Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Five people have been charged with Aggravated Trespass after a Les Misérables performance at the Sondheim Theatre in central London was disrupted by protesters.

They are:

[A] Hannah Taylor, 23 [26.07.00], of Longcroft Road, Dronfield Woodhouse
[B] Lydia Gribbin, 28 [04.08.95], of Sydenham Lane, Cotham, Bristol
[C] Hanan Ameur, 22 [31.03.01], of Hornsey Road, N7
[D] Noah Crane, 18 [26.02.05], of Aylsham Road, Buxton
[E] Poppy Bliss, 19 [31.01.04], of School Lane, Thurston

All have been bailed to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 3 November.

The performance of Les Misérables on the evening of Wednesday, 4 October was halted at around 21:00hrs after a group of people entered the stage area.

Police were called and local officers were quickly on scene. Five people were arrested and later charged as above.

Police are keen to hear from those in the audience who may have travelled from far outside London in order to see the show.

Anyone with information or footage relating to the incident should call police on 101 or Tweet ‘X’ @MetCC quoting 2074/5OCT.

Footage of the incident can be submitted at MO6Mailbox-.PublicOrderCrimeTeam@met.police.uk.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man who admitted treason after gaining entry to the grounds of Windsor Castle armed with a crossbow has been jailed for nine years, following an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.

Jaswant Singh Chail, 21 (17.01.02), from Southampton, was arrested by officers within the Windsor Castle footprint on 25 December 2021.

He was carrying a loaded crossbow, and wearing black clothing and a metal mask when he told officers he was there to kill Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was in a private residence on the castle’s grounds at the time.

Chail pleaded guilty to a Treason Act offence and other charges relating to the incident at an earlier court appearance.

He was sentenced on Thursday, 5 October, at the Old Bailey to a nine-year hybrid order, meaning he will serve part of his sentence in a mental health facility and the remainder in prison. He will then remain on licence for a further five years after his release.

Commander Dominic Murphy, who leads the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Chail had been planning his actions for several months, and up until shortly before his arrest, his intent to cause serious harm to or kill the Queen was clear.

“The professionalism, skill and bravery that the officers demonstrated as they confronted a masked man armed with a crossbow was exemplary. The fact that nobody came to any harm was down to the way they handled the situation. This could have easily ended up with somebody getting seriously injured, or worse.

“An extremely thorough investigation was carried out after Chail’s arrest and the vast amount of evidence gathered by detectives has led to his conviction for these very serious offences.

“Day in, day out, officers from our Royalty and Parliamentary Protection Command carry out their duties with great dedication and professionalism, keeping the individuals and locations they protect safe from a whole host of potential threats and risks.”

Two officers on duty within Windsor Castle saw Chail coming towards them at around 08:10hrs on 25 December 2021.

Chail said he was there to kill Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who was on the castle’s grounds at the time.

One of the officers drew their Taser, and ordered Chail to put down the crossbow. He did, and was then arrested. He was later detained under the Mental Health Act.

Due to the nature of the incident, the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command led the investigation.

Detectives trawled through CCTV, searched addresses, analysed online activity and made other enquiries. They found that Chail had travelled to Windsor on 23 December 2021.

He had also made a video of himself stating his desire to harm the late Queen, which he sent to a group of contacts shortly before he was arrested.

Further enquiries into Chail uncovered further evidence of his planning, and motives. Evidence recovered by officers showed that he harboured ill-feeling towards the British Empire for its past treatment of Indian people, and his plan to kill the Queen was driven by his desire to target a symbol of the empire – the Monarchy.

Officers also discovered that prior to devising the plan, Chail had unsuccessfully applied to join the Armed Forces, as a means of potentially getting access to the Royal Family in the future.

Chail was charged on 2 August 2022. He pleaded guilty to the following offences at the Old Bailey on Friday, 3 February:

– An offence under section 2 of the Treason Act, 1842;
– Threats to kill (contrary to section 16 of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861);
– Possession of an offensive weapon (contrary to section 1 of the Prevention of Crime Act 1953).

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Crown Prosecution Service has informed the Met that 21 people who were arrested as part of our policing operation for the King’s Coronation will face no further action.

The groups were arrested in order to prevent a breach of the peace and on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance in The Mall and in Whitehall, on the morning of 6 May 2023.

Officers from the Met referred the cases to the Crown Prosecution Service in August 2023.

After reviewing the evidence, prosecutors have concluded that there is no realistic prospect of conviction and as a result no further action is to be taken.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Tens of thousands of people from around the world travelled to London on 6 May for the King’s Coronation. The Met played a vital role in ensuring the event passed safely and securely.

