Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

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Drugs and firearm found after Violence Suppression Unit stop vehicle in Redbridge

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men have been arrested and drugs and a firearm were removed from the streets of London after a proactive vehicle stop in east London.

At around 14:43hrs on Thursday, 21 September, officers from the East Area Violence Suppression Unit were conducting patrols in unmarked vehicles when they came across a car parked up in York Road, Ilford.

An officer believed she could see two occupants smoking cannabis inside and turned their car to go and speak to them. At this point the car spotted the unmarked vehicle and drove off before coming to a stop in a car park in Trevor Roper Close.

Officers approached the vehicle and following a search of one of the men a quantity of cannabis was found.

They then set about searching the vehicle, discovering 17 bags of cannabis and a small black handgun in the glovebox.

It was seized and taken for specialist analysis.

Both suspects were promptly arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. One of the males was further arrested on suspicion of driving whilst disqualified and driving without insurance.

Both were taken into custody. One of the males was released on bail. The other was released on bail but charged and remanded in custody for the driving offences.

Detective Superintendent Richard Vandenbergh said: “We know all too well that drugs are inextricably linked to violence in our communities.

“The work of my officers here is yet more proof that we are doing everything we can to tackle serious violence. I have no doubt that thanks to their tenacity and hard work that London is safer as a result. We are rightly very proud of them.”

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Family of teenager killed in Croydon pay tribute to the ‘light of our lives’

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The family of a teenage girl who was killed in Croydon have paid tribute to her as the investigation into the death continues.

Elianne Andam was on her way to school when she was attacked in Wellesley Road at approximately 08:30hrs on Wednesday, 27 September.

Officers were at the scene within two minutes of the call being received. They worked with emergency service colleagues to provide first aid.

Despite their efforts, the 15-year-old sadly died at the scene.

A spokesperson for Elianne’s family said: “Our hearts are broken by the senseless death of our daughter.

“Elianne was the light of our lives. She was bright and funny, with many friends who all adored her.

“She was only 15, and had her whole life ahead of her, with hopes and dreams for the future.

“All those dreams have now been shattered. Our lives have fallen apart, along with that of our wider family.

“We ask the media to please respect our privacy as we try to grieve the short life of our beautiful child.”

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are continuing to investigate the circumstances that led to Elianne’s death.

Within 75 minutes of the incident, a 17-year-old boy was arrested in New Addington on suspicion of murder. A 12-hour extension to his custody time limit was granted by a senior officer this morning and he remains in custody at a south London police station.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation, said: “My thoughts and the thoughts of my team are with the Elianne’s family. This is a deeply upsetting time for them and we will do everything we can to support them.

“Our investigation continues and we are making good progress. We have recovered CCTV from the area and have spoken to a number of witnesses. Forensic scientists have also examined the scene.

“From these enquiries we are now confident Elianne was attacked outside in Wellesley Road near to the bus stop rather than onboard the bus.

“We know many people were in the area at the time and would have witnessed the attack. This would have been distressing and traumatic and I would encourage anyone who needs support to contact us and we will help to arrange this.

“I know that Elianne’s death has left many people feeling upset and I would like to thank the people of Croydon for the support they have shown us as we have carried out our enquiries in the town centre. I know this work has been disruptive, however it has been vital and your patience is appreciated.”

A post-mortem examination is taking place on the afternoon of Thursday, 28 September.

The suspect knew the victim. Further enquiries are taking place to establish their exact relationship.

Any witnesses who need support, or have information about the incident, are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1601/27Sep.

Information, images and video can also be shared directly with the investigation team here.

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Seventh charge following fatal shooting in Erith

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of Kai McGinley in Erith have charged a seventh man.

[J] Charlie Brabon, 18 (08.11.04) of Byron Drive, Erith, appeared at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 27 September charged with one count of murder.

He was remanded to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, 29 September.

Six people have previously been charged in connection with Kai’s murder and the shooting:

[A] Enriko Spahiu, 21 (03.09.02), of Elmhurst, Belvedere and [B] Jalees Selby-Gangera (14.02.05), 18, of Woodfield Close, Erith were charged on Thursday, 9 March with murder and attempted murder.

[G] Connor Brooks, 21 (17.03.02) of Horsa Road, Erith and [E] Bradlee Reeve, 33 (02.09.89) of Chapman Road, Erith were both charged with murder and two counts of attempted murder on Saturday, 11 March.

[H] Kai Osibodu, 23 (16.06.99), of Riverdale Road DA8, was arrested on Friday, 17 March and charged with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder.

