Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been sentenced to jail for murdering a father in front of his young child in a barbershop in Leyton.

Josh McKay, 33, was stabbed in the neck by Renai Belle in a targeted attack and died from his injuries at the scene. During the Metropolitan Police investigation, officers discovered a rap video showing Belle threaten Josh before the attack.

Belle, 30 (20.02.95), of Swaythling Close, Edmonton was sentenced to 26 years and 12 months in prison on Wednesday, 30 July at the Old Bailey. He was previously convicted for Josh’s murder and possession of a knife on Wednesday, 4 June.

A man and woman were also convicted and sentenced for separate offences.

Josh’s mother, Bash Kehinde said: “Today’s sentencing changes nothing for me and my family. I will never see my beautiful son. And his two children will now face life without their hero.

“To all of the mothers of murdered children, I understand your pain, the sadness and sense of loss that is unbearable. It is made worse because it was all so senseless.

“Josh was a beautiful happy kind man and an active and loving father. The world is less kind, less bright and less funny without him here.”

Detective Inspector Chris Griffith, from Specialist Crime North, who led the investigation, said: “This was a savage and pre-planned attack, committed in broad daylight and with scant regard for passers-by. What took place left the local community reeling, and two young children without their father.

“My heart goes out to Josh’s family and friends. He was a loving parent, whose life was ended in the most horrendous way.

“I hope that today’s result provides Josh’s family with some closure, and allows the community to feel safer knowing that Belle is no longer free to commit such heinous crimes.”

The court heard that Josh was at a barbershop on Lea Bridge Road with his son on Saturday, 6 July. Around 15:00hrs, as shown on CCTV seized by the investigation team, Belle entered the shop wearing a balaclava where he stabbed Josh in the neck in a pre-meditated attack following a long-standing dispute. Belle was then chased away by Josh.

Members of the public rushed to Josh’s aid and attempted to provide medical treatment until the arrival of officers and paramedics. Despite their best efforts, Josh died from his injuries.

A determined investigation began immediately in which officers painstakingly combed through more than 100 hours of CCTV footage to track Belle’s movements and understand what took place.

Officers discovered that Belle was the passenger in a car being driven by his partner, Tenika Parker. Having seen Josh enter the barbershop, the pair drove to the address of man called Daniel Cooper. In doorbell footage later seized, Cooper was seen providing Belle with the balaclava and knife that would be used minutes later to murder Josh. Belle was then driven back to the barbers nearby before stabbing Josh. He was helped to escape by Parker in the waiting car.

A manhunt led to the arrest of Belle at an address in Pincott Road, SW19 on Monday 8 July, 2024.

As part of officers’ determination to further establish a watertight case against Belle, further enquiries led them to discover a rap video on YouTube showing Belle threaten Josh in advance of the attack, more proof that it was pre-planned.

Parker was initially arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Sunday, 7 July in India Dock Road, Poplar. She was stopped by police while driving the car that had been identified as involved in the murder. During a search of Parker’s vehicle, officers found distinct black sliders Belle was seen wearing in CCTV footage, as well as traces of blood that officers sent for forensic testing. This provided a DNA match to Josh. Parker was rearrested on Wednesday, 2 October, and charged with perverting the course of justice after CCTV footage showed her attempting to clean her car after the attack to remove any evidence.

Cooper was arrested after handing himself in to police on Thursday, 11 July. During a search at Cooper’s property, officers discovered two knives matching the branding of the weapon that was left at the scene of Josh’s murder. Forensic testing on the balaclava and knife discarded by Belle at the scene of Josh’s murder found DNA that matched with Cooper.

On Wednesday, 4 June, Tenika Parker, 39 (21.02.86), of Canterbury Road, Leytonstone and Daniel Cooper, 22 (20.02.03) of Gosport Road, Leytonstone stood trial alongside Belle.

Parker was convicted of possession of a knife and perverting the course of justice. On Wednesday, 30 July, she was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 2 years and 3 months years in prison.

Cooper had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a knife but was acquitted of other offences. He was sentenced on Friday, 6 June for 7.5 months. He has since been released due to time already served.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A third person has been arrested following the fatal shooting of 18-year-old Keanu Harker in Enfield.

In the early hours of Thursday, 24 July, firearms officers along with detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, executed warrants at two addresses in Enfield.

A 17-year-old boy [C] was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder.

He was taken to a police station and was subsequently bailed pending further enquiries.

