Category: Police

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Appeal on first anniversary of fatal shooting

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are renewing appeals for information on the first anniversary of a fatal shooting in West Kensington.

Shortly after 02:00hrs on 4 September 2022, police were called to Kensington High Street, W14 following reports of a firearms discharge.

On arrival, officers carried out a search of the area and found 29-year-old Maximillian Kusi-Owusu injured. They immediately provided first aid before he was taken to hospital by the London Ambulance Service.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, Maximillian died at 05:32hrs that morning.

A post-mortem examination held on 6 September 2022 confirmed cause of death as a gunshot wound.

His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Homicide detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation and are renewing appeals for anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan said: “Our investigation remains ongoing, and we are determined to find whomever is responsible for this tragic incident.

“Whilst we have carried out an extensive investigation, including a thorough review of local CCTV, we still require your help.

“It has been a year since Maximillian was killed and his family are still without the answers they need. I am asking for your help to identify who fired that fatal shot. I am certain that someone has the information that will allow us to make arrests.

“This murder occurred in the early hours of a Sunday morning in an area that would have been busy after people enjoyed a night out. Did you see or hear anything suspicious? We are particularly interested in anyone who has information regarding a silver Alfa Romeo Stelvio seen in the area of Radnor Terrace at that time.

“Please do the right thing and come forward. If you do not want to speak with officers, contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC giving the reference CAD 824/04Sep22.

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

A 29-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on 4 September 2022 before being released with no further action.

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UPDATE: Two men arrested in connection with Islington murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in Islington have made two arrests.

A 30-year-old man [A] was arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 33-year-old man [B] was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They remain in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, said: “These arrests overnight are a significant development and we are keeping Yahye’s family informed.

“I would still encourage anyone who has information, or who witnessed the events of that morning to contact police.”

Police were called to reports of a stabbing on Axminster Road at 11:39hrs on Wednesday, 30 August.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. At the scene, 23-year-old Yahye Ahmed was found with knife injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

His family continues to be supported by specialist officers.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting reference CAD 2840/30Aug.

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

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Woman sought in connection with racially aggravated assault in Bexley

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police have released an image of a woman they want to speak to following an incident in Erith.

At around 16:40hrs on Friday, 11 August the victim, a 55-year-old man, entered a newsagent in Brook Street DA8 when he noticed a woman was in dispute with a member of staff.

The victim attempted to intervene to calm the situation, at which point he was allegedly repeatedly assaulted, spat at and racially abused by the woman.

The woman then left the scene.

Police attended and conducted an extensive search of the area with the victim, but the woman could not be found.

The victim did not suffer any serious injuries but was understandably shaken by the incident.

Officers have been following enquiries and are now turning to the public to help identify her.

Anyone who can identify the woman in the picture is asked to call 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 5023/11 Aug.

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

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Appeal for information after man seriously injured in unprovoked assault in Havering

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are investigating after a man was left seriously injured following an unprovoked assault in Romford.

At around 03:15hrs on Saturday, 2 September, police were dealing with an unrelated matter when they came across an unresponsive man in Western Road.

The 21-year-old man was taken to hospital, where he remains. He has suffered a broken nose and head injuries. His next of kin are aware.

It was established that the victim had been walking in the street after a night out with friends when he had a brief interaction with another man, who then assaulted him before making off.

The suspect is described as aged approx 20-25, with short curly hair on top with shaved sides. He was wearing dark trousers and a purple hoodie.

There have been no arrests at this time.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that could help police, should call 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 1068/02Sep

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

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UPDATE: Man charged with Wandsworth murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in Wandsworth have charged a man.

On Saturday, 2 September, Earl Morit-Britton, 36 (22.01.87), of Rose Hill, Sutton, was arrested and later charged with the murder of Theo Porteous.

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

Theo’s next of kin have been informed.

Police were called to Thessaly Road, SW8 at 12:36hrs on Thursday, 24 August, where they found a man with a number of knife wounds.

The London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance also attended and despite the efforts of medics to save him, 32-year-old Theo was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 13:09hrs.

His family continue to be supported by specially trained officers

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 3633/24AUG.

