Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers worked with University College London Hospitals and other partners on Friday, 10 November, in response to concerns about approximately ten tents near the entrance to the hospital in Huntley Street, NW1.

The hospital’s security team had requested the assistance of police. This action was necessary due to the hospital’s concerns for patient welfare. The tents were on private land close to the hospital entrance and had been at the location for up to nine months.

Police had also received reports of drug use and drug dealing, urination and defecation and of patients and staff being intimated or verbally abused by some of those begging and sleeping rough at the location.

On 6 and 7 November, all of those present at the site were fully engaged with by partner organisations and advised of the hospital’s wish to clear the site on 10 November.

A Section 35 Dispersal Order was authorised on 10 November, and two hours prior to the site clearance taking place, all individuals who were present on the site were given time to leave. All but one of those present left the site; some taking tents with them and some leaving them behind.

The one man who remained was arrested for breaching the Section 35 order.

Veolia staff removed the tents left behind. The personal belongings and the tent of the male who was arrested were not disposed of, since he was present at the location and thus his items hadn’t been abandoned.

Appropriate support was provided by partner organisations to those affected.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A west London man who arranged for thousands of pounds to be smuggled to Turkey to fund terrorism has been jailed, following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

In January 2014, Aine Leslie Davis, 39 (11.02.84) of no fixed address, arranged with his partner to have 20,000 Euros brought from the UK to a contact of his in Turkey.

However, police seized the money before it could be taken abroad.

Davis was detained in Turkey in 2015, and jailed for seven-and-a-half years by the Turkish authorities for membership to Daesh.

Upon serving his sentence and being released, he was deported to the UK last August and arrested by counter terrorism officers.

At the Old Bailey on Monday, 13 November, he was sentenced to eight years’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to fundraising for terrorism at an earlier hearing.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Davis arranged for a large sum of money to be smuggled from the UK to fund the terrorist activities of Daesh – a group he had travelled to Syria to join.

“It has been nearly ten years since Davis committed these crimes, and I hope this case sends a message that we will relentlessly pursue and seek to prosecute anyone involved in terrorism both in the UK and abroad, no matter how much time has passed.

“The Met and the entire Counter Terrorism Policing network works closely with international partners to bring to justice people like Davis who go to lengths to fund terrorist groups.”

In January 2014, when Davis was in Syria, he arranged with his wife Amal El-Wahabi for 20,000 Euros to be brought to him from the UK.

However, the money was seized before it could be taken out of the country and El-Wahabi was arrested.

Phone data revealed calls and messages between El-Wahabi and Davis, which demonstrated the planning for the trip and the exchange of the money.

Officers also recovered images Davis had sent of himself to El-Wahabi. One showed him holding a firearm, with a group of other men believed to be Daesh members.

In November 2014, El-Wahabi was jailed for 28 months after being convicted of funding terrorist activity (contrary to Section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000). A second person, aged 27 at the time, was found not guilty of the same offence.

Davis was arrested by officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command at Luton Airport on 10 August 2022, following his deportation from Turkey.

He was taken to a south London police station, and charged with the above offences.

He first appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court later on 11 August 2022.

Davis pleaded guilty to fundraising for terrorism (contrary to section 15 of the Terrorism Act 2000); making funding arrangements for terrorism (contrary to section 17 of the Terrorism Act 2000); and possession of an article for terrorism purposes (contrary to section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000) at the Old Bailey on Monday, 16 October.

+ Communities defeat terrorism, and information from the public is vital to counter terrorism investigations. If you see or hear something unusual or suspicious and think someone may be engaging in terrorist activity, trust your instincts and act by reporting it in confidence at gov.uk/ACT or the anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, dial 999.

Visit the ACT Early website to find out how you can seek help and support for anyone who you suspect may be being radicalised.

Terrorist content can be reported online and anonymously. It can also be reported via the “iREPORTit” app.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives and London Fire Brigade are investigating after the bodies of five people were recovered following a house fire in Hounslow.

Chief Superintendent Sean Wilson, responsible for policing in Hounslow, said: “My thoughts are with the loved ones of those who very sadly lost their lives in this tragic incident. I don’t underestimate the impact that this will have on the wider community and beyond. I understand that there will be a demand for answers and my officers are working to establish exactly what has happened.”

Police were called at about 22:30hrs on Sunday, 13 November to reports of a fire at a residential address in Channel Close, Hounslow, TW5. Officers attended alongside the London Fire Brigade and the London Ambulance Service (LAS).

The bodies of five people were found inside the property and a sixth person is currently unaccounted for. It is believed that all five are members of the same family.

