Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives in Islington are releasing image of a man they want to trace following a homophobic assault.

Alex Ogden – 28 (24.12.95) is of no fixed abode but has links to London, York and Sheffield. He is known to use the train network to travel around the country.

The attack happened at an address in Islington on Wednesday, 18 October. Ogden violently assaulted a man, aged in his 50s, which resulted in the victim going to hospital for treatment. Due to comments made during the attack, this is being investigated as a homophobic hate crime.

Ogden is also wanted after he failed to attend court on 31 August after being charged with three common assaults at York railway station.

He is described as a stocky, white male with a distinctive haircut of a topknot and shaved sides. His topknot is often braided into smaller plaits, or worn long and he speaks with a Yorkshire accent.

Detective Constable Lauren Gresty from the Central North Public Protection Unit is leading the homophobic assault investigation and is urging members of the public to assist the police in locating Ogden. She said:

“Ogden is a dangerous individual and it is crucial that he is located as a matter of urgency. He is wanted for a number of offences involving violence and theft, and has a history of violent offending.

“Ogden maybe in possession of a knife, and it is vital the members of the public do not approach him. If you see Ogden, or know where he is, it is imperative that you call 999 immediately.”

Anyone who has information that could help police the please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC quoting CAD 4274/30Oct.

To report information anonymously, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online or call 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

People experiencing a mental health crisis will get more appropriate support as ‘Right Care Right Person’ launches across London today, Wednesday, 1 November.

Currently, the Metropolitan Police Service is increasingly involved in responding to mental health crisis and other health-related issues diverting officers from their core role of preventing and solving crime, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice. This is while patients who need medical help are attended to by officers instead of expert healthcare professionals.

In London, police officers spend an average of 14.2 hours in hospital with patients when they are sectioned under the Mental Health Act while they wait for a medical professional to take over care. In March 2023 alone, officers spent 10,000 hours working on sectioning patients and in 2021/22, the Met received more than 78,000 mental health-related calls and more than 204,000 concerns for welfare calls.

‘Right Care, Right Person’ is a national scheme between local police services and the NHS so mental health patients receive the right care when they call an emergency service. The Met has been working closely with key health partners including the NHS and social care teams across London to ensure that they have planned for these changes. All agree this is in the best interests of patients.

The introduction of the new policy will mean officers continue to attend calls where there is an immediate risk to life – such as a person who may be at risk of taking their life, or threatening others harm – but calls will be triaged by 999 and 101 call handlers so a caller’s needs are better assessed to ensure the right service responds.

This will mean officers will:

• Not attend medical calls where a healthcare professional is more appropriate.
• No longer attend welfare checks for people who have missed a planned health appointment, check whether they have taken their medication, or to check on a person when the health or social care agency is not working.
• Will not look for people who have walked out of mental health facilities or left hospital unless there is a policing reason.
• Always call for an ambulance to transport people who have been sectioned under the Mental Health Act instead of using a police van.

This will free up police officers to attend emergency calls where a crime has been, or is being, committed so they can catch suspects more quickly, gather evidence and better support victims. This will allow officers more time to focus on policing priorities for communities across London, such as knife crime, robbery and violence against women and girls.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, who leads ‘Right Care, Right Person’ in the Met, said: “People suffering with mental health issues deserve the right response from trained medical professionals and should not feel like they are being criminalised in their time of crisis or need. Too often the police are called as the default response to what are healthcare issues. This leads to the criminalisation of patients, adverse outcomes and a reduction in our ability to deliver core policing responsibilities.

“Our officers are compassionate and work under extremely difficult circumstances, but they are not trained to deliver mental health care and it is important people get the support they need from those who have the right skills.

“By ensuring the right care is delivered by the right person and support services, we can reduce demand on the police and focus our efforts on tackling the crime that matters to people and making our communities safer. We have worked closely with our partners in the NHS, London Ambulance Service and local authorities to get ready for the implementation of this national approach.

“I want to reassure Londoners that the Met will always attend incidents where there is a threat to life, and also where crime is being committed or a risk of a breach of the peace. People should continue to seek support when they need it and ‘Right Care, Right Person’ will support you to get the right service.”

Extensive training has taken place across our command-and-control (MetCC) teams who deal with 999 and 101 calls. They will be assessing incoming calls and will decide whether to deploy police or not. MetCC officers will look to see if a crime has been committed, if someone needs medical support and/or a patient has walked out from a health facility. The police will no longer accept a duty of care from other agencies where core policing responsibilities are not engaged.

The model was pioneered by Humberside Police and has proven hugely successful in reducing demand across all services, with the force seeing seven per cent of officer time freed up.

