Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been jailed for a violent attack which resulted in the death of a man in Alperton.

Abdelaziz Maaroufi, 26 (17.08.97), of Woodside End, Alperton, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years’ imprisonment for the manslaughter of Peter Marecheau following a hearing at Croydon Crown Court on Tuesday, 26 September.

Maaroufi has been found guilty of Peter’s manslaughter following a trial at Harrow Crown Court on Wednesday, 12 July.

Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command led the investigation and said:

“This sentencing brings to a conclusion a tragic case – Maaroufi has never explained why he decided to involve himself in this incident and why he resorted to this extreme level of violence.

“Peter’s family have not had all the answers that we hoped to get for them but I hope they can take some solace in the fact that Maaroufi has been convicted and jailed for his actions.”

The conviction follows a murder investigation that was launched after 67-year-old Peter, known to family and friends as Frankie, died in hospital from injuries sustained during a disagreement about parking.

Police had been contacted by London Ambulance Service [LAS] at 16:20hrs on Friday, 9 September 2022 saying they had taken an injured man to hospital from Abbey Industrial Estate in Alperton.

Officers attended the industrial estate and a crime scene was put in place. They also attended the hospital where Peter was being treated for a life-threatening head injury. Sadly, he died in hospital on Monday, 12 September.

Detectives established that the victim worked at an industrial unit on the estate and had parked his car outside a nearby unit, where the defendant worked. The unwritten rule on the estate was that if a car needed to be moved, someone would toot their horn and the vehicle would be moved.

However, on this day, the owner of the unit sounded his horn three times before Peter emerged from his workshop. An argument broke out between Peter and the owner of the unit. Maaroufi took it upon himself to get involved in the argument and pushed Peter four times. Despite others trying to diffuse the situation and Peter backing away, Maaroufi punched Peter once in the face, causing him to fall backwards onto the floor, which in turn caused a significant head injury.

Following Peter’s death, a post mortem examination concluded that he had died as a result of blunt force head injury.

CCTV of the incident showed a Maaroufi arguing with Peter before punching him in the face.

Maaroufi was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday, 12 September. He admitted being the person involved in this incident, but suggested that he was acting in self-defence.

Maaroufi was charged with murder but was convicted of manslaughter following a trial.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A Met Counter Terrorism Police investigation which uncovered a multitude of terrorism and child abuse offences has concluded with a man being jailed.

Sejr Forster, 26 (15.09.97) of Norfolk was arrested at his home in May 2022 by counter terrorism officers who identified he had been stockpiling terrorist documents.

They were assisted by counter terrorism colleagues from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit.

When asked for his phone, Forster said he had lost it at the pub, however diligent detectives found it hidden beneath his mattress.

Digital forensic specialists subsequently pored through Forster’s phone, finding more than 750 indecent pictures and videos of children aged as young as three.

The terrorist material Forster had included both digital and hard copies of manuals describing how to make weapons and explosives.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Forster built an appalling library of terrorist and child abuse material. His stockpile included the most serious types of child abuse images, and detailed bomb-making instructions. We also found texts and paraphernalia that highlighted his extreme right-wing mindset.

“It’s thanks to the thoroughness of counter terrorism investigators that Forster has been held to account both for the terrorism offences and child abuse crimes.”

Forster was convicted of three counts of collection of information 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, and three counts of making indecent images of children (categories A, B and C), contrary to the Protection of Children Act 1978.

Today (26 September) at the Old Bailey, a judge sentenced Forster to four years in jail, plus one year on licence.

He will be subject to a ten-year terrorism notification order and a ten-year sexual harm prevention order once he is released, both of which are intended to reduce the ability to cause further harm.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Three people have been charged in connection with an investigation after two children were reported missing from north-west London on Tuesday, 19 September.

[A] Ashley Hawkins, 52 (27.04.71) of Alex Guy Gardens, Dagenham, and [B] Jordan Hardy, 30 (24.04.93) of Connor Road, Dagenham, appeared at Southend Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 September charged with two counts of child abduction.