One man left the house prior to the arrival of emergency services. He was taken to hospital by LAS. His injuries are not believed to be life threatening.

Nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution.

Enquiries into the cause of the fire are ongoing. At this early stage in the investigation there have been no arrests.

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 and give reference 6845/12NOV.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Seven people have been charged following the major policing operation in central London on Saturday. Investigations continue into a number of other incidents.

Officers made 145 arrests during the Pro-Palestinian demonstration and counter protest by right wing groups for offences including assault, possession of weapons, criminal damage, public order, inciting racial hatred and possession of drugs.

The charges so far follow investigations led by detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and the Public Order Crime Team.

The following seven people have been charged:

John Harvey, 75 (03.04.48) of Pamela Street, Hackney was charged with criminal damage. He was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 November.

Ethan Stapely, 23 (02.09.00) of Bradwell, Norfolk was charged with resisting arrest. He was remanded to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 November.

Sam Fairclough, 33 (20.04.90) of Buckley, Flintshire was charged with possession of an offensive weapon. He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 1 December.

Taylor Warne, 21 (27.01.02) of Hastingleigh, Kent was charged with possession of class A drugs. He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 November.

James Buckley, 42 (17.09.81) of Manchester, Greater Manchester was charged with possession of an offensive weapon. He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 November.

William Duncan, 48 (12.08.75) of Armadale, West Lothian was charged with being drunk and disorderly. He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 November.

Karl Jordan, 47 (09.04.76) of Burlington Lane, Hounslow was charged with assault on an emergency worker. He has been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 30 November.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who led Saturday’s policing operation said: “Public order policing doesn’t end when demonstrators go home. We have teams of officers who continue to build cases against those in custody and launch investigations into those who come to our attention when images and videos are shared on social media.

“Since the end of yesterday’s demonstration we’ve published appeals in relation to six incidents and I have no doubt there will be more to follow. Our colleagues at the British Transport Police have published a further two appeals.

“We urge anyone who has information about the identity of suspects, or who has footage or photos of further potential offences, to get in touch so we can take the appropriate action.”

Officers made 91 arrests during yesterday’s operation to prevent a breach of the peace, including a significant number of counter protestors arrested in Tachbrook Street, Pimlico as they tried to confront the main pro-Palestinian demonstrators.

This is a power officers have available to them where there is an imminent threat of harm. Once the imminent threat has passed, it is normal for those arrested to be released. Only where it continues will a person be put before the courts.

In line with this approach, with the protest now concluded, those arrested to prevent a breach of the peace only have been released.

Those who were arrested for other matters in addition to a breach of the peace are being dealt with for those offences.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man in Newham.

Police were called at 22:11hrs on Saturday, 11 November to reports that a man had been stabbed inside a car at the junction of Victoria Avenue and Grangewood Street, E6.

Officers attended along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

A man, aged in his 20s, was found with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene. Enquiries are under way to trace and inform his family. A post-mortem examination will be arranged in due course.

A man, aged in his 40s, has been arrested in connection with the incident. Enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information about what happened is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 7287/11Nov. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist has issued a statement updating on the significant policing operation taking place in London today:

This operation took place in unique circumstances, against a backdrop of conflict in the Middle East, on Armistice Day and following a week of intense debate about protest and policing. These all combined to increase community tensions.

The extreme violence from the right wing protestors towards the police today was extraordinary and deeply concerning.

They arrived early, stating they were there to protect monuments, but some were already intoxicated, aggressive and clearly looking for confrontation.

Abuse was directed at officers protecting the Cenotaph, including chants of “you’re not English any more”.

This group were largely football hooligans from across the UK and spent most of the day attacking or threatening officers who were seeking to prevent them being able to confront the main march.

Many in these groups were stopped and searched and weapons including a knife, a baton and knuckleduster were found as well as class A drugs.

Thanks to the considerable efforts of our officers, who put themselves in harm’s way, nobody was able to reach the Cenotaph, which was protected at all times.

Nine officers were injured during the day, two requiring hospital treatment with a fractured elbow and a suspected dislocated hip. Those officers were injured on Whitehall as they prevented a violent crowd getting to the Cenotaph while a remembrance service was taking place.

While the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) march did not see the sort of physical violence carried out by the right wing, we know that for London’s Jewish communities whose fears and concerns we absolutely recognise, the impact of hate crime and in particular anti-Semitic offences is just as significant.

At the end of the PSC march, we once again saw breakaway groups behaving in an intimidating manner.

Officers intercepted a group of 150 who were wearing face coverings and firing fireworks. Arrests were made after some of the fireworks struck officers in the face.