You can also share information, photos and videos directly with the investigation team via https://mipp.police.uk/operati…

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Man arrested in connection with Wandsworth murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in Wandsworth have made an arrest.

On Saturday, 2 September, officers arrested a 36-year-old man on suspicion of the murder of Theo Porteous. He was taken to a south London police station where he remains in custody.

Police were called to Thessaly Road, SW8 at 12:36hrs on Thursday, 24 August, where they found a man with a number of knife wounds.

The London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance also attended and despite the efforts of medics to save him, 32-year-old Theo was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 13:09hrs.

His family continue to be supported by specially trained officers

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 3633/24AUG.

You can also share information, photos and videos directly with the investigation team.

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

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Police staff 7 per cent pay award agreed

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

Police staff will receive a pay increase of 7 per cent, matching that that was previously agreed for police officers as part of the Police Remuneration Review Body recommendation.

An agreement was reached by the Police Staff Council after an offer was made and was accepted by each union following a ballot of their members. The pay increase of 7 per cent will apply to all pay points and will apply from 1 September 2023.


National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Workforce, Chief Constable Pam Kelly, said:

“I’m delighted that the pay award for staff has been agreed at 7 per cent. Our police staff bring their expertise and skills to work alongside us to ensure we can deliver the best possible service to our communities. It is only right that the valuable contributions of police staff get the same recognition as our officers.”

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New powers to crack down on deadly knife crime

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

Proposals for ban on machetes and harsher sentences to be progressed

The Home Office has today announced it will be progressing a number of changes to knife crime legislation proposed in consultation with the NPCC Knife Crime Working Group. Proposals include:

  • A ban on certain types of machetes and knives which seem to have no practical use and seem to be designed to look menacing and suitable for combat.  
  • A new police power to seize, retain and destroy lawfully held bladed articles in private premises – this power can be applied only if the police are in the property lawfully already, and have reasonable grounds to believe that the article is to be used in serious crime or serious violence. 
  • Increasing the maximum penalty for the offences of importation, manufacture, sale and general supply of prohibited and dangerous weapons and sale of knives to persons under 18 years old, to 2 years. 
  • The Sentencing Council to consider amending the Sentencing Guidelines relating to possession of bladed articles and offensive weapons so that possession of a prohibited weapon is treated more seriously than possession of a non-prohibited weapon.  
  • The introduction of a new possession offence of bladed articles with the intention to endanger life or to cause fear of violence.   

National Police Chiefs’ Council Knife Crime Lead, Commander Stephen Clayman, said: 

“The proposals in the consultation followed extensive collaboration between the Home Office and the NPCC National Knife Crime working group. Together, we worked to develop practical, sustainable solutions to remove these lethal weapons from our streets.  

“These five proposals will all offer additional robust measures to deal with those who seek to use knives for violence. Ultimately, when used appropriately, they provide a greater means to protect the public and safeguard our communities. 

“Every day as police officers we see first-hand the devastating effects of these deadly weapons on the lives of individuals, particularly young people and we must always look at what action can be taken to prevent access to knives that are used for violence, intimidation and harm. 

“We look forward to working with Government on the next steps for making these proposals a reality, strengthening our fight against knife crime.”  

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Putting the brakes on keyless car theft

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

Police chiefs and Government considering law changes to crack down on keyless vehicle thefts

  • Work ongoing to determine how legislation could stop sale of devices used in theft of keyless vehicles
  • Disposal routes including ports and ‘chop shops’ targeted by police
  • Serious organised crime groups suspected to be responsible for significant proportion of vehicle thefts

Policing is working with Government to look at ways legislation can stop the sale of devices like keyless repeaters and signal jammers which are believed to be involved in the majority of vehicle thefts in the UK in recent years.

Many of these devices have no legitimate purpose and as such, the National Police Chiefs’ Council, in partnership with the Home Office, is examining how their sale and possession could be made criminal offences.

Police and Government also work with online retailers and marketplace platforms to either prohibit the sale of the devices or to remove listings when they go live, another route to taking the tools away from the criminals responsible for vehicle theft. In addition, work is ongoing with manufacturers on theft prevention and developing technology to prevent these devices being effective.

