Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A Met officer has been dismissed for acting inappropriately towards a student officer.

PC Christopher Lee, attached to the Central West Command Unit, was dismissed following a misconduct hearing, which concluded on Tuesday, 27 May.

In 2021, while off duty and acting as a street duties instructor, PC Lee inappropriately touched a student officer. He also sent intimidating messages, abusing his position of trust as a more senior colleague.

Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah, who leads policing in the area, said:

“PC Lee’s behaviour was wholly unacceptable and fell well below the standards we expect.

“Instead of offering support and guidance, he used his position behave in a way that goes against the Met’s expected values and behaviours, and with no regard to the impact on a more junior officer.

“I am thankful that, due to the bravery shown by the officer who came forward, we were able to investigate, leading to PC Lee’s dismissal.”

The panel found that PC Lee had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct and his actions amounted to gross misconduct.

He will be added to the barred list held by the College of Policing, preventing future employment within policing and certain oversight bodies.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two boys, both aged 16-years old, have pleaded guilty to the murder of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa.

The pair, who cannot be named because of their age, are due to be sentenced on Wednesday, 25 July at the Old Bailey.

They were arrested on Wednesday, 15 January after a man hunt by Met officers and charged the next day.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, Specialist Crime, who led the Met’s investigation said: Today I wish to express my team’s heartfelt sympathies to Kelyan’s family.

“The brutal and senseless attack on Kelyan’s has deeply impacted his friends, the wider community and everyone that has worked tirelessly to identify, arrest and prosecute those responsible.

“I hope Kelyan’s family can take some solace in this outcome but I know they remain deeply bereft at the waste of three young lives.”

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 Kelyan at the scene, but he very sadly died shortly after medics arrived.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the death of a 26-year-old man in Brent have made an arrest.

On Thursday, 22 May, officers arrested a man in his 20s, from Barnet, on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

Ali Faris Muhammad, who lived in Harrow, sadly died following an altercation in the early hours of Sunday, 18 May.

At 03:31hrs, police were called to reports of the incident in Kingsbury Road, NW9.

Ali was taken to hospital with a stab wound. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died.

His next of kin are being supported by specially trained officers.

An investigation is ongoing.

Detective Chief Inspector Allam Bhangoo, who is leading the investigation, said:

“Our thoughts are with Ali’s family and loved ones. They have asked for their privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

“Our team of detectives and forensic specialists are working at pace to establish the full circumstances that led to his tragic death. We urge anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has any information that could assist us, to come forward as soon as possible.

“We understand this incident may cause concern within the Kingsbury community, and we’re grateful for their continued patience and co-operation as we carry out our investigation.”

Anyone who can help is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference: 1052/18May. Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Or please visit the Major Incident Police Portal (MIPP) – https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS25X74-PO1

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Matt Jukes has been confirmed as the Met’s new permanent Deputy Commissioner.

Assistant Commissioner Jukes is currently acting in the role since the retirement of Dame Lynne Owens earlier this month.

He will now formally step into the substantive role of Deputy Commissioner on Monday, 26 May.

Acting Deputy Commissioner Jukes said: “I am honoured to be appointed as Deputy Commissioner. I’ve had the privilege of serving communities across the UK throughout my career, including here in London since 2020.

“I have seen the incredible difference local policing can make to communities, and in recent years, the progress we’ve made in ensuring the Met is an organisation our people and London can be proud of. I’ve seen first-hand the efforts of tens of thousands of dedicated officers and staff, all working day and night to continue building the public’s confidence in us.

“We have much more still to do, but I am looking forward to building on the work of my brave colleagues across the Met and building on the legacy of my predecessor Dame Lynne, who was pivotal in driving forward our mission of reform.”

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “I am delighted Matt has been formally appointed as Deputy Commissioner.

“He is an exceptional leader with a wealth of experience from his time across South Yorkshire, South Wales and of course here in the Met as head of National Counter Terrorism Policing.

“He has lived the realities of neighbourhood policing right through to some of the most complex counter-terror issues we’ve faced in decades. He has a proven track record of reducing crime and increasing confidence in communities right across the UK. His skills and experience will be pivotal in our ongoing work to reform our service to London.

“Matt is held in incredibly high esteem by all those who have already worked alongside him. I look forward to seeing how he shapes this role and continues to build on the legacy left by Dame Lynne.”

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I know how determined Matt Jukes is to help deliver a New Met for London, build on the progress we have achieved tackling crime in the capital and improve the confidence and trust London’s communities have in the police.

“His experience as an officer, detective and across a variety of senior roles will be invaluable as the Met continues to reform, modernise and improve the service it delivers. I’m looking forward to working with him and keeping the momentum of change going to deliver a safer London for all.”