There were also a number of serious offences identified in relation to hate crime and possible support for proscribed organisations during the protest that we are actively investigating.

Locating and intercepting suspects in a crowd of the size we saw today will always be challenging, but we were further limited in our ability to do so due to the number of officers we had to deploy, from early in the day, in response to violence from the right wing groups in central London.

We will soon publish images of some of those we suspect have committed these offences and as we have shown in recent weeks, we will pursue all available lines of enquiry to identify suspects and take action even after the conclusion of protests.

As I write, there are many officers still deployed across central London responding to any outbreaks of disorder and ensuring key sites are protected ahead of tomorrow’s remembrance events.

Many more are working in custody suites dealing with the 126 people who have been arrested so far.

I am extremely proud of what our officers have achieved in challenging circumstances, including the many officers who came from across the country to help us keep London safe.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two males – one a teenager – have admitted to terrorism offences, following an investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command and supported by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.

Al-Arfat Hassan, 20, (06.12.02) of north London, and a 17-year-old from Leeds who cannot be named, became friends online and bonded over their extremist views and support for Daesh.

Appearing at the Old Bailey on Friday, 10 November, Hassan admitted to possession of chemicals for terrorism purposes (under Section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2000).

He was previously convicted in December 2022 of collecting information likely to be useful for terrorism (Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000).

The 17-year-old – aged 15 at the time of his arrest – admitted collecting information likely to be useful for terrorism (Section 58 Terrorism Act 2000) – namely a Daesh propaganda video – and having information about acts of terrorism (Section 38b of the Terrorism Act 2000).

They are due to be sentenced on 2 February 2024, at a court to be confirmed.

Commander Dominic Murphy who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “These two young defendants were brought to justice as the result of incredible work by counter-terrorism officers at the Met, with colleagues in the North East.

“This extremely challenging and complex investigation is an example of the effective joint working that goes on between regional counter terrorism units across the UK every day, to keep the public safe.

“The fact that these two defendants are so young is disturbing and saddening. Unfortunately, in recent years we have seen growing numbers of young people, some still in school, being arrested for involvement in terrorist activity. They are often radicalised by material and extremists they come across online, as was seen in this case.

“We work around the clock with all our partners to tackle terrorism, but we can’t do it alone and we would urge the public to act early if they see or hear that might be linked to terrorism, and contact the police. Your call could save lives.”

An investigation into Hassan was launched after he was stopped at Heathrow Airport on 27 February 2022, using powers under Schedule 7 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

His phones were seized and analysed, and officers found evidence of his extremist mind set.

Officers found evidence that he had bought chemicals that were ingredients for an explosive device, and recovered a video of Hassan in which he poses with a sword and the chemicals.

Detectives discovered that Hassan – who made rap videos – was in regular contact with someone online, who shared his views. Enquiries led officers to identify the 15-year-old co-defendant in this case.

A number of the messages contained videos and images of the juvenile – some posing with knives, and some featuring flags adopted by Daesh and other terrorist groups. He was arrested nine days after Hassan, on 12 March 2022.

They were each charged with preparation of terrorist acts (under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000). Following two trials, at Leeds and Sheffield Crown Courts respectively – the first of which ended in a hung jury, and the second discontinued – both defendants offered pleas to these alternative offences which were accepted by prosecutors.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A serving Metropolitan Police officer has been found guilty of a number of offences including false imprisonment and assault following the conclusion of a trial at Croydon Crown Court on Friday, 10 November.

PC Isaque Rodrigues-Leite, attached to the Roads and Transport Policing Command, (RTPC) was found guilty of four counts of false imprisonment, two counts of assault by beating, one count of coercive and controlling behaviour and one count of criminal damage.

He was found not guilty of two counts of false imprisonment and one count of making threats to kill.

He will be sentenced at the same court on 16 January 2024.

The court heard how PC Rodrigues-Leite carried out the offences over a period of two years in 2019 and 2020 where he repeatedly used threats and intimidation against a woman he knew.

The woman contacted police in September 2020 and PC Rodrigues-Leite was arrested. He has been suspended while the investigation had progressed.

Detective Superintendent Christina Jessah from RTPC, said: “I know that the nature of this case will be concerning to Londoners. I fully acknowledge that. I also want to reaffirm our commitment that we are working to improve and only employ staff who share our values and the standards that our communities expect.

“PC Rodrigues-Leite’s behaviour is reprehensible and it is right that he has been held to account before a court. We depend on the trust of the public and we know that this has been severely undermined recently. Across the Met, we are determined to win back that trust.