A trial date has been scheduled for 3 January 2024.

There have been three other arrests as part of the investigation into Kai’s murder:

On 9 March, a 16-year-old girl [C] was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 53-year-old man [D] was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to murder – both have been bailed pending further enquiries. A 17-year-old male [F] arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder was released with no further action.

An investigation was launched after police were called at approximately 20:50hrs on Thursday, 9 February to reports of shots fired on Pembroke Road.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and found 24-year-old Kai McGinley suffering with a gunshot injury. Despite the best efforts of emergency services to save him, Kai died at the scene.

Enquiries into the circumstances remain ongoing.

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Man jailed for sexually communicating with children following nationwide investigation

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed after detectives gathered evidence from around the country to prove he had been sexually communicating with social media profiles he believed belonged to young teenage girls.

At Inner Crown Court on Wednesday, 27 September, Ilia Stoilov, 48 (13.04.75) of no fixed abode, was sentenced to two years and four months in jail after pleading guilty to 14 charges.

Between March 2018 and August 2019, Stoilov spoke to nine individuals on an app called ‘chat hour’ to communicate with multiple profiles that he thought belonged to young girls all under the age of 16.

On each occasion he sent sexual messages. He also sent sexually explicit photos of himself and asked them to send similar in return.

He was apprehended in Bulgaria on Friday, 7 April and returned to the UK in June.
He was charged with nine counts of attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child, one count of attempting to cause or incite a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity, two counts of attempting to cause or incite a child under 16 to engage in sexual activity and two counts of attempting to cause a child to watch a sexual act.

DC Mike Penn said: “Stoilov believed the individuals he was talking to were under 16 and continued to send messages of a disturbingly graphic nature.

“It is clear that he poses a real danger to the public and we are pleased that the significant hours of work spent gathering evidence from police forces nationwide led to his guilty plea and ultimately his custodial sentence.”

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Images of two males sought following Petts Wood murder issued

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenager in Petts Wood have issued images of two people they want to identify and locate.

The images were taken after the attack on 20 September at 14:30hrs which left 19-year-old Max Moy Wheatley fatally injured.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command leads the investigation and said:

“Our investigation has already made good progress in piecing together the events that led to the attack on Max and we are now in a position to ask the public for their help in identifying these two males.

“Do you recognise them? If so, please get in contact with my team. Your information will be treated with the utmost sensitivity. However, if you’re not confident speaking to police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They will not ask for your identity.”

An investigation was launched after police were called by the London Ambulance Service at about 14:30hrs on Wednesday, 20 September to reports of a man stabbed in Jubilee Country Park close to Tent Peg Lane in Petts Wood.

Officers and the Kent Air Ambulance attended. Despite their efforts Max, who was from the Orpington area, sadly died at the scene.

His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination held on Friday, 22 September gave cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

As well as appealing for information to identify the two males in the images, detectives would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured events on camera or taken images that could assist their investigation.

There is a dedicated online portal – via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS23V71-PO1 – where footage and pictures can be uploaded.

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 3972/20Sep. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There have been no arrests at this stage and enquiries continue.

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Image released of man sought following sexual assault on bus in Lewisham

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police have released an image of a man they want to identify following an incident of sexual assault on board a bus in Lewisham.

The incident happened at around 05:15hrs on Saturday, 6 May on the top deck of a route 136 bus.

A woman had boarded the bus in New Cross Gate and took a seat towards the back of the top deck. Around five minutes later, a man boarded the bus and sat opposite her.

He then exposed himself. As the woman got up to move away the man sexually assaulted her.

The man was described as wearing a black ski mask/balaclava, a black beanie hat with black puffer jacket.

Detective Constable Charlotte Joseph from the Met’s Road and Transport Policing Command said:

“I would urge anyone who recognises the person in this image to get in contact with us immediately. The woman who was attacked, while not physically harmed, was understandably left distressed by this incident and we need to find the person responsible.”

Anyone who can help police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD3560/6May. You can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There has been no arrest and enquiries continue.

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Statement from the Commissioner following murder in Croydon

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The senseless murder of a 15-year-old girl on her way to school is impossible to comprehend.

“It was moving and humbling to meet many members of the exceptional Croydon community who have come together in support of a family now dealing with the most unimaginable grief.

“The commitment of so many from the local community is inspiring. A powerful partnership between charitable groups, faith and community leaders, the local authority, the wider public and our officers has delivered so much work across the borough. They have collectively saved many lives from knife crime. Many are shocked and hurting. They care deeply and it’s this passion which has made Croydon a safer place and will continue to in the future.

