Category: United Kingdom

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A protest organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) for this Saturday must now follow an entirely new route after officers intervened using powers under the Public Order Act to prevent serious disruption.

Conditions:

• Anyone participating in the PSC demonstration must form up in Russell Square, not any previously advertised location.
• The demonstration must set off at 13:00hrs.
• It must stick to a route that goes from Russell Square, via Kingsway, Aldwych and the Strand, ending in Whitehall.
• The demonstration must end, with participants dispersed, by 16:30hrs.
• Anybody participating in the PSC demonstration must not enter the conditioned area around Portland Place at any time on Saturday, 18 January.

The formal wording of all conditions now in place is set out below this press release with maps provided.

Commander Adam Slonecki, who is leading the policing operation this weekend, said: “We have approached these discussions in good faith, meeting regularly with the PSC and with partners and community representatives.

“Our role is not to take sides. We police without fear or favour and we have taken the decisions we have motivated only by the need to ensure groups can exercise their right to peaceful protest, while also ensuring the wider community can go about their lives without serious disruption.

“I know some reporting has suggested that this is a ban on protests outside the BBC in general. This is absolutely not the case. We recognise why the PSC want to protest at the BBC and we’ve offered to work with them in considering alternative days of the week to do so, where we could be confident that they wouldn’t cause serious disruption to the lives of those attending the synagogue.

“We are also aware of some more recent commentary suggesting that reversing the route should be acceptable because the morning service at the synagogue would have finished. The synagogue is in use throughout the day and such a position doesn’t take into account other services and gatherings. The onus should not be on others to change their behaviour, such as leaving by a specific time, in order to accommodate the needs of protest groups.

“We will have a significant policing presence in the area around Portland Place to ensure the conditions we have set out are not breached and serious disruption is avoided.

“I would appeal to anyone intending to join this protest to avoid that scenario by heading to Russell Square and following the route we have set out. There are groups that are not formally part of the organising coalition who will be planning to announce gathering points with the intention of joining the main demonstration and we’d encourage them to now opt for Russell Square or locations very close by.

“I would also appeal to those with influence, including protest organisers or those who lead other campaign groups or blocs, to ensure that any previous plans are not being promoted and to make every effort to ensure those attending are aware of the conditions now in place.

“Anyone breaching the conditions, or inciting others to do so, is committing an offence. The consequences for doing so include arrest. We don’t want to have to arrest people but we have the resources to do so, including at scale, if we need to.”

Background:

The PSC had asked protest participants to gather in Portland Place, outside the BBC, from noon on Saturday, ahead of a march to Whitehall. After carefully considering the likely impact of these plans, officers determined that a protest forming up so close to a synagogue on a Saturday – the Jewish holy day – when congregants will be attending Shabbat services, risked causing serious disruption.

We imposed conditions accordingly, confirming the decision in a letter to the PSC on Thursday, 9 January.

This decision to impose conditions was reached following weeks of discussions with the PSC and also with community, business and faith groups. This included conversations with representatives of a synagogue located a very short distance from the proposed form up point in Portland Place.

Officers also took into account the cumulative impact of this prolonged period of protest, often taking place on Saturdays and on numerous occasions in the vicinity of synagogues. We know this has been a cause of increased concern for many Jewish Londoners who have altered their plans, avoided parts of central London and reduced attendance at religious services.

The PSC went on to propose a new route which was a reversal of the previous route. Our assessment of that proposal was that it would risk having the same impact and as such, it could not be agreed to.

This evening (Wednesday, 15 January) we have written to the PSC confirming that we have imposed further conditions, as set out above, mandating a new route and assembly points.

Detailed wording of conditions:

Section 12(3) Public Order Act 1986

Any person participating in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Coalition Partners procession on 18 January 2025 must not enter the shaded area on the map below.

Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986

The Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Coalition Partners assembly in preparation for the planned procession must be held within the designated area on the attached map on Russell Square and assembly participants must remain within that area.

Any tables, tents, gazebos or similar structures erected by participants in connection with the assembly must be located within the designated area.

