Appeal for information following allegation of sexual assault in Islington

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating an allegation of sexual assault in Islington are asking for witnesses or anyone with information to come forward.

The incident happened at around 03:30hrs on Thursday, 24 August in Hornsey Road, N19.

The victim, a woman aged in her 40s, and another woman were approached by the suspect on Hornsey Road where they chatted for a while before the victim left to go home.

The suspect walked with her through Elthorne Park where he suddenly grabbed hold of her and began to tear at her clothing.

The victim attempted to call for help as she was thrown to the floor, sustaining a head injury.

A member of the public, hearing her cries for help, came to her assistance – the suspect left the scene.

The victim was taken by London Ambulance Service to a north London hospital for treatment to a head injury. The injury was not life threatening.

She continues to be supported by specialist officers.

Detective Sergeant Azmeen Pinnu of the Met’s Central North Command said: “This was a highly frightening experience, the effects of which are likely to stay with the victim for years to come.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who has any information about this incident.“

The suspect is described as a 5ft 5ins tall male, of Mediterranean appearance, with a beard. At the time of the assault he was wearing a black shirt and a black and white baseball cap. Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote 1045/24AUG.

You can also provide information 100% anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

Two convicted following fatal collision – M1, Newport Pagnell

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Ryszard Masierak, aged 32, of Barnards Close, Evesham, Worcestershire, was found guilty yesterday (6/3) by unanimous jury of eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, at Reading Crown Court.

David Wagstaff, aged 54, of Derwent Street, Stoke-on-Trent, pleaded guilty to eight counts of causing death by careless driving at a previous hearing at Aylesbury Crown Court on 26 September 2017. He was acquitted of eight counts of causing death by dangerous driving and four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving by a jury today (7/3).

At around 3am on Saturday 26 August last year Masierak had been driving a heavy goods vehicle on the M1 southbound near Newport Pagnell. He stopped his lorry in lane one of the carriageway where he remained for 12.5 minutes, causing an obstruction.

A group of family and friends was travelling in a minibus on their way to a trip around Europe.

The minibus approached Masierak’s stationary HGV in lane one, and stopped behind it, unable to pull in to lane two to overtake due to traffic.

Meanwhile Wagstaff was driving a lorry which approached the scene. He was talking on his mobile phone using hands free while on cruise control. He collided with the stationary vehicles while travelling at 56mph, pushing the minibus under Masierak’s lorry.

Eight people died at the scene;

Karthikeyan Pugalur Ramasubramanian, aged 33, and his wife, Lavanyalakshmi Seetharaman, aged 32, who were from the Alwarthirunagar area of Chennai, India.

Panneerselvam Annamalai, aged 63, from the Nagar area of Chennai, India.

Subramaniyan Arachelvan, aged 58, and his wife Tamilmani Arachelvan, aged 50, from the Saket area of Delhi, India.

Vivek Baskaran, aged 26, from the Avaiyambalpuram area of Mayiladuthurai, India.

Rishi Rajeev Kumar, aged 27, from Kerala, India.

The minibus driver Cyriac Joseph, aged 52, who lived in Nottingham.

Masierak and Wagstaff were both arrested on the day of the collision (26/8) and were charged the following day (27/8).

Senior investigating officer Detective Sergeant Gavin Collier, of the Joint Operations Unit for Roads Policing, said: “This tragedy has permanently devastated the lives of all of those involved and is wholly the responsibility of both the defendants in the case, Mr Wagstaff and Mr Masierak.

“What is so poignant is that this tragedy was completely and utterly avoidable. 

“This is not a case about people who drive heavy goods vehicles, but about all those drivers who fix their vehicles on cruise control or use hands free mobile phone devices but then fail to pay proper attention to what is going on in the road in front of them.

“The actions of Mr Masierak were beyond explanation or reason – to drive knowing you’re drunk, to stop your vehicle in the middle of the road – there are no words that can describe such disregard for public safety.”

Louise Attrill, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service, said: “CCTV showed that the Scania lorry was parked in lane one without hazard warning lights on, causing a dangerous obstruction, for 12.5 minutes. At the scene Ryszard Masierak tried to claim he wasn’t the driver of the Scania lorry, he was over the prescribed limit for alcohol when breathalysed, and went on to answer ‘no comment’ during his police interviews. Witnesses described seeing him drive the wrong way around a roundabout where the A46 meets junction 2 of the M6, driving the wrong way down the M69 slip road, and swerving between lanes two and three before crawling in lane three.

