Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A former officer who participated in two WhatsApp groups in which offensive material was shared would have been dismissed had he still been serving.

The officer, who has been granted anonymity and is therefore referred to as Officer A, resigned from the Met in October 2023. He was a serving officer at the time.

Former Officer A, attached to the Roads and Transport Policing Command, attended a gross misconduct hearing led by an independent legally qualified chair to face allegations that his conduct amounted to a breach standards of professional behaviour as follows:

• Discreditable conduct
• Challenging and reporting improper conduct
• Equality and diversity

The three day hearing began on Monday, 13 November and after hearing all the evidence the panel concluded that former Officer A would have been dismissed without notice had he still been serving. He will now be placed on the College of Policing barred list meaning he cannot serve as a police officer or in a number of other related roles in the future.

Between December 2017 and June 2018 former Officer A was involved in two WhatsApp chats in which racist, misogynistic and sexually explicit messages and videos were shared. On one occasion Officer A sent a racist message to one of the men concerned.

On a number of occasions former Officer A failed to challenge the sending of such content and instead appeared to encourage or endorse the message with his responses-often laughing face emojis.

Detective Chief Superintendent Christina Jessah leading the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command said: “The nature of the images and messages on former Officer A’s phone are disgusting. Officer A had numerous opportunities to challenge the messages he had received however he failed at every turn instead he inexplicably chose to engage with the messages and respond positively.

“It is right that he no longer has the privilege of serving the public as a Metropolitan Police officer. This also serves as a reminder to other officers that endorsement of such abhorrent views will not be tolerated and each of us has a strict duty to do the right thing at all times.”

An investigation began after a phone belonging to former Officer A was passed to the professional standards team as part of an unconnected investigation.

The content of the phone was downloaded and analysed by specialist officers. Due to the nature of some of the images found on the phone former Officer A attended a voluntary interview on 30 October 2018.

A referral was made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and it was determined that the matter should be investigated locally by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.

Following his interview, former Officer A was placed on restricted duties for the duration of the investigation, criminal trial and subsequent misconduct proceedings.

On Tuesday, 22 February Officer A appeared at Croydon Magistrates’ Court, the following two charges were dismissed part way through proceedings:

• Possession of an extreme pornographic image portraying an act likely to result in serious injury to a person’s private parts.
• Possession of an indecent image of a child.

He was found not guilty of the following charges:

• Two counts of possession of extreme pornographic images portraying an act of intercourse/oral sex with a dead/alive animal.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Met is asking Londoners to remain vigilant after a teenager was arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism investigation.

The 17-year-old male was arrested by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command as part of a proactive investigation linked to online terrorist content.

He was arrested at a residential address in north London on Thursday, 16 November on suspicion of a number of terrorism offences, namely:

– Being involved in the encouragement of terrorism contrary to section 1 of the Terrorism Act (TACT), 2006;
– Dissemination of terrorist publications contrary to section 2 TACT 2006;
– Arranging availability of money or other property for the purposes of terrorism contrary to section 17 TACT, 2000;
– Possessing a document likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism contrary to section 58 TACT, 2000.

He was taken to a south London police station and was later released on bail to a date in February 2024 pending further enquiries.

The investigation relates to Islamist terrorism, but it is not linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “This is another case where a teenager has been arrested on suspicion of what are serious terrorism offences, and we remain very concerned about the increasing numbers of young people we’re seeing feature in our investigations.

“We have officers working around the clock to counter the threat from terrorism, but the public can also play a big part as well. I would urge all Londoners – particularly as we now enter the festive season – to be vigilant when they are out and about in the Capital over the coming days and weeks. Please report anything that doesn’t look or feel right to us. Your call won’t ruin any lives, but it could help to save them.”

If you see something that doesn’t feel right you can report online or call police to talk through your concerns in confidence on 0800 789 321.

In an emergency, always call 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager in Hounslow have named the victim as they continue to piece together the events leading up to his tragic death.

Four men – aged 21, 27, 31 and 71 – remain in custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police were called at 00:15hrs on Wednesday, 15 November to reports of a fight in progress in Burket Close.

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and a teenager was found with stab injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

He has been named as 17-year-old Simarjeet Singh Nangpaul, who was local to the area.

