Category: Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for any possible victims who may not have contacted police to come forward after a man was convicted of child sex offences.

Mustafa Mehmet was found guilty of repeatedly raping a young girl after exploiting a relationship with her mother in Hackney.

Mehmet, 34, (14.02.90), of Malden Court, N4 was unanimously found guilty of rape of a child, causing a child to engage in sexual activity, causing a child to watch a sexual act and assault (ABH) on Friday, 6 December at Wood Green Crown Court.

He has been remanded in custody and sentencing will be at the same court on Friday, 31 January 2025.

The sexual assaults and abuse took place over a three-year period from the mid-2000s and started when the child was eight years old.

Detectives from Central East’s Child Abuse Investigation Team have been working to identify possible further victims of Mehmet and encourage anyone who has been a victim of Mehmet to come forward and report to the police.

Mehmet exploited his friendship with the victim’s mother, allowing him to gain access to the child to conduct a prolonged campaign of abuse and sexual assault.

An investigation was launched after the victim reported the offences in 2019, leading to Mehmet being charge in January 2024. Local officers supported the victim throughout the investigation and trial, acknowledging the bravery it took to make the first steps in reporting the crime in the first place.

Detective Constable Megan Davidson of the Central East Child Abuse Investigation Team, said:

“Mehmet is a dangerous and predatory sex offender. He exploited an innocent relationship with a young family to abuse their children.

“It has taken tremendous courage on the part of the victim to report this to the Metropolitan Police, without which Mehmet may not have faced justice.

“The Metropolitan Police Service tirelessly pursues those who commit violence against women and girls. Whilst we cannot reverse the impact that this abuse has had on the victim, this conviction will bring some justice to the victim.

“I remain concerned that Mehmet may have committed other offences that have yet to be reported to us. If you recognise this man as having had any relationship with your family and believe that you or a family member may have been a victim of his abuse, please contact us immediately.

“Specially trained officers will be there to listen to you and provide you with any support you may require.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to a serious collision in Lambeth that has left a man in a critical condition.

At about 15:20hrs on Wednesday, 18 December, officers came upon a collision involving a motorbike and pedestrian on Kennington Lane, SE11.

The London Ambulance Service attended and the pedestrian, who is aged in his 50s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

His family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

The rider stopped at the scene, and was also taken to hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

Road closures remain in place while officers examine the scene.

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are leading the investigation. They would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or captured it on dash cam.

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting CAD 4458/18Dec.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a double shooting in Canning Town have carried out a number of warrants resulting in the arrest of three people.

Police were called at about 02:05hrs on Saturday, 26 October to reports of a shooting on Thorne Close, near Rogers Road, E16.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found two men, aged 25 and 27, injured.

They were both taken to hospital with gunshot injuries where they received medical treatment. Both were later discharged from hospital.

In the early hours of Wednesday, 18 December, detectives from the Specialist Crime Command supported by colleagues from the Firearms Command and Taskforce, executed warrants at addresses across east London and Essex.

Two males, aged 16 and 18, and a 27-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and taken into police custody where they remain.

Detective Inspector David Hickford said: “These arrests mark a significant point in our investigation to establish exactly what happened, and why, on 26 October.

“Two men sustained injuries as a result of being shot and it is vital that we hear from anyone who was in the area that night, and who is yet to speak with officers.

“I would also ask that you check any dash cam footage to see if you captured the shooting.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CAD 757/26Oct.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of Curtis Green in Sydenham last month have joined his family in making a fresh appeal for information just before Christmas.

Curtis, aged 30, died from his injuries following the incident in Wells Park Road, SE26 at 10:10hrs on Sunday, 10 November.

It came after a party at a property in Hensford Gardens that had started the night before. Curtis and two others, a man and a woman, were shot at.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who is leading the homicide investigation, said: “We have already appealed to the public for information and thank you to all those who have supported us throughout the last month. However, we still need to build a bigger picture as to what happened to Curtis on that Sunday morning in Sydenham.

“Three people, including Curtis, were shot. While the other two people survived, one remains in hospital and has long road to recovery ahead of her.

“The investigation has progressed, we have made two arrests, and these two people remain on police bail while we make further enquiries.

“I am appealing to anyone who has information about what happened at the party, especially those outside Hensford Gardens at the time of the incident, to come forward.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who may have left prior and from those who were present at the time of the shooting. You may not think you have any key information, but it may prove vital to assist us with our investigation.