“Analysis of his vehicle data identified his driving as erratic. On occasions his speed dropped to as low as 11mph. Wagstaff was on a hands-free call on his mobile phone with his Mercedes lorry on cruise control when he failed to see or react to the two stationary vehicles ahead of him and ploughed into the back of them causing destruction and devastation. The driver of the minibus and seven of his passengers were killed and four others, including a five-year-old girl, sustained serious injuries as a result of the horrific collision.

“This incident, caused by driver error of one drink driver and the prolonged inattention of another, resulted in a tragic waste of life and could have been avoided. The stationary vehicles were clearly visible to Wagstaff for a considerable time, but he was oblivious to the approaching hazard. This case highlights the serious consequences of failing to be alert when driving. Holding a driving licence brings with it a high degree of responsibility that should always be at the forefront of every driver’s mind. “

Both defendants are due to be sentenced at Aylesbury Crown Court on 23 March.

Man charged with rape- Newbury

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Ruhen Miah, aged 42, of Charter Road, Newbury, was charged today (6/3).

The charges are in connection with two incidents of rape of women on 20 January and 24 February in Newbury.

Miah has been remanded in custody and will appear at Reading Magistrates’ Court later today (6/3).

Update – Investigation into two rapes – Newbury

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

A 42-year-old man from Newbury was arrested on Friday (2/3) in connection with an investigation following the report of two incidents of rape.

The man has been released on police bail until tomorrow (4/3) pending further enquiries by detectives.

During the first offence in the early hours of the 20 January, a woman in her twenties was raped after being picked up in a taxi or vehicle purporting to be a taxi.

In the second incident, in the early hours of Saturday 24 February, a 29-year-old woman was taken to an unknown property by a taxi or vehicle purporting to be a taxi where she was raped.

Both victims are continuing to be offered the support of specially-trained officers.

Man arrested in connection with rape investigation – Newbury

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

A 42-year-old man from Newbury was arrested yesterday (2/3) in connection with an investigation following the report of two incidents of rape.

In the first incident in the early hours of the 20 January, a woman in her twenties was raped after being picked up in a taxi or vehicle purporting to be a taxi.
In the second incident, in the early hours of Saturday 24 February, a 29-year-old woman was taken to a property by a taxi or vehicle purporting to be a taxi where she was raped.

Both victims are continuing to be offered the support of specially-trained officers.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the incidents.

Re-appeal to trace missing woman – Reading and London

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Ashleigh Fair, aged 19, was reported missing after leaving the Royal Berkshire Hospital on Thursday at about 9.30am.

Officers believe she may have travelled to London in a taxi from Southern Hill, Reading, arriving in Cumberland Place in Marble Arch shortly after 11.30am on Thursday (1/3).

Today (3/3) officers working to locate her are releasing CCTV images of a person they believe to be Ashleigh, which were recorded shortly before midday on Thursday.

Ashleigh was wearing a green and pink knitted jumper, black tracksuit bottoms and pink socks when she went missing.

Detective Sergeant Sarah Roxburgh, based at Reading police station, said: “We are still urgently trying to trace Ashleigh, who is likely to require urgent medical attention and we are becoming increasingly concerned for her welfare.

“Ashleigh is not dressed appropriately for the extremely cold weather we have been experiencing and was not wearing any shoes at the time she went missing.

“We are working closely with our colleagues in the Metropolitan Police Service in London in our efforts to find Ashleigh.

“Ashleigh, if you see this appeal, please contact police urgently. We need to check you are safe.”

Anyone with any information about Ashleigh’s whereabouts should call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting the reference URN 344 (1/3).

Appeal for information in relation to two linked incidents of rape – Newbury

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

On the evening of Friday 19 January this year, the victim, a woman in her twenties, left the Vault nightclub in Kennet Shopping Centre with a friend.

The victim and her friend walked across Market Street to a bus stop where they stayed for a period of time.

At around 1.30am (20/1) it is believed that the victim was alone and was picked up by a vehicle in Mayors Lane.

It is believed that this vehicle was a taxi, or someone purporting to be a taxi.

Our investigation has shown that the victim got out of the taxi and went to the cashpoint outside Megabet near St Michaels Road before returning to the taxi.

At some point after the victim was raped in the vehicle at an unknown location.

It is believed that the victim was raped by the driver, who is described as an Asian man.

The second incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday (24/2).

After police enquiries we have determined that the victim, a 29-year-old woman, left the Coopers Arms in Bartholomew Street in the early hours.

She got into a taxi near the roundabout at Inches Yard at around 4.20am.