Simarjeet’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe, from Specialist Crime South, said: “We are working around the clock to find those responsible for Simarjeet’s murder, as his family struggle to come to terms with their loss.

“Four men have been arrested and our enquiries continue. I would urge anyone with information about how the events unfolded or anyone who may have captured the incident on their phone, dash cameras or doorbell footage to please come forward.”

Detective Superintendent Figo Forouzan, Head of CID in west London, said: “Our thoughts remain with Simarjeet’s family at this extremely difficult time. No family should have to go through what they are experiencing.

“This incident will undoubtedly cause wider concern, and I want to reassure the community that we will do everything in our power to find those responsible. In the coming days you will see extra officers out on patrol in your area. Please do speak to them about any concerns you may have.”

The four suspects were arrested at the scene. Two were initially taken to hospital due to injuries they sustained prior to police arrival and have since been discharged. All four remain in police custody.

Anyone with information that could assist detectives is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 63/15Nov. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been convicted of the murder of Maureen Gitau, whose disappearance led to a massive police search in a desperate attempt to find her body.

Today, 16 November at the Woolwich Crown Court, Mark Moodie, 55 (25.08.1968) of Nightingale Place, Woolwich was convicted of the murder of 24-year-old Maureen Gitau.

Maureen’s body has never been found.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, said: “My thoughts today are with Maureen’s family, who have been cruelly prevented from putting a much loved daughter, sister, niece and cousin to rest. I am glad we have, been able to bring to justice the man responsible for her death

“Mark Moody murdered Maureen and then disposed of her body. He has never admitted any responsibility and told lie after lie after lie. He is a contemptible individual and I am glad the jury has seen through his deceit and found him guilty or Maureen’s murder.

“My team spent many months investigating Maureen’s murder, their professionalism and dedication is just one example of the Met’s determination to bring killers to justice. The CCTV alone was a huge part of the investigation, officers watched approximately 500 hours of CCTV to find out what had happened to Maureen.

“Once we realised how Moodie had disposed of Maureen’s body, we carried out one of the largest searches of waste the Met has ever seen. We were desperate to find her, for the sake of her family, and it will always be a regret that she was gone by the time we understood what Moody had done with her body.”

During the course of the search:

• 125 trucks of waste were transported to the police search site in Essex – totalling nearly 2,750 tonnes of rubbish

• The search started on the 9th January and lasted until the 23rd February working Monday to Friday.

• 60 police officers per day were involved in searching including teams from City of London Police.

• 325 Licensed search officers were involved in the search with just under 20,000 search hours in total.

Despite this huge effort no trace of Maureen was ever found.

Maureen Gitau was last seen on the evening of Monday, 5 December 2022, when she left her home address in Deptford.

That evening she went to meet the defendant, Mark Moodie, 55 (25.08.1968) of Nightingale Place, Woolwich.

Maureen had met Moodie while they were working together as cleaners and they had kept in touch by phone.

Moodie was also employed as a caretaker on a development in Blackheath Hill, Greenwich and had access to the cleaners’ storeroom.

Phones records show Moodie had called Maureen and CCTV recorded them meeting up on Blackheath Hill. Moodie and Maureen then went to the storerooms and, a short while after that, Moodie murdered her.

Moodie disposed of Maureen’s body by putting it in a large wheelie refuse bin, he was seen on CCTV moving a bin around the basement area wearing surgical type gloves.

The bin was collected on Thursday, 8th December and Maureen’s body was taken to a refuse site on Landmann Way SE14. Maureen’s body was incinerated before officers were able to stop the waste processing process.

Maureen was reported missing on Saturday, 10 December and officers spent days tracing her movements though phone and CCTV. Moodie was spoken to by on the phone by officers on Wednesday, 14 December and it soon became apparent he had lied.

CCTV and phone records were used to trace Moodie and Maureen’s movements and when offices had built a clear picture of what had happened, he was arrested and charged with Maureen’ murder.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A former police constable would have been dismissed after he made persistent and inappropriate advances towards a victim of crime via text message.

A misconduct hearing found gross misconduct proven against PC Ashley Bashar, previously attached to North Area Command Unit.

Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, responsible for policing in North Area, said: “The actions of PC Bashar have undoubtedly fallen below the standards that are expected of any officers within the Met and I am appalled that he neglected his responsibilities to safeguard someone he had a duty to protect.

