Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man who raped and sexually assaulted a young girl for almost a decade in the 1980s and 1990s has been jailed thanks to a comprehensive investigation by Met detectives.

Adrian Morbey, 72 (26.09.52), of Ashbourne Road, Romford, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday, 27 November to a total of 15 years’ imprisonment, with an extended licence of one year. He will also be on the sex offenders’ register for life.

He was found guilty at the same court on Wednesday, 21 August of four counts of indecent assault on a child, two counts of indecency with a child and one count of raping a child aged under 16.

The offences took place between 1989 and 1996 when the victim was aged between seven and 15.

The court heard that in 1989 Morbey started to intercept the victim, then aged just seven, when she was on her way home from school and would take her to various locations. The offending began as sexual assault and progressed to rape. Morbey would also shower her with over-the-top gifts and money.

The victim’s mother approached police in 2018 and told them she believed her daughter had been sexually assaulted by Morbey. As a result, officers contacted the victim and asked her if she wanted to disclose any offences, she then revealed she had been sexually assaulted and raped by Morbey.

In December 2018, Morbey was interviewed under caution by detectives. When the allegations were put to him that he would intercept the victim from school and drive her to locations to sexually assault and later rape her, he replied: “Nah, not a chance.”

He later added that ‘I never behaved inappropriately with her at all’ and addressing the allegations, said ‘I’m gobsmacked. I’m completely floored.’

Detectives then worked tirelessly to prepare a file for the Crown Prosecution Service to secure charges, which included ensuring the victim’s statement was as detailed as possible as this was the pinnacle piece of evidence.

The victim was supported by specialist officers and she provided two detailed video recorded interviews where she thoroughly recalled the sexual abuse she was subjected to by Morbey.

Detectives also took statements from people close to the victim, who were able to detail what the victim had told them about the abuse she suffered at the hands of Morbey, providing additional evidence.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Yexley, from the East Area’s Public Protection team, said: “I would like to commend the victim for her bravery in reporting Morbey to us, and for having to re-live her horrific ordeal while providing two extremely detailed video recorded interviews to help ensure Morbey was brought to justice for his heinous crimes. The victim had understandably blocked out a lot of what Morbey had done to her and so it was extremely painful for her to talk about this nightmare in such detail. I hope him being behind bars gives her a little bit of closure.

“I would also like to commend the officer in the case DC Jessica Stephens for working so tirelessly to secure justice for the victim. Sexual assault and rape cases are never simple to investigate, never mind ones dating back over 30 years. However, this did not deter DC Stephens who was determined to see Morbey get his day in court – where the jury convicted him due to the overwhelming evidence presented.

“I hope this case highlights that the Met is committed to tackling violence against women and girls and we will thoroughly investigate all allegations of sexual assault, no matter how long ago they happened.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Phone manufacturers are being urged by the Metropolitan Police to fix security issues fuelling thefts in the capital.

It comes as new analysis published by the Met found thousands of phones stolen on the streets of London are being shipped abroad.

New data* obtained by the Met shows that:

• Of a sample of more than 4,000 iPhones stolen last year, the details of which the Met passed to Apple, 70 per cent had an activation lock enabled and 84 per cent subsequently connected to Apple’s network.
• 80 per cent of these were reconnected overseas, with the highest proportion in Algeria followed by China and as far afield as Nigeria, Russia and Brazil.

The Met is working hard to tackle phone theft and is calling on Apple and Google to block devices reported by users to them as lost or stolen from re-connecting internationally to their cloud services, preventing re-use anywhere in the world and therefore deter thieves.

It also wants manufacturers to make the IMEI number of a device visible when the device is locked to make it easier to identify stolen devices and return them to their owner.

Commander Owain Richards, from the Metropolitan Police, said: “We are determined to tackle the scourge of phone thefts. We are increasing patrols in hotspot areas and using technology to identify perpetrators and will do all we can to bring them to justice.

“However, this new data shows that thousands of phones stolen in London are being used abroad, highlighting a clear flaw that is allowing organised crime to make millions from thefts in the capital. That is why we need industry to step up and play its part by increasing security on these devices.”

As shoppers flock to London for Black Friday sales, the Met is sharing advice to phone users on what they can do to protect themselves from theft.

