Category: Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with murder and appeared in court following a fatal stabbing in Wembley.

[B] Joshua Oladele – 19 (12.04.04) of Wyld Way, Wembley has been charged with the murder of 25-year-old Hamza Iqbal and possession of an offensive weapon.

He appeared in custody at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 2 October and was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 4 October.

An investigation was launched after police were called just after 23:00hrs on Sunday, 24 September to reports of a stabbing in Olympic Way, Wembley.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found Hamza Iqbal suffering injuries – he was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

A post-mortem examination took place on Wednesday, 27 September and gave a preliminary cause of death as sharp force trauma to the chest.

Two other men – [A] and [C] both aged 19 – were arrested on suspicion of murder as part of this investigation – have been bailed pending further enquiries to dates in December.

A 19-year-old woman [D] and a 29-year-old woman [E], arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have been bailed pending further enquiries to dates in December.

Enquiries into the circumstances continue.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation has been launched following the fatal stabbing of a teenager in Edmonton.

Police were called at 23:27hrs on Sunday, 1 October, to a stabbing in Kendal Gardens, N18. Officers attended along with ambulance colleagues.

Tragically, despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the 16-year-old victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The boy’s family have been informed and they will be supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination and formal identification will take place in due course.

A crime scene is in place in Kendal Gardens as detectives, local police officers and forensic specialists begin their painstaking work at the scene.

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, the senior officer responsible for the Met’s North Area BCU, said: “I thank local people for their patience as police have worked through the night. They will continue to see a police presence and ongoing activity in their neighbourhood in the coming days, and I encourage people in the community to speak with those officers if they have any information or concerns that they wish to share.

“My thoughts and most sincere sympathies are with the family and friends of the victim. The family will be supported by dedicated police officers throughout the unimaginably difficult days and months ahead. We will be there for them, and I can assure them that skilled and tenacious detectives will be working to bring to justice whoever was responsible for this terrible crime.”

There has been no arrest at this early stage. Any witnesses who are yet to speak with police and anyone with information that may assist the investigation are asked to call 101, ref 7767/01oct. To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or contact them online.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A driver who deliberately hit four people after speeding towards them has been jailed.

Choudry Qamar Azad Razaq, 25 (23.03.98), of Westmacott Drive, Feltham, was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 20 years following a sentencing hearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, 29 September.

He had been found guilty of four counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following a trial at the same venue on Wednesday, 16 August.

Razaq was arrested at Heathrow Airport some 15 hours after the collision, on Sunday 25 September 2022, after detectives quickly identified him as the lead suspect and put border checks in place. Razaq was in the process of fleeing to Pakistan.

Razaq had never passed a driving test. As a result of previous driving convictions he was ordered to take an extended test, which was never completed.

On the evening of 24 September 2022, Razaq drove to a pub in Kingsley Road, Hounslow and spent the evening there.

After the pub closed, Razaq and his friends became involved in an altercation with two males, one of whom he was seen to punch in the face.

The two males attacked by Razaq then walked off, however Razaq got into his car and sped away. He drove on to the pavement on Kingsley Road and hit four friends who were uninvolved in the altercation and were making their way home.

It was the prosecution case that Razaq mistakenly believed they were with the males with whom he had earlier been involved in an altercation with. However, they were not connected to them at all and were simply innocent passers-by.

The four victims all suffered serious injuries, one was in a coma and remained in hospital until for several months.

Razaq, who suffered a minor injury in the altercation outside the pub and who came away unscathed in the collision, drove away from the scene and parked the car behind his father’s garage.

Detectives from Acton CID immediately began an investigation and through witness statements and CCTV quickly identified Razaq as the driver of the car.

Detective Constable Hollie Collins, the lead officer in the case, said: “I am pleased that the significant sentence handed down to Razaq reflects the serious nature of this offence.

“Razaq’s merciless and unprovoked attack will affect the four victims and their families for the rest of their lives.

“It was due to the speedy work of the team of investigators that Razaq was arrested so quickly and prevented from evading justice by fleeing the country.

“Thankfully, all the victims involved survived, but their lives will never be the same and they continue to struggle with the after effects of this shocking offence.

“Hopefully this verdict will go some way to providing them the peace of mind that they so rightly deserve.

“I’d like to thank the victims and their families for their unwavering courage, resilience and patience throughout this investigation.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are releasing images of a man they want to identify and locate following a stabbing at a restaurant in Newham

The incident happened at a restaurant on Barking Road, near the junction with Arragon Road E6, on Saturday 1 April, shortly before 04:45hrs when a man in his 30s visited the venue to buy some food.