“In the hours before the Coronation, we had intelligence that indicated activists were plotting to target the procession. We had real concerns that such efforts would not only disrupt a once in a lifetime event of enormous national significance, but that they could also compromise the security and safety of participants and the wider public. Officers were briefed on these concerns and we needed to be proactive in managing this risk and prevent any activity that could put public safety or the security of the event at risk.

“The Met deals with protests thousands of times every year across London. On the day we had an extensive policing plan in place to ensure people who wanted to protest could do so peacefully. Many did so, and there were protests at various points along the procession route, including in Trafalgar Square.

“Considering the decision by the CPS, it is important to note that the threshold for obtaining a charge is higher than making an arrest, an officer only needs reasonable grounds to suspect an offence is going to be committed. Every day officers have to make difficult decisions with limited time, based on the often partial information and I support them in their decision making in this case.

“For example, three of those who were arrested on the day which did not lead to charge, were found near the Coronation route in the early hours of the day of the event in possession of glue, a banner from a known activist group, Allen keys and other paraphernalia that could have been used to commit criminal damage or other disruption. I am confident the public would recognise why officers chose to make arrests in such circumstances, even though it has ultimately been determined that a conviction at court would be unlikely.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a murder in Brixton have named the victim.

He has been named as 22-year-old Keelen Morris Wong.

His next of kin are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Police were called at 16:44hrs on Tuesday, 3 October to reports of a stabbing at Coldharbour Lane, Brixton.

Officers and London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended.

At the scene a 22-year-old man was found with a knife injury.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, Keelen died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination will be held later today (5 October).

On the evening of Tuesday 3 October, a 23-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder after attending a hospital.

The man currently remains in hospital under arrest.

Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, Specialist Crime, said: “This awful attack took place in broad daylight, in front of people simply going about their business.

“I don’t underestimate the impact such a horrific incident will have had on anyone who saw it. We have heard from a number of people but I am asking anyone who witnessed it to speak to us, in confidence, about what they saw.

“An arrest has been made and we are making significant progress, but we can never have too much information. Our work to establish a motive is ongoing. Any information, however small, may assist the investigation and allow those responsible to be held to account.

“I am also fully aware that there are a number of videos circulating following the incident, including of the crime scene. I know that these videos are causing enormous distress for the loved ones of the victim, and I would ask people to respect them by not circulating this upsetting footage.”

Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, Central South Command Unit, said: “Our thoughts are with the victim’s family, who have suffered such a terrible loss. A young man has lost his life on our streets and the sense of shock is felt across the community.

“Our colleagues in Specialist Crime are investigating, and we will do everything we can to support them. Enhanced patrols will be seen in the area, and people are encouraged to speak to those officers to share information with them.”

A number of crime scenes remain in place at this time. Officers are working to minimise disruption to motorists and thank them for their patience while their crucial work is ongoing.

Anyone who has information that can help police should call 101 or post via @MetCC ref CAD 5530/03OCT.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

+ We have dedicated teams of officers working on delivering youth engagement and diversion. These officers work in partnership with London’s schools and local authorities to help divert those most vulnerable and at risk from violence, away from a life of crime. There are a range of activities that officers are involved with, including delivering prevention and engagement workshops in schools and youth centres, working with local partners to identify those most at risk to deliver early intervention work, conducting outreach visits to young people and their families who have been identified as requiring extra support, as well as delivering sporting, mentoring and music activities.   

We work closely with the Violence Reduction Unit to identify emerging issues and provide opportunities for engagement and diversion.

Anyone that has information about violence crime, or has concerns about crime in their community, is encouraged to contact the police on 101 or speak to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111. In an emergency always dial 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after a teenage boy was stabbed in Tower Hamlets.

Officers were called at 08:32hrs on Thursday, 5 October to reports of a stabbing outside Newton House, Cornwall Street, E1.

Officers, London Ambulance Service [LAS] and London’s Air Ambulance [HEMS] attended.

A boy, aged 15, was found with knife injuries.

He was treated at the scene by medics before being taken by LAS to an East London hospital. We await an update on his condition.

Neighbourhoods Superintendent Jai Singh of the Met’s Central East Command said: “I know that the community will be shocked by this incident. Please be assured that we share your concerns and we are investigating a number of lines of enquiry to establish the circumstances of the incident and identify those responsible.

“Local officers remain on scene and enhanced patrols will be conducted to reassure the community. If you have concerns please do approach officers.”

A crime scene remains in place.

At this early stage there have been no arrests.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Sutton have made an arrest.

