Category: Police

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Response to post-inspection report review of child protection in the Met

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Response to post-inspection report review of child protection in the Met

Today, Thursday, 22 February, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services’ (HMICFRS) published their fourth quarterly post-inspection report review of child protection in the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). This is their final assessment of the progress the MPS has made since the original 2016 report was published.

In response to this report, Commander Richard Smith, Head of Safeguarding, Metropolitan Police Service, said:

“The Metropolitan Police Service is pleased that the HMICFRS have recognised the significant changes that have been made to help protect children across London, in the face of the demands of policing the capital in 2017. Progress continues to be made in numerous areas despite the scale, complexity and varied multi-agency arrangements facing the Met.

“We are aware of the urgency of improving our services further, but we also know that delivering real and sustainable improvements in every aspect of our work will take time to achieve.

“The MPS has dedicated officers and police staff in front line and specialist roles working extremely hard to safeguard children in London and like the HMICFRS, we commend their hard work keep children safe. Their work is tremendously challenging and seldom straightforward, but they are committed to achieving better outcomes for the vulnerable children they seek to assist.

“Action has been taken in every case where either the MPS or HMICFRS identified concerns that safeguarding risks had not adequately been addressed.

“Keeping London’s children and young people safe is a key priority for the MPS. In response to the findings of HMIC’s 2016 inspection, a comprehensive plan was initiated to improve our child protection services. The work we did in 2017 delivered the positive changes mentioned in the last two reports from HMICFRS but has not yet brought the scale of improvement we want.

“Our plans for 2018 have taken the most recent findings into account and the successful introduction of a new safeguarding scrutiny framework will enable us to enhance our efforts to improve outcomes for London’s most vulnerable children.”

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Third arrest made following murder of Hasan Ozcan in Barking

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Third arrest made following murder of Hasan Ozcan in Barking

Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a Hasan Ozkan in Barking have made a new arrest.

On Wednesday 21 February, a 18-year-old man [C] was arrested in Barking on suspicion of murder. He has since been bailed to return on a date in mid-March.

Officers continue to appeal for information following the fatal attack.

Police were called at approximately 22:11hrs on Saturday, 3 February, to reports of a stabbing in Abbey Road, Barking.

Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and found a 19-year-old man, Hasan Ozcan from Barking, suffering from stab wounds.

Hasan was pronounced dead at the scene at 22:55hrs.

A special post-mortem examination took place on Tuesday, 6 February at Queen’s hospital mortuary and gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.

On the morning of Friday, 16 February, a 15-year-old boy [A] and a 19-year-old man [B] were arrested at addresses in Dagenham and Hornchurch on suspicion of murder. They have since been bailed to return on a date in mid-March.

Detectives from the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC) are investigating and are continuing to appeal for information.

The investigation is being led by DCI Larry Smith. He said: “We have made arrests but we are still appealing for information so we can establish the circumstances which led to a young man losing his life.

“It is vital that those out there with information who haven’t yet done so contact the police.

“I would like to appeal to anyone who saw a group of males loitering in the area on the evening of the attack. Were you there? Did you see the suspects arrive or leave the scene?

“Anyone with information is requested to call the incident room on 0208 345 3985. Your call will be treated in the strictest confidence.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information that may assist the investigation should contact HMCC officers via 0208 345 3985.

To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can also tweet information to police via @MetCC.

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Elderly man with dementia missing

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Elderly man with dementia missing

Officers from the Central North Command Unit are appealing to trace a missing 74-year-old man from Hackney.

Winston Haynes, also known as “Lenkie”, left his home in the Finsbury Park area on the morning of Tuesday, 20 February and has not been seen since.

He is a black man, around 5ft 8in tall and of slim build. At the time of disappearance, he was wearing a pink and brown hoody, blue chinos and denim plimsolls.

Winston, who suffers from dementia, is known to visit Finsbury Park and Holloway areas.

Officers are growing concerned for Winston’s wellbeing and would urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call police on 101 quoting CAD 5154/20FEB18, or Missing People on 116000.

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‘Chemsex’ scene drug dealer jailed

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: ‘Chemsex’ scene drug dealer jailed

A prominent ‘Chemsex’ scene drug dealer has been sentenced to nearly a decade in jail for possession with intent to supply Class A and C drugs.