As the Met builds A New Met for London, the ‘Right Care, Right Person’ model will mean officers and staff can deal more effectively with community crime fighting.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A senior officer has been dismissed from the Metropolitan Police Service without notice for refusing to take a drugs test.

A misconduct hearing found gross misconduct proven against Commander Julian Bennett following an investigation by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards.

The independent panel leading the hearing announced its findings and sanction against Commander Bennett this evening (Tuesday, 31 October).

Assistant Commissioner Barbara Gray said: “Julian Bennett’s actions were deplorable. He was a senior officer and showed complete disregard and disrespect for the standards we must all uphold.

“The public will justifiably be outraged that any police officer, but particularly one of such a senior rank, refused a lawful order to take a drugs test.

“Commander Bennett was highly experienced and knew full well what was required of him, yet he made a choice not to cooperate. He could have been in no doubt of the professional standards required as he was responsible for chairing the misconduct hearings of numerous officers between 2010 and 2016.

“His actions have further damaged not only the public’s trust in us as an organisation, but also the confidence of our own officers and staff in those who lead them.

“The hearing panel was entirely independent of the Met Police, chaired by a legally qualified chair, a senior member of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and an independent panel member. Throughout the proceedings no police officer was on the panel.

“It is hard to comprehend that it has taken more than three years for this case to conclude. We welcome the Home Office’s recent police dismissals review which aims to address some of the pressing issues that have arisen in this case and many others.

“In the last year the Met has been making greater use of accelerated misconduct hearings to fast track cases where the evidence is irrefutable. This allows us to dismiss officers far more quickly.”

The hearing heard that on 21 July 2020 Commander Bennett refused to provide a urine sample for a drugs test, having been informed there was reasonable cause to suspect he had taken drugs. On 24 July he was suspended from duty.

The panel found that Commander Bennett had breached the standards of professional behaviour in relation to integrity, orders and instructions and discreditable conduct to the level of gross misconduct.

Two further allegations were found not proven: that between February 2019 and 21 July 2020, while off duty, Commander Bennett smoked cannabis, and that he gave an untrue explanation for why he refused to take the drugs test.

Commander Bennett will now be added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two women who were arrested following appeal by counter terrorism detectives have been bailed as enquiries into the incident continue.

Officers arrested the two women following an appeal to the public by our Counter Terrorism Command.

On Friday, 27 October we issued images of three women we wished to speak with in connection with an investigation into suspected terrorism offences at a protest earlier this month.

The appeal was widely covered by media and as a result two women who recognised themselves in the pictures came forward to a police station in south London on 30 October.

The women, aged 29 and 26 [correct], were arrested on suspicion of inviting support for a proscribed organisation, contrary to section 12(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

They were held in custody under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, at a police station in west London and have now been bailed to a date in early November while we await advice from the CPS.

We continue to seek the public’s help to identify a third woman seen in social media footage of a pro-Palestine protest in Whitehall on Saturday, 14 October, with an image of a paraglider on her top.

She is described as black, wearing a red coat and with a dark scarf containing a flower pattern and baggy jeans.

We are also still asking for the public’s help to identify a man seen waving a placard with the words “I fully support Hamas” on it during a protest on Bond Street on Saturday, 21 October. He has short hair, light skin and is wearing a blue jacket with a light top underneath, a light stripy scarf around his neck, and light trousers or jeans.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said:

“My officers are working night and day with our colleagues across the country to investigate suspected terrorism offences committed in the real world and online.

“I am grateful to the public who have reported information to us and I urge anyone who has information about the man and woman we are still seeking to please let us know. If the people in the pictures recognise themselves, I urge them to come forward so we can speak with them.”

Anyone who knows who these people are or has information that could help the investigation is asked to please report it in confidence online at gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has pleaded guilty after shouting racist insults at a bus driver in Feltham.

Hardy Jalloh, 34 (06.08.89) of Granville Avenue, N16 pleaded guilty to a racially aggravated public order offence after abusing a bus driver on board a 116 bus on Staines Road, Feltham.

Jalloh swore at the bus driver and then called him a “terrorist” and “Hamas”.

He was arrested on Thursday, 26 October after starting an argument with the bus driver and charged the following day.

Chief Inspector Stephen Warnes, who led the investigation, said: “We will not tolerate any form of hate crime, or tolerate anyone inciting violence.

“We continue to work alongside our colleagues at Transport for London (TfL) to ensure their staff and Londoner’s can go about life without suffering abusive behaviour.”