The victim was driven to a property at an unknown location where she was raped.

The description of the driver is an Asian man, around 5ft 8ins, in his thirties and slim. He had a strong Asian accent.

Investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Matt Stone of Berkshire Force CID, said: “I am making an appeal today to anyone with information about either of these serious offences to contact the police immediately.

“Detectives investigating both incidents now believe the two offences to be linked.

“I want to assure the public that everything is being done to locate and bring the offender or offenders to justice.

“This is a complex investigation involving the obtaining and reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV, carrying out painstaking forensic work as well as taking statements from potential witnesses.

It is possible the offender or offenders have confided in someone about what they have done so if you have any information please do the right thing and come forward.

“The easiest way to contact the force is by calling 101 and quoting the reference number 782 (1/3). Alternatively, you can visit your local police station and speak to a member of staff.

“If you do not want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.

“Both victims continue to be offered ongoing support by specially trained officers and other specialist agencies. We would remind the public of the automatic anonymity afforded to victims of sexual offences.”

Deputy Local Policing Area Commander Lindsey Finch added:  “As part of the ongoing investigation into these offences, officers will be carrying out high visibility patrols in the town over the coming days and into the weekend.

The patrols will focus on the town centre area of Newbury and officers will be looking to speak to members of the public as part of the extensive investigation.

“I would urge people to only use licensed taxis. Where possible, book with a licensed taxi company in advance or if that is not possible, remember you can always ask for proof a vehicle or driver is licensed. It is also advisable to travel with a friend if you are going on a night out.”

“If you have any questions or concerns please speak to one of our officers who will be happy to help.”

Re-appeal to find prison absconder – HMP Springhill

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

James Delahoyde, aged 40, was last seen at the prison at 8.15pm on Friday 21 April 2017.

Delahoyde is white, slim, about 6ft, with receding dark brown hair and brown eyes.

Delahoyde is a prisoner at HMP Springhill following a conviction for drugs offences.

Investigating officer, Detective Sergeant Andy Jones of the Investigation Hub based at Aylesbury police station, said: “We are re-appealing for any information as to the whereabouts of James Delahoyde.

“Despite a thorough investigation and two public appeals there have been no sightings of Delahoyde, who has links to Maidenhead and Slough, since he went missing.

“If you see Delahoyde or know where he is please call 999, or call 101 with any other information quoting reference 65 (22/4/17).

“We would ask that you do not approach Delahoyde, instead contact police as soon as possible.

“If you don’t want to speak to police directly you can always call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Man arrested in connection with incident of rape – Newbury

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

It follows an incident at around 4.30am on Saturday (24/2), in which a 29-year-old woman was raped at an address close to Newbury Town Centre.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Jonathan Groenen, of Force CID based in Newbury, said: “We are investigating the rape of a woman in the early hours of Saturday morning. A man has been arrested and we are continuing to make enquiries.

“We would ask anyone with information that could assist us to please call Thames Valley Police on 101. Members of the public may see an increased police presence in the area while we investigate.

“Anyone with concerns should speak to one of our neighbourhood officers or call 101.”

UPDATE: Appeal to trace man regarding Ilford murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: UPDATE: Appeal to trace man regarding Ilford murder

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command investigating the murder of Sandel Serbu in Ilford have released an image of a man they wish to trace.

At 02:48hrs on 12 November 2017, police were called by the London Ambulance Service to reports of a fight and an injured man at High Road junction with Connaught Road, Ilford.

Officers attended and found 36-year-old Sandel, a Romanian national who was also known by the nicknames ‘Sorin’ and ‘Braileanu, suffering from serious injuries.

He was taken by ambulance to an east London hospital, where he died at 04:35hrs that morning.

Araman-Nardi Stoica, aged 24 – also known as Nardi Gladiatoru – is being sought by police in connection with Sandel’s murder.

He is described as 5ft 11ins tall and of medium build.

He is known to frequent the areas of Redbridge, Newham and Barking.

Detective Inspector Paul Considine of the Homicide and Major Crime Command who is leading the investigation said: “We need to speak to this man in connection with Sandel’s brutal murder.

“Whilst we have made a number of arrests, and charged three men, its important we trace Araman-Nardi . I would urge anyone who may recognise him or knows of his whereabouts to contact police immediately.”

Anyone who recognises this man or knows of his whereabouts should contact police immediately by dialling 999. 

If you have any information that can assist police with the investigation please call the Homicide and Major Crime Command incident room on 020 8345 3734.

Alternatively, to remain anoymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.