Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been arrested in the Royal Mews area adjacent to Buckingham Palace.

At 01:25hrs on Saturday, 16 September, officers at Buckingham Palace responded to a person climbing the wall and entering the Royal Mews.

Following a search, a 25-year-old man was detained by officers outside the stables in the Royal Mews. At no point did the man enter Buckingham Palace or the Palace Gardens.

The man has been arrested under the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act for trespassing on a protected site. He has been taken into custody at a London police station where he remains.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following a man’s death in Surbiton.

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service (LAS) at 21:30hrs on Tuesday, 12 September to reports of a man injured on the A3 Hook Rise North.

Officers and LAS attended. Despite the efforts of paramedics the 50-year-old man died at the scene.

At this early stage it is believed that the man fell from a bridge before being struck by at least one car.

His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

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

The driver failed to stop but was located a short time later. He was arrested on suspicion of failing to stop at the scene of a collision and bailed pending further enquiries.

Detectives from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit are investigating. They would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or the moments leading up to it.

They would also like to hear from anyone who may have captured the incident on dash cam.

Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the full facts of the incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 020 8543 5157 or via 101 quoting reference CAD 8676/12Sep.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have charged a second man after a shooting in Walthamstow left a man seriously injured.

Anthony Diamond Brown, 22 (24.05.01), of no fixed address was charged on Friday, 15 September, with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life.

He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, 16 September.

Previously, Desharn Felix, 21 (13.11.01), of no fixed address, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of ammunition with intent to endanger life and possession of cannabis.

He appeared in custody at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 7 July. He will next appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 22 January 2024.

An investigation was launched after police were called at 22:44hrs on Saturday, 17 June to reports of a firearms discharge in Blackhorse Lane, E17.

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service. A 22-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound.

He was taken to hospital in a critical condition. His injuries were later assessed as not life-threatening and was discharged.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for help to identify two men following a robbery in Neasden.

The incident happened at about 19:00hrs on 28 June, when a woman, aged in her 20s, was approached by an unknown man in North Circular Road, near Brendon Avenue, NW10, who stole her handbag.

The victim received minor injuries to her arm, and was left distressed as a result of the incident.

Officers launched an investigation and have completed a number of enquiries in and around the local area including extensive CCTV trawls but so far the suspects have remained unidentified.

Detectives are now releasing an image of two men they would like to speak with in hope that the public will help to progress the investigation.

Anyone who recognises the men in this image or has any information that could assist should call 101 or contact @MetCC quoting 6895/28JUN.

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

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Following the decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee, Superintendent Gabriel Cameron, Lambeth Neighbourhood Police lead, said:

“Our thoughts today are with the loved ones of Rebecca Ikumelo, Gaby Hutchinson and the young woman who remains critically injured.

“Following the decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee, we will work with the applicant and Lambeth Council to ensure the public can once again enjoy events at the Academy – but in an environment where their safety is paramount.

“It has always been the aim of the Met Police to ensure that the venue is operated safely for the public, and it is run by a licensee who will take all necessary steps to ensure this is the case.

“It has never been our aim to ask for the venue itself to be permanently closed. We absolutely recognise the cultural importance of it and its place at the heart of Lambeth.

“Our investigation to establish the circumstances of what caused the tragic incident on 15 December 2022 is ongoing. We want to thank everyone who has already been in touch with information, and encourage anyone else who was present to come forward and provide any information they may hold.”

+ You can share information and footage here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS22U62-PO1, or you can call the investigating team directly on 020 7321 9425. Alternatively, to remain 100% anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for witnesses and any road users with dashcam footage following a fatal collision in Harrow.

Officers were called to the junction of Kenton Lane and College Hill Road in Harrow Weald by the London Ambulance Service at 08:55hrs on Friday 15 September, following reports of a collision involving a cyclist and a car.

The cyclist, a woman in her 20s, was taken to hospital where she sadly died of her injuries. Her family have been informed and will be supported by officers.

Road closures remain in place in the area as we continue the investigation and a full examination of the scene.

The Met’s Serious Collisions Investigation Unit is leading the investigation into the collision. There have been no arrests.

Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to call 020 8246 9820 quoting CAD 1842/15SEP.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in Croydon are continuing to appeal for information from the public.

Police were called shortly after 18:00hrs on Tuesday, 12 September to reports of people fighting on North Walk in New Addington.

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service. Two men were found nearby with stab wounds.

Bradley Hutchins, aged 20, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family are being supported by specialist officers.

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

The second man, aged 19, was taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed to return on a date in mid-October.

Detective Inspector Jason Fitzpatrick, leading the investigation, said: “We have spoken to several people as part of our enquiries, however we believe there may be others who witnessed the incident or the moments leading up to it and would ask them to come forward.