While inside, a male suspect started arguing and fighting with others. The victim attempted to break up the fight and calm the situation, but received stab wounds to the arm which may result in life-changing injuries. The suspect then left in a dark blue Audi car.

Police have now released an image of a man they would like to trace in connection with the incident.

No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.

During the incident, CCTV shows a number of people in the local vicinity of the incident and officers are appealing to anyone who witnessed this to come forward.

If you have any information, please email p260959@met.police.uk – you can also call 101 with reference CAD5922/30MAY23. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was assaulted near to the River Thames at Vauxhall.

Police were called to Albert Embankment, on the south side of the river near to Vauxhall Bridge, shortly before 04:15hrs on Sunday, 1 October, to reports of a man being assaulted with a metal pole.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. The 24-year-old man was taken to hospital suffering a head injury. His condition has been assessed as life-threatening.

A 23-year-old man and a 22-year-old man were arrested near to the scene on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm. Both men remain in police custody.

Detectives from the Met’s South Central BCU are investigating. CCTV from the location shows a number of people in the area, and detectives are asking for all those who saw the incident but have yet to come forward to contact police by calling 101 and quoting CAD 1204/01Oct.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of Max Moy Wheatley in Petts Wood have charged two men.

Billy Jay Benton, 18 (08/04/2005) of Playgreen Way, Bellingham, SE6 was charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

Arvie-Ray Mehmet, 19 (14/12/2003) of Arnulf Street, Bellingham, SE6 was charged with murder.

Both men were charged on Saturday, 30 September following their arrest on Friday, 29 September. They will appear in custody at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 2 October.

Max’s family have been informed of this development and they continue to be supported by specialist officers.

An investigation was launched after police were called by the London Ambulance Service at about 14:30hrs on Wednesday, 20 September to reports of a man stabbed in Jubilee Country Park close to Tent Peg Lane in Petts Wood.

Officers and the Kent Air Ambulance attended. Despite their efforts Max, who was from the Orpington area, sadly died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination held on Friday, 22 September gave cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

Detectives would like to thank the public for their help in this investigation so far. There is a dedicated online portal – via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V71-PO1 – where footage and pictures can be uploaded.

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 3972/20Sep. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

This Freshers’ Week, officers from the Met having been working to deter mobile phone robberies in Shoreditch and educate students on how to protect their valuables.

As part of the robbery engagement operation on Monday, 25 September – branded Op Leuctra – officers from Islington and Hackney worked in partnership with XOYO nightclub, Islington local authority Nightsafe team, Islington Council Licensing team, and colleagues from British Transport Police to raise awareness of mobile phone robberies in the area.

Officers spoke to students outside the club, providing reassurance and educating students and other young people, including those that might be going out in London for the first time, on how to remain safe when on a night out with friends.

Local officers also conducted high visibility patrols to deter potential offenders and to offer reassurance to those in the area on the night.

Officers shared leaflets with useful information on how people can keep themselves and their valuables safe as part of the Met’s refreshed ‘Look up, Look Out’ robbery campaign. The campaign was highlighted on digital screens inside the club and on barriers where club-goers queued to get into the venue.

Night safe wardens, medics, wellbeing staff, and councillors also attended.

Sergeant Neil Fraser, from the Islington Police Licensing Team, said: “We’re taking proactive measures to keep Londoners safe by tackling mobile phone robberies and help everyone safely enjoy their night out this Freshers’ Week.

“We are committed to tackling robbery in all its forms by targeting the hotspot areas, increasing proactive patrols, going after repeat offenders, and boosting community policing as part of the New Met for London plan.

“I am urging anyone that has sadly fallen victim to robbery to contact the police by dialling 999 as soon as the incident has taken place, as this will increase our chances of securing evidence and swiftly identifying the offenders.”

Councillor Heather Staff, Islington Councillor and Chair of one of the Licensing Sub-committees, who attended on the night, said: “Ensuring we have a vibrant night time economy that is diverse and safe for all is a priority, that that is why partnership between organisations is so critical.

“At the start of Fresher’s Week operations like this are crucial in helping people know the measures they can also take to stay safe like ‘look up, look out’, while working with clubs to ensure good management practice including awareness to stop drink spiking.”

