Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Flying Squad detectives have charged two men after making a public appeal for information following a series of armed robberies in Camden and Islington.

Police were called at around 05.40hrs on 1 October to a report of an armed robbery at Tesco in Camden Road, NW1.

Two male suspects allegedly entered the store, and while one produced a handgun which he pointed towards staff, the second proceeded to steal a number of items.

Just 40 minutes later, the same suspects went into the Nisa Local in York Way, N1 and allegedly carried out an identical offence.

At around 03.20hrs on 4 October the same two suspects went into the same Nisa store, this time accompanied by a third male.

The group allegedly waved a handgun, knife and hammer at members of the public inside the store before stealing goods.

Two men were later arrested and charged; they have been remanded in custody following a court hearing. A third male is outstanding and officers continue to appeal for any information about his identity.

Detective Constable Will Wigzell from the Central Specialist Crime Flying Squad, is leading the investigation and said: “This was a very frightening experience for the victims involved, thankfully none of whom were injured.

“We have made good progress since our initial appeal but are keen for any information that helps us identify the third person involved. While we don’t have a description for him, I am sure someone out there knows who he is.

Anyone with information which could assist is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CRIS 2332095/23. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of Lianne Gordon in Hackney have made an arrest.

The 16-year-old boy was arrested in the early hours of Friday, 8 December on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Jo Yorke, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, leads the investigation, she said: “While this arrest marks a significant development in this investigation, I would like to reiterate my appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

“I have a team of dedicated and experienced officers working tirelessly to ensure Lianne’s family and friends get the answers they so desperately need; if you can help then please get in touch.”

Anyone with information can call the incident room on 020 8345 3865, use 101 or message via ‘X’ @MetCC. Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers if you do not want to give your name, either online or by calling 0800 555 111.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, responsible for policing in Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “This arrest demonstrates the progress the investigation is making and I hope it gives the local community confidence in the commitment we made on Wednesday to finding those responsible for Lianne’s murder and holding them to account.

“I am extremely grateful for the support from our communities to date and this has been crucial in driving the investigation forwards. As DCI Yorke outlined, we continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward.

“You will continue to see police, both specialist and local officers, in and around the Clapton area over the coming days as this investigation continues. We also have additional officers on patrol across Hackney to provide reassurance in response to this incident, to prevent further violence and to support of our faith communities during Hanukkah. I would urge any residents with concerns to speak to my officers – they are there to assist you.”

An investigation was launched after police were called at 18:28hrs on Tuesday, 5 December to reports of a shooting outside an address in Vine Close, E5.

Officers attended along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

Three people were found with gunshot wounds.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Lianne Gordon, 42, died at the scene.

Her next of kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist family liaison officers.

Two other people, a 20-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy, were taken to hospital for treatment before being discharged.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have launched an investigation into disorder which took place on the South Bank during the evening of Friday, 1 December.

Police received multiple calls, beginning shortly after 23:00hrs on Friday, 1 December, to reports of people fighting on Jubilee Bridge and by Royal Festival Hall, South Bank.

Enquiries were carried out that night and the Met quickly became aware of information suggesting that off-duty police officers were involved in the fight.

Since reports were made, swift action has been taken by the Met to investigate the incidents.

Detective Inspector Nicholas Goldwater is leading the investigation and said:

“Our CID team is working alongside colleagues from the Directorate of Professional Standards to ascertain the facts of the incident, which led to numerous calls being made to the police that night.

“We are pursuing all lines of enquiry to establish what happened, including viewing a large amount of CCTV footage. These CCTV enquiries are lengthy and ongoing.

“We would like to hear from anyone who was involved – including a group of men we believe to be of Romanian heritage – who may have information about the incident.”

At this time, four Met officers have been placed on restricted duties while the investigation takes place. They are no longer on public facing duties.

No arrests have been made.

A voluntary referral has been made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and we await advice about whether it will investigate independently or refer back to the Met.

Anyone with information or footage, or anyone who witnessed the fights but has yet to speak with police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC ref CAD 7908/01Dec.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a fatal collision in Marylebone.

Officers were called at approximately 22:00hrs on Thursday, 7 December to reports of two women injured following a collision with a car in Marylebone Road, junction with Allsops Place, W1.

London Ambulance Service and the London Air Ambulance also attended the scene.

One of the women, believed aged in her 50s, received treatment but despite the efforts of the emergency services, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The second woman, believed aged in her 40s, was taken to hospital but has since been discharged.

Road closures remain in place at the scene.

The car failed to stop at the scene and was found parked nearby.

