Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

We continue to appeal for the public to help us locate Daniel Abed Khalife, who escaped from Wandsworth prison yesterday.

There is a significant operation under way led by the Metropolitan Police Service’s Counter Terrorism Command, involving more than 150 officers and staff.

They are working closely with colleagues in police services across the country, the Ministry of Justice and a wide range of Government agencies and other partners.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the investigation, asked for anyone with information about Khalife that may help us to get in touch urgently.

He said: “Since yesterday, over 150 officers and staff have been working around the clock on apprehending Khalife.

“We have issued a nationwide alert that has resulted in increased security at our ports and borders, however currently there have not been any confirmed sightings.

“I recognise and am fully aware of the impact these measures are having on the public. We are working to ensure as minimal disruption as possible.

“It is crucial for the public to help us with this search and to call us immediately if they have any information on the whereabouts of Khalife.”

Khalife was declared missing at 07:50hrs on 6 September. The Met was notified at 08:15hrs and took immediate action to track down a delivery van that had left the prison.

At 08:37, police officers stopped the van in Upper Richmond Road, near the junction with Carlton Drive. Officers spoke to the driver and carried out a thorough search. Police discovered strapping on the underside of the van.

Currently, we believe Khalife was hiding underneath the van and used this strapping as part of his escape.

Officers have traced the route of the van after it left Wandsworth Prison and are appealing to anyone who might have seen the van on this route to get in touch.

The van left HMP Wandsworth at 07:32 taking a right turn out of gates onto Heathfield Road. It then turned left onto Magdalen Road. The van then turned left onto Trinity Road (A214) up to the Wandsworth Roundabout. It took the first exit onto Swandon Way (A217).

It then turned left onto Old York Road (past Wandsworth Town station) then left onto Fairfield Street , right onto Wandsworth High Street (A3) staying straight ahead onto West Hill and then on to Upper Richmond Road (A205).

The Met has continued to focus its efforts in the London area, particularly around this route, as well as the Kingston area, where Khalife is known to have connections.

Khalife’s previous military experience may mean he is more aware of efforts to apprehend him.

While he is not assessed to pose a threat to the wider public we advise anyone who seems him not to approach him and instead call 999 immediately.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A serving officer has appeared in court having been charged with several offences.

PC Cliff Mitchell, aged 23 and attached to the West Area Basic Command Unit, was charged on Thursday, 7 September with six counts of rape, one count of making threats to kill and one count of breaching a non-molestation order.

He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 7 September. He was remanded in custody to appear Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 5 October.

An investigation was launched after officers were called at 13:50hrs on Tuesday, 5 September by a member of the public who had found a woman in distress in Longfield Avenue, near to the junction with London Road, in Hackbridge.

Officers were told that the woman had been attacked inside a residential property by a man who subsequently forced her into a car. They were known to one another.

Urgent enquiries were carried out and it was established that the suspect was a serving Met officer.

He was not on-duty at the time of the incident or his arrest.

The officer has been suspended from duty and a referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said: “These are horrific allegations and the victim is being supported by specially trained officers.

“Officers from the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards are investigating. They are highly experienced detectives specialising in investigating domestic abuse and sexual offences.

“This is an active investigation and enquiries continue at pace.”

“The arrest of a serving police officer on suspicion of such serious offences is extremely concerning and I recognise will cause considerable concern among London’s communities. I share those concerns and have made an immediate referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Five former Metropolitan Police officers have been convicted following an investigation into messages sent on WhatsApp.

The officers, who retired between 2001 and 2015, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today, where they pleaded pleaded guilty to 19 offences under Section 127(1) (a) of the Communications Act 2003.

Peter Booth, 66, of Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire pleaded guilty to four counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in April 2001.

Robert Lewis, 62, of Camberley, Surrey pleaded guilty to eight counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in May 2015.

Anthony Elsom, 67, of Bournemouth, Dorset pleaded guilty to three counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in May 2012.

Alan Hall, 65, of Stowmarket, Suffolk pleaded guilty to three counts of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in June 2015.

Trevor Lewton, 65, of Swansea has been charged with one count of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He retired from the Met in August 2009.

They served in various parts of the Met throughout their careers but all spent time in the Diplomatic Protection Group, now known as the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

Commander James Harman, who leads the Met’s Anti-Corruption and Abuse Command, said: “The racist and discriminatory content of these messages is absolutely appalling and, given the defendants once served as police officers, we recognise that this case may further damage confidence in policing. Colleagues across the Met will be disgusted to know that these men once served in the force and will be pleased to see the outcome today.