Angelo Jardim, 49 (11.12.68) of Landor Road, SW9, who is originally from Portugal, was arrested on 15 September, 2017 by officers from Lambeth after intelligence suggested his property was being used to deal drugs.

Officers carried out a raid of his property and seized Class A drugs and around £13,000 in cash. He was arrested on suspicion with intent to supply.

During the raid, officers found Jardin had access to another address on Voltaire Road, SW4. They carried out a raid on this property and found large quantities of Class A and C drugs.

He was charged on 15 September, 2017, with six counts with possession to supply Class A, B and C drugs.

He pleaded guilty at Inner London Crown Court on Tuesdayy, 20 February 2018 and was sentenced at the same court on Tuesday, 20 February to nine years and ten months in jail.

PC Francis Stanton attached to Lambeth Proactive unit, commented: “Jardim was a prominent member of the Chemsex scene; organising parties and selling drugs to a large amount of men he met of the dating app, Grindr.

“Previously, a lot of Chemsex scene criminals were going under the radar, and not being detected, however we are making significant headway in the way we catch these criminals. Not only do they break the law by dealing drugs, but they also have a negative impact on families, and communities, by getting people addicted to illegal substances.”

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Officer found not guilty of misconduct

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Officer found not guilty of misconduct

An officer has been found not guilty of gross misconduct when the panel found no case to answer following a three day misconduct hearing.

PC Thomas Hooper, based at Kingston, answered allegations that his conduct amounted to a breach of the Met’s standards of professional behaviour in respect of honesty and integrity and discreditable conduct.

It was alleged that PC Hooper:

• Applied for a cancellation of a Fixed Penalty Notice issued for his driving a police vehicle while on duty on 3 May 2016, by putting forward a false and misleading account for his driving. It is further alleged that PC Hooper later provided a false account for why he drove the police vehicle in response mode to Kingston police station relating to when the FPN was issued.

• Took a tin of biscuits that belonged to another officer on 7 May 2016. It is further alleged that PC Hooper provided a false account of this incident on 10 October 2016.

The panel found no case to answer for both allegations – PC Hooper will return to full duties.

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Teen gang trio caught with shotgun, balaclava and gloves jailed

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Teen gang trio caught with shotgun, balaclava and gloves jailed

Three men have been jailed at Isleworth Crown Court today, Wednesday, 21 February for firearms offences after they were stopped in a vehicle with a shotgun.

Georgie Roy Sennis Ashman, 19 (22.08.98) of Tarling Road, E16 was sentenced to nine years imprisonment for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Akin Akinunle, 19 (20.01.99) of Turpin Avenue, RM5 was sentenced to eight years for conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

Martin Eze, 18 (24.01.00) of Green Lane, RM8 was sentenced to four years and four months for possession of a firearm.

The men were found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 21, December 2017.

On Monday, 3 April 2017 officers from Operation Trident supported by armed response officers, stopped a grey Volkswagen Sharan car, in Whalebone Lane North near to the junction with the A12.

Inside the car was a sawn-off shotgun, a balaclava and gloves.

Ashman, Akinule and Eze were in the vehicle and arrested after officers found a sawn-off shotgun, balaclava and gloves inside the car.

During the two – month trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court the jury heard evidence that Ashman was involved in gang activity.

The shotgun had been collected from the Collier Row area in order to carry out a possible revenge attack.

Detective Inspector Steve Meechan of the Trident and Area Crime Command said: “This was an intelligence led investigation conducted by Trident officers, targeting criminal gangs actively involved in firearm enabled criminality and acts of violence.

“These defendants posed a significant threat to the public, arming themselves to actively seek out and take revenge upon rival gang members. I have no doubt that arresting and bringing them to justice has prevented deaths or serious injury.

“The substantial custodial sentences handed down to them today, should act as a significant deterrent to those involved in all aspects of gang related crime.

“Trident officers will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to disrupt and detect such criminality, helping prevent significant harm to the communities of London.”

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Hundreds of arrests and weapons seized during Operation Sceptre week of action

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Hundreds of arrests and weapons seized during Operation Sceptre week of action

The latest phase of the Met’s Operation Sceptre to fight knife crime has seen nearly 300 arrests and in excess of 250 weapons taken off the streets.

Running from Monday, 12 February, the week of action involved partnership with City of London Police and British Transport Police, as schools broke up for half-term. This activity was carried out in support of a week of national action across all forces.