Two men – aged 29 and 38 – subsequently attended a police station and have been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and failing to stop. Both remain in custody.

Anyone who witnessed or who has footage of this incident, or any road users with dashcam footage, is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD7169/7Dec.

You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating disorder between England and Germany football supporters in Wembley last year have issued an image of a man they want to identify.

On the evening of Monday, 26 September 2022, groups of supporters clashed at a pub in Dagmar Avenue.

The man pictured is believed to be an England supporter and is sought in connection with the assault of a police officer who was left with a broken collar bone. The incident happened at around 18:20hrs.

This incident was part of wider disorder where a group of approximately 100 males, many wearing masks, approached the pub through an alley leading towards the car park.

While a number of the group were wearing England hats and scarves, they were found to be opposition fans.

The group entered the beer garden of the pub and began assaulting customers, most of whom were in the area to attend the England vs Germany match. Punches and projectiles including traffic cones were thrown.

Officers responded and the group fled. The disorder lasted for around two minutes.

A number of people sustained head and facial injuries. Three people sustained serious leg, wrist and thumb injuries.

If you recognise this man, please call police on 020 8246 9386 or 101 and quote Operation Wurzel. Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Six former Metropolitan Police officers have been sentenced for sending offensive and racist WhatsApp messages.

The group, who retired between 2001 and 2015, were convicted following an investigation by officers from the Met’s professional standards team.

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 also be disgusted and will be pleased to see the outcome today.

“The messages were brought to our attention by the BBC’s Newsnight programme in October 2022, and we made our first arrest soon after we were notified. 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.

“The messaging in this case took place on WhatsApp – but it could have been on any other platform, or communicated verbally. It is less about the technology – it is the underlying mind-set and the conduct that is so important for us to deal with.”

The six former officers were sentenced at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 7 December:

Michael Chadwell, 62, of Liss, Hampshire, was found guilty of sending by public communication a grossly offensive racist message, at City of London Magistrates Court on Monday, 6 November. He was sentenced to 10 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and 100 hours of unpaid work. He retired from the Met in 2015.

The five other officers appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in September, where they 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 was sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and 140 hours unpaid work. 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 was sentenced to 14 weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and 200 hours of unpaid work. 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 was sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and 140 hours of unpaid work. 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 was sentenced to eight weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and 40 hours of unpaid work. He retired from the Met in June 2015.

Trevor Lewton, 65, of Swansea, pleaded guilty to one count of sending by public communication grossly offensive racist messages. He was sentenced to six weeks’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months and 65 hours of unpaid work. 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, which is now known as the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A criminal investigation has been launched by the Metropolitan Police in relation to an explosion that took place in Sidcup last night, in which a ULEZ camera and surrounding property were damaged.

The incident is being treated as a deliberate act, which was caused by what appears to be a low-sophistication improvised explosive device (IED).

At this early stage, the incident is not being treated as terrorism, but officers from the Counter Terrorism Command, which includes those with specialist expertise in explosives, are leading the investigation, working in close liaison with local officers in the area.

Detective Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, Commander for the Bexley area said: “Thankfully, nobody was injured as a result of this incident, but it is extremely concerning that an explosive device seems to have been deliberately placed in a public place. This could have very easily resulted in members of the public being very seriously injured.

“Because of the seriousness of this incident, we are making urgent enquiries to try and identify anyone involved, and officers with specialist expertise and capability from our Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation.

“This was an extremely dangerous incident that could have resulted in innocent members of the public being injured or worse. If you have any information that could assist our investigation, then I would urge you to get in touch immediately.”

Anyone with information that could assist with the investigation should call 101 quoting CAD 5819/06DEC.

Local police officers were called to reports of an explosion on Willersley Avenue, Sidcup, at approximately 18.45hrs yesterday, 6 December and officers, along with colleagues from London Fire Brigade attended.

From our investigation so far, it is believed that a ULEZ camera – which had been installed on the road earlier that day – was cut down at around 17:15hrs that afternoon. An explosion occurred around 90 minutes later, at which point police were called.

We are keeping an open mind as to whether or not there is a connection between the camera being cut down and the planting of the explosive device.

The explosion caused further damage to the camera, as well as to some nearby vehicles and a residential property was also damaged. However, no members of the public were injured.

The remains of an IED was recovered by officers and have been sent to a specialist team for urgent forensic examination. Officers are also carrying out extensive CCTV enquiries in and around the area.

At this stage, there have been no arrests made in connection with this incident, and enquiries remain ongoing.