A 17-year-old male [B] was arrested on the morning of Wednesday, 4 October on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

An investigation was launched after officers were called at approximately 21:01hrs on Monday, 2 October to reports of a 42-year-old man suffering stab injuries outside an address in Typhoon Way.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and the man was treated at the scene.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he died as a result of his injuries.

He has been named as Luke Blackmore from Morden. His family continues to be supported by specialist officers.

A special post-mortem examination gave cause of death as a stab wound to the chest.

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan, from the Met’s Specialist Crime leads the investigation and said: “Our thoughts are with Luke’s family and friends as they continue to struggle with the loss.

“Yesterday’s arrest marks a significant development in our investigation but we still need the help of the local community and wider public.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information but has yet to get in contact with police to do so immediately. I would also reiterate my request for those in the area to check doorbell footage or any other cameras and see if you have captured something which may be of interest.”

A 44-year-old woman [A] was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information, video or images that could help police should call 101 or post @MetCC via X reference CAD 7417/02Oct.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Local people will continue to see an increased presence in the area; if you have any concerns please approach and speak to them or contact your local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers investigating a demonstration that disrupted a theatre performance in London’s west end are appealing for anyone with information or footage to get in touch.

Demonstrators infiltrated the performance of Les Misérables at around 21:00hrs on the evening of Wednesday, 4 October and entered the stage area.

The performance was stopped as a result.

Police were called and local officers were quickly on scene. Five people, aged 28, 23, 22, 19 and 18 were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass. They remain in custody at this time.

Police are keen to hear from those in the audience who may have travelled from far outside London in order to see the show.

Detective Inspector Chris Rudd of the Met’s Public Order Command said: “Many of those in the audience will have travelled significant distances, having purchased tickets months in advance, and it is unacceptable that demonstrators have targeted a specific group of people in order to ruin what should have a special night been out.

“We are aware of footage circulating on social media, but ask anyone with additional footage to get in touch as this will help us bring those responsible to account.”

Anyone with information or footage relating to the incident should call police on 101 or Tweet ‘X’ @MetCC quoting 2074/5OCT.

Footage of the incident can be submitted by email to MO6Mailbox-.PublicOrderCrimeTeam@met.police.uk.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men will appear in court charged with offences linked to two firearms discharges in Hackney earlier this year.

The incidents took place on Thursday, 10 August at London Fields Lido, E8 and on Friday, 11 August in Stoke Newington High Street, N16.

No people were injured in the first incident, but a man sustained a gunshot injury to his arm in the second incident. He was taken to hospital where he was discharged following treatment.

Jordan Shaw, 19, and Bolade Abifarin, 20, will appear in custody at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 5 October.

Shaw is charged with:

– conspiracy to murder (10 August 2023);
– attempted murder (11 August 2023);
– possession with a firearm with intent to endanger life (both dates);
– possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life (both dates).

Abifarin is charged with:

– conspiracy to murder (10 August 2023);
– possession with a firearm with intent to endanger life (10 August 2023);
– possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life (10 August 2023).

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are releasing an image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with two assaults.

Officers want to speak to 50-year-old Skender Bucpapaj in relation to an assault on Friday, 22 September which left a woman with serious injuries.

They are also investigating another assault against a man which took place on Monday, 2 October – he was not seriously injured.

Bucpapaj is believed to be travelling on public transport and may be in the Southwark, Croydon or Bromley areas. Officers believe he could be sleeping outside.

Detective Inspector Sharad Verma, leading the investigation, said: “We need to speak to Bucpapaj urgently and would ask anyone who recognises him or knows where he is to contact us immediately.

“These attacks were particularly violent and have left the victims with serious injuries. We are doing all we can to find the person responsible and to ensure no further harm is caused.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC with CAD 5001/04OCT23.

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

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of a man in Sutton have made an arrest.

A 17-year-old man was arrested this morning (Wednesday, 4 October) on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.

An investigation was launched after officers were called at approximately 21:01hrs on Monday, 2 October to reports of a 42-year-old man suffering stab injuries outside an address in Typhoon Way.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and the man was treated at the scene.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, he died as a result of his injuries.

His family are aware.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Nolan from the Met’s Specialist Crime leads the investigation and said:

“This arrest marks a significant development in our investigation but we still need the help of the local community and wider public.

“I would appeal to anyone who has information but has yet to get in contact with police to do so immediately. I would also reiterate my request for those in the area to check doorbell footage or any other cameras and see if you have captured something which be of interest.”

A 44-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information, video or images that could help police should call 101 or post @MetCC via X ref CAD 7417/2 Oct.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Local people will continue to see an increased presence in the area; if you have any concerns please approach and speak to them or contact your local Safer Neighbourhoods Team.