Throughout the week, officers across the Met recovered a total of 265 knives, six firearms, and 45 other offensive weapons.

A total of 289 arrests were made, including 63 arrests for possession of a knife or offensive weapon.

Officers carried out 645 weapon sweeps across London and executed 76 intelligence-led warrants. Proactive operations to target wanted knife crime offenders were also carried out.

The Met’s Operation Sceptre Taskforce Team, a group of around 100 officers, were also deployed to work closely with borough officers to target knife crime hotspots.

Examples of some of last week’s activities include:

– Officers conducted an intelligence-led warrant at an address in Croydon and recovered 16 knives, a smoke grenade and more than £50,000;

– 127 knives were recovered from a weapons bin in Islington;

– In Leyton, officers pulled over a vehicle and located a machete under the passenger seat;

– One man was arrested for possession of offensive weapons and a firearm following a warrant executed by officers in Camden. A number of prohibited knives, a knuckle duster, multiple firearms and a crossbow were seized from the property;

– Forensic work carried out by officers following the arrest of a male in Islington linked his fingerprints to a Samurai sword discarded at a scene of disorder in 2013.

The Met continues to call for support from communities across London.

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent Sean Yates said: “This latest week of Sceptre action involved a strong focus on all three local forces coming together to tackle knife crime. Crime does not recognise police boundaries, and neither do we.

“This work is carried out every day across London. There is an ongoing, concerted effort by officers across the Met to tackle this scourge on our streets.

“But such proactive action is only part of the solution as enforcement can only get us so far. This is not just a policing issue, we need everyone to join together to tackle knife crime. The work of our schools officers, communities, partners and the various projects and conferences taking place across the Met are vital in helping to achieve this.

“Today, two families are mourning the loss of loved ones, the two young men murdered in Camden last night. Our thoughts are with them in this incredibly difficult time. At this early stage there have been no arrests, but we are carrying out urgent inquiries to establish the full circumstances.”

British Transport Police Assistant Chief Constable Robin Smith said: “Knife crime takes lives and devastates communities. There is never an acceptable reason for someone to be carrying a knife on the railway network, and we have a range of policing tactics in use to tackle this.

“Throughout the week, we supported our colleagues in police forces around the country and worked with numerous local forces for a shared purpose.”

Inspector Richard Galvin from City of London Police said: “We are committed to working in partnership within Operation Sceptre. As part of this pan-London approach to tackling knife crime, we are determined to deal with this problem wherever it may be found in the capital, including the Square Mile.

“Thanks to this collaborative approach, hundreds of arrests have now been made across London, and knives taken off the streets as a result. Officers from across London will continue working together, on intelligence-led operations with one aim – to root out knife crime and make London a safer place for all.”

Knife bins can be found throughout London as part of the Met’s effort to take knives off the streets. A map showing the location of the bins is available on our website at www.met.police.uk/StopKnifeCrime

If you have information about anyone carrying or using knives please contact your local police via 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Commissioner reiterates commitment to tackle knife crime

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Commissioner reiterates commitment to tackle knife crime

Following the murders of two young men last night (Tuesday, 20 February) in Camden, the Commissioner Cressida Dick speaks about the Met’s continued commitment to tackle knife crime.

The Commissioner said:

“I have spoken all too often at the anger I feel at the senseless waste of life. Today, two more families are suffering a terrible loss and my thoughts are with them.

“The frequency with which some of our young people are prepared to take each other’s lives is shocking. For two young men to be murdered so close together – both in time and geography – makes this even harder to comprehend. Camden is a vibrant and diverse part of our city, the impact of these murders will be felt right throughout that community.

“My detectives are already investigating and I know that they will do all they can to catch those responsible. If you know something that may help then please let us know; if you would not normally speak to police then this is your chance to do the right thing.

“London must come together to make it clear that this cannot continue. We will not police our way out of this problem. There is a role for all of us – London’s public, our partners and the police.

“There will be young people out today who are carrying knives – stop and think. Do you really want your life to end? Or end someone else’s and waste your own life in prison?

“Whoever you are, if you have information, if you know another young person who is going out with a knife then help us protect them. Tell us. We will act.

“Today my officers will be making arrests related to knife crime, they will be using stop and search, they will be carrying out intelligence-led operations. My challenge to everyone in London is to ask each and every person to think about what you can do to help us tackle this blight on our city.”

