Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives from the Met Specialist Crime Command have launched a murder investigation following the disappearance of Justin Henry.

Mr Henry’s family has been informed of the change in the nature of the investigation and they are being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Matt Wood, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Sadly, yesterday we had to inform Mr Henry’s family that we are treating his disappearance as a murder investigation. You can only imagine how devastating this will be for all those who love and care for him. I know his loved ones will still be hoping and praying that Justin will still be found safe and well. However, the absence of any proof that Justin is alive, the circumstances around his disappearance, which his family say is totally out of character, and forensic evidence we have gathered, all suggest that he has come to serious harm and may have been murdered.

“Along with his family, we sincerely hope this is not the case, and that is why we are reaching out to the public to help us find out what has happened to him. Please think about the anguish of Justin’s family and if you have any information that could assist, contact us.

“Please search you memory, and if you think you can help, then call police, or you can call Crimestoppers, they are totally anonymous and never ask for your name. But however you choose, please do call if you think you have anything that could assist. Don’t worry if you think your information will not be important, it could be the vital piece of the puzzle that helps us find Justin and brings his family the answers they so desperately want, need and deserve.”

Justin Henry, 34, was reported missing to police on Monday, 16 October.

He has links to the SE23 area and was last seen in person on the evening of Sunday, 15 October at the address of his partner in Brixton.

He family has not seen or heard from him since, and this is totally out of character.

Police are actively trying to establish Justin’s movements, in particular late on Sunday, 15 October, and in the early hours of Monday, 16 October.

At around 21:50hrs on Sunday, 15 October, Justin was seen on CCTV buying food at a McDonald’s drive-thru restaurant on London Road in Croydon.

Enquiries have led officers to believe Justin drove from that restaurant to nearby Waddon New Road where his vehicle, a silver Mercedes E Class, remained for approximately two-and-a-half hours.

The Mercedes was later found in the early hours of Wednesday, 18 October in Kingswood Drive, SE19.

It is unclear who was driving the vehicle when it arrived at Kingswood Drive shortly after 01:00hrs on Monday, 16 October, due to indistinct CCTV image of the driver, but Justin’s family state that it was not him.

On Wednesday, 18 October, a 27-year-old woman was arrested in connection with the investigation on suspicion of kidnapping; she has since been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in mid-January 2024.

Officers have conducted forensic examinations of an address in Croydon and Justin’s car, as well as extensive CCTV and phone inquiries.

However detectives desperately need more information about Justin’s disappearance and the days leading up to him going missing.

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter/X @MetCC. Please quote Operation Ashgulf or CAD 5224/21Oct.

To give information anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

In 2021, as the world began to recover from the worst phases of the Coronavirus pandemic, dozens of officers and staff across the Met agreed to let a BBC documentary crew follow their every move.

The three previous seasons of ‘The Met’ showcased the realities of day to day policing and shone a light on the stark realities colleagues face as they respond to incidents, track down criminals and protect victims across the capital.

The latest season – starting on Tuesday, 24 October – once again showcases the breadth and complexity of policing, but in some of the most unique and complex environments our colleagues have ever encountered.

The BBC started filming at the beginning of the most challenging period the Metropolitan Police Service has faced. It is now being aired at a time of rapid and significant change.

A little over a year ago, under Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley’s leadership, the Met began a journey of huge reform. In July 2023 our New Met for London plan was published, setting out how the Met will change for the better over the next two years.

This season of ‘The Met’ shines a light on the commitment, passion and absolute emotional investment of colleagues across London. It is those colleagues, and tens of thousands of others, who are responsible for the progress we have made so far in reforming the Met into a service London, and our officers and staff, can be proud of.

Their work is often unseen, unappreciated and the bravery they demonstrate often hard for many to comprehend.

This documentary represents the best of the Metropolitan Police Service. We hope Londoners and beyond watch our colleagues do what they do best, and feel confident in our ability to become the organisation they expect.

Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe said: “This is the Met opening its doors to independent crews so that they, and the public, can see the everyday policing that is happening across London 24/7. The editorial control has been with the BBC and they have shown us as they have found us. We know how important transparency is in earning public trust and Londoners having confidence in our community crime fighting approach which is the absolute foundation of our policing.

“I would like to thank the officers who took part – it took courage and leadership to open up their professional lives and allow the cameras to follow them. I’m very proud of this really human side of the police the public will get to see, it is an impressive, real and honest account of policing one of the biggest and most complex cities in the world.”

+ About the filming process:

This is the fourth time that BBC Studios has embedded in the Met and the series was made with the collaboration of hundreds of officers, all of whom agreed individually to take part.

Independent crews from BBC Studios embedded with teams from across the Met for ten months, from March to December 2021.