Removing access to keyless repeaters, jammers and similar devices is just one element of tackling vehicle theft but one which is predicted could have a significant impact.

Superintendent Matthew Moscrop is part of the National Police Chiefs’ Council team working to target vehicle theft. He said:

“The widespread use of keyless technology has unfortunately led to the development of devices which are easily accessible and make stealing vehicles all too straightforward for criminals.

“We’re working with the Home Office and Government to establish how we could put a stop to the sale of these devices which would certainly make life much more difficult for thieves, reducing the tactics available to them. We also regularly engage with vehicle manufacturers on theft prevention and security features to protect vehicles.

“Disposal routes for stolen vehicles are also a key focus and we work closely with the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NAVCIS) to target ports which we know are a key route for moving stolen vehicles, as well as with police forces and colleagues in the NPCC metal theft portfolio to tackle so-called ‘chop shops’.

“Intelligence suggests a large proportion of vehicle theft can be attributed to organised crime groups and there have been a number of successful operations around the country which have led to the discovery of not only stolen vehicles but also ammunition and drugs.

“Tackling vehicle crime needs approaching from several different angles and we can only achieve this through working closely with our partners in both Government and industry.”

Successful policing operations across the country have resulted in the recovery of stolen cars but also ammunition and drugs too. Examples include:

Essex Police Vehicle Intelligence Unit uncover ‘chop shop’ 

Merseyside Police recover chemicals, drugs, ammunition and stolen vehicles 

Nottinghamshire Police recover suspected stolen speed boat in ‘chop shop’ raid

There are a few simple ways to protect your vehicle from theft:

  • Store keys in a Faraday box or pouch
  • Ensure your vehicle is secured when you leave it. Check and double check it is locked
  • A steering lock is very effective at preventing thieves stealing your vehicle
  • When parking away from home use a ParkMark secured car park
  • Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in your local area
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Man jailed for manslaughter of his partner in Brent

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been sentenced after admitting to the manslaughter of his partner following her death in Wembley.

Leonidas Georgalla, 51 (31.05.72) was jailed for 12 years with an extended licence period of five years, following a hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, 1 September. He had admitted to the manslaughter of 39-year-old Kathleen John at an earlier hearing at the same court.

The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, 29 July 2022.

Emergency services were called at around 02:20hrs to London Road, Wembley to reports that a woman had fallen from a height.

Officers and paramedics arrived and found Kathleen motionless, suffering significant injuries in a pathway at the rear of the address. Despite their best efforts, Kathleen died at the scene.

The window Kathleen had fallen from was two floors up; when officers entered the flat they found blood along with broken items, indicating there had been some sort of disturbance. Georgalla – who was in a relationship with Kathleen and was present outside the flat when the emergency services arrived – was arrested.

A post-mortem examination concluded that Kathleen was suffering injuries consistent with an assault in addition to the injuries she suffered from the fall.

Officers established that Georgalla had breached a restraining order in relation to being with Kathleen – this was in relation to previous incidents of domestic violence. A check of Georgalla’s criminal record showed previous instances of domestic abuse.

Throughout his police interview, Georgalla refused to answer any of the questions officers put to him. He was charged with Kathleen’s murder on 30 July, but a plea of manslaughter was subsequently accepted.

Detective Inspector John Marriott of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command who led the investigation said:

“Leonidas Georgalla is a danger to women with a history of domestic violence offences. At the time of Kathleen’s death, there was a restraining order against him for previous abuse she had suffered and officers established previous incidents where he had been convicted of domestic violence offences in other countries.

“We will never know the exact circumstances of how Kathleen came to fall from the window of her flat but the post mortem examination shows she had sustained assault injuries in the moments prior to this. While Leonidas has admitted responsibility for her death, this will be of little solace to Kathleen’s family and friends.

“Tackling violence against women and girls remains a key priority for the Met and we continue to strive to improve how we identify and investigate offending. Training focused on domestic abuse has been given to over 8,000 frontline officers so we can improve our initial response to these incidents; there are also specialist public protection units across the Met who will investigate allegations of domestic abuse and support those who report offences.

“If you are in an abusive relationship, or know someone who is, I would urge you to contact police so we can investigate and provide support.”