Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a two-year pilot of Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs), a powerful new tool designed to protect victims and ensure perpetrators of domestic abuse face strong restrictions, which could include exclusion zones.

The pilot, which will go live in November, will operate in the South London boroughs of Sutton, Croydon, and Bromley. DAPOs are part of the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, a central pillar of the New Met for London plan to make the capital safer for all.

DAPOs represent a significant advancement in how domestic abuse is addressed in the UK. The new orders combine the most effective elements of existing protection orders, such as Non-Molestation Orders and Domestic Violence Protection Orders, while removing some of the limitations of those earlier measures. DAPOs aim to control perpetrators and punish those who breach their restrictions offering stronger, longer-lasting protection for victims.

One of the key advantages of DAPOs is their flexibility—they can be issued at any stage, whether or not an arrest has been made, during an investigation, or even post-conviction. Victims can also apply directly through family or county courts, offering them more immediate access to protection. In addition, third parties granted permission by the Home Office may also apply on behalf of a victim.

Innovative Approach to Offender Accountability

DAPOs are not only focused on immediate protection but also on changing offender behaviour. Unlike previous orders, DAPOs can impose positive requirements on perpetrators, such as mandatory participation in drug, alcohol, or behaviour change programmes. The orders may also include electronic monitoring, including the use of GPS tags, to track offenders and ensure compliance. Breaches of a DAPO are a criminal offence and can result in a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine, or both.

The length of a DAPO will be determined by the level of risk posed by the offender, and in extreme cases, could last a lifetime. Perpetrators subject to DAPOs will be closely monitored by the police for the entire duration of the order, ensuring continued protection for victims.

Commitment to Tackling VAWG

The introduction of DAPOs is part of the Met’s wider commitment to protecting women and girls and tackling domestic abuse head-on. The new orders will strengthen the Met’s approach to violence against women and girls by focusing on both prevention and enforcement, as well as ensuring that perpetrators are held fully accountable for their actions.

Commander Kevin Southworth from the Metropolitan Police said:

“Tackling domestic abuse is a priority for the Met and this pilot is another step forward in our work to make London safer for women and girls.

“We’re also strengthening our support for victims-survivors of domestic abuse and using new data-led technology to catch perpetrators and bring them to justice.”

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Phillips said:

“More than two million people are estimated to have experienced domestic abuse in the last year – a number that is appalling, frightening and we are determined to change.

“That’s why one of our first acts to deliver against our ambitious manifesto pledge to halve violence against women and girls in a decade is to launch new, strengthened Domestic Abuse Protection Orders. By bringing together the strongest elements of existing orders into a flexible order that covers all forms of domestic abuse and has no time limit, we’ll ensure more victims receive the robust protection they deserve.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A number of people have been arrested today, Wednesday 27 November 2024, as part of a significant Counter Terrorism Policing investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed group Kurdistan Workers Party known as the ‘PKK’.

Six people ([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) were arrested at separate addresses across London early this morning. They have all been detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000 and are in custody at a London police station.

There is not believed to be any imminent threat to the public linked to the matters under investigation.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “This activity has come about following a significant investigation and operation into activity we believe is linked to the terrorist group PKK. These are targeted arrests of those we suspect of being involved in terrorist activity linked to the group.

“I hope that these arrests show that we will not tolerate any sort of terrorist activity and that we will take action where we believe there is harm being caused to communities here in the UK or elsewhere.”

As part of the investigation, officers are carrying out searches at eight addresses across London, including at the Kurdish Community Centre in Haringey, north London. The search activity at all eight locations is ongoing. The search at the community centre is expected to last up to two weeks. Both the centre and the surrounding area will be closed to the public while officers continue their work there.

Additional local officers will be carrying out patrols and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days, with officers available to speak with any members of the public who may be concerned.

Acting Commander Flanagan added: “This investigation and activity is about protecting all of our communities, but particularly those in our Turkish and Kurdish communities. I would urge anyone who thinks they may have been affected or targeted by those linked to the PKK to get in touch.

“We are also very mindful that closing the community centre may cause inconvenience to some people. Officers will be working as quickly as they can, but these are very serious allegations so it is important that we take care in identifying and gathering as much evidence as we can.”

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

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and any road users with dash cam footage to come forward following a fatal collision in Tower Hamlets.

Police were called at 00:25hrs on Saturday 23 November to reports of a collision involving a bus and a cyclist on Westferry Road, E14.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. The cyclist, a 45-year-old man, was treated at the scene. Despite the efforts of the medical team he died at the scene.

Officers have been in contact with his next of kin and continue to provide them with support.

The driver of the bus stopped at the scene and is assisting officers with their enquiries. There has been no arrest.

Anyone who witnessed this incident or has footage should call police on 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting reference CAD178/23NOV24.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives continue to appeal for information and witnesses following a shooting in Kensington.

