Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for witnesses and any road users with dashcam footage following a fatal collision in Willesden.

The incident happened at around 08:15hrs on Wednesday, 4 December when a motorcycle was involved in a collision on Robson Avenue, NW10. At this time it is not thought there were any other vehicles involved.

At the time of the collision, the rider of the motorcycle – a 44-year-old man – did not appear to be seriously injured. However, he was subsequently admitted to hospital and died there on 8 December.

Work continues to identify and inform his next of kin.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or any road users with dashcam footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8246 9820, call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC. Please could CAD3645/10Dec.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are increasingly concerned for the welfare of a man who has been missing for two weeks.

Orhan Ekren, 48, was last seen in the vicinity of Camden Market, near Camden Lock, at approximately 22:40hrs on Tuesday, 26 November.

He was wearing dark clothing and carrying a dark backpack, which was found near the canal the following day.

Orhan is of Turkish heritage and lives with his family in Milton Keynes.

Police are particularly keen to speak to people that live in the Camden area, or who might have been in the area at the time, or that have a barge moored on the canal.

Anyone who may have seen Orhan or who has information about his whereabouts is urged to please call 101 quoting 5132/27NOV or reference 01/1137478/24.

For an immediate sighting, dial 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command has led to a jury finding that a man planned a terrorist attack at a law firm in Harrow.

At the conclusion of a fact-finding hearing at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 10 December, Cavan Medlock 32 (18.09.92) of Austen Road, Harrow was found to have committed the act of making a threat to kill and the preparation of terrorist acts.

The court heard Medlock targeted a particular solicitor at a law firm in Harrow on 7 September 2020. He was arrested at the scene with a rucksack containing a large knife, handcuffs, ‘gaffer’ tape and two large flags demonstrating extreme right-wing terrorist ideology.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Our investigation uncovered how Medlock had planned this attack and wanted to intimidate the public, particularly anyone who might be regarded as immigrants.

“He was prevented in carrying out his plan thanks to the extraordinarily brave actions of a receptionist, who managed to disarm him of a large knife.

“By his own admission, at the time of these events, Medlock identified as a Nazi. Our investigation supported this, with officers finding a copy of Mein Kampf at his home address.

“It is clear from what he said in police interviews, Medlock wanted to provide a ‘rallying cry’ to inspire other extreme right-wing terrorists.

“I’m glad that a jury has now found the facts of this case proven.”

Medlock was arrested shortly after 5.20pm on 7 November 2020 after he took out a six-inch combat knife and demanded to see a particular solicitor.

The receptionist managed to disarm him, despite being punched and kicked. Other members of staff also intervened and Medlock was restrained and police were called to the scene.

While he was detained in reception, Medlock saw the solicitor whom he targeted and said he had come to the office to kill him. Medlock was also recorded as saying ‘unfortunately I didn’t finish the job’.

A search of Medlock’s home address revealed a mobile phone and analysis of it showed Medlock had targeted the solicitor after reading a media article in which he was quoted. He had then researched the location of the law firm, before planning his attack.

Medlock will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 12 December.

CCTV of the incident can be downloaded here https://mps.box.com/s/nw6vbdfl76j32fsjfl2hlqh6709xnq14

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A further protest is being organised by farmers for Wednesday, 11 November.

We expect the event to begin at 10:00hrs from Whitehall.

We have had a number of positive conversations with the protest organisers to safely manage the event and expect a high number of people driving tractors to take part in a procession.

They will form up in Whitehall before travelling down Millbank, Horseferry Road and Victoria Street.

There will be a staggered closure of some roads around this area and diversions will be in place. Police will open any closed roads when possible during the day. It is expected that all closures and diversions will be lifted by 16:00hrs. We advise people to take alternative routes.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An investigation by the Met Counter Terrorism Command, following the use of powers under Schedule 7 at an airport, has led to the man being jailed for sharing terrorist documents.

Zaheed Hossen, 30 (12.01.94) from north London, was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 10 December to seven years’ imprisonment.