“I welcome the outcome of today’s hearing and recognise that officers such as PC Bashar have no place in the Met. His actions have completely undermined the majority of hard working, diligent and professional officers who serve the communities of London.

“As police officers we have a duty to provide the public with the best service possible and that standard cannot be met by anyone who abuses their position in the way PC Bashar did.”

On Thursday, 16 November an accelerated misconduct hearing was held which concluded PC Bashar breached police standards of professional behaviour in respect of discreditable conduct.

It was determined that PC Bashar would have been dismissed without notice had he still been serving. He will now be placed on the College of Policing barred list meaning he cannot serve as a police officer or in a number of other related roles in the future.

Following an allegation received by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards in November 2022, it was established that between April 2020 and November 2020, PC Bashar had made a number of inappropriate advances towards a victim of crime.

After receiving the complaint, an immediate referral was made to the IOPC which independently investigated. This uncovered that PC Bashar had sent numerous messages of an increasingly personal nature to a woman who had previously reported being a victim of domestic abuse. He had also provided the victim with his personal number and made her feel uncomfortable, often questioning when she would ignore his messages.

PC Bashar was also the subject of a previous IOPC investigation in 2018 relating to a similar allegation that he contacted a victim of crime using his personal phone. PC Bashar received further training as recommended by the IOPC.

He resigned from the Met in November 2022.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A Metropolitan Police special constable has been dismissed following his conviction for theft offences.

MSC Toby Biginton, attached to South East Command Unit, was previously found guilty of six counts of theft by employee and two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place.

At an accelerated misconduct hearing concluding on Thursday, 16 November, he was dismissed after it was found that his actions breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct at the level of gross misconduct.

During a search of his home in 2021, three police batons were found within his property. He claimed this was due to his police role.

Chief Superintendent Trevor Lawry, in charge of policing on South East Command Unit, said: “There is no legitimate reason as to why MSC Biginton had these items at his home address and it right that he has now faced the consequences of his actions.

“We expect the highest standards from all of our employees, including our special constables who have the same powers as police officers.

“We will not tolerate this type of behaviour and we are pleased that a thorough investigation brought his actions to light.”

Following his conviction, MSC Biginton will be sentenced on a date to be set.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Response to IOPC investigation update:

Commander Jon Savell said: “We continue to fully support an re-investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into the initial police response into the deaths of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth and Jack Taylor. We are aware of the latest update from the IOPC.

“The deaths of these four young men is a tragedy and we are deeply sorry there were failings in our police response. Again, I give my own and the Met’s heartfelt apologies. Our thoughts are, as always, with their families and friends.

“The whole of the Met is committed to improving our investigations, our relationships and the trust people have in us to keep them safe. Since the deaths of Anthony, Gabriel, Daniel and Jack we continue to work hard to ensure the service we provide is better while understanding we have more to do.

“Learning and recommendations from the IOPC, His Majesty’s Coroner, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and our LGBT+ Independent Advisory Group of community members have enabled us to make a range of improvements so far. These include restoring full time LGBT+ liaison officers across the Met to focus on working with LGBT+ people and organisations in London, how we respond to and investigate unexpected deaths, and family liaison.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers investigating a fatal fire in Hounslow have discovered six bodies at the scene.

Although formal identification has not taken place, officers can confirm that the bodies found are those of adults and children.

The families of all those concerned have been informed of the development and are being supported by specialist officers.

Post-mortem examinations and formal identification will take place in due course.

The investigation is being led by officers from the West Area Basic Command Unit, in close cooperation with the London Fire Brigade and in consultation with the Coroner.

The senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Garth Hall said: “Firstly, I want to express my sincere condolences to all those affected by this terrible incident. The deaths of so many people, including children, is simply heart-breaking.

“We intend to complete a meticulous investigation into how this tragedy happened. For many days now the scene has been too unstable and dangerous to complete many of our inquiries. It was only after the walls were shored up, and the roof removed, that it became safe enough for search teams to enter the premises.

“We have now been able to sadly confirm the death of a sixth person. The investigation into the cause of the fire continues and I must express my thanks to the London Fire Brigade, their knowledge and experience has been crucial in helping us understand what may have happened that dreadful night.