Two other people have previously been arrested and charged in connection with Keanu’s murder.

They are:

[A] A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday, 29 June and charged on Monday, 30 June.

[B] Eliezer Mbike, 25 (08.07.00), of Oulton Road, Tottenham, who was arrested and charged on Monday, 30 June with perverting the course of justice.

A trial has been scheduled to take place at The Old Bailey starting on 18 May 2026.

Police were called at 20:45hrs on Thursday, 26 June, to reports of gunshots in Great Cambridge Road, Enfield.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found Keanu suffering gunshot injuries. He was treated at the scene before being taken to a nearby hospital.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he later died from his injuries.

His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 or message @MetCC on X quoting CAD 8393/26JUN. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed for 3 years and 6 months following an investigation by Met officers, which proved he was using social media platforms to distribute indecent images and communicate with young children.

An investigation commenced after police became aware a man was in possession of indecent images of children. After this initial report, officers were able to gain access to his social media, where they discovered he had been communicating with children.

The Met is continuing to prioritise making London safer for women and children by placing hundreds more officers into bigger teams and rolling out specialist training using innovative methods, data, and technology to track down offenders and bring them to justice.

Simon Hynes, 41 (07.12.83), of Douglas Road, Brent, was sentenced to 3 years and 6 months on Wednesday, 30 July at Harrow Crown Court.

Hynes pleaded guilty to 20 charges on Thursday, 24 April at Southwark Crown Court. A breakdown of the offences are as follows:

• Three counts of taking indecent images of children

• Three counts distributing indecent images of children

• One count of possession of extreme images

• Thirteen counts of attempting to engage in sexual communications with a child

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Kelleher, who led the Met investigation, said:

“My thoughts are with those children and families who have been harmed by Hynes’ offending online over a number of years. We will continue working to identify and support survivors of this kind of abuse.”

“The Met is working hard to pursue predators, and this sentencing is testament to the investigation team who worked diligently to build a file of evidence and ensure Hynes was not free to cause further harm to children. Their commitment has undoubtedly prevented further suffering, and they are a credit to the Met.”

Detective Sargent Callum Mantell from the Met Police who worked on the investigation added:

“The Met is prioritising violence against women and girls and this case demonstrates our commitment to tackling these offences in all forms, while ensuring those impacted are safeguarded and supported.”

“We believe there may be further children impacted and urge anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of Hynes to come forward and speak to officers.”

In December 2022, officers received initial reports that Hynes was in possession of indecent images of children. On his arrest, officers seized a number of devices, alongside a number of knives, a machete and an axe. Trained analysts began a trawl of his phones, where they discovered hundreds of indecent images of children.

Officers were able to gain access to Hynes’ social media accounts, where they discovered an account belonging to him which was being used to engage with children and to distribute indecent images of children.

Officers found chat logs where Hynes was communicating with children as young as eight years, sharing sexual images while encouraging them to sexually abuse their siblings.

Officers worked quickly to compile evidence against Hynes. They are now working to identify the victims that Hynes engaged with to offer support.

If you think you may have been impacted, we would urge you to call police on 101, or 999 in an emergency – we have specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or report online. You can also report abuse and get support from the NSPCC – 0808 800 5000, or visit www.nspcc.org.uk.

People who sexually abuse children rely on secrecy to make sure their abuse is not discovered and reported. There can be physical or behavioural signs that a child is being abused – children often show us rather than tell us something wrong:

• Child suddenly having nightmares or other sleeping problems.

• Becoming withdrawn or very clingy.

• The child acting in a sexual way with toys or objects.

• Personality changes such as outbursts of anger or changes in eating habits.

• Having unexplained gifts such as money, a mobile phone and/or expensive clothes.

For awareness the usernames used by Hynes are shared below, we urge anyone that recognises these usernames to contact police on 101.

• sweetmale3700
• Genuine uk guy looking for genuine horny uk girls
• bigboy38000_qjl

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Four suspects have been charged following a stabbing in Newham which left a boy with life-threatening injuries.

Police were called to reports of a stabbing at 16:00hrs on Saturday, 26 July on Charlemont Road, Newham.

A 14-year old-boy was found with stab wounds and taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Five boys between the ages of 14 and 17, all from Newham, were arrested in relation to this matter on Tuesday, 29 July.

Four of those have been charged with attempted murder. They will appear in Stratford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 30 July.

The fifth boy was released on bail pending further enquiries.