People should keep a close eye on their belongings when in busy areas, keep phones in a zipped pocket, and take simple steps to protect themselves from further fraud if their device is stolen:

• Activate device security features including ‘Find My Phone’ and stolen device protection in ‘settings’
• Ensure they have a strong password and two-factor authentication
• Turn off message previews so thieves cannot see any messages about reset or log in codes when phones are locked
• Write down and safely store their phone’s IMEI number. This can be found by dialling *#06# from an unlocked device.
• If your phone is lost or stolen notify Apple or Google via their device finding services.

The Met is also reminding victims they should report their phone as stolen as soon as possible to maximise the chance of catching the perpetrator, too often thefts are reported hours or days later.

In the coming weeks officers from the Met will meet with leaders from the phone industry to renew their call for them to step up their efforts to tackle thefts.

*Analysis by the Met of 4,177 stolen Apple handsets showing post-offence activity. This is the Met’s own analysis following thefts reported to the service. The Met is working with Apple to better understand the data.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A former soldier who sparked a nationwide manhunt after escaping from prison has been convicted of spying offences. The conviction follows an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command which found he had been sharing sensitive military information with Iranian agents.

Daniel Khalife, 23 (27.09.01) was today, 28 November found guilty at Woolwich Crown Court of espionage and terrorism offences.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “The threat to the UK from states such as Iran is very serious, so for a soldier in the Army to be sharing sensitive military material and information with them is extremely reckless and dangerous.

“Khalife claimed that he wanted to help the UK’s security by becoming a so-called ‘double-agent’ but the reality we uncovered is that he simply put UK security at great risk by what he was doing.

“Then, when he was in prison awaiting trial, he escaped and went on the run. But thanks to some brilliant police work – here in the Met, but also across the country – coupled with the fantastic support of the public, we were able to find and arrest him to make sure he faced justice.

“I’d like to praise all those who worked on this investigation – those who looked into Khalife’s activity in sharing information with the Iranians, but also the many colleagues from agencies and police forces who assisted us when he was at large.

“I hope this serves as a warning that the illegal sharing of information in this way will be treated extremely seriously by security services and police and we will use the full force of the law against those who put the UK’s security at risk.”

An investigation into Khalife began in November 2021 after he anonymously contacted MI5 twice that month to say that he had established contact with Iranian agents and wanted to become a ‘double agent’. The details, however, were passed to police and they identified that Khalife was the person behind the calls and that he was a soldier in the Army based at Staffordshire Barracks.

Khalife was arrested in January 2022, and police seized various devices and documents from his room. The ensuing investigation found Khalife was in possession of various sensitive documents and information – including details of soldiers who were attached to highly sensitive military units. They also found evidence that Khalife had made contact with Iranian agents and had passed sensitive military information to them over the preceding two-and-a-half years.

Khalife was due to be charged with offences in January 2023, however he was reported as missing by his Army unit in early January 2023. When his room was searched, what appeared to be a potential improvised explosive device was found, along with a note, indicating that Khalife had left as he feared he was going to be charged when he returned on bail. On 26 January 2023, Khalife was spotted at a Leisure Centre in Staffordshire and was subsequently arrested and charged.

In September 2023, while awaiting trial, Khalife escaped from HMP Wandsworth. Police were informed and following a three-day manhunt – which involved hundreds of officers from across the Metropolitan Police, as well as support from police forces across the country and colleagues from various other agencies including those at ports and borders – Khalife was found and arrested in Northolt.

When he was giving evidence during his trial at Woolwich Crown Court, on 11 November, Khalife pleaded guilty to escaping from HMP Wandsworth.

On 28 November, he was found guilty of passing on information to Iran, contrary to section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911. He was also found guilty of eliciting or attempted to elicit information of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to section 58A of the Terrorism Act 2000

Khalife was found not guilty by the jury of creating a bomb hoax at the Army barracks in Staffordshire.

He will be sentenced at the same court on 12 December.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men have been jailed following a meticulous investigation by Met detectives after a woman was sexually assaulted in south London.

Convictions were secured after detectives traced the offenders through cigarettes which were left at the scene and DNA from the complainant.

This investigation comes as part of the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. As officers and staff build A New Met for London, they are focused on supporting victim-survivors and targeting predatory offenders who threaten the safety of Londoners.