Jalloh was charged with a public order offence under Section 4A Public Order Act, a racially aggravated offence under Section 31 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 and possession of cannabis.

He appeared at West London Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 28 October, pleaded guilty to all offences and was bailed to appear at the same court on Monday, 27 November.

The Met is listening to and working with London communities and partners to make sure they feel safe in light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Hundreds of officers are providing high visibility patrols across the capital.

At the same time we are relentless in targeting those who commit hate crimes, with more than 70 arrests carried out so far for offences relating to the Israel/Hamas conflict.

If you experience or witness hate crime, please report it to police on 101 or in an emergency on 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Four men have been sentenced to a combined total of more than 23 years after a proactive operation led by Met detectives dismantled an organised crime group for distributing class A and class B drugs across London and Essex.

The group of men used encrypted communication platforms to facilitate drug deals.

On Thursday 25 August 2022, officers witnessed 58-year-old Gary Parson, of Pike Crescent, Ashford, meet with 33-year-old James Smith, of Rushmead Grove, Birmingham, and police watched Parson unload large boxes into Smith’s car.

Both men were detained and searched, and the officers discovered 150 kilograms of ketamine inside these boxes. Both suspects were charged and remanded into custody for possession with intent to supply class B drugs.

The wholesale value of the seized drugs was estimated to be between £900,000 – £1,200,000, and had a potential street value of £3,000,000 – £4,500,000, which would have ended up on the streets of London causing devastation and violence in communities.

Police enquiries uncovered further boxes in a shipment process, disguised to contain car parts imported into the UK. Police liaised with the Courier Company and the Netherlands National Police who identified further boxes in transit, and this led to the recovery of 210 kilograms of ketamine.

Further investigations by specialist officers discovered that 56-year-old Mark Brydges of Beechtree Avenue, Surrey, and 41-year-old Kelvin Homewood of Little Green Lane, Chertsey Homewood, had been involved in co-ordinating the supply of these drugs via EncroChat.

Met officers used the most precise policing tools and evidence-gathering techniques to bring the most organised and exploitive criminals to justice. During the investigation Brydges was identified as the holder of the EncroChat handle “#Swanny” and was charged for this. He was also convicted of supplying the sale of a kilogram of cocaine.

Criminals use EncroChat and encrypted communications as methods to organise multi-kilo drug deals, launder money, and orchestrate violence.

Detective Inspector Damian Hill from the Metropolitan Police Specialist Crime Command said: “The Met is committed to targeting illegal drug markets and bring the most serious criminals in communities to justice.

“My team prevented 150 kilograms of Ketamine being sold on the streets of London and across the rest of the U.K, preventing further drugs related violence. I am pleased with the sentences and the disruption of this criminal network”.

We’re building A New Met for London where communities know their local officers, help to shape their policing priorities, and work with them to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour; and when victims call us for help, they’re satisfied with our response. Community crime-fighting is key, ensuring we cut crime, rebuild trust and restore our bond with communities using local officers and specialist resources of the Met.

Full charges details:

Kelvin Homewood (09.01.82) of Little Green Lane, Chertsey was sentenced to seven years imprisonment on June 6 2023, after being convicted by a jury at Isleworth Crown Court of conspiracy to supply 150 kilograms Ketamine, a class B drug.

Gary Parson (19.04.65) of Pike Crescent, Ashford, Surrey and James Smith (14.11.89) of Rushmead Grove Rubery, Rednal, Birmingham were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to five years three months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty to possession with intent to supply 150 kilograms of Ketamine.

Mark Brydges (28.11.66) of Beechtree Avenue, Surrey was sentenced to nine years and four months’ imprisonment after pleading guilty on Friday, 20 October for supplying a class A drug cocaine, and conspiracy to supply a class B drug, namely 150 kilograms Ketamine.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man will appear in court charged with the murder of a woman in Croydon.

Shail Sharma – 23 (01.01.00) of Ash Tree Way, Croydon will appear in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 31 October charged with the murder of 19-year-old Mehak Sharma.

The charge relates to an incident at an address in Ash Tree Way, Croydon on Sunday, 29 October.

Mehak’s next of kin have been informed and formal identification awaits.

A special post-mortem examination is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 31 October.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation, including anyone who saw or heard a disturbance on Sunday afternoon at the address in Ash Tree Way, is asked to call police.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via X(Twitter) @MetCC. Please quote CAD 4546/29OCT

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

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers have arrested two women following an appeal to the public by our Counter Terrorism Command.

On Friday, 27 October we issued images of three women we wished to speak with in connection with an investigation into suspected terrorism offences at a protest earlier this month.