“These deaths are still being treated as unexplained and we are liaising closely with the Coroner. We understand that family and communities will be looking for answers, but this will be a thorough investigation and we will not rush to any judgement, but follow where the evidence leads. Should there be any change in the nature of this inquiry, we will share that information immediately.

“Lastly, we are still appealing for witnesses, or anyone who recorded anything on their phones that night, to come forward. If you have anything that can assist this investigation please get in contact. Any bit of information, no matter how small, may help us understand what happened that night.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via X (Twitter) @MetCC. Please quote Operation Hamalton. To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police were called at about 22:30hrs on Sunday, 13 November to reports of a fire at a residential address on Channel Close in Hounslow.

Officers attended alongside the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service.

The bodies of five people were found inside the property and a sixth person was then unaccounted for.

A seventh man was taken to hospital with serious burns and is still receiving treatment; his condition is not thought life-threatening.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Three men have been charged with race hate offences linked to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

One of the men has appeared in court accused of throwing red paint over the gates of the Israeli Embassy.

The other two are accused of racially aggravated common assault and racially aggravated public order offences.

In a separate operation, counter terrorism detectives arrested a teenager in connection with an online post supporting Hamas.

Their investigation was launched after a social media post was referred into the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit (CTIRU), part of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

The post was assessed by specialist officers and deemed to potentially be in breach of terrorism laws, and the case was passed to a team of detectives to carry out an investigation.

Detectives made further enquiries. They arrested a 17-year-old at an address in south London in the early hours of 14 November.

He was arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation, contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000, and taken to a central London police station.

Officers continue to investigate a wide range of offences including hate crimes, violent disorder and assault following a march and counter protest on Armistice Day.

They are examining hundreds of hours of CCTV, as well as footage and other evidence gathered by specialist teams and identified on social media.

Chief Supt Louise Puddefoot said: “The repercussions of the conflict between Israel and Hamas continue to be felt within London.

“Our officers continuing to support local communities and pursue those that are committing offences.”

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “We continue to see a large number of referrals from the public where they are concerned about potentially extremist and terrorist content being posted online and on social media.

“Every referral is looked at by specialist officers and as we have here, we will look to take positive action and arrest those who we suspect are committing terrorist offences in this way.”

This latest arrest is the result of a number of investigations launched following referrals being made to the CTIRU.

Referrals have risen sharply since 7 October with nearly 2,200 public referrals.

Every referral is being triaged and almost 500 cases of interest have so far been identified – these are being looked at in more detail for potential offences.

Many of these have been fully assessed, which has resulted in a small number of investigations being opened by the Counter Terrorism Command.

Around 50 other cases have been passed to other colleagues in policing for further action or consideration.

The CTIRU has also requested the removal of a number of URLs which were identified hosting extremist or terrorist content.

As well as investigating online crimes, officers from the Counter Terrorism Command are also working to identify those suspected of committing terrorism-related offences during various protests.

On Tuesday, detectives issued 11 images of men they wish to identify in connection with ongoing investigations.

Please take a look at their images in this appeal and if you recognise any of these men or have information that could help the investigation, please report it in confidence online at gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321.

Details of charges:

Justin Nathaniel Brookes, 48 (30.06.75) of no fixed address was charged with assault by beating and racially/religiously aggravated common assault.

He is accused of shouting Islamophobic language and assaulting a member of hospital staff in Westminster on 9 November 2023. He was remanded to appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court.

Dijan Akhtar, 51 (10.01.72) of no fixed address, was charged with racially aggravated public order offences at 18:00hrs on 11 November, after he shouted racial abuse at a man in his 60’s in High Road, Ilford.

John Harvey, 75 (04.03.48) was charged with criminal damage after red paint was thrown over the gates of the Israeli Embassy at around 9am on 11 November.

He was arrested by officers from the Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command at the scene.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Bromley.

Police were called at 12:30hrs on Saturday, 11 November to Court Road in Chelsfield, following a collision involving a grey Audi and a cyclist.

Officers responded with London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

The cyclist, aged in his 60s, was treated at the scene before being taken to a south London hospital in a critical condition.

Despite the efforts of medical staff, sadly he died in hospital a few days later.

His family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

The driver of the car stopped at the scene and is assisting police. There have been no arrests.

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are leading the investigation. They would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision close to Hewitts Farm, or captured it on dash cam.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8285 1574 or via 101 quoting reference CAD 3081/11Nov.