Adhamon Mebrahtu (10.08.01) of Norbury, Croydon was sentenced to five years in prison at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 25 April. He previously was found guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration on Monday, 12 February. He also pleaded guilty to the theft of the victim-survivor’s phone at a previous hearing.

On Wednesday, 27 November, Jamie Osman (01.02.01) of Thornton Heath, Croydon was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court to three years in prison on Wednesday, 20 November following a retrial which took place in September 2024. He was convicted by a jury of sexual assault by penetration.

In November 2018, Mebrahtu and Osman followed the victim-survivor home after they met her on a tram in Croydon. They followed her and forced their way into the building in which she lived in Addiscombe, south London. They barged their way in and proceeded to sexually assaulted her in her own home.

The victim-survivor – who was 26 at the time of the offence – reported the rape to police and detectives began to investigate.

The team quickly identified that during the assault the two men left stubbed-out cigarettes in the victim-survivor’s bedroom, providing vital DNA which was used to identify them.

Mebrahtu was also forensically linked to the victim-survivor after a detailed forensic analysis was carried out by staff in the Met.

The defendants denied any interaction with the victim-survivor when interviewed but detectives analysed hours’ worth of CCTV to disprove their lies.

Specialist Met officers immediately supported the victim-survivor throughout the investigation and criminal justice process. They ensured she was offered help, care and advice, as well as being signposted to expert charities and support services.

Detective Constable Paul Harakis, who led the investigation, said “I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim-survivor who has shown great courage and resilience throughout this difficult process.

“I’m proud we have been able to bring these dangerous offenders to justice and make London safer as a result. I hope they spend their time in jail to reflect on the devastating consequences of their abhorrent actions.

“Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in the city they call home and we’re committed to continuing our mission to protect our communities from harm, eradicating sexual violence caused largely at the hands of predatory men.”

As part of A New Met for London, the Met is doing more to build trust and support London’s communities with issues that impact them the most. The Met is putting more people into the teams responsible for protecting the public from harm.

Listening to victim-survivors, and working together with charities and partners across the criminal justice system, officers are working to ensure that all victims-survivors have the confidence to report these awful crimes. 

Crimes of this nature can be reported online or on the telephone or in person to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.  

If you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault, charities and support agencies can offer help and guidance:

• National Association for People Abused in Childhood NAPAC helpline: 0808 801 0331  
• Rape Crisis: 08085002222   
• Childline: 0800 1111  
• National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline 0808 802 9999    
• Survivors UK : 0203 598 3898, info@survivorsuk.org.   
• Samaritans : 116 123 jo@samaritans.org 

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

More than four months on from a fatal shooting in Peckham, investigating officers are renewing appeals for the public’s help.

Jesse Lloyd-Smith, 20, was shot in East Surrey Grove, SE15 shortly before 17:00hrs on Wednesday, 10 July. Emergency services rushed to the scene and Jesse was taken to hospital – however, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he tragically died the following day.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for the public’s help and want to hear from anyone, who may have any further information.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our team remains resolute in securing justice and we need the public’s help to do so.

“I am grateful to all those who have come forward so far but would ask anyone with information – no matter how insignificant you think it might be – to get in contact as this could prove to be crucial.

“We believe that the answers to this shooting remain within the community in Peckham and whilst I appreciate it may be difficult, now is the time to do the right thing.

“Anyone who doesn’t want to speak directly can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Today, Jesse’s sister Chaise and Godmother Sam, said: “It’s been over four months without Jesse and we believe that there are still people living within this community who are sitting on the truth.

“Now is the time to come forward.

“Our family has continued to grieve Jesse and we are appealing for your help to give us answers.

“Please, if you know anything or remember anything from the evening of 10 July, no matter how small the information may seem, contact the police or Crimestoppers.

Information can be provided via an online portal.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to a police officer regarding this incident, please call 020 7175 2206. Alternatively, anyone who has information or footage can call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting CAD 6886/10Jul.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a new investigation following a public appeal for victims to come forward and an assessment of allegations concerning Mohamed Al Fayed.

Since a renewed public appeal and recent media reporting, the Met has been contacted by numerous victims, some reporting multiple offences, bringing the total known new victims to 90.