Having arrived at the designated area, assembly participants must remain within the designated area until such time as the procession commences, which must be by 1.00pm, in accordance with the ‘Procession’ conditions imposed.

Section 12(3) Public Order Act 1986

Any person participating in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Coalition Partners procession must not deviate from the prescribed route on the attached map.

Procession participants forming up at Russell Square must have commenced proceeding along the prescribed route by 1.00pm.

Section 14(3) Public Order Act 1986

Any person participating in the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Coalition Partners assembly at the end of the procession route starting at Russell Square must remain in Whitehall within the shaded area on the attached map.

The assembly must conclude by 4.30pm and those participating in the assembly must disperse by this time.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with the murder of Michelle Sadio following a fatal shooting in Brent on 14 December.

Tahjin Sommersal, 18 (27.05.2006) of Lafone Avenue, Feltham was arrested on Wednesday, 8 January.

On Saturday, 11 January he was charged with murder, two counts of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

He was remanded in custody and appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 January.

He will appear again at the Old Bailey this afternoon (Wednesday, 15 January).

There were exceptional reasons why it was not possible to publish the details of the charge before now.

This morning, a further five people were arrested at addresses in Brent and Hounslow in connection with the murder.

They are all men – two aged 18 and the others aged 21, 24 and 33. They remain in custody.

Michelle’s family have been updated on the above developments and continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa have made three arrests.

A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy were arrested on Wednesday, 15 January on suspicon of murder, they both remain in custody.

A 44-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, she also remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee who is leading on the investigation said: “While these arrests mark a significant step forward in this investigation, we continue to appeal for anyone with information about Keylan’s murder to come forward and speak to us.

“I would like to thank officers for working around the clock in order to locate our suspects and praise the Woolwich community for their on-going support and patience whilst we have carried out our investigation. I know that this incident deeply affected you all, and I hope that these two arrests reassure you that we are doing everything to tackle violent offenders across London.”

An investigation was launched after police were called at 14:28hrs on Tuesday, 7 January to reports of a stabbing on a bus in Woolwich, SE18. The incident occurred on a Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

Officers attended, along with London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. Paramedics treated a 14-year-old boy at the scene who had received stab wound injuries, but he very sadly died shortly after medics arrived.

He has been formally identified as 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa. His family are being supported by specialist officers.

The investigation remains on-going.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101, quoting the reference 3795/07Jan.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Following a tenacious investigation by Met detectives, four men have been jailed for the murder of Kacey Boothe in Walthamstow.

Ka’mani Brightly-Donaldson, Kammar Henry-Richards, Joao Pateco-te and Jeffrey Gyimah were found guilty at the Old Bailey on Monday, 11 December and Tuesday, 12 December 2023 following a trial lasting ten weeks.

They were also convicted of conspiracy to murder another man and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

A sentencing hearing held at the Old Bailey on Tuesday 14 January 2025 saw the four sentenced.

Ka’mani Brightly-Donaldson, 25, (10.11.99), of High Street, Ponders End was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years

Kammar Henry-Richards, 26, (13.05.98), of Cambrian Road, E10 and Joao Pateco-te, 28, (06.10.96), of Chelmer Road, Hackney were handed a life sentences of a minimum of 37 years. Jeffrey Gyimah, 23, (12.12.01), of Queensbridge Road, Hackney was a handed a life sentence of a minimum of 35 years.

A fifth man, Roody Thomas, 27, (16.09.97), of Berger Road, E9 was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after admitting possession of a firearm.

Kacey, 25, was shot dead in Forest Rise on 13 August 2022 as he left a children’s birthday party at the Peterhouse Community Centre.

Officers were called at around 21:20hrs and arrived to find Kacey had already been taken to hospital. Despite the efforts of medical staff, he later died.

Homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command began an investigation which involved trawling hours of CCTV footage to identify the suspects.

It was through this extensive work and witness accounts that detectives identified the shooter had left the scene in a stolen car.

These enquiries resulted in warrants being executed at addresses in north London with a total of six arrests being made.