“We are continuing to review CCTV and would also ask anyone who has a video doorbell, or who was driving in the area with a dash cam, to please check their footage.

“It is vital that we establish what happened and locate those responsible.”

Superintendent Mitch Carr, from the South Area BCU, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with Bradley’s family and friends who have suffered an unimaginable loss.

“We know that there will also be significant concerns within the wider community in New Addington and you will see additional officers in the area, while we continue to investigate this tragic crime.

“I would ask that you speak with them if you have any information. It is only by working together that we can reduce violent crime, and we need your help with this investigation.”

Any witnesses are asked to call 101 or post @MetCC quoting reference CAD 6879/12Sep. To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A priceless seventh-century bronze statue will be returned to Vietnam thanks to the meticulous work of specialist Met detectives and US Homeland Security.

The statue was allegedly stolen in 2008 from the My Son Sanctuary, a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site, in Quang Nam province of Vietnam.

It was bought in 2009 by Douglas Latchford, who has since died, a dealer and collector of artefacts from across Southeast Asia.

He was at the centre of a long-running investigation into the alleged looting of cultural property from the 1970s onwards. This investigation, led by US Homeland Security, continues.

DC Ray Swan, of the Met’s Art and Antiques Unit, said: “We have been working closely with our US counterparts and the Vietnam Embassy in London. We are delighted that this phase of the investigation has now come to a positive conclusion.

“We are happy that this part of Vietnam’s heritage will be returning to its home fifteen years after it was stolen, and are proud of the Met’s role in its recovery.

“It is particularly fitting that this should take place this year, which marks fifty years of diplomatic relations between the UK and Vietnam”.

The statue is 2m tall, weighs 250kg and represents the Hindu Goddess Kali Durga.

In 2017 an investigation was opened into Douglas Latchford by US Homeland Security officials, in New York, over the alleged theft of antiques.

As part of this a formal request was made to the Met for their assistance. Douglas Latchford died in 2020.

The statue was handed over to officials at the Vietnam Embassy in London in a ceremony on Wednesday September 13.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection following an allegation of rape in Edgware.

At around 00:40hrs on Wednesday, 6 September the victim, a man in his 20s, was outside Edgware underground station in Station Road on his way home from a night out with friends.

He was approached by a man who began talking to him, before allegedly raping him in a nearby car park area.

The victim alerted police, who then launched an investigation. The man continues to be supported by specially trained officers.

Following extensive enquiries detectives have released an image of a man they want to speak to.

Anyone who recognises the man, or who can assist with the investigation, is asked to call 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 3688/15SEP23.

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

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A Highbury man who raped, assaulted and controlled his ex-partner has been jailed for 10 years.

Richard Summers, 35 (10.02.87), of Highbury Park was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Thursday, 14 September at Snaresbrook Crown Court for rape, assault occasioning actual bodily harm and coercive and controlling behaviour.

He has also been issued with a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and added to the sex offenders register for 15 years.

The court heard how Summers had a long history of dangerous assaults and violence towards his ex-partner.

On Saturday, 4 March at approximately 1pm, police were called to a pub in Highbury Barn, N5 by a member of the public who saw the victim-survivor injured and in distress. When officers arrived, she disclosed that Summers entered her bedroom while under the influence of cocaine and forced her to have sex with him.

The victim attempted to fight back but Summers remained forceful, repeatedly punching her in the face and hitting her over the head with a glass ashtray. The victim was able to escape only when Summers fell asleep.

Detective Constable Max Orange, who led the investigation, said: “Summers is a predatory offender, who traumatised and abused his ex-partner in a sickening way. We are certain that he posed a real danger to other women who may have come into contact with.

“I’d like to thank the dedicated team of officers who left no stone unturned in their relentless pursuit of Summers – and I hope yesterday’s sentencing serves as a reflection of our commitment to bringing predators to justice and protecting women and girls in our city.”

As part of the investigation, officers supported the victim-survivor and provided significant safeguarding measures. They offered specialist support and signposted the victim-survivor to partner agencies for care and support.

During interviews with police, Summers lied throughout. He claimed the victim sustained her injuries from riding her bike into a lamppost and asserted that he had never raped her, further showing his lack of remorse for the crimes he had committed.

Summers was brought to trial on Monday, 4 September and pleaded guilty to assault. After a seven day trial the jury were sent out to consider verdicts for the remaining offences. After approximately 8 hours of deliberation, they returned guilty verdicts for rape and coercive and controlling behaviour.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Ridley, public protection lead for Islington added: “Summers is clearly a very dangerous individual and I’m pleased that he has been brought to justice. Detectives leading this case have demonstrated our determination to make London a safer place for women and girls, tackling the scourge of domestic violence.

“We know that there is more work to be done in protecting women and girls across the capital which is a top priority in our New Met for London plan. Every day we are making strides to work with partners to support victims and track down predatory offenders.”