Minister for Policing and Crime Prevention Dame Diana Johnson said: “The role of Deputy Commissioner is one of the most demanding and important in policing, so I am delighted that Matt has been appointed to take on that challenge.

“I also want to thank Matt for his vision and leadership as head of CT Policing since 2021.

“Matt’s experience, leadership and dedication to duty, which he has demonstrated throughout his career, proves he is the right person to help lead the charge in reducing crime, restoring confidence in policing and making our streets safer.

“His skills, track record of delivery and understanding of what’s needed to protect the public and keep communities safe, will be indispensable when it comes to policing the capital.”

After Dame Lynne announced her intention to retire in February, a process to recruit her successor was launched. That process concluded, with AC Jukes recommended as the successful candidate.

As is standard procedure, Home Secretary and Royal Household approval of that recommendation was required and has now been received.

Bio

Deputy Commissioner Jukes joined policing in 1995 as a constable with South Yorkshire Police.

From patrolling Sheffield’s East End, he worked as a detective, and in a variety of other roles, working his way up to the position of Chief Superintendent, Borough Commander.

He joined South Wales Police in 2010 as an Assistant Chief Constable leading on Specialist Crime and served as Deputy Chief Constable before being appointed Chief Constable in January 2018. He was awarded the Queen’s Policing Medal in that year’s Honours.

He held the post until November 2020 when he joined the Met as Assistant Commissioner, leading and overseeing transformation programmes, moving to the post of Head of UK Counter Terrorism Policing and the Met’s Assistant Commissioner for Specialist Operations (ACSO) in July 2021. This continued a longstanding focus on intelligence and security, that began with a first role in counter terrorism in 2001 and saw him perform the role of counter-terrorism Commander in a number of significant operations.

As ACSO and Head of CTP, his responsibilities included countering threats from domestic and international terrorism and the protection of the Royal Family, Ministers and Parliament. He oversaw the CTP investigation and response to the murder of Sir David Amess MP and contributed to security at the funeral of HM The Queen and HM The King’s Coronation. Most recently, he led responses to the recent conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.

As the national lead on security policing, he oversaw a four-fold increase in operations emanating from espionage, foreign interference and war crimes over almost four years.

This 30-year career has been split between periods in specialist areas of policing, and others at the heart of local policing, delivering for communities and supporting frontline colleagues, including a focus on their wellbeing. He is a former Chair, and now Vice Chair, of Police Sport UK, and a Patron of the Police Roll of Honour Trust.

He became acting Deputy Commissioner in May 2025.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with a terrorism offence following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

Liam O’Hanna, 27, (16.10.97) of Belfast has been charged, via postal requisition, with displaying a flag in support of Hizballah, a proscribed organisation, namely:

• On 21 November 2024, in a public place, namely the O2 Forum, Kentish Town, London, displayed an article, namely a flag, in such a way or in such circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation, namely Hizballah, contrary to section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command were made aware on Tuesday, 22 April of an online video from the event. An investigation was carried out, which led to the Crown Prosecution Service authorising the above charge.

O’Hanna is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 18 June.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged following an investigation by detectives in the Metropolitan Police Service.

Chris Brown, 36 (05.05.89), who is a US National, was charged on Thursday, 15 May with grievous bodily harm with intent.

He appeared in custody at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May. He was remanded in custody to appear at Southwark Crown Court on Friday, 13 June.

On Wednesday, 21 May he was granted bail by the court.

The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London, on Sunday, 19 February 2023.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The deployment of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology by Met Police officers in Southwark helped put a registered sex offender back behind bars.

LFR is an advanced technology where Met officers position a van equipped with cameras in a pre-agreed location in London.

These cameras capture live footage of people passing by and compare their faces against a database of wanted offenders. If a match is detected, the system generates an alert. An officer will then review the match and decide if they wish to speak with the individual.

On the afternoon of Friday, 10 January, a police van with LFR was operating in the Denmark Hill area, when cameras alerted officers to 73-year-old David Cheneler as being a registered sex offender. Upon being stopped by officers, he was found to be with a six-year-old girl.

Further checks confirmed he was in breach of his Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO), which prevented him from being alone with a child under the age of 14. He was also in possession of a lock knife that was hidden in the buckle of his belt. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Further enquiries from Met officers established Cheneler had picked the child up from school as a favour for her mother, which he’d also done on two previous occasions after building a relationship with them both over the course of a year.

This case is another example of how the Met’s use of LFR is protecting communities by helping officers take dangerous offenders off the streets of London.

The Met is a forerunner in using this technology as part of its commitment to make London safer by harnessing cutting-edge technology and data to identify and apprehend offenders who pose significant risks to our communities.