+ The Metropolitan Police Service is building A New Met for London where communities know their local officers, help to shape their policing priorities, and work with them to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour; and when victims call us for help, they’re satisfied with our response.

Community crime-fighting is one of three key priorities to cut crime, rebuild trust, and restore our bond with communities, working closely to work with Londoners and partners.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An armed robber who fired a gun to terrify shopkeepers during a spate of armed robberies has been jailed after the Flying Squad tracked him down.

Crispin Kent, 46 (19.01.77), of Alnwick Road, E16, appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Thursday, 28 September, where he was sentenced to 12 years’ imprisonment having been found guilty at an earlier hearing of three counts of armed robbery, and one count of robbery of a vehicle in which he and another male posed as police officers when they pulled a lone woman over in her car.

Detective Constable Craig Prout of the Flying Squad, said: “Kent is clearly a violent individual who thinks nothing of getting what he wants, or of the long-lasting impact his offences have had on these innocent victims. They are people who were going about their day as normal and Kent made them fear for their lives.”

The court heard that the three robberies had taken place in December 2019 in the Newham area.

On each occasion the suspect entered the store with his face concealed and fired a gun at the floor before demanding money from the till.

Thankfully there were no reported injuries, and in the last offence the armed male was chased from the premises by brave shop staff. But only an hour later, police were called after a woman was pulled over by two males posing as police officers in Wick Lane E3, who then stole her vehicle and drove off.

The Met’s Flying Squad and detectives from Central East Command Unit were alerted and began an investigation, quickly linking the incidents together.

They retrieved footage showing a dark coloured vehicle travelling to and from the scenes of each robbery, which helped identify Kent as a suspect. They went on to secure footage showing a matching vehicle on Kent’s own driveway.

He was arrested at his home address in February 2020. During a search of his house, officers found clothing worn during the offences.

CCTV footage also captured Kent seemingly replacing the number plates of the vehicle outside his home address.

DNA and ballistic evidence further linked Kent to the robberies after the firearm was recovered. The firearm was taken for specialist examination and found to be a blank firearm with the paint scratched off to resemble a real Beretta self-loading pistol.

He was convicted in March 2023.

The other man involved has never been identified and work continues to establish identity.

DC Prout added: “I am pleased that the sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of Kent’s offending. It is entirely correct that he spends a significant amount of time behind bars.”

TIMELINE OF OFFENCES:

1 – Constance Street, E16 – Wednesday 11/12/2019 – 2240 hours – £670 stolen.

2 – Fife Road, E16 – Tuesday 17/12/2019 – 1924 hours – £329 stolen

3 – Vicarage Lane, E6 – Wednesday 18/12/2019 – 2239 hours – Attempt, nothing stolen

4 – Wick Lane, E3 – Robbery of vehicle – Wednesday 18/12/2019 23:25hrs hours

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police Service is reviewing a decision by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) that misconduct proceedings should be brought against the firearms officer, known as W80, for the fatal shooting of Jermaine Baker eight years ago.

W80 was part of a firearms team deployed to intercept a car containing a gang who were attempting to break a dangerous criminal out of custody. An imitation firearm was found in the car.

Deputy Commissioner Lynne Owens said:

“Today’s announcement follows protracted legal proceedings which we know have had a significant personal impact on Mr Baker’s family, the officer, their family and colleagues.

“A public inquiry, concluded in July 2022, determined Mr Baker was lawfully killed. We disagreed with the IOPC decision to direct we hold a gross misconduct hearing for W80 and wrote in detail to the IOPC inviting it to review and reconsider its direction. We wrote to the IOPC more than a year ago and have today been informed of its decision.

“The IOPC has told us that the direction to bring proceedings stands and we must hold a misconduct hearing. We will review the IOPC decision and reasons and consider our next steps.

“We note that the IOPC has asked the MPS to consider asking another force to hold the hearing to provide additional reassurance about the independence of the process.

“We do not accept that our wider call for support and legal reassurance for armed officers impinges upon our independence, nor the impartiality of the misconduct hearing process.

“We will be seeking legal advice in light of the IOPC’s request.

“Last week, the Commissioner wrote an open letter to the Home Secretary calling for reforms intended to simplify and speed up the process by which officers are held to account, particularly when they use force in the course of their duties.

“We welcome the announcement of a review by the Home Office which we hope will bring much needed clarity about the legal powers of armed officers and the threshold for investigating police use of force.

“We will engage fully with the review with a view to avoiding the sort of delay witnessed in this case, achieving greater clarity and providing better protection for the public.