“I hope this case also demonstrates our commitment to take all allegations of criminality and misconduct seriously, investigate those reports thoroughly and where we have evidence of discrimination and abuse to bring criminal charges against individuals wherever we can.”

+ A sixth man, Michael Chadwell, 62, of Liss, Hampshire, appeared at the same court and pleaded not guilty to one count of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Charges have been authorised following a Met investigation into the death of a woman at a hospital in Redbridge.

In April 2016, an investigation was launched into the death of Alice Figueiredo at Goodmayes Hospital on 7 July 2015.

Alice was 22 years old at the time of her death and was a patient at the hospital.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command carried out a number of enquiries and a file of evidence was referred to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in March 2021.

In September 2023, the CPS authorised the Met to charge North East London NHS Foundation Trust with corporate manslaughter and an offence under section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act.

Benjamin Aninakwa, 52 [20.06.71], of St Francis Way, Grays, was also charged with gross negligence manslaughter and an offence under section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act. He was a ward manager at Goodmayes Hospital.

They will appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 4 October.

Detectives have met with Alice’s family and informed them of this development.

Criminal proceedings are now active and the defendants have the right to a fair trial. Nothing should be shared or reported that could prejudice this process.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for the public’s help to identify a man after a phone robbery in Lambeth.

The victim was in Kennington Park Road, near to the junction with Othello Close, when she was approached by a man on a bike who stole her phone at around 22:50hrs on Wednesday, 12 July.

The man was described as being black, aged between 25 and 35, and of large build with short cropped hair.

He is thought to have been wearing a baggy t-shirt and dark trousers, and was riding a racer-style bike with a silver dropped handle bar.

He made off along the pavement, before turning left near to the entrance of Kennington Underground Station, onto Braganza Street.

The victim wasn’t injured.

DC John Edwards, from the local policing team in Lambeth, said: “We have carried out a number of enquiries and we are now asking for the public’s help to name this man. I would urge anyone who recognises him to contact us immediately.”

Anyone who can help the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 2509/07Sep.

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

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for information after a man was found with a serious head injury in Havering.

Police were called at 08:15hrs on Sunday, 3 September after the man, aged in his 30s, was found injured in Tring Close in Harold Hill.

Officers attended along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

He was taken to hospital in a serious condition, however the injury has since been assessed as not life-threatening.

Detective Inspector James Rush, from the local policing team in east London, said: “We believe the man was approached by a woman in a car after becoming injured and I urge her to get in touch with us.

“Similarly, if anyone has information concerning the identity of the suspects or footage of the incident we’d very much like to hear from you.”

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting 1938/03Sep.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Senior police officers in Havering have met with local communities to discuss the New Met for London plan.

A New Met for London is the product of more than 10,000 interactions with Londoners, officers and staff, and partners from across London. The plan details how in Havering will deliver better policing by radically transforming our officers and staff to succeed.

Last night, Wednesday, 6 September, an event was held in Havering giving senior police leaders and members of the local community the opportunity to discuss the new policing plan and what this means to local improvements to police services. It provided an opportunity for people who live, work and study in Havering to meet and have a conversation with their local officers about their local priorities.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, Commander for the Met’s East Area Basic Command Unit, said: “We want to continue to hear from the widest possible range of voices in Havering to work with us to agree local priorities and to understand what this new plan means.

“For too long our communities have been telling us that many parts of the Met need reform and it is clear we have been too slow to respond. I believe together we can change to ensure the public we serve trust us to fight crime and keep people safe across Havering.

“In Havering we hold regular ‘Community and Police Conversation’ events for local residents to attend to continue to build trust and confidence through conversation. These events can be found on Twitter @MPSHavering and I would welcome you to join us to continue the conversation.”

The event, held in a function room at The Cranleigh in Hornchurch, was attended by around 100 residents, politicians, community groups and officers. It was also attended by Havering’s Police Cadets.

The event was officially opened by Eileen Gilbey, from Havering’s Independent Advisory Group and Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe.

Superintendent Simon Hutchinson also spoke to the audience about his vision on how the New Met for London plan will be delivered in Havering.

Superintendent Simon Hutchinson, Havering’s Neighbourhood Policing lead, also said: “I want to thank everyone who gave up their time to attend this event.

“I have been in post since March and have been humbled by the community members who continue to dedicate their own time in order to work with me and who have guided me whilst I found my footing within Havering.

“Whether you live, work of study in Havering your feedback continues to be important, helping us to improve your police service.”