Filmmakers were given complete access to our 999 response, to dynamic investigations in real time and filmed officers and detectives as they made arrests, carried out surveillance on serious and violent offenders, and protected victims.

Episode one, broadcast on Tuesday, 24 October, follows detectives as they investigate the brutal murder of a teenager in south London, attempt to bring to justice a network of human traffickers for women into sex work and respond to emergency calls in Brixton.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of Tyrone Pinnock in Kensington have made an arrest.

At 18:42hrs on Thursday, 19 October, a police car was flagged down by a member of the public who found a man with stab injuries on Kensal Road, W10.

Officers carried out first aid and called for support from paramedics from the London Ambulance Service, however, sadly he died at the scene.

Officers later confirmed the deceased as 36-year-old Tyrone Pinnock who was from Harrow Road. His family continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

On Monday, 23 October, an 18-year-old man [A] was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the incident. He was taken into police custody where he remains for questioning.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are continuing their investigation and are exploring a number of lines of enquiry.

They are also asking members of the public to assist by providing any information they may have.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Rawlinson, who is leading the investigation, said: “This investigation is progressing with a number of enquiries being followed by an experienced team of detectives.

“This arrest is a development in what is a complex investigation. We are still very keen to hear from anyone who may have any information about this incident, no matter how insignificant they think it may be. Please come forward and speak with us.”

Chief Superintendent Louise Puddefoot, local policing commander for the area, added: “Members of the local community, and wider, will see a greater police presence within this area. These officers will be there to provide some reassurance to local people and they welcome your approach.

“We continue to support Tyrone’s family at this difficult time and my thoughts remain with them.

“Anyone who is concerned should speak with these officers. They are there for your benefit and will be able to help with any reservations you may have.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 quoting reference CAD 6212/19Oct. To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met Counter Terrorism detectives have arrested a 17-year-old on suspicion of terrorism and indecent image offences.

Officers arrested the boy in east London under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act at approximately 07.00hrs on Tuesday, 24 October.

He was arrested on suspicion of collection of material of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, contrary to Section 58 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

He was also arrested on suspicion of possession of indecent photographs of a child, contrary to Section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 and possession of extreme pornographic images, contrary to Section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008.

The teenager has been taken into custody at a central-London police station.

Officers are searching an address in east London.

The investigation relates to Islamist extremism.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed for more than 14 years after officers dismantled an operation responsible for supplying cocaine in North London, as part of the Met’s ongoing investigation into EncroChat.

Ashley Allen, 32 (18.07.91) of Denny Close, Enfield was sentenced to 14 years and four months’ imprisonment on Friday, 29 September at Kingston upon Thames Crown Court for his role in the conspiracy to supply.

Between March and June 2020, he was involved in the conspiracy to supply roughly 29kgs of cocaine, with an estimated street value of just over £1 million which would likely flood the streets of London causing violence and anti-social behaviour.

He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply cocaine, conspiracy to transfer criminal property, possession of cocaine with intent to supply, and possession of a prohibited weapon at the same court on Monday, 26 June.

Detectives from the Met closed in on Allen after European partners accessed an encrypted communications network called Encrochat in 2020 – passing data to them via the National Crime Agency (NCA). Officers launched a specialist operation – codenamed ‘Eternal’ – to target Encrochat users believed to be operating from the capital.

Detective Constable Jess Tregear, from Specialist Crime South, said: “Allen arranged large-scale drug deals with his ultimate aim being to make as much money as possible, with no thought of the misery and devastation caused in communities by drug supply, and the violence it leads to.

“Op Eternal investigations over the last three years have resulted in the Met identifying and jailing major players in the criminal fraternity, and stemming the flow of drugs and guns onto the streets. The drugs trade relies on exploitation and violence to operate and we will continue to relentlessly pursue those involved, and put them before the courts.”

Officers began investigating the Encrochat handle ‘Rookiekiller’ in September 2020 and there was compelling evidence that allowed officers to attribute Allen to the EncroChat device, including cases when his personal and Encrochat phone were at the same location.

Many other Encrochat users had the handle ‘Rookiekiller’ saved as ‘Ash’. ‘Rookiekiller’ also referred to themselves as ‘Ash’ on many occasions also. 

There was evidence within the Encrochat device which showed that Allen had been running a very successful drug operation with many messages regarding the purchasing, supplying and transportation of Class A drugs and cash.

Allen’s address on Denny Avenue was searched on Thursday, 24 November 2022 and 400gs of cocaine, a stun gun, knuckleduster, two swords, and £1,500 of cash was seized.

He was arrested and then charged on Friday, 25 November 2022.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed after he was found guilty of multiple offences including rape. A rapid investigation by Met officers led to his arrest the day after the incident.