Officers discovered that Kacey and the defendants were linked to rival gangs in north London and had already been involved in a number of violent incidents. After the shooting, one of the defendants, Henry-Richards wrote drill music lyrics boasting about the attack.

However, it is believed that Kacey was not the intended target of the shooting, and the killers had instead been aiming to kill another man.

Detective Chief Inspector Larry Smith, whose team carried out the investigation, said:

“I am pleased to see these men held responsible for their actions and hope today’s long sentences serve as a warning to others who involve themselves in gang-related violence.

“I would like to commend my team for their tenacious and dedicated investigation, trawling through hours of CCTV, analysing mobile phones and speaking with a number of witnesses to piece together the exact movements of these individuals prior to this deadly attack.

“Ultimately, a family have lost their loved one and for this my thoughts remain with Kacey’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A 36-year-old man fatally stabbed to death in Haringey has been named as Gregory Castillo Volquez.

Gregory, a Dominican Republic national, was a father-of-two. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

At 04:55hrs on Monday, 13 January police responded to reports of a fight at an address on Tiverton Road. Officers, paramedics and London’s Air Ambulance acted rapidly to treat Gregory for stab wounds, but he died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Thursday, 16 January.

Detective Inspector Jim Barry, who is leading the investigation, said:

“In the early hours of Monday morning, two children tragically lost their father. Our officers acted swiftly and arrested three men and one woman on suspicion of murder. They remain in custody.

“We recognise this is a worrying time for those in Haringey and residents can expect to see more police in the area while we conduct our enquiries.

“If anyone saw this senseless attack, or was nearby, please come forward and speak to our officers. We are particularly interested in any mobile phone footage from around the surrounding area.

“Our thoughts remain with Gregory‘s family, who are being supported by trained officers at this heart-breaking time.”

Specialist Crime officers urge the public to contact 101 or Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 with any information, quoting 809/13JAN.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of Kelyan Bokassa in Woolwich have named two people they would like to speak to.

We were called at 14:28hrs on Tuesday, 7 January to reports of a stabbing on a Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street, near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

Officers attended, along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. A 14-year-old boy was treated for stab wounds. He sadly died shortly after medics arrived.

He has been formally identified as 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa. His family are being supported by specialist officers.

Detectives continue to follow a number of lines of enquiry and would now like to speak to 15-year old Colin Chabikwa and 16-year-old Mosawar Zazi in connection with Kelyan’s murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, who is leading the investigation, said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with the family and friends of Kelyan.

“I know his death has deeply affected many in the community and I would like to thank people in Woolwich for the support they have shown.

“Officers have been undertaking increased weapons searches, reassurance patrols and house-to-house enquiries. I know these can be disruptive, however it has been vital, and your patience is appreciated.

“Our team of detectives is working around the clock to identify those responsible for Kelyan’s murder and appeal for your help to locate Chabikwa and Zazi.

“I would urge anybody with information about their whereabouts to contact us immediately by calling 999.

“If seen, we urge the public not to approach them, but to contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101, quoting the reference 3795/07Jan. Report immediate sightings by calling 999. The investigation team can also be contacted directly on 0208 721 4101.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives continue to appeal for assistance in tracing a missing boy who is believed to be with his mother.

As part of the investigation, they are also releasing an image of a man who is sought in connection with the investigation.

Karima Mahmoud, 43, and Adam Glanville, aged seven, were last seen together on 3 June 2024 in Richmond.

Adam has not been seen since. On 24 October 2024, officers received a sighting of Karima in the vicinity of Bedfont Road in Feltham.

Detective Sergeant Mary Dawson, who is leading the investigation, said: “We need the public’s help to locate Karima and Adam. Karima is in breach of a family court order and police are trying to locate them both.

“I also want to identify and speak with the man shown in the image we have released. He was involved in an altercation with a man at the time Karima and Adam were last seen together on 3 June – the images were taken then.

“I do not believe he has caused any harm to Karima or Adam, but I believe he may have information as to their whereabouts.”

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation, including about the identity of this man, is asked to call 101 quoting 01/903997/24.