Both were remanded to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday 26 September and were further remanded to appear at the same court on Monday, 9 October.

A 63-year-old woman [C] arrested at an address in Essex on Sunday, 24 September on suspicion of child abduction, assisting an offender and perverting the course of justice, has been bailed to a date in December pending further enquiries.

[D] Jamie-Leigh Kelly, 31 (09.02.1992), of Braithwaite Avenue, Romford, was charged with assault and two counts of taking a child in care without lawful authority contrary to section 49 of The Children Act 1989 and remanded to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 26 Sep. She was also further remanded to appear on Monday, 9 October at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

The assault charge relates to an incident on Tuesday 19 September, where a woman is alleged to have been assaulted.

A further arrest [E] was made on Tuesday 26 September. A man aged 20 was arrested on suspicion of child abduction, and he remains in custody.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers are working with partners to tackle modern slavery, particularly with Romanian communities, to increase awareness to identify the signs and work to gain the trust of potential victims who are exploited by traffickers.

A week of intensified activity began on Sunday, 24 September. It sees local officers in Barnet working with detectives from the Met’s Central Specialist Crime team to raise awareness and empower businesses and individuals to work with them to prevent modern slavery. This activity aligns with the New Met for London plan where communities work with their local officers to reduce crime in their area.

Officers are working closely with Romanian communities who, police intelligence shows, can be more vulnerable to becoming victims of modern slavery.

They will be working together with international colleagues from ANITP – Romania’s national agency dealing with human trafficking – to help strengthen the Met’s response to cross-border offending. Two colleagues from ANITP have joined officers in London to engage with communities with high Romanian populations, helping to highlight the signs of exploitation and share knowledge on how to spot them.

Officers will be patrolling areas identified through intelligence. This includes attending brothels and homeless shelters. They will also be engaging with Romanian nationals on incoming flights into Luton Airport and with church congregations, following sermons at multiple churches with Romanian attendees.   

Detective Inspector Mel Lillywhite, from the Met’s Modern Slavery Unit, said: “By working with the Romanian Police we are cracking down on organised criminal networks who play a key part in human trafficking and exploit the most vulnerable in our communities.

“We also need help from the public as they have an important role to play in recognising and reporting modern slavery. If you suspect someone may be a victim of modern slavery, please report it. You will always be taken seriously and protection and support is available.”

Exploited people can often be found working in places such as carwashes, nail bars and on construction sites. Signs of potential victims of modern slavery may include:

– Working excessively long hours and rarely having a day off;
– Appearing to be under the control of someone else and being reluctant to interact with others;
– Appearing malnourished, having little or no money and having untreated medical injuries due to not having access to medical services.

People may also notice the cost of a service being offered to them is too low, or notice that a small property within their community is housing too many people.

Victim identification and engagement can often be challenging which is why during the week of activity officers will be supported by Justice and Care, along with Romanian speaking Met officers.

Justice and Care is a charity which works with the police to identify people trapped in modern slavery and support them to walk free.

Cristina Huddleston, Director of European Operations for Justice and Care, said: “Modern slavery is everywhere, a crime hidden in plain sight. We are privileged to be able to work alongside officers from the Metropolitan Police in the UK and with Agenția Natională Împotriva Traficului de Persoane in Romania to raise awareness on how to spot the signs and report any concerns in communities at risk of exploitation.”

The Met continues to recognise the seriousness of modern slavery and the devastation it brings to people’s lives and communities. Through a dedicated team, officers investigate complex cases, targeting offenders and supporting victims. The specialist team works with partners to signpost victims to support services.

