  • The overall drugs threat has increased, with greater availability of cocaine and heroin, high production levels for cocaine and the emergence of powerful synthetic opioids such as nitazenes.
  • County Lines OCGs drug activity is predominantly crack cocaine and heroin supply, with 87% of external drug lines supplying these drugs.

Minister for Crime and Policing, Dame Diana Johnson said: “County lines activity is some of the most violent and exploitative criminality which fractures communities and ruins lives. We must stop these gangs from luring young people into this dangerous world.

“This report shows police progress in tackling the national county lines threat, but highlights the need to aggressively pursue every gang, in every neighbourhood.

“We will strengthen the law to prevent young people from being drawn into crime and stop gangs exploiting children, leaving no community behind in our efforts to eradicate this awful activity.”

[1] From a representative sample of 2,577 nominals charged via County Lines Programme activity with drugs supply offences (in FY 2022–23).

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Man charged with murder as part of ongoing investigation in Covent Garden

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with murder, following the death of a man in Covent Garden last month.

Police were called to Odhams Walk in Covent Garden at 11:56hrs on Sunday, 6 October following reports of an assault.

Officers attended alongside paramedics from the London Ambulance Service. A man in his 70s was found with serious injuries. The victim was taken to hospital, where he sadly died on Monday, 21 October.

We are now in the position to name him as 74-year-old James O’Neill, known to his family as Jim.

His family will continue to receive support from specialist officers.

A man was arrested on Sunday, 6 October and has since been charged in connection with this investigation.

Trevor John Gocan, 57 (07.09.1967) of Odhams Walk, Covent Garden has been charged with murder and will appear at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 5 November.

Detective Inspector Rebecca Woods from Specialist Crime said “We are continuing with enquiries as part of this murder investigation following Jim’s death.

“I appreciate that this was a concerning incident, with many members of the public witnessing and providing first aid to Jim.

“If you witnessed anything but haven’t contact us, please do and help us get justice for Jim’s family.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 2858 of 6 Oct.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Appeal following rape in Harrow

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after a woman was attacked in Harrow.

Police were called at 23:45hrs on Saturday, 2 November, to reports that a woman had been raped on Church Hill in Harrow-on-the-Hill.

Officers attended and are continuing to provide the woman with specialist support.

A male was arrested on 4 November in connection with the investigation. He remains in custody and enquiries are ongoing.

Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident. Did you see or hear anything suspicious? Did you see a man running away?

Detective Sergeant Phil Inman said: “We know this will cause of lot of concern and anxiety in the area, especially as the attack took place in close proximity to the High Street.

“I am also asking that you review any CCTV, doorbell or dash cam footage that may assist our investigation – in particular between around 22:00hrs and midnight in the roads surrounding St Mary’s Church, Churchfields Open Space and Grove Open Space.

“If you have any concerns please speak with a local officer.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting CAD 8605/02Nov. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.