“The victim in this case showed great bravery in coming forward, despite being told by Rodrigues-Leite she would not be taken seriously. We hope this case shows how seriously we take these offences, no matter who the perpetrator may be.

“Anyone who believes they are a victim of domestic abuse, in whatever form, should have the confidence to come forward to police. We will do everything in our power to help and support you.”

Now that the criminal process has concluded, misconduct matters will commence.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Throughout Saturday and Sunday almost 2,000 officers from the Met and other UK forces will be on duty across central London as part of a major policing operation.

This weekend is one of national significance and importance. The ceremonial events taking place will draw thousands as the country reflects and pays its respects.

Each year we deliver a huge security operation across Remembrance weekend, but this year’s is far greater and more complex than we’ve delivered before.

The plan covers both Armistice and Remembrance events as well as a significant march by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

We know the cumulative impact continued protest, increasing tensions, and rising hate crimes are having across London and the fear and anxiety our Jewish communities in particular are feeling. They have a right to feel safe in their city, knowing know they can travel across London without feeling afraid of intimidation or harassment.

Recognising the concern across London, the scale of the policing operation in place represents a doubling of the number of officers on duty for the weekend’s events. On Saturday 1,850 will be on duty and 1,375 on Sunday.

We’ll be using an extensive set of powers to prevent any disruption whatsoever to remembrance events, policing the demonstration as it passes through parts of the capital, while protecting our communities from those intent on inciting hate, violence and disorder.

The powers we’ve put in place enable us to more quickly and robustly identify and arrest those seeking to use these events to commit crime or cause disorder.

During protests since the attacks on 7 October we’ve seen small groups break away from planned events. Their behaviour has been escalating and becoming more violent and distressing to the public. Over the last four major events we have made more than 100 arrests for offences including supporting proscribed organisations and serious hate crime.

Each week we’ve developed our tactics to more quickly deal with anyone committing crime locally in our communities and at significant events. Our operation covers every element of this weekend and will continue to develop as we gather intelligence and learn of new issues.

This week concerns have been raised about the safety of poppy sellers at stations and other busy venues. Alongside our colleagues at the British Transport Police we have been clear no intimidation of those who so generously give up their time for this treasured national cause will be tolerated. Officers know the risk felt by sellers and should be sought out by anyone concerned throughout the weekend.

While this operation is delivered in central London, officers will remain out across the capital recognising the real and damaging impact the ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to have on communities here in London. Officers will be visiting busy areas and locations of significance, and providing support and reassurance to those we know are greatly concerned about travelling to places of worship at this time of great uncertainty and tension.

We are using the following powers to protect key Remembrance events and locations:

• To protect national remembrance events and locations, particularly the Cenotaph, an exclusion zone will be put in place covering Whitehall, Horse Guards Parade, the Westminster Abbey Field of Remembrance and other relevant areas, in effect banning those on the march from these locations.
• Anyone believed to be part of, or associated with, the pro-Palestinian demonstration trying to assemble in this area can be arrested. There will be metal barriers and officers in place to protect it.
• The Cenotaph will have a dedicated 24 hour police presence which began on Thursday and will remain in place until the conclusion of remembrance events on Sunday. Officers will be preventing anyone from approaching or interfering with the Cenotaph in any way.

A number of other powers have been used to limit the likelihood of disorder at the main protest:

• Anyone taking part must stick to the pre-agreed route which takes the march far away from Whitehall. The march and speeches must end at 17:00hrs.
• Protestors may not enter certain areas next to the US Embassy. They may not gather in the streets around the Israeli Embassy in High Street Kensington.
• In recent weeks smaller groups have broken away after the main protest and committed offences and created disorder. To prevent this, a dispersal zone will be in place covering key central London locations including Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. Anyone refusing to disperse can be arrested.
• A Section 60 and 60AA power will be in place covering a significant area of Westminster and parts of Wandsworth and Lambeth between 10:00hrs on Saturday and 01:00hrs on Sunday. This provides officers with additional powers to search anyone in the area for weapons in order to prevent violence occurring. This step is being taken in response to concerns that counter protestors may be intending to confront those taking part in the main protest march. The Section 60AA allows officers to require people in the area to remove face coverings that they believe are being worn to conceal their identity.

Plans are also in place to deal with car convoys travelling to London from elsewhere in the UK:

• In previous years, convoys of cars have passed through Jewish communities with occupants waving flags and shouting anti-Semitic abuse. They understandably caused significant concern, fear and upset.
• We have been working with officers from forces outside London to ensure we’re aware of any planned convoys so we can intervene as they approach and be kept away from Jewish communities.
• We will have specialist traffic officers in cars and on motorcycles as well as public order officers deployed to keep communities safe and to ensure any cars travelling towards the protest do not commit offences.
• If anyone in the convoys commits an offence, they will be dealt with.