For more information about Justice and Care please visit www.justiceandcare.org

The UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline operates 24/7, 365 days a year. It is free to use, available in more than 200 languages, and confidential. Expert Helpline Advisers are there for support and advice, not only for victims of modern slavery, but for the public, businesses and statutory agencies like the police, NHS and local government. If you need help, have concerns, or need advice, call us on 08000 121 700. www.modernslaveryhelpline.org

You can also report to the police online at www.met.police.uk or by calling 101, in case of an emergency dial 999. Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are renewing appeals for witnesses as they name the teenage victim of a fatal stabbing in Bromley.

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, the man sadly died at the scene.

He has today been named as 19-year-old Max Moy Wheatley who was from the Orpington area.

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.

Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Laura Semple said: “Our thoughts remain with Max’s family and friends as they continue to struggle with coming to terms with him being taken from them in such a violent way.

“My team is continuing to work in the area, and we are reviewing local CCTV footage to try and establish exactly what happened.

“Today, I am again asking for your help. Were you in the area at the time of the attack? We need to know what you saw or heard. Has someone told you anything that might help us?

“Please come forward and speak with officers, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police launch appeal to find man who exposed himself on bus

Detectives investigating an offence of exposure and sexual assault on board a bus in Lewisham have released an image of a man they would like to identify.

The incident occurred on a 136 bus on Saturday 6 May 2023 at around 05:20hrs. The bus had just left New Crossgate Fire Station shortly before and was heading towards Elephant and Castle when a man is alleged to have exposed himself and masturbated in front of a young woman.

Detective Superintendent Ross Morrell said: “This was a very unpleasant incident and the young woman involved was understandably left very shaken.

“We are very keen to speak to the man pictured and urge anyone who can identify him to call police immediately.”

If you recognise the person pictured or can help police identify him, or alternatively have any information that may assist the investigation, then please call Police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting CRIS 3211676/23.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following a murder in north London.

Police were called just after 23.00hrs on Sunday, 24 September to Olympic Way, Wembley to reports of a stabbing.

Officers attended the location where they discovered a man – aged in his mid-20s – with stab injuries. They immediately commenced CPR ahead of the arrival, a short time later, of colleagues from the London Ambulance Service, who continued to treat the victim. He was taken by ambulance to a north London hospital, but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The victim’s next of kin have been informed, however we await formal identification at this time. A post mortem examination will be held in due course.

Detectives from Specialist Crime North have launched an investigation and are carrying out various lines of inquiry as they attempt to identify those responsible.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers said: “My team are working at pace to establish what has led to this tragic incident, and as we continue to carry out numerous inquiries to trace and speak to witnesses, as well as analysing CCTV footage, we are appealing to the public to help us.

“We understand the victim was chased and attacked by a group of suspects. Were you in the area at the time? Did you see anything suspicious? Any detail – no matter how small – could assist us with our investigation so please do come forward and speak to police. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, who is in charge of policing in Brent, said: “My thoughts, and those of all my officers, are with the family and friends of this young man who has very tragically lost his life far too soon. I know that this incident will raise serious concern and worry in the community, and want to assure the all those affected that our colleagues from the Specialist Crime Command are working tirelessly to find those responsible, and local officers are assisting them in every way possible.

“The public can help us in this endeavour by speaking to officers if they have any information which could be relevant to the investigation. There will be more officers in and around the area in the coming days to provide reassurance. Please do speak to them with any concerns you have or information you would like to pass on.”

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation team is asked to call the incident room on 0208 345 3715 or 101 – quoting CAD7764/24Sep. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has died in a collision with a taxi and street furniture while the motorcycle he was riding was being followed by police officers. A pillion passenger on the motorcycle sustained non life-threatening injuries and was arrested after being found with a machete.

At around 06:45hrs on Monday, 25 September, two officers on patrol on marked police motorcycles became aware of a motorcycle travelling through a red light on Oxford Street.

The motorcycle, which failed to stop for police, was being ridden by two males. It was followed into Tottenham Court Road.

A short time later, the motorcycle was in collision with a taxi and street furniture on Tottenham Court Road near to Warren Street tube station.