Although this is being treated as an isolated incident, we would also advise anyone who sees suspicious activity or a suspicious device on or nearby to a ULEZ camera should not approach and should contact police immediately by calling 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenage boy in Sutton have named the victim.

Ilyas Habibi, who was just 17 at the time of his death, was a student from Sutton.

Police and London Ambulance Service were called to Sutton High Street at about 19:08hrs on Tuesday 5 December, following reports that a teenager had been stabbed.

On arrival officers found Ilyas suffering from knife injuries. They provided first aid until medics arrived, but despite the best efforts of emergency services to save him, Ilyas was sadly pronounced dead at the scene at 19:53hrs.

His family was notified and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They ask that their privacy be respected at this time.

A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan who leads the investigation said: “We know that Ilyas arrived at Sutton High Street by train. Minutes after he came out of the station he was involved in an altercation with the suspect who then fled the scene.

“Ilyas had suffered fatal wounds. It isn’t clear if the suspect was also injured. If you know the suspect, or if you are him, please get in touch.

“Members of the public who have information and material they want to share with us can do so via our online web portal.”

The crime scene has now been closed.

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittan, leading policing for the Met’s South Area Command said: “I know that those who live and work in Sutton will be shocked and saddened at the loss of a young life on the streets that they call home. I share those emotions and would like to reassure local people that we are doing everything we can to support our homicide colleagues in identifying and apprehending the person, or persons responsible.

“I urge anyone who is concerned to approach officers on patrol and speak with them or get in touch with their Neighbourhood policing team.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this sad time. I would like to thank the community for their patience as we carry out our enquiries, and urge anyone with information concerning this incident to get in touch.”

Anyone with information concerning this incident should call the incident room direct on 0208 721 4622; call police on 101 or Tweet on ‘X’ @MetCC quoting 6107/5DEC.

To remain 100% anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed after his conviction for non-recent rape of a child in Tower Hamlets.

Jalal Hossain, 40 (01.01.84), who also used the alias, Abdul Sottar (01.07.83), of Tower Hamlets appeared at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Friday, 6 October, where he was found guilty of two counts of oral rape of a child under the age of 13.

At the same court on Thursday, 7 December he was jailed for 11 years for both sentences, to run concurrently, and must serve a least two thirds of his sentence. He will also service one year on licence for each offence and has been added to the sex offenders register.

The court heard how Hossain knew the girl and groomed her over the course of several visits to various addresses in Tower Hamlets.

In 2012 Hossain raped and sexually assaulted the girl on two occasions.

In 2016 the girl disclosed the abuse to a family member, who made a report to police.

Officers undertook a painstaking investigation which involved gathering evidence and witness statements from over ten years previously.

Hossain was wanted for a number of years but could not be located, as he attempted to evade law enforcement by using a different identity.

The breakthrough came when officers were able to identify a phone number that he was using. They were then able to launch a fast-paced manhunt to find him.

Hossain was arrested on Thursday, 23 March in Kensington, but refused to answer questions about the allegation during his interview. He also denied his real identity and knowing the victim-survivor.

The victim and another witness attended ID procedures in 2023 after he was arrested and he was positively ID’d despite neither witness seeing him for over 10 years.

He was charged in police custody on Friday, 24 March.

Detective Constable Emma Price Central East Command Unit’s Sapphire Unit said: “Hossain exploited and took advantage of a vulnerable child and abused the position of trust he had been given. She showed commendable bravery in providing evidence to police and at the trial. I hope that this sentencing will bring her a small measure of comfort and a sense that justice has been done.

“We will continue to support her and I hope her actions will encourage any other survivors of sexual abuse to come forward. We are committed to fighting violence against women and girls and we want to help you get the support you so rightly deserve.”

If you have been a victim of sexual assault or rape or you have information about an offender, contact police on 101 or 999 in an emergency – there are specially trained officers who will listen and investigate where needed.

Further information, including details of agencies and charities that can offer support can be found on our website.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a fatal collision on the Old Kent Road are appealing for witnesses of anyone with dash-cam footage to come forward.

Police were called at 18:36hrs on Tuesday, 5 December to reports of a collision involving a pedal cyclist and a lorry on the A2 Old Kent Road, junction with St James Road, SE15.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended.

At the scene a 53-year-old male cyclist had been in collision with a lorry.

Despite the efforts of officers and paramedics the man sadly died at the scene.

His next of kin have been notified.

The driver of the lorry stopped at the scene.

There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone who witnessed this collision or has dash-cam footage should call the witness line on 020 8285 1574; call 101; or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting 5873/05DEC23.