The Complex Investigation Team (CIT), a dedicated unit within the Met, continues to review all reports and pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry.

As a result of their assessment so far, specialist crime detectives have launched an investigation into a number of individuals associated with Al Fayed. Officers are working to establish what roles those individuals may have played in assisting and facilitating Al Fayed’s offending.

The Met is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and will be seeking early advice at the appropriate time.

Detectives are also actively reviewing all previous investigations to identify any missed opportunities, recognising current investigative techniques and practices have progressed significantly over the last 20 years. They have already reviewed more than 50,000 pages of evidence, including victim and impact statements, and retrieved significant amounts of material from these investigations stored in our archives.

No criminal charges were brought against Al Fayed while he was alive and we recognise the impact this has had on many victims. From the review so far, it is apparent that past investigations were extensive and conducted by specialist teams who sought charging decisions from the CPS on two occasions. However, we know that contact with and support for some victims at the time could have been improved. Only after completing this comprehensive review will we fully understand what could have been done differently.

Following complaints from two women about the quality of investigations conducted in 2008, the Met has voluntarily referred these cases to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

While these cases date back over a decade and we cannot change what happened in the past, we are committed to understanding, being open about any shortcomings and improving our response to survivors moving forward.

Commander Stephen Clayman, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “I recognise the bravery of every victim-survivor who has come forward to share their experiences, often after years of silence.

“This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, despite the fact that Mohamed Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution. However, we are now pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in his offending, and we are committed to seeking justice.

“We are aware that past events may have impacted the public’s trust and confidence in our approach, and we are determined to rebuild that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness. We encourage anyone who has information or was affected by Al Fayed’s actions to reach out to us. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen and to help.”

Appeal to Victims and Witnesses

The Met is committed to supporting all victims and is urging anyone with information, whether they were directly affected by Mohamed Al Fayed’s actions or aware of others who may have been involved, to come forward.

The Met has specialist detectives who regularly handle sensitive cases and can provide survivors with access to support services.

Every report will be carefully evaluated and recorded, and survivors are encouraged to use the secure channels provided to share their experiences.

Contact Information

Survivors and witnesses are invited to contact the Complex Investigation Team through any of the following methods:

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A seventh person has been arrested as part of an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed group Kurdistan Workers Party known as the ‘PKK’.

The 31-year-old man [G] was arrested this afternoon in west London. He has been detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000, and is in custody at a London police station.

This follows the arrest of six others ([A] a 59-year-old woman, [B] a 27-year-old man, [C] a 31-year-old woman, [D] a 62-year-old man, [E] a 56-year-old man and [F] a 23-year-old man) earlier this morning (27 November) in connection with the ongoing investigation. They were all detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000, and remain in custody at a London police station.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “I want to stress that today’s arrests are targeted specifically at those we believe may be involved in suspected terrorist activity.

“We understand these arrests have caused some concern amongst certain local communities – particularly those in the Kurdish community. I want to reassure the community that our activity is being carried out to keep everyone safe from potential harm, including those within the Kurdish community itself.

“I would also ask that people avoid speculating or sharing unverified details online about this activity. Local officers will continue to be present in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance to local residents and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak with these officers.

“Local officers will also continue to hold meetings with community leaders, the local authority and local resident and community groups to keep them updated directly on the progress of this investigation.”

A group of protestors gathered in the vicinity of the Kurdish Community Centre following the arrest of six people this morning on suspicion of terrorism offences linked to the PKK.

Officers continue to carry out search activity at the Community Centre as part of the ongoing investigation, and it remains closed to the public at this time.

Additional officers have also been deployed to the area in relation to the protest activity and are engaging with the protest group. Four protestors from among the group have been arrested, although the arrests are not directly connected to the investigation into the seven people arrested by the Counter Terrorism Command.

We will continue to have local officers in the neighbourhood over the coming day to engage with any members of the local community who may be concerned following arrests by the Counter Terrorism Command this morning.

We recognise the impact that this action has on our communities and we will work hard to support them together with partners.

Anyone with concerns or information relating to the investigation or activities of the PKK can contact police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are appealing for help in locating a missing woman from Chadwell Heath who may have travelled to Stevenage.