“We will support you throughout the process and will try our best to ensure that we are able to protect your identity if you have concerns.

“All information, even the slightest bit is important and relevant to us. Curtis’s family have to face Christmas not knowing what happened in the moments leading up to his death. You can come forward and provide them with the clarity they deserve.

“If you feel you know anything then please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.”

Curtis’ family remain devastated by his loss.

They said: “We are appealing for people to come forward with any information they may know pertaining to our beloved Curtis. Curtis loved his family, loved his community and worked hard to establish businesses to uplift people physically and spiritually.

“We appeal to the community’s morals, values and integrity to stand for justice and to stop the violence that is happening far too frequently.

“We, Curtis’ family, are all devastated and heartbroken and will never be the same, having to live without such a vibrant, inspirational, loving person in our lives will be torture.”

Curtis was described by his family as “happy, excited and beautiful”. He was an entrepreneur and the owner of a clothing brand and local fitness company. He was also a father-to-be, with a child due in five months.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4961 you can also call 101 stating reference number 2527/10NOV or you can contact us anonymously by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

We also have an online portal, you can submit information here.

+ Two women were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. They remain on police bail pending further enquiries.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A detailed investigation which led a jury to take less than an hour to deliver a guilty verdict has seen a fifth man convicted of murdering 25-year-old Jordan in Tottenham.

Vittorio Di Murro – 26 (16.07.98) of Hartington Road, E17 was found guilty of murder at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 18 December – he was remanded in custody to be sentenced at the same court on Friday, 20 December.

Detective Inspector Louise Caveen, a homicide detective from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “This was a detailed and comprehensive investigation utilising extensive CCTV, phone and forensic evidence. It took the jury less than an hour to return their verdict of guilty for Di Murro demonstrating the comprehensive nature of the case my team built against him.

“Di Murro’s conviction brings this investigation to a close. It has been nearly two years since Jordan was attacked and killed and his family have had to endure two court cases to see all those involved convicted for their part in his murder.

“The strength and dignity they have displayed throughout this period is in stark contrast to those who have been found guilty for the heinous attack on Jordan. The evidence against all of them was conclusive yet they refused to admit their guilt.

“I hope this final conviction affords Jordan’s family and friends some sense of closure as they continue to try and rebuild their lives following their tragic loss.”

An investigation was launched after police were called to Arnold Road, N15 at around 22:15hrs on Sunday, 5 March 2023 to reports of a man who had been attacked. Officers began first aid, alongside colleagues from the London Ambulance Service, but Jordan was pronounced dead shortly after arrival at hospital.

A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be sharp force trauma to the chest.

An investigation was launched and specialist murder detectives worked tirelessly to piece together the events of the evening.

Di Murro was part of a group of five men who lay in wait for Jordan after he was lured by a phone call to Arnold Road.

Other members of the group who were convicted of murder at an earlier trial were Ayyub Kigozi; Karl Black; Jahoe Allen and Jabir Sitar.

Call records revealed that Christina Manen, who was found guilty of manslaughter at the earlier trial, rang Jordan and then sent him a message requesting to meet on Arnold Road so she could purchase drugs from him.

In reality, she was not even in London and was luring him to an address, knowing others would be there to meet him.

CCTV showed Jordan leaving his house to make the deal. At around 21:53hrs, doorbell footage recovered by officers showed a group surround and talk to Jordan for around 11 minutes, asking him about drugs, his name and age and his religion.

They then moved out of the camera’s view and carried out the fatal attack. One person can be heard saying ‘let’s go let’s go’ before they are captured leaving the scene.

Detectives gathered CCTV from before and after the murder, which showed the group meeting up at Di Murro and Black’s address in Cassiobury Road, Walthamstow before heading to the ambush site, several miles away. Whilst Black had planned the attack, he tried to distance himself by remaining out of Arnold Road, but close enough to control what was happening.

Just before they left Walthamstow, Allen was seen outside of the house appearing to do a jabbing motion towards the stomach area of one of the other group, pre-empting what was about to happen.

Jordan’s girlfriend told police that a man wearing a ski mask had come to her home to say Jordan had been involved in an altercation. He told her it ‘wasn’t looking good for him’, before asking if she found him attractive. He then led her towards Arnold Road where she came across the police cordon. Officers were able to match the description she provided with the CCTV images to conclude this had been Jahoe Allen.