Detective Constable Adam Pearce of the Met’s local policing team in south-east London, who led the investigation, said:

“This is a prime example of how the Met is using technology to remove dangerous offenders from our streets, and Live Facial Recognition remains an important tool in protecting Londoners.

“Although there were no allegations made towards David Cheneler on this occasion, it’s possible if he hadn’t been identified using this technology, he could have gone on to abuse this child.

“Her mother was completely unaware of his offending history, and along with her young daughter, were both taken advantage of by Cheneler who abused their trust.”

Lindsey Chiswick, the Met’s lead for Live Facial Recognition, said:

“The Met is committed to making London safer, using data and technology to identify offenders that pose a risk to our communities.

“This is a prime example of the variety of uses for LFR. The tool is not only used to find those wanted, but also to stop people on a watch list who have conditions they must adhere to.

“These interventions are crucial. Without this technology, Cheneler may have had the opportunity to cause further harm.”

David Cheneler, 73 (05.04.52), of Lewisham, appeared at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 20 May, where he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 January to breaching the conditions of his SOPO, as well as possessing an offensive weapon.

The SOPO was originally imposed in 2019 by the courts, following a previous conviction in 2010 for 15 counts of indecent assault on a female under 16 and five counts of gross indecency with a child between 1968 and 1993, for which he served a nine-year prison term.

Live Facial Recognition enables the Met to take a more precise, intelligence-led approach to tackling crime.

Each deployment is carefully planned based on operational needs and is guided by data to ensure resources are directed at offenders who pose the greatest threat to our communities.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A third man has been charged as part of an investigation into a series of fires in north London.

Petro Pochynok 34 (25.07.90) of north London, a Ukrainian national [C] has been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life, namely:

• conspiring together with Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc and others unknown to damage by fire property belonging to another,
• intending to damage the property,
• intending to endanger the life or another or being reckless as to whether the life of another would thereby be endangered.

Pochynok is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 21 May at 10:00hrs.

The charge, which was authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relates to a period from Thursday, 17 April to Tuesday, 13 May this year, in which three incidents took place – a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of Monday, 12 May.

All have connections with a high-profile public figure, and therefore officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation into the fires.

Pochynok was arrested on Monday, 19 May, in the Chelsea area, SW3, on suspicion of conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

As part of the same investigation, Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national [A] was charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 May and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June.

Stanislav Carpiuc, 26 (15.07.98) of Romford, a Romanian national, [B] has also been charged with conspiracy to commit arson with intent to endanger life.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 20 May and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 6 June.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met Police officers have secured significant banning orders against two prolific shoplifters as part of their continued crackdown on retail crime.

Local officers worked with retailers in Greenwich to identify and arrest Winston Wright who stole more than £2,500 worth of goods from stores in the area over four months, banning him from every Sainsbury’s, Boots and Co-op in England and Wales.

In a separate investigation, officers in Haringey secured an order to ban Patrick Verry from every Greggs store in England and Wales after he targeted a store seven times.

Across London the Met is prioritising neighbourhood policing by putting more officers into local teams to tackle issues such as shoplifting.

Officers are working with business owners to target the most prolific offenders who cause fear to retail workers and have a negative impact on communities.

Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s lead for tackling retail crime, said:

“The Met is focused on tackling the most prolific shoplifters like Wright and Verry. They cause fear to retail workers and their offending has a negative impact on communities.

“We continue to work with local business owners to investigate reports of shoplifting, understand concerns and use different tactics to crackdown, including targeted operations and regular patrols.”

Winston Wright, 44 (08.04.81), of Lewisham, pleaded guilty to eight counts of shoplifting and one count of commercial burglary at Croydon Magistrates Court on Tuesday, 6 May 2025.

As well as being given a Criminal Behaviour Order which bans him from entering any Sainsbury’s, Boots and Co-op in England and Wales for three years, he’s also been banned from entering the Royal Borough of Greenwich for three years, jailed for three months and fined £200.

During the course of the investigation officers gathered CCTV from various stores which helped identify Wright as the offender. As a result he was stopped in Deptford High Street on Thursday, 20 March by a PCSO who recognised him.

Patrick Verry, 33 (02.04.92), of no fixed address, was caught in the act by officers at the store in Wood Green High Road on Thursday, 15 May. He pleaded guilty to six counts of theft from the same store at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers investigating the death of two kittens in Ruislip have arrested and charged two teenagers.

On Tuesday, 20 May, a 16-year-old girl was charged on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and for possession of a bladed article in a public place.

A 17-year-old boy was also charged on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering to an animal and for possession of a bladed article in a public place.

They had both been arrested on Monday, 19 May. This relates to an incident on Saturday, 3 May where two kittens were found dead.

They were both remanded into custody, and will appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court at 14:00 on Tuesday, 20 May.