An experienced public order command team will be in place across the weekend, being led by Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor on Saturday and T/Commander Karen Findlay on Sunday.

Notes to editors:

The need for any further conditions will be kept under constant review throughout the weekend. Should any further conditions be imposed we will share the decisions on social media.

Copies of maps showing the various exclusion and dispersal zones in force on Saturday will be published on social media for the awareness of protestors and the wider public. Full size versions are attached to this press release.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The findings of the panel relating to the stop and search of athletes Bianca Williams and Ricardo Dos Santos have been published today.

The misconduct panel, led by an independent and legally qualified chair, did not believe the evidence of PC Jonathan Clapham and PC Sam Franks in stating they could smell cannabis on Mr Dos Santos. The officers were dismissed without notice for a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour for honesty and integrity.

There was no indication that Mr Dos Santos and Ms Williams were treated less favourably because of their race by any of the officers involved, including the two dismissed officers. None of the alleged breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour were proven in relation to three other officers – PC Allan Casey, Acting Sergeant Rachel Simpson and PC Michael Bond.

Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray said: “This hearing took over five weeks to conclude and we welcome the commitment of the panel and the very detailed outcome report published today.

“The public must have the confidence that officers will be honest and act with integrity at all times. This is a core principle and there can be no place in the Met for those who do not uphold these values. Two officers were found to have breached these standards and were dismissed immediately.

“The panel concluded that the actions of all of the officers, including the two dismissed officers, were not influenced by race. The report outlined the circumstances of the stop and the panel also concluded that any use of force was reasonable.

“We are, however, determined to ensure we are community focused in everything we do and we know that the use of police powers can be highly impactive on individuals and communities. We will continue to learn and work with communities to improve how we do things.

“It has taken more than three years for this matter to reach conclusion. This has undoubtedly been very difficult for Ms Williams and Mr Dos Santos and it is clear from their personal accounts, as well as from the panel findings, that they experienced much distress and we apologise for that.

“The time taken for the case to conclude has also been challenging for the officers who were subject to the misconduct proceedings, particularly those who have been found with no breaches of professional standards proven against them.

“Policing is a tough job. Officers will always expect to be held accountable for their actions, and this case highlights the importance of the recently announced Home Office Accountability Review. The public and officers need to know that cases will be investigated in a more timely manner for the benefit of everyone.”

Key details taken from the panel’s findings:

-That PC Franks and PC Clapham were found by the panel not to be credible witnesses and were untruthful when they said they could smell cannabis.

-That PC Casey did not see that the driver of the car was a black male, make any eye contact with the driver before it turned or decide to follow him into Woodfield Road.

-That footage from the police carrier confirmed that Mr Dos Santos had applied the brakes several times during the journey down Woodfield Road and as result the driving may have drawn the attention of the officers.

-That officers had received an operational briefing on the day of the stop which focused on heightened gang tensions and made specific references to a black/dark Mercedes and that this had been taken into account in the officers’ decision making process.

-That there was a delay of around 15 seconds before Mr Dos Santos unlocked the car and that this, along with the fact officers could not see through the tinted windows, increased their risk assessment.

-That officers’ use of handcuffs on Mr Dos Santos was justified as they reasonably believed that by his actions, he may have been attempting to escape or was likely to be violent, taking into account the background leading to the incident. They also removed the handcuffs immediately after the search of the car was complete.

-PC Casey, Sgt Simpson and PC Bond did not breach the Standards of Professional Behaviour and no allegations were proven and there were no misconduct findings. The panel have however suggested that the officers should be referred for reflective practice which is designed to give officers and line managers an opportunity to discuss where things have gone wrong. It isn’t a misconduct finding.

For PC Casey, the panel suggested that reflective practice should focus on his manner of driving as a trained response officer, and that he may wish to reflect on his driving that day with a view to considering whether he might do anything differently.

For PC Bond, the panel suggested that reflective practice should focus on the officer’s communication with police colleagues, and that he may wish to reflect on whether he could do differently in terms of information handling

For Sgt Simpson, the panel suggested that reflective practice should focus on the officer’s communication methods with members of the public and colleagues and that she might wish to reflect on her tone and some of the words used when speaking to Ms Williams.

We will now consider the most appropriate way to progress this with the officers and their line managers.

The full report can be read here.