= On 22 March 2024 at the Old Bailey, the following people were convicted of Jordan’s murder. Ayyub Kigozi was also found guilty of the robbery of Jordan’s mobile phone during the incident. They were sentenced on 30 April at the same court:

Karl Black, now 44 (06.10.80) of Cassiobury Road E17 – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27.5 years;
Jahoe Allen, 34 (19.04.90) of Kings Road UB8 – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 25.5 years;
Ayyub Kigozi, 19 (30.04.05) of Salop Road E17 – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 17 years for murder, plus two years for the robbery, to run concurrently
Jabir Sitar, 21 (29.06.02) of Clacton Road E17 – life imprisonment with a minimum term of 19 years.

Christina Manen, 37 (02.04.87) of Lancaster Close, Ramsgate, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men charged in connection with the stabbing of a journalist on Queensmere Road, Wimbledon on 29 March have arrived into the UK on a flight from Romania.

The pair were arrested on 17 December at Heathrow airport and were met by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which is leading the investigation into the assault.

Both men were taken into police custody appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on 18 December.

They were remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 17 January.

Romanian nationals Nandito Badea, 19 and George Stana, 23 have been charged with wounding and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The two men were previously detained by Romanian authorities on the 4 December. They were returned to the UK from Romania by specialist National Extradition Unit officers from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said:

“This has been a long-running investigation and I am pleased we have reached a point where two men have now been charged and will face prosecution here in the UK.

“I would like to thank our Romanian counterparts for their cooperation on this matter, as well as colleagues from the CPS and NCA who have helped us to reach this point.

“Now that criminal proceedings are fully active here in the UK, I continue to ask people not speculate about the case or motivation so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been convicted of murdering Sean O’Neill in west London following an investigation by Met detectives.

Dellan Charles, 23 (08.10.01) of no fixed address was found guilty on Tuesday, 17 December following a trial at Kingston Crown Court.

Charles was arrested after police issued a public appeal to trace him on 26 March. Within 24 hours officers had received information that led them to an address in Coventry where Charles was located. The following day he was charged with Sean’s murder.

Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, Specialist Crime South, said:“Sean found himself in the middle of a violent dispute between two groups. He was targeted by the defendant while he was running away and posing no threat.

“Sean was a much loved son and brother and I would like to pay tribute to his family who have remained resolute and dignified throughout the long manhunt and trial process.”

Sean’s family said in a statement: “It has been an extremely challenging 19 months since Sean was taken from us. Today’s verdict won’t bring Sean back or take away our unimaginable grief, but we are grateful that the person responsible has been held to account.

“We really appreciate the efforts of the Metropolitan Police and the CPS in bringing about justice, as well as the support we have received throughout this difficult process.

“Sean will be remembered for his big heart, charming smile and fun loving personality. He is incredibly loved by us all and we miss him every day.”

An investigation was launched after police were called on the evening of Thursday, 18 May 2023 to reports of a man found suffering injuries in Reynolds Road, Hayes.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service and found 30-year-old Sean with stab injuries. Despite the efforts of the emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

The jury heard that Charles chased and stabbed Sean when he became separated following a prolonged altercation in the street between their respective groups of friends.

A post mortem examination confirmed his death was caused by sharp force trauma to the chest and abdomen.

A second man – Shakil McCrea, 27 (19.12.96), of Sinclair Road, W14 – was convicted of possession of a knife. He was arrested on Tuesday, 23 May 2023 at an address in West Drayton and charged the following day. He will be sentenced on Wednesday, 18 December.

Charles will be sentenced on Monday, 17 March 2025.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men charged in connection with the stabbing of a journalist on Queensmere Road, Wimbledon on 29 March have arrived into the UK on a flight from Romania.

The pair were arrested on 17 December at Heathrow airport and were met by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which is leading the investigation into the assault.

Both men were taken into police custody are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on 18 December.

Romanian nationals Nandito Badea, 19 and George Stana, 23 have been charged with wounding and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

The two men were previously detained by Romanian authorities on the 4 December. They were returned to the UK from Romania by specialist National Extradition Unit officers from the NCA’s Joint International Crime Centre.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said:

“This has been a long-running investigation and I am pleased we have reached a point where two men have now been charged and will face prosecution here in the UK.

“I would like to thank our Romanian counterparts for their cooperation on this matter, as well as colleagues from the CPS and NCA who have helped us to reach this point.

“Now that criminal proceedings are fully active here in the UK, I continue to ask people not speculate about the case or motivation so that the criminal justice process can run its course.”