This is one of many events held in Havering and we will continue working to strengthen relationships with communities, and to rebuild and restore relationships that have been tested in recent years.

To find out more about what your local officers are doing to engage with communities, reduce crime and to tackle anti-social behaviour follow them on @MPSHavering and look out for #ANewMetforLondon

Follow us on Twitter @MPSHavering.

A New Met for London is available to read on our website.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police have named the victim of a fatal stabbing in Brixton as their investigation continues.

Officers were called at 12:08hrs on Monday, 4 September to Morrison Road, SW9 following reports that a man had been stabbed at the location.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found a man with serious stab injuries.

Despite the best efforts of officers and paramedics, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

He has been named by police as 21-year-old Ronaldo Scott.

Ronaldo’s family continue to be supported by specialist family liaison officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who leads the investigation said: “We are in the early stages of our investigation and have a number of lines of enquiry we are undertaking, including extensive CCTV collection in the local area. Ronaldo was a popular, well-liked man and his death will be felt throughout the community. My thoughts are with Ronaldo’s family and friends.”

As a response to the murder, a Section 60 Order has been authorised for the London borough of Lambeth. This order grants police additional stop and search powers; it is in until 13:00hrs on 6 September.

Borough Commander for Lambeth, Detective Chief Superintendent Seb Adjei-Addoh added: “Another young man has lost his life to knife crime, and my thoughts at this time are with Ronaldo’s family, friends and our local community.

“I know that the local community will be hurting about the loss of another young man. Officers from my Community Engagement team will be conducting patrols in the local area, so local people expect to see more officers in uniform. Please speak to these officers if you have any concerns.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact us ‘X’ @MetCC. Please quote CAD3184/04SEP.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have launched a murder investigation and made an arrest following a stabbing in Harrow.

Police were called at 16:50hrs on Monday, 4 September to Masefield Avenue in Stanmore following reports that a man had been stabbed.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. A 19-year-old man was found injured. Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

He has been named as Anis Omar Zen, who was from Harrow. His family has been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination is due to be held on Thursday, 7 September.

Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation, supported by colleagues from the North West BCU.

Detective Chief Inspector Laurence Smith, said: “I am urging anyone with information to come forward and contact us. This murder happened in broad daylight, and I’m certain that it would have been witnessed by people who are yet to speak with officers.

“We are carrying out a review of CCTV footage but I would also ask that if you have a video doorbell, or were driving in the area with a dash cam, please check the footage.

“A crime scene will remain in place over the coming days and we are grateful for the co-operation of residents.

“The motive for this murder remains unclear at this time. We are determined to find the person responsible but we need your help.”

A 19-year-old man who was arrested near the scene on suspicion of murder has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote reference CAD 5493/04Sep.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A former officer who assaulted a member of the public while on duty has been jailed following an investigation by the Met.

Former PC Thomas Karlsen, who was attached to the South West Command Unit, appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Tuesday, 5 September where he was sentenced to four months custodial suspended for 12 months, 20 days rehabilitation activity requirement, and an 80 hour Community Order (unpaid work). He is also required to pay £400 compensation to the victim.

On Tuesday, 27 June, Karlsen appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court and pleaded guilty to actual bodily harm.

A misconduct hearing concluded on Thursday, 3 August that had Karlsen – who resigned from the organisation in July – still been serving, he would have been dismissed without notice.

Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of South West Command Unit, said: “Former PC Karlsen’s actions that day were shocking, and completely disproportionate to the situation he faced. I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to the victim. It is clear from the body worn video that this would have been a very traumatic experience which will have had a long lasting impact. Officers from our Directorate of Professional Standards continue to offer him every support.

“We have been explicit about the high standards we expect from officers and know that we must maintain these in order to increase the trust that our communities have in us. The powers afforded to us must be used fairly and professionally, and it is clear that this was absolutely not the case on this occasion.”

In November 2022, Karlsen attended an address in New Malden following reports by the occupants of a domestic dispute involving a relative who was staying at the property.

On arrival at the scene, Karlsen attempted to detain a man and whilst doing so he punched and kicked him, as well as using PAVA spray at close proximity.

Karlsen arrested the man on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker and resisting arrest.

The man was transferred to hospital with swelling to the face and a split lip, and later taken into police custody. Following a review of body worn video, he was released with no further action. Karlsen was referred to the DPS.

The matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct who requested a local investigation. Karlsen was interviewed under caution and charged on 22 May with ABH. He was suspended from duty.

A second male PC who was with Karlsen at the time of the incident will face a misconduct meeting in due course. He is not subject to any restrictions.