Officers provided first aid prior to the arrival of ambulance colleagues. Despite their efforts, the rider of the motorcycle was pronounced dead at the scene. The man’s family will be supported by specialist officers.

The pillion passenger was found to be in possession of a machete. He has been arrested and taken to hospital for treatment to leg and arm injuries.

The Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) launched an investigation alongside colleagues from the Met’s Roads and Transport Policing Command. The Independent Office for Police Conduct have been informed and we are advised that they have launched an independent investigation.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A reward is being offered for information as detectives investigating a fatal collision in Barnet appeal for information one-year on from the incident.

Bhagwanji Rughani, who was aged 80 at the time of the incident, died after being struck by a white van in the car park of a supermarket on Saturday, 24 September 2022.

Mr Rughani’s family said: “The whole family are devastated with the tragic loss of our loving father and we all miss him dearly everyday.“

The £20,000 reward is being offered by the independent charity Crimestoppers and is available to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the death of Mr Rughani. To be eligible for the reward you must provide your information to Crimestoppers.

Detective Constable Jonathan Stokes from the Met’s Road and Transport Policing Command leads the investigation – he said: “It is now one-year since this tragic incident and Mr Rughani’s family and friends remain shattered by his death. A reward of £20,000 is available for anyone who can provide information to Crimestoppers that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

“I would appeal to anyone who knows who was driving that van, or anyone who has information that could progress this investigation to get in contact immediately.”

Alexa Loukas, Crimestoppers London Regional Manager, said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Mr Rughani, who are still feeling the pain of losing a loved one in such an awful way. Please remember that with our charity, we promise no police, no courts, no witness statements. All you have to do is tell us what you know.

“Crimestoppers, which is completely independent of the police, keeps its promise of 100% anonymity to more than a thousand people who trust us with their crime information every single day.

“Share what you know by calling our UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week or use our website’s secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No one will ever know you contacted us. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address and we never ask for or record any personal information.”

Police are also releasing footage showing the van involved. It is believed that two white men were in the van that day and the van was on cloned registration plates. At approximately 16:50hrs on 24 September 2022 the van was seen driving around the Tesco car park in the Coppetts Centre in Colney Hatch.

The van came to a sudden stop and then quickly reversed, colliding with Mr Rughani. It then drove from the scene without stopping. Mr Rughani was taken to hospital where he died from his injuries the following day.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 020 8246 9820 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD 4826/24Sep22.

To be eligible for the Crimestoppers reward and to stay completely anonymous, please contact the independent charity on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

= Two men were arrested as part of this investigation but have been released with no further action.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

We are aware of media reporting suggesting that all firearms officers have stepped back from armed duties.

This is not correct. Met officers still make up the vast majority of armed resources deployed across London.

Below is our latest statement on the availability of armed officers:

Senior officers, including the Commissioner, have been meeting with firearms officers in recent days as they reflect on the CPS decision to charge NX121 with murder.

Many are worried about how the decision impacts on them, on their colleagues and on their families. They are concerned that it signals a shift in the way the decisions they take in the most challenging circumstances will be judged.

A number of officers have taken the decision to step back from armed duties while they consider their position.

We are in ongoing discussions with those officers to support them and to fully understand the genuinely held concerns that they have.

The Met has a significant firearms capability and we continue to have armed officers deployed in communities across London as well as at other sites including Parliament, diplomatic premises, airports etc.

To ensure that we can continue to keep the public safe and respond to any eventualities, since Saturday evening Met firearms officers have been supported by a limited number of armed officers from other UK forces.

The Ministry of Defence has agreed to a request to provide the Met with counterterrorism support should it be needed.

This is a contingency option that would only be used in specific circumstances and where an appropriate policing response was not available.

Armed forces personnel will not be used in a routine policing capacity.

We will keep these measures under review. Met officers still make up the vast majority of armed resources deployed across London.