“I spoke to officers who, with members of the public, were among the first on scene with colleagues trying to save this young girl’s life and have since supported her family and friends. Through diligent work by them all an early arrest was made and our major crime team now continue to investigate the events leading up to this awful attack.”

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Community and officers come together following murder of teenage girl in Croydon

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The local policing commander for south London has come together with community members following the tragic murder of a 15-year-old girl in Croydon.

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain said: “This is every parent’s worst nightmare and I know the officers who responded this morning – along with our emergency service colleagues – are devastated at the victim’s death.

“This is an emotion I share – and I know people across Croydon will be feeling the same.”

Shortly after 08:30hrs on Wednesday, 27 September, we were called to reports of a stabbing in Wellesley Road.

Officers were on the scene within two minutes of the call being received.

They provided emergency first aid along with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

Sadly, despite their efforts, a 15-year-old girl died at the scene.

Her family have been informed and our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time.

We carried out urgent enquiries to find the suspect – and within around 75 minutes of the incident happening – a 17-year-old boy was arrested in New Addington.

He remains in custody and will be questioned by detectives.

We remain in the early stages of our investigation, however based on what we know so far, we are not looking for anybody else at this time.

From our initial enquiries, we believe the suspect knew the victim.

We are not in a position to release the victim’s identity at this time.

Chief Superintendent Brittain added: “We will continue to work with our community contacts over the coming days and weeks to ensure those directly affected get the right support – and to ensure the wider community can come together and grieve.

“I know there will still be many questions about what happened here today. Our specialist team of homicide detectives will be working to find those answers and we’ll update you as the investigation continues.”

Donna Murray Turner, safer neighbourhood chair in Croydon, said: “The impact this has had on the community is immense. It is devastating that another young life has been taken and we the community stand with our partners and the family in honouring that grief and that mourning.”

Croydon Central MP Sarah Jones said: “I’m heartbroken that a child in my town has been killed on her way to school and I cannot imagine the grief that her family will be going through at this time. I want to thank the police and the ambulance service for trying so hard to save her life. They run into danger and I know they will also be suffering today.”

Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon, said: “I think it’s fair to say that we all personally feel devastated by the events that have happened in Croydon this morning and that tragic loss of such a young life. The community are feeling that hurt right now and we will do everything we can to support them.”

Anyone who witnessed what happened who has not yet spoken to police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1601/27Sep.

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Officers have made an arrest after a teenage girl was stabbed and sadly died in Croydon this morning

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Chief Superintendent Andy Brittain, in charge of local policing, said: “Our immediate thoughts are with this young girl’s family who are facing the most tragic of news. Our officers are with the girl’s family to support them.

“I am in contact with the local community, who are clearly as concerned as we are about this tragic incident. I shall continue to update them throughout the day.

“My officers were immediately on scene to provide first aid and support paramedics.

“Acting on information provided to them, officers also worked closely with colleagues from across the Met and the British Transport Police to track a teenager in connection with the stabbing. I can confirm that an arrest was made at about 09:45hrs in the Croydon area. At this early stage we believe that he may have known her.

“A crime scene will be in place for some time, and I am grateful for the cooperation of residents.”

Police were called at about 08:30hrs on Wednesday, 27 September to reports of a 15-year-old girl stabbed on Wellesley Road in Croydon.

Officers, the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance attended. Despite their efforts, sadly she died at the scene at 09:21hrs.

A crime scene is in place.

Anyone who witnessed the attack or has information that can help officers is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference CAD 1601/27Sep. To remain anonymous contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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Witnesses and footage sought after woman seriously injured in collision in Croydon

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are appealing for witnesses after a woman was seriously injured in a collision with a London Fire Brigade vehicle in Croydon.

Police were called at 11:38hrs on Tuesday, 26 September to reports of a collision on London Road, at the junction with Brigstock Road, involving an LFB vehicle that was travelling on an emergency call and a pedestrian.

Officers responded along with the London Ambulance Service.

The pedestrian, a woman in her mid-70s, was taken to a south London hospital, where her injuries are believed to be life changing. Her family has been informed.

Detectives from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances.

No arrests have been made.

Any witnesses, or drivers who were in the area and have dash cam footage, are asked to call the witness appeal line on 020 8285 1574. Alternatively, call 101 or post @MetCC via our X channel, quoting reference CAD 2988/26Sep.