Police were called at around 17:30hrs on Sunday, 24 November, to shots fired and a number of people in a vehicle injured in Southern Row.

A 34-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl had received serious gunshot injuries. Both remain in hospital.

The man suffered potentially life-changing injuries. Officers await a further assessment of the girl’s condition, however her injuries are not life-threatening.

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

Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances, including any motive.

Superintendent Owen Renowden, the lead for policing in Kensington and Chelsea, said: “The Met’s investigation is being led by detectives from the Specialist Crime Command who are working closely with our local teams.

“I recognise that any shooting has a traumatic impact on the local community. There will be a continued presence from our neighbourhood policing teams over the coming days and we are also working closely with our partners to provide additional reassurance.

“Although the investigation is progressing at pace, I want to appeal today to anyone with information that may assist to come forward.

“You can do so by calling 101 and quoting reference 5238/24Nov or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met detectives have brought a historic case to justice by seeing a man jailed for committing multiple sexual offences against a teenage girl almost 30 years ago.

Colin Moore, 58 (04.06.66) of Grove Lane, Southwark was sentenced to 15 years in prison on Friday, 22 November at Isleworth Crown Court for all nine counts he was convicted of.

The offences were four of rape and five of indecent assault against the same girl, now aged 41, between 1995 and 1999.

The court heard how Moore took advantage of the girl who was under the age of 16 at the time the offending started. Moore’s abuse took place over the next four years at locations in west and central London, including at the girl’s mother’s flat and at Victoria Station.

The girl, by now an adult, came forward and reported the abuse to police in 2020.

Detectives worked tirelessly to gather enough evidence, including voice recorded interviews with the victim-survivor, to unearth what had happened and build a case against Moore.

With the co-operation of witnesses who gave vital statements, Moore was arrested and subsequently charged with numerous offences.

He was found guilty on Friday, 24 May following a trial.

Detective Constable Laura Harcombe, who led the investigation, said:

“Colin Moore is a sexual predator who manipulated and abused a vulnerable young girl he knew, as well as lying to the police.

“We were able to build a comprehensive investigation – from so many years ago – to bring justice to an innocent young woman.

“This woman has shown incredible courage to report the abuse she suffered over a prolonged period of time to police and we thank her for coming forward – as well as the witnesses for the time they gave us to provide key evidence.

“We hope this sentence brings a semblance of peace to the woman at the centre of the case and allows a level of freedom to move forward with her life now she knows her abuser is behind bars.”

The victim-survivor in the case said:

“I’m elated to say that justice has been served. I overcame mental turmoil to fight for what is right.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who has supported this process and the network that has fed me motivation and courage throughout.

“After years of trying to forget the innocence that had been taken from my childhood, I wasn’t satisfied my abuser lived without consequence while I suffered the aftermath of his actions.

“I hope my story can inspire others to stand up against their abusers no matter the obstacles.

“Every woman deserves a voice; to speak up without fear and stand up against abuse”.

Police are working hard to identify and tackle the most dangerous and prolific perpetrators of violence against women and girls, identifying high risk and high harm offenders and locations.

The Met is committed to radically improving how it protects the public from harm, especially the violence women and girls suffer, as part of its New Met for London strategy.

We are putting more officers and staff into specialist teams to prioritise this critical work and target offenders, with officers and staff working more closely with partners across London to protect victim-survivors and bring offenders to justice.  

Find out more on how to report a rape or sexual assault https://www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rsa/rape-and-sexual-assault/how-to-report-rape-and-sexual-assault Always call 999 in an emergency.  

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

Rape Crisis: 08085002222  

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

Police are urgently appealing to the public to help locate a man they would like to speak to following a violent attack which took place in Stratford, east London, during the summer.

On Monday, 19 August, at approximately 21:10hrs, police received multiple calls reporting an assault that had occurred on Elis Way, E20.

Officers attended and found a man who had been stabbed, up to 19 times in the head, abdomen and back, with a screwdriver.

The man, who is aged in his 30s, was treated in hospital for several weeks afterwards. He sustained life-changing injuries as a result of the attack.

The suspect was last seen getting off the Elizabeth Line at Whitechapel on the night of this assault.

Enquiries have been ongoing, including analysis of CCTV and forensic evidence but police are yet to apprehend the suspect.

Detective Sergeant Simon Wheeler, from the local CID, said: “We continue to investigate this horrific assault and are urgently appealing to the public to help.

“We are in regular contact with the victim and are examining every avenue of opportunity to find the person responsible and bring him to justice.

“We urge anyone with information to please call 101 quoting CAD 7524/19Aug or you can call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Statement from Superintendent Owen Renowden following the double shooting that took place on Southern Row in Ladbroke Grove on Sunday, 24 November.