On Friday 13 October, Kieran Johnson, 21 (28.03.02) of no fixed address was sentenced at the Old Bailey to 18 years’ imprisonment. He had been found guilty on 22 March of two counts of rape, one of sexual assault by penetration and one of robbery. Johnson also pleaded guilty to possession of a Class B drug.

The offences took place on 13 March 2022 at an address in the SE10 area of Greenwich. Johnson hit the 18-year-old victim with a baseball bat and demanded that he handed over his phone, keys and vape pen. After the robbery, Johnson raped and assaulted the man multiple times.

Forensic evidence from the scene and mobile phone work led to the arrest of Johnson the following day at an East London hotel.

Detective Constable Robert Shires of the Met’s South East BCU said: “I hope that this conviction and the lengthy prison sentence can bring some closure to the victim, and show that justice has been served. We will continue to support the victim and I hope that he recovers in his own time.

“I urge anyone who has been the victim of a sexual offence to report the matter to police. Dedicated officers will support you and work tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Five men have been sentenced for drug supply and modern slavery offences, including exploiting a 15-year-old child who was made to carry drugs from West London to Hampshire.

In September 2021, a 15-year-old boy went missing from West London, and was found at an address in Andover, Hampshire, by Metropolitan police officers.

Following a search the missing child was found in possession of wraps of crack cocaine and heroin, ready for sale and it was established the address was linked to 27-year-old Jordan Barnes, from Andover.

The child was being exploited to act as a “runner” on a county line operating from West London to Andover, headed up by a senior gang member, 30-year-old Rhys Johnson, from Acton.

Officers carefully investigated and identified that the boy travelled in a car driven by 31-year-old Michael Mcdonnell, accompanied by Johnson, 18-year-old Jaion Jacobs and 17-year-old Miguel Fiorenzi.

Police searched a safe house in High Wycombe, controlled by Johnson and Mcdonnell, and discovered large amount of Class A drugs, valued at around £40,000, a high-value Rolex watch, cash and correspondence relating to Johnson and Mcdonnell.

All five men were arrested, and charged with various offences including drug supply and modern slavery, and subsequently found guilty of these offences following a trial. During the trial it was heard that the boy was groomed by Jacobs and Fiorenzi before they introduced him to Johnson for the purpose of being a drugs runner.

Johnson and Mcdonnell were both sentenced to over 16 years in prison on Friday 20 October.

Police Constable Tom Quinn, leading the investigation said: “We know all too well that drugs are linked to violence in our London communities and ruthless criminals exploit children or vulnerable people to help carry out their crimes.

“This investigation is an excellent example of how our Met officers have successfully dismantled an organised gang who coordinated the distribution of drugs through the exploitation of children. Through the hard work and diligence of our team, we managed to secure a lengthy sentence for drug supply and modern slavery offences, as well as safeguarding the victim and ensuring they receive the support needed.”

The sentences came after the Met announced the results of a week of action to tackle county lines drug dealing which resulted in more than 290 arrests, 110 people safeguarded, the seizure of 16.9kg worth of suspected drugs and the closure of 92 drug lines.

Our New Met for London plan outlines our commitment in working closely with our local communities in London and policing partners across the UK, to help identify young people that might become victims of organised crime and supply drugs.

For more information on county lines and how to prevent yourself or a loved one from becoming a victim, visit: www.met.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/cl/county-lines

Please see below for full charge details:

Rhys Johnson (13/01/1991) 9 Evenlode, SL6, 28 Stretton Close, HP10 was sentenced to 16 years.

Count 1 – Arrange or Facilitate the Travel of a minor with a view to his exploitation – guilty verdict
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – pleaded guilty
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – pleaded guilty

Michael McDonnell (04/11/1989) of 11A Ruslip Road, UB6 was sentenced to 16 years, 3 months.

Count 1 – Arrange or Facilitate the Travel of a minor with a view to his exploitation – guilty verdict
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – pleaded guilty
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – pleaded guilty

Jaion Jacobs (26/11/2002) of 75 The Square, W6 was sentenced to 2 years, 6 months.

Count 1 – Arrange or Facilitate the Travel of a minor with a view to his exploitation – guilty verdict
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – guilty verdict
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – guilty verdict

Jordan Barnes 07/03/1992 of 11 Hexagon, SP10 was sentenced to 2 years, 6 months.

Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – guilty verdict
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – guilty verdict

Miguel Fiorenzi 26/01/2004 of 237 Cleverly Estate, W12 was sentenced to 2 years, suspended.

Count 1 – Arrange or Facilitate the Travel of a minor with a view to his exploitation – guilty verdict
Count 2 – Conspiracy to Supply Crack Cocaine – guilty verdict
Count 3 – Conspiracy to Supply Heroin – guilty verdict