Hossen was previously found guilty on Thursday, 8 August of five counts of disseminating terrorist publications following a trial at the same court.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This investigation came about after officers stopped Hossen using ‘Schedule 7’ powers as he travelled through the airport. These powers help us to identify potential terrorist activity and they ultimately help us to keep the public and UK safe. We’ve seen that the sharing of terrorist material can cause great harm and damage and we would encourage anybody who spots terrorist or extremist material online to ACT and report it to us, so we can take appropriate action.”

Anyone who see terrorist or extremist content online can report it to police via www.gov.uk/ACT

Police began their investigation into Hossen back in August 2020 after he was stopped and examined by officers as he was travelling from Stansted Airport on his way to Turkey. Using powers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act, 2000, officers stopped and spoke with him.

Hossen was allowed to go on his way at that time, but officers seized his phone to carry out further enquiries into the material they identified. Upon returning to the UK, Hossen was arrested for suspected possession of material that was deemed to breach terrorism legislation. When asked about the material by officers, Hossen denied any knowledge of it and he was released on bail while detectives carried out further enquiries.

The investigation continued whilst Hossen was on bail. Enquiries identified further offences in relation to sharing terrorist-related documents with others.

Following a referral to the Crown Prosecution Service, Hossen was charged with five counts of disseminating terrorist material and initially appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 3 February 2023.

He pleaded not guilty and the case progressed to trial, resulting in him being convicted for these offences and being sentenced as above.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An investigation is under way following a fatal collision in Clapham.

Police were called at 00:03hrs on Tuesday, 10 December to reports of a moped involved in a collision with a pedestrian on Poynders Road, at the junction with Clarence Avenue, SW4.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found two men suffering injuries.

Despite the efforts of emergency services the pedestrian, a man believed aged in his 40s, died at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing to identify and inform his next of kin.

The rider of the moped was taken to hospital for treatment – he remains there in a critical condition.

Road closures remain in place and enquiries into the circumstances continue.

Detectives from the Serious Collison Investigation Unit are appealing for any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage that captured the incident to call the investigation team on 0208 543 5157. You can also call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC – please quote CAD32/10Dec.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man will appear in court charged with the murder of 33-year-old Nash Clyne in Acton.

Benjamin Matthews – 50 (16.08.74) of Acton will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 10 December charged with murder.

Matthews was arrested on Monday, 9 December.

An investigation was launched after police were called to Birkbeck Road in Acton shortly after 04:00hrs following reports of a fight and possible shots heard. Officers attended with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

He was found at the scene with serious injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he died a short time later. While formal identification is yet to take place, officers are confident he is 33-year-old Nash Clyne, originally from Grenada.

Nash’s family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. A special post mortem examination will take place in the coming days to determine the cause of his death.

It is believed that at least three other people were injured during the incident. None of those injuries are thought to be life threatening but enquiries are still ongoing.

The nature and cause of these injuries, including identifying what weapons may have been used, will form part of the investigation into the incident.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on Monday, 9 December on suspicion of GBH in relation to the wider disorder took place and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said: “A team of experienced detectives is working at pace to establish why Nash was murdered and bring those responsible to justice.

“We are urging anyone who was in the area or who knows anything about what happened to come forward. We particularly want to hear from anyone who was at the Front Line Cuts barber shop or the Paradise Cuts barber shop, both in Acton High Street, between 22:00hrs on Saturday and 04:30hrs on Sunday.

“What you know, however insignificant it may seem now, could hold the key to this investigation.”

The public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as officers continue what is a comprehensive investigation. While some of the cordons have now been lifted, others will remain in place for the time being to provide us with the best chance to secure important evidence.

A dedicated page has been set up online where information can be provided. It is also the best way to share images or videos with the investigation team.

Information about the incident can also be given to police by calling 101 and providing the reference 1132/08DEC, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A woman will appear in court this morning (Tuesday, 10 December) charged with the murder of 51-year-old Anthony Marks.

Mia Campos-Jorge, 18 (10.09.06), of Milton Road, Haringey, was arrested on Monday, 9 December on suspicion of murder and was charged later the same day.

She will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 10 December.

Anthony was assaulted in Whidborne Street, Camden on Saturday, 10 August and received treatment in hospital for three days before being discharged.