“My name is Superintendent Owen Renowden and I am the lead for policing in Kensington and Chelsea. I am going to give you an update on the shooting that took place here last night.

“Last night at approximately 5:30pm, we received numerous 999 calls, to Southern Row reporting that shots had been fired and a number of people in a vehicle had been injured.

“We immediately dispatched units to the scene including local officers from the emergency response teams supported by armed officers from the Specialist Firearms Command.

“On arrival, officers located a 34-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl who had sustained serious gunshot injuries. Also present in the car, was a two-year-old child and a 32-year-old woman who were thankfully unharmed.

“I want to take this opportunity now to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of those who were injured.

“Officers administered first aid before being assisted by colleagues from the London Ambulance Service.

“Both injured parties were taken to hospital where they currently remain in a serious but stable condition.

“The 34-year-old male has sustained potentially life changing injuries, whilst the eight-year-old girl remains in surgery, although we do not believe her injuries to be life threatening at this time. They are being supported by specialist officers and my thoughts remain with them.

“Immediately following the incident, officers arrested a 22-year-old male on suspicion of attempted murder and he remains in police custody.

“The investigation is being led by detectives from the Specialist Crime Command who are working closely with our local teams to establish the circumstances surrounding what took place.

“I recognise that any shooting has a traumatic impact on the local community and I have already heard today how last night’s incident in particular has affected local people.

“There will be a continued presence from our neighbourhood policing teams over the coming days and we are working closely with our partners to increase the presence of all services in the area.

“Although the investigation is progressing at pace, I want to appeal today to anyone with information that may assist to come forward.

“You can do so by calling 101 and quoting CAD reference 5238/24Nov or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“I want to end by thanking the local community for their continued patience whilst we investigate this appalling incident.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been sentenced following the murder of Keelen Wong in Brixton after detectives managed to track the suspect down using a blood trail he left at the scene.

Kyiza Sandiford, 24, (19.09.00), of Merton, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 22 November to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 23 years, for the murder of 22-year-old Keelen.

He was found guilty at the same court following a trial on Thursday, 17 October.

Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our thoughts remain with Keelen’s family and friends.

“Our investigation gathered compelling evidence to put the defendant before the court. My team pieced together the various movements of Sandiford on the day of the murder, including linking a blood trail at the scene to Sandiford’s self-admission to hospital.

“I have spoken with Keelen’s family and, although the trial has not provided them with the full result that they had wished for, I have expressed my sincere hope that they can obtain some degree of comfort from the sentence handed down.

“This result shows that the Met remains deeply committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who are willing to commit acts of violence on the streets of London.”

Police were called at 16:44hrs on Tuesday, 3 October 2023 to reports of a stabbing in Coldharbour Lane, Brixton.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and Keelen was found with a knife injury. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he died at the scene.

Sandiford was arrested the day after the murder on Wednesday, 4 October 2023 and he was subsequently charged.

Two teenage defendants were both found not guilty of the murder but one, aged 16, was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon.

The 16-year-old boy was given a nine month Youth Supervision Order at court.

Keelen’s father Jemaine Wong said: “I’m grateful for the sentence that has been served. All who knew and loved Keelen are planning to have his memory last long beyond Sandiford’s time.

“However, there are no joy or winners in this scenario, only levels of loss. Community violence is a sad reality that I will have to navigate with the grace of God moving forward. No amount of time will account for the life of my son Keelen Wong, but my hope is that the sentence will allow the defendant time to appreciate the value of life.”

Keelen’s mother Nadine Searchwell said: “To the killer and the two individuals who stood with him they only took his flesh, his spirit is still here. He’s God’s child and God doesn’t sleep.

“I’m just blessed and grateful to be his Mum and so thankful I got 22 years with my baby. My one son, I love you, know I got you. Keelen Wong’s legacy lives.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for help and information following a double shooting in Kensington which has left a man and a child seriously injured.

On Sunday, 24 November at 17:34hrs police were called to Southern Row, W10 following reports of a shooting.

Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the London Ambulance Service who treated two people for gunshot injuries.

A 34-year-old man and a girl aged eight were then taken to a hospital.

Superintendent Owen Renowden, in charge of policing for Kensington and Chelsea, said: “This is an appalling incident that has left two people seriously injured, including a young girl who thankfully is in a stable condition this morning.

“I am appealing to the public who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting.

“Did you hear any gunshots around 17:30hrs yesterday evening? Did you see anyone fleeing from the area? We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information surrounding this incident. Your information matters, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.”

We await an update on the condition of the man. We also await an update on the girl, but she does not have life-threatening injuries.

A 32-year-old woman was also taken to hospital as a precaution but was not injured.

Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

If you saw anything, or have any information then please contact police on 101 stating CAD5238/24NOV or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.