There are additional police officers deployed to the area for the reassurance of the local community.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information after a teenager was stabbed in Newham.

Police were called at 16:00hrs on Saturday, 26 July to reports of a stabbing in Charlemont Road.

Officers responded with paramedics and a 14-year-old boy was taken to hospital with serious stab wound injuries.

He remains in a life-threatening condition.

Detective Inspector Joshua Palmer, from the North East command unit, said:

“This was a horrific attack on a teenager, witnessed by numerous members of the public.

“At this very early stage of the investigation, there doesn’t appear to be an obvious motive for the attack.

“The boy is in a very serious condition in hospital, and we are urgently trying to gather as much information as possible.

“If you were near Charlemont Road on the day of the incident, please check your phone for any footage you may have.

“I would urge anyone with dashcam or mobile phone footage from the area to contact the police. It may be crucial in our investigation.”

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting 4847/26JUL25. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Five boys, aged 14-17, were arrested on Tuesday, 29 July in connection with the incident – all on suspicion of attempted murder.

Four remain in custody for questioning. One has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Enquiries are ongoing.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following an investigation, led by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command.

A man from Hackney, who had been initially detained in connection with the incident, was arrested on Monday, 28 July. He remains in hospital and his condition is not life-threatening.

Officers were called at 13:00hrs on Monday, 28 July to reports that multiple people had been assaulted at a business unit in Long Lane, Bermondsey SE1.

Police and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene and treated four people for stab wounds.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics a 58-year-old-man died at the scene. Three other men were taken to hospital and a 27-year-old man has also since died.

The next of kin of the victims are aware and being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing for the area, said:

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with the family and friends of the victims of this tragic incident. Our investigation continues at pace and we are working hard to understand the full circumstances.

“I understand there may be concern in the local community and there will be an increased police presence in the area over the coming days. I would also encourage anyone who may be worried to speak to an officer.”

A crime scene remains in place and officers continue to investigate the circumstances.

The incident took place in an business premises and a crime scene is in place at a nearby hotel where the arrested man went into. We are aware of speculation the man was staying at the hotel, this is not the case.

Anyone with information can also call 101, report online or contact ‘X’@METCC and quote CAD3499/28.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in Romford.

Officers received a report at around 21:00hrs on Sunday, 27 July from British Transport Police (BTP) following concerns for the welfare of a woman at an address in Bushy Close, RM1.

On arrival, officers located a woman in her 60s with multiple stab wounds. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A murder investigation has been launched and officers have remained in the area throughout today to continue enquiries.

Met officers continue to work closely with BTP following information that connects the woman’s death to that of a 20-year-old-man on the train tracks at Romford railway station earlier on Sunday. BTP are treating the man’s death as non-suspicious.

The woman’s family have been notified and continue to be supported by specialist officers.

No arrests have been made at this time and the investigation remains ongoing.

Early enquiries indicate that the man and woman were known to each other.

Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said: “Our thoughts remain with victim’s family at this difficult time as we investigate the circumstances behind this terrible incident.

“At this stage, we believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public”.

Detective Superintendent Simon Giles, from the East Area investigations team added: “I understand that the incident is distressing for the community and we are working closely with our colleagues in the Specialist Crime Command to progress the investigation as quickly as possible.

“Those in the area today can expect to see our officers and we encourage anyone with any information to speak with them.”

Those with information can also call 101, report online or contact ‘X’@METCC quoting CAD6914/27JUL.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for information about the whereabouts of a 73-year-old man who was last seen close to Poverest Park, Orpington.

John was reported missing on Sunday, 27 July and was last seen at 08:58hrs leaving his home.

He was wearing a white T-shirt, navy bomber jacket, black jeans and navy crocs. He has dementia and officers are becoming increasingly concerned for his welfare.

John was captured via CCTV at Orpington train station, paying cash for a ticket. However, it is not known where he travelled to.

He has links to Brixton and Camberwell.

Inspector Chris Mackin, from the South Area missing persons unit, said:

“We are doing our very best to find John, but we are becoming increasingly worried about him.

“His family and friends are extremely anxious to find him – if you see him or have any information, please get in touch with us.”

You can call police on 999, report online or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 8205/6JUL or contact the Missing People charity on 116 000

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Investigators in the case of a 20-year-old who was killed in a park are appealing to the public on the one-year anniversary of his death – with a £20,000 reward on offer for information.