Two weeks later he suffered a seizure and was readmitted to hospital where he sadly died on Wednesday, 25 September.

Three other people, Harry Gittins, 35 (24.12.88) of Regent Square, Camden, a 17-year-old boy and a 17-year-old girl have previously been charged with Anthony’s murder and are remanded in custody awaiting trial.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Six people have been charged with being members of a proscribed terrorist group following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed terrorist group the PKK.

The following people were charged after initially being arrested on Wednesday, 27 November:

[A] Turkan Ozcan, 59 (06.02.1965), of Edmonton, N9,
[B] Mazlum Sayak, 27 (05.08.1997), of South Woodford, E18,
[C] Berfin Kerban, 31 (07.10.1993), of Haggerston, E8,
[D] Ali Boyraz, 62 (30.05.1962), of Tottenham, N17,
[E] Ercan Akbal, 56 (13.07.1968) of Leyton, E10,
[F] Agit Karatas, 23 (05.11.2001) of Hackney, E8.

Following consultation with and authorisation from the Crown Prosecution Service, all six [A-F] were charged with membership of a terrorist organisation – namely the Kurdistan Workers’ Party or ‘PKK’ – contrary to section 11 of the Terrorism Act, 2000. They were charged on Monday, 9 December and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 10 December.

A 31-year-old man [G] who had previously been arrested as part of this investigation was released from police custody without charge on Sunday 8 December.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We fully recognise the concern and impact this investigation has had upon the local community and we continue to work closely with local policing colleagues to keep them updated.

“The charges brought about in this case are very serious and come about following an extensive investigation by our detectives. It is important that communities right across London know that where we suspect any kind of potential terrorist activity, then we will look to investigate and take action to disrupt that in order to keep everybody safe.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads local policing for the Haringey area, said: “I would like to thank members of the local community for their patience while this investigation has been carried out – especially those from the Kurdish community, whom I know have been particularly impacted by this activity.

“We will continue to engage with Kurdish community members going forwards to keep them updated and address any concerns.

“Additional patrols will remain ongoing in the affected areas over the coming days and I would ask that if you still have any concerns, then please get in touch with me or my local officers so that we can work with you to keep everyone safe.”

There continues to be an increased police presence in the affected areas in Haringey and local neighbourhoods officers are carrying out additional patrols and engaging with residents to address any concerns.

Anyone with information relating to the investigation or potential terrorist activity can contact police in confidence on 0800 789 321or via www.gov.uk/ACT

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed after admitting paying money to watch live streams of children being sexually exploited.

Duncan Bartlett – 52 (17.10.72) of Judd Street, WC1 was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment at Wood Green Crown Court on 9 December.

He had pleaded guilty to 35 offences at an earlier hearing at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on 30 August.

Bartlett was arrested on 14 September 2021 after detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command received information that he was accessing indecent images of children.

After his arrest, electronic devices belonging to Bartlett were seized and forensically examined. Nearly 6,000 indecent images of children were recovered and detectives also found evidence that Bartlett had been making payments to people in the Philippines who would arrange live films of children being sexually exploited which he would watch.

Detectives from the Met’s Online Child Abuse and Sexual Exploitation Team liaised with law enforcement authorities in the Philippines to pass information on about the people who were exploiting the children. A number of children were also identified and safeguarding by agencies in the Philippines.

Detective Constable Emily Dawson who led the investigation said: “Over a period of seven years, Bartlett made multiple payments to people in the Philippines asking that they arrange children to be sexually exploited for his own gratification.

“With close liaison work with our counterparts in the Philippines, we managed to identify and safeguard some of these children while several adults were arrested.

“Bartlett’s behaviour was utterly abhorrent but thanks to the painstaking work of detectives, a case documenting his offending was put together – this left him with no option but to admit his guilt.”

Duncan Bartlett pleaded guilty to the following offences:

11 counts of causing a girl under 13 to engage in sexual activity;
Nine counts pf causing a girl 13-15 to engage in sexual activity;
Ten counts of paying for the sexual services of girl under 13;
Three counts of making indecent images of children;
Two counts of encouraging the commission of either way offences.