Renee Baafi-Owusu, 26, was last seen by colleagues at around 14:00hrs on Friday, 22 November, at King’s Cross station where she works for Network Rail.

She purchased a ticket at King’s Cross and it is thought that she took a train to Stevenage. However, it is possible that she has travelled elsewhere.

Officers have released an image of Renee travelling to work on Friday morning. She may still be wearing the same black coat, trousers and trainers. She sometimes wears a face mask.

Her disappearance is out of character, and she has not been reported missing before. Renee’s mother is concerned for her wellbeing and officers are urging the public, and in particular anyone in the Stevenage area, to contact them if they may have seen Renee.

Anyone who may have seen her is asked to call 101 and quote reference 01/1120083/24. For an immediate sighting dial 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a shooting in Ladbroke Grove where a man and a child were injured have made an arrest.

A 32-year-old man [B] was arrested on Tuesday, 26 November on suspicion of the attempted murder of two people and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life – he remains in custody.

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances which led to a 34-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl suffering injuries following the shooting in Southern Row, W10 at around 17:30hrs on Sunday, 24 November.

The man suffered potentially life-changing injuries. The girl’s injuries are not life-threatening.

A 22-year-old man [A] was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been bailed to a date in early February pending further enquiries.

Local residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area of Southern Row over the coming days. We would urge anyone with concerns to speak to one of them.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command lead the investigation and ask anyone with information that may assist to come forward. Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances, including any motive.

Alternatively, if you can help, please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD reference 5238/24Nov. You can also provide information by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A meticulous investigation by Met police officers means that two men will face prison for committing a series of violent robberies across London and Kent.

James Dixon, 42 (17.10.82) of no fixed address pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to steal, robbery of cash and possession of an offensive weapon during a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on 28 October. He is due to be sentenced on 18 January 2025.

Thomas Loring, 41 (11.9.83) of Dunkery Road, SE9 was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery on 25 November at Kingston Crown Court, after the jury deliberated for 42 minutes. He is due to be sentenced on 16 January 2025.

Dixon and Loring were part of an organised crime network based in South London and targeted cash in transit vans, Post Offices and a jeweller’s in a spate of vicious assaults which left victims with serious injuries.

On 26 March, during a robbery on an antique jewellery shop in Chelsea which was captured on CCTV, two shop workers in their seventies were attacked with a claw hammer and around £200,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.

An investigation by the Met’s Flying Squad involved specialist officers reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, evidential profiling, analysis of DNA, use of vehicle monitoring technology and the identification of fake number plates.

Dixon and Loring were arrested following an attack targeting a cash in transit worker at a Post Office on the Old Kent Road on 19 June during which they punched and kicked the custodian, stealing £26,000.

Antiques expert and owner of Bourbon Hanbury in Chelsea, Ian Towning, said: “The support we got from the police was absolutely fantastic. They’ve been there for me every minute. They’ve always been there. That’s what the police are there for, to help you, to guide you, to take you through it.”

Senior Security Manager at Post Office, Mark Dinsdale said: “We’re grateful to the Metropolitan Police and their officers for all their work to bring these serious criminal offenders to justice.

“Where Postmasters, or our own cash delivery drivers, are the victims of crime this has a devastating impact on them and also a knock-on-effect on our branches’ ability to provide everyday cash and banking services to local communities.

“We will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to support their efforts to prevent or detect criminal behaviour.”

Detective Inspector Kelly Schonhage, from the Metropolitan Police who led the investigation, said: “Evidence obtained as part of our investigation revealed this criminal network were proficient, competent and well organised and were aware of the impact and relevance of forensic and identification evidence.

“These men inflicted serious injuries and caused immense distress during violent robberies which deliberately targeted the cash and valuables in transit industry and businesses in London and Kent.

“We continue to use innovative methods, data and technology to build intelligence about robbery and combat violent crime in the capital which our New Met for London plan highlights is a priority for the Met.”

The Flying Squad investigates serious organised crime such as commercial robbery, cash in transit offences, high harm offenders and organised crime groups as well as leading the Met’s covert response to kidnappings and product contamination.

As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met is working to build public trust in police work showing how officers fight crime in communities and keep people safe. The Met is building on work to keep serious violence low, including robbery.

For more information visit: A New Met for London