Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers have named a man who died following a stabbing in Farringdon.

Abdul-Latif Pouget, aged 20 from Camden, sadly died in hospital on the morning of 21 October after being stabbed.

An investigation was launched after police were called to Back Hill, EC1 at 21:36hrs on Friday, 18 October, following reports of a moped colliding with a wall.

While paramedics from the London Ambulance Service were treating Abdul-Latif, they found he also had stab injuries. He was taken to hospital but sadly died. His family are aware and being supported by specialist officers.

Oguzcan Dereli, 26 (08.04.98) of Islington, was arrested on Sunday, 20 October and charged with murder the following day – he appeared at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 October and was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 24 October.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote reference CAD 8294/18Oct.

Alternatively, you can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation has been launched and the victim named after a teenage boy was found with a fatal injury in Islington.

Police were called by London Ambulance Service [LAS] at 00:12hrs on Tuesday, 22 October to reports of a possible collision at Courtauld Road.

Officers and LAS attended and 16-year-old Deonte Mowatt-Slater was found with a serious injury.

Medics fought to save Deonte but, despite their efforts, he sadly died at the scene.

A murder investigation has been launched led by Detective Chief Inspector Neil John. He said: “We are in the very early stages of our investigation. At this point it is unclear exactly where Deonte was when he suffered his injury. He was found injured on Courtauld Road along with his motorcycle.

“We are working hard to establish the sequence of events that led to this tragic loss of a young life.

“I am keen to hear from anyone who witnessed, or has footage of, any part of this incident.

“A number of crime scenes remain in place while we continue with our enquiries, and I would like to thank local residents in advance for their patience.

“Today a family has received the worst possible news – if you have information about this incident please do the right thing and get in touch.”

Deonte’s family have been notified and they are being supported by specialist officers.

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

There have been no arrests.

Anyone with information or footage/dash-cam relating to this incident should call the Incident Room on 020 8358 0100, call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting 95/22OCT.

Information can also be submitted at our Operation BIdwarm Public Information Portal.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Four men have been convicted for their active role in the murder of Naython Muir in Hounslow.

Mahdi Mumin, 24 (01.12.99) of Slough, Khalfani Sinclair, 23 (04.08.01), of Hayes, Phillip Jones, 48 (18.08.76), of Feltham and Christian Braimah, 24 (12.03.00) of West Drayton appeared at the Old Bailey for a trial on Monday, 2 September. On Tuesday, 22 October they were convicted as follows:

– Mumin was convicted of murder [unanimous verdict]
– Sinclair was convicted of murder [unanimous verdict]
– Jones was convicted of murder [majority verdict]
– Braimah was convicted of manslaughter – he was found not guilty of murder [majority verdict]

All four were remanded in custody to appear for sentencing at the same court on Thursday, 28 November.

An investigation was launched after police were called at approximately 22:45hrs on 13 October 2023 to reports of a stabbing on Parkside Road, TW3.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended but despite their efforts 43-year-old Naython Muir from Hounslow sadly died at the scene.

A post-mortem examination established the cause of Naython’s death to have been a stab wound.

Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie, the senior investigating officer who led the investigation, said: “These convictions are the result of a meticulous, dedicated and thoroughly professional police investigation.

“Naython, who was also known as ‘Nayff’, was a caring father, son and brother who had his own struggles in life.

“He was being used as a pawn by a drugs line to exert their control of drug supply within the Hounslow area.

“When Naython crossed paths with the defendants he was ambushed and subjected to a sudden, unprovoked, violent and ultimately fatal assault using a Zombie type knife.

“During the trial, Naython’s family were present every day and listened to deeply traumatising evidence of the events leading up to his murder. I would like to pay tribute to their strong family bond and determination in what was clearly a deeply traumatising time for them. They continue to be supported by my team.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers have charged a man with murder following the death of a man who was found with stab injuries on Friday.

Police were called to the scene at Back Hill, Farringdon, at 21:36hrs on Friday, 18 October, following reports of a moped colliding with a wall. Officers attended with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

When medics were treating the 20-year-old man, they found he also had stab wound injuries.

He was taken to hospital but sadly died of his injuries on Monday, 21 October. The man’s family are being supported by specialist officers – we await confirmation that family members have been informed before releasing the victim’s name.

Oguzcan Dereli, 26 (08.04.1998) of Islington was arrested on Sunday, 20 October and was charged with murder the following day. He will appear at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court at 10:00hrs on Tuesday, 22 October.

Superintendent Jack Rowlands, one of the senior officers responsible for policing Camden, said: “A young man has tragically died in this incident and our thoughts go out to the victim’s friends and family at this terribly sad time.

“We made a quick arrest, and have been able to bring murder charges against the suspect as we accelerate this investigation following the untimely death of the victim.

“We understand a close-knit community is in shock but we are determined to bring justice for the victim’s loved ones and continue to support the local neighbourhood as best as we can during this difficult time.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote reference CAD 8294/18Oct.

Alternatively, you can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A jury at the Old Bailey has cleared a Met firearms officer of murder following the police shooting of Chris Kaba in