The appeal was widely covered by media and as a result two women who recognised themselves in the pictures came forward to a police station in south London today, 30 October.

The women, aged 29 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of inviting support for a proscribed organisation, contrary to section 12(1)(a) of the Terrorism Act 2000.

They are currently being held in custody under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, at a police station in west London.

We continue to seek the public’s help to identify a third woman seen in social media footage of a pro-Palestine protest in Whitehall on Saturday, 14 October, with an image of a paraglider on her top.

She is described as dark skinned, wearing light brown trousers and a long-sleeved red top. She initially had a blue denim jacket tied around her waist and later put this on over her red top. She is wearing a light blue medical face mask and a dark scarf or bandana around her head. She also has a dark red shoulder bag.

We are also still asking for the public’s help to identify a man seen waving a placard with the words “I fully support Hamas” on it during a protest on Bond Street on Saturday, 21 October. He has short hair, light skin and is wearing a blue jacket with a light top underneath, a light stripy scarf around his neck, and light trousers or jeans.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “My officers are working night and day with our colleagues across the country to investigate suspected terrorism offences committed in the real world and online.

“I am grateful to the public who have reported information to us and I urge anyone who has information about the man and woman we are still seeking to please let us know. If the people in the pictures recognise themselves, I urge them to come forward so we can speak with them.”

Anyone who knows who these people are or has information that could help the investigation is asked to please report it in confidence online at gov.uk/ACT or by calling 0800 789 321.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers have closed down three unlicensed music events (UMEs) within the last week to disrupt anti-social behaviour in local communities.

On Saturday, 28 October, officers in Harrow received complaints about large groups of young people in the area, with more travelling to Harrow by public transport.

Local officers attended and found around 150 people at a large vacant industrial unit. They dispersed the crowds and seized large sound systems and nitrous oxide canisters.

Several hundred more people were spoken to and were turned away from the event by officers.

Officers were later made aware of a UME in Newham in the early hours of Sunday, 29 October. Upon arrival, they found a crowd of around 200 people at a disused office block and began dispersing from the area.

A large amount of sound system equipment – including 10 large speakers – was seized from the event.

A few days earlier on Monday, 23 October, officers in Haringey attended an industrial unit having established that a UME was taking place. Around 50 people were present, with many still arriving outside, but left quickly of their own accord.

Officers seized a large amount of sound systems and speakers and gave advice to the event organisers.

Superintendent Jack May-Robinson, responsible for policing London across Halloween and Bonfire Night, said: “Ahead of the Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations, officers will continue to follow intelligence and lead proactive action against those that we believe to be hosting UMEs and causing anti-social behaviour.

“These events are illegal, cause huge disruption to local residents and can be dangerous environments for those attending as they are unlicensed.

“I urge anyone with any concerns to contact police so that we can interrupt these UMEs before they escalate.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers have been responding to the first day of disruption caused by Just Stop Oil as the group began further protest activity in London.

We know this will cause disruption to Londoners and result in local officers being taken out of communities across the capital to deal with the protests.

The Met fully supports the right to lawful protest, however we are disappointed that Just Stop Oil is encouraging its members to break the law by slow marching ‘until police arrest them’. This will cause disruption for those who want to go about their daily business.

On the first day of the protests we arrested 61 Just Stop Oil activists within 31 minutes in Parliament Square.

Commander Kyle Gordon said: “This is an extremely busy time for officers across London who are providing reassurance to communities following the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

“It’s unacceptable that we are having to remove officers, who are carrying out vital work in their communities at a time where there is a large number of hate crime being reported to us, to police Just Stop Oil.

“We also know the majority of the public has reached their tolerance with Just Stop Oil, which on occasion is over-spilling into violence. It’s clear the public has had enough.

“In the UK there is a presumption in favour of protest, however we won’t tolerate unlawful protest which has a negative impact on the lives of Londoners.

“We’ve heard directly from people who’ve been significantly impacted by previous protests, including those who’ve missed hospital appointments, travel for holidays and family occasions.

“We recognise that many people are fed up with disruptive protests but we also have a duty to make sure anyone who wants to protest lawfully can do so.”

Ahead of the first day of action we made three arrests as part of measures to prevent serious disruption.

On Friday, 13 October a 43-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion to commit public nuisance.

A 29-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man were arrested in London on the morning of Wednesday, 18 October on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance.

All three were bailed with conditions as enquires continue.

Last week officers also responded to protests at Wellington Arch and the Natural History Museum where a total of five people were arrested.

We will continue to use all available powers as part of our policing response to allow Londoners to continue their daily business during the protests.