“Our firearms officers do an incredibly difficult job in some of the most challenging and often dangerous circumstances. It is right and they expect and accept their actions are open to independent scrutiny – but officers need sufficient legal protection to enable them to do their job and keep the public safe, with confidence it will be applied consistently and without fear or favour.”

Case Background

On 11 December 2015, during a planned intelligence-led police operation to prevent an organised criminal gang breaking a dangerous criminal out of lawful custody, W80 shot and killed Jermaine Baker as he sat in a vehicle with others in Wood Green.

Mr Baker was not in possession of a firearm. An imitation firearm, in the style of a black Uzi sub-machine gun, was recovered from the rear of the car.

The shooting of Mr Baker was referred to the then Independent Police Complaints Commission (now the Independent Office for Police Conduct ) on the day of the incident.

On 16 December 2015, W80 was suspended from duty.

In June 2016, the criminal gang who took part in the plot was jailed for a total of 27 years.

In November 2016, the IPCC investigation concluded that W80 had a case to answer for gross misconduct for his use of lethal force.

In June 2017, the Crown Prosecution Service decided that W80 would not be charged with any criminal offence. W80’s suspension was lifted and the officer returned to work.

In March 2018, the IOPC recommended that W80 should face misconduct proceedings. The Met did not agree and did not follow the recommendation. The Met disagreed with the IOPC as to the correct self-defence test that applied in respect of police disciplinary proceedings. The Met contended that the criminal law test of self-defence applied. The IOPC maintained that the civil law test applied.

In May 2018, the IOPC directed the Met to start disciplinary proceedings. That direction was challenged by W80 in a judicial review claim that was taken all the way to the Supreme Court. At the first hearing of the case, the Divisional Court decided that the criminal law test applied. The Court of Appeal decided that neither the criminal law test nor the civil law test applied and that the test was simply the wording of the use of force standard in the police Standards of Professional Behaviour i.e. was the force used reasonable, proportionate and necessary in the circumstances. In its judgment on 5 July 2023, the Supreme Court decided that the civil law test applied. Read more: https://www.supremecourt.uk/cases/uksc-2020-0208.html.

An independent public inquiry heard detailed evidence about the circumstances in which W80 shot and killed Mr Baker. In July 2022, the inquiry’s report was published and included a narrative conclusion. HHJ Clement Goldstone QC’s report found that “W80 shot Mr Baker because he honestly believed that Mr Baker posed a lethal threat and that it was reasonably necessary for him to shoot in order to defend himself” and that “Mr Baker was lawfully killed“.

In September 2022, the MPS wrote in detail to the IOPC inviting them to review and reconsider their direction.

On 29 September 2023, the IOPC maintained their direction that a gross misconduct hearing for W80 should be held.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Update on availability of armed officers across London – Thursday, 28 September:

We no longer require mutual aid officers to assist in London, and we are grateful to our police colleagues who offered us their support. There remains no current requirement from the Ministry of Defence or armed forces for assistance.

Over the past 24 hours, further armed officers have returned to armed duties ensuring we have a comprehensive and London wide firearms response in our communities, and at key protected locations.

Senior officers continue to meet with and support colleagues through this time.

+ Please find our previous statements below:

Senior officers, including the Commissioner, have been meeting with firearms officers in recent days as they reflect on the CPS decision to charge NX121 with murder.

Many are worried about how the decision impacts on them, on their colleagues and on their families. They are concerned that it signals a shift in the way the decisions they take in the most challenging circumstances will be judged.

A number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position but in the past 24 hours some have returned.

We are in ongoing discussions with those officers to support them and to fully understand the genuinely held concerns that they have.

The Met has a significant firearms capability and we continue to have armed officers deployed in communities across London as well as at other sites including Parliament, diplomatic premises, airports etc.

On Saturday, the Ministry of Defence agreed to provide the Met with counterterrorism support as a contingency option.

As of lunchtime on Monday, the number of officers who had returned to armed duties was sufficient for us to no longer require external assistance to meet our counterterrorism responsibilities.

We are grateful to the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces personnel involved for their support.

A limited number of armed officers from other UK police forces continue to support non-counterterrorism armed policing.

We will keep the need for this support under review. Met officers still make up the vast majority of armed resources deployed across London.

+ We are aware of media reporting earlier on Monday suggesting that all firearms officers have stepped back from armed duties.

This is not correct. There are armed Met officers, including counterterrorism officers, on duty across London.