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

For an immediate sighting, please dial 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men have been convicted of the murder of a 26-year-old man in Newham following a thorough investigation by the Met’s Specialist Crime team that saw one of the perpetrators extradited back from Europe.

Muhammad Saqib Khan, 23 (21.01.01) of Walton Road, Manor Park and Muhammad Samiyul Miah, 18 (04.02.06) of Jack Cornwell Street, Manor Park, were both found guilty of the murder of Anselam Senaj at the conclusion of a 14-week trial at the Old Bailey on Monday, 13 January.

They were also found guilty of possession of a knife.

Ibrahim Naim 18, (21.07.06) of Clacton Road, East Ham and Zain Ali, 21 (27.03.03) of Poulett Road, East Ham were both convicted of manslaughter.

Anselam was killed after being stabbed inside a car at the junction of Victoria Avenue and Grangewood Street in Newham, at around 22:10hrs on Saturday, 11 November 2023.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Brett Hagen, who led the investigation, said:

“The sequence of events that night resulted in the tragic death of Anselam Senaj. This gang of men utilised a stolen vehicle to stop the taxi he was travelling in the back of and attacked him – murdering him in cold-blood in a matter of seconds.

“A thorough and detailed investigation was conducted and implicated the suspects in this crime. Despite the assertion from Muhammad Saqib Khan in the witness box that he was at home playing board games that evening, the jury saw through these lies and convicted him and others present in the vehicle that night.

“I’d like to thank the family of Mr Senaj for remaining patient as the trial played out over several weeks.”

On 22 November 2023, warrants were issued at various addresses in London and Miah, Ali and Naim were arrested. All were charged with murder later that night.

Saqib Khan was identified as a further suspect in the killing. He fled to Amsterdam after the incident and the Met sought positive charging advice in his absence, instigating an international manhunt for him.

After extensive enquiries by the Met’s investigative team and following work with international law enforcement partners, Khan was arrested on 4 December 2023 by Dutch authorities.

He was returned to the UK, after being extradited from The Netherlands, on 12 January 2024 and taken into custody, where he was charged with murder and possession of a knife.

The court heard the evidence from the drugs subsequently found on Mr Senaj and the messages received from his phone that he was involved in drug dealing.

All those convicted were remanded in custody ahead of sentencing at the Old Bailey on Friday, 14 March.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have released a second CCTV image of a man wanted over two assaults in Covent Garden – one of which left a victim in his 70s with serious injuries.

The attacks occurred within moments of each other on 12 October last year. At around 22.33hrs, an off-duty police officer reported being punched in the back of the head close to the Royal Opera House. The officer, attached to the Central East Command Unit, was not injured.

The assailant then approached a second man, aged in his 70s, in nearby King Street. He asked him for directions, before pushing him over.

This victim suffered a bleed on his brain. He temporarily lost consciousness, and required 15 stitches to the back of the head. He is no longer in hospital but continues to suffer the effects of the assault.

The two victims were not known to each other, and the attacks appear to have been random, with no known motive.

The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, and wearing a black jacket. He was last seen fleeing towards Bedford Street.

Police have made a renewed appeal for information, and have released a new CCTV image of the suspect. This shows the man shortly before the assaults, wearing the exact clothing he had on at the time.

Detective Constable Greg Atkins, from the Central West Command Unit, said: “This incident took place in and around Covent Garden on a busy evening.

“We are making a renewed appeal for anybody with information to come forward. Do you recognise the suspect featured in the CCTV images?

“Multiple people witnessed the assaults and I would ask anyone who can assist in identifying the person responsible to get in contact.”

There has been no arrest and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist police should call 101, quoting CAD reference 7846/12OCT.

To make an anonymous report, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two women will appear in court charged with criminal damage following an incident in Westminster Abbey on Monday, 13 January.

Alyson Lee – 66 (20.06.58) of Park Grove, Derby and Diane Bligh – 77 (04.02.47) of Langham Place, Frome and have been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court charged with criminal damage. Lee will appear on 11 February and Bligh on 12 February.

The women were arrested after a substance, believed to be a powdered paint, was sprayed on an area inside Westminster Abbey.