Imran Maroof, 20, was stabbed in Plashet Park, Newham, on Saturday, 27 July, 2024. Officers were called to the park with the London Ambulance service around 19:38hrs, following reports of a fight.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, Imran was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, from Specialist Crime South, said: “The murder has had a profound impact. Imran’s family and friends continue to live with the trauma.

“One year has passed since this senseless killing, and the Met remains committed to bringing those who killed Imran to justice.

“If you were in the vicinity of Plashet Park on the day of the stabbing or know anything that could help us, we need you to contact us.”

Police have released a photo of the victim – and independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information.

Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager for Crimestoppers, said: “We know that some people may be reluctant or worried to speak directly to the police with information, which is why Crimestoppers is here. We are completely independent and guarantee you will remain 100% anonymous when you contact us.

“We offer a safe way for anyone to come forward and tell us what they know but not who they are. We are unable to identify any phone numbers or IP addresses if you are reporting online.

“Imran’s family deserve answers, and we hope this reward will encourage someone to do the right thing and speak up with any information that may help the police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting crime reference 6541/27JUL.

Alternatively, to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two teenagers, who brutally stabbed a 14-year-old boy, have been jailed after detectives from the Metropolitan Police Service conducted a thorough investigation. Following the sentencing hearing, the victim’s mother made a heart-rendering plea for young teenagers to stop carrying knives as she spoke of her immense grief.

Kelyan Bokassa was stabbed by the pair as he was sat on a bus in Woolwich in January of this year. Despite the best efforts from officers and paramedics at the scene, Kelyan tragically lost his young life.

Two 16-year-old boys, who cannot be named for legal reasons, were both sentenced at the Old Bailey to a minimum of 15 years, 10 months for murder. They received an additional 12-month sentence for possession of a knife which will run concurrent.

The teenagers previously pleaded guilty to Keyan’s murder at the same court on Friday, 23 May.

Detective Chief Inspector Sarah Lee, whose team led the Met investigation, said: “This case has been deeply troubling for all involved and our thoughts remain with Kelyan’s family and loved ones.

“The harsh reality in London is that violence disproportionately affects young black men and boys. The fact we’re seeing so many teenagers like Kelyan die should be at the forefront of the minds of every politician, every policy maker and everyone who wants better for children growing up in London. Without this collective effort, we won’t be able to tackle knife crime in its entirety.

“And while I am pleased that Keylan’s mother, Marie, has been spared the emotional turmoil of a trial, I know that she still desperately seeks to understand why three young lives could be considered so disposable.

“Finally, I would like to recognise the members of the public that comforted Kelyan in his final moments and the witnesses who entrusted my investigation team with their testimonies. It was your bravery that helped us secure justice. Thank you.”

Marie Bokassa, Kelyan’s mother, said: “My child had a name, it was Kelyan, a future, a heartbeat full of hope. That life was not theirs to take. That moment of violence may have lasted seconds, but the consequences are eternal. They didn’t just take a life; they shattered an entire world. They broke a family, they buried a future, and they left me, a mother dead inside with wounds no justice can ever heal.

“To the young people who carry knives, I beg you to stop, before you raise that blade, think of your own mother, think of the mothers who will cry every night like I do, who will scream into her pillow, who will walk past her child’s empty room and collapse with grief. Don’t let a moment of anger steal your future. Don’t let the streets raise you in a way your mother never would.

“Knife crime is not just statistics to us, its caskets, flowers, funerals. Our children being buried before their parents.”

On the afternoon of Tuesday, 7 January, passengers flagged down passing police officers after Kelyan was stabbed on bus travelling on Woolwich Church Street. These officers began performing emergency first-aid on Kelyan, before the arrival of paramedics. He sadly died a short while later.

An investigation commenced and detectives quickly recovered bus CCTV and witnessed the two teenagers board the bus, making their way to the top deck.

One of the 16-year-old boys could be seen smiling as he recognised Kelyan. Only seconds later both boys produced machetes and launched into a violent ambush.

Kelyan has been stabbed more than eight times, although CCTV showed that they had made more than 27 attempts to wound him.

Audio from the bus highlighted the terror of the incident as screams from members of the public could be heard, as many attempted to flea the frenzied attack.

The pair then fled the scene. Officers traced their movements, with CCTV showing them discard the murder weapon into the river.

Following a manhunt, both were arrested an address in Eltham during the early hours of Wednesday, 15 January.