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Man critically injured after shooting in Westminster

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man critically injured after shooting in Westminster

Detectives from the Trident and Area Crime Command are appealing for information and witnesses after a man was shot in Westminster.

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service at 20:35hrs on Tuesday, 20 February, to reports of a firearms incident at an address in Old Pye Street, Westminster SW1.

Officers attended the location and found a 24-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the head. He was taken by ambulance to a central London hospital where his condition is critical. His next of kin have been informed.

Two people were arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder. They are currently in custody at a central London police station.

Enquiries continue. Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that may assist police, should call Trident officers on 101 quoting reference 7136-20 FEB.

To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit the crimestoppers-uk.org website.

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Man jailed for brutal attack on his girlfriend

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Headline: Man jailed for brutal attack on his girlfriend

A dangerous man who carried out a brutal sustained attack on his girlfriend just weeks after he repeatedly stabbed his friend with a pair of scissors has been jailed.

Patrick Berry, 51 (26.06.66), of Balaclava Road, SE1, was sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court on Tuesday, 20 February, to nine years’ imprisonment, with an extended licence totalling 12 years for grievous bodily harm with intent and 40 months’ imprisonment for grievous bodily harm, to run concurrently.

He was also handed a restraining order preventing him from contacting either victim for an indefinite period.

Berry was found guilty following a trial of grievous bodily harm with intent 9 October 2017, he pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm on 5 December 2017 at the same court.

In the early hours of 1 December 2016, Berry and his girlfriend at the time were at his friend’s [Victim 1] home in Bermondsey following an evening at the pub together.

The victim complimented Berry’s girlfriend on her clothing and then went into another room. Berry followed the victim into the room and kicked him in the back knocking him to the floor. Berry then sat on the victim’s chest, grabbed a pair of nearby nail scissors and stabbed the victim repeatedly in the face with them and tried to stab him in the eyes.

The victim managed to struggle free and turned onto his front. Berry then started to stab the victim in the back. Berry then stood up, stamped on the victim and hit him with a chair before leaving the premises with his girlfriend.

The attack lasted for about 20 minutes and resulted in the victim losing consciousness and requiring hospital treatment.

Berry was arrested on 19 December 2016 and gave a no comment interview. He was charged on 20 December 2016.

At about 15:00hrs on 29 March 2017 Berry went over to his new girlfriend’s [Victim 2] house in Bermondsey. Berry started talking to her about his upcoming trial in regards to the incident on 1 December 2016. When she said she did not want to talk about it Berry ‘flipped out’ and carried out a sustained attack on her that lasted for about two hours.

The ordeal took place in the victim’s kitchen and saw Berry beat the victim repeatedly in the face and head with a granite pestle and a rolling pin. The victim fell to the floor and the attack continued with the victim losing consciousness; Berry repeatedly kicking her and stamping on her. He also sat on her chest preventing her from being able to breathe.

The victim was taken to hospital with what was initially thought to be life-changing injuries. She received a total of 45 centimetres of wound to her scalp requiring 21 staples and four stitches to her head. She also had significant bruising to her face and legs.

Berry was arrested on 30 March 2017. He denied attacking the victim and said that she had tried to attack him. He was charged on 3 April 2017.

During sentencing Judge Clarke classified Berry as a ‘dangerous offender’ and described the crime scene photos from Victim 2’s home as “a scene from The Oresteia,” which is an Ancient Greek tragedy, due to the amount of blood.

Michelle McGuire said of the investigating team: “Walworth police and Victim Support are 100 per cent professionals. I have the utmost respect for how they handled my very complicated case. I was truly well looked after and they helped me restore my confidence.”

Detective Constable Sam Cafferty, the investigating officer from Southwark CID, said: “ Berry is a dangerous individual who carried out two absolutely brutal attacks on his innocent victims.

“I would like to praise the victims for their immense bravery in helping us to bring Berry to justice. I hope his sentencing gives them both a measure of closure and comfort.”

Detective Inspector Tracey Miller, said: “This was an horrific example of the type of abuse suffered by victims of domestic violence. That the victim was able to give such compelling evidence was in large part due to the strong partnership between the Metropolitan Police and Victim support who have Independent Domestic Violence Advisers co-located in the police station to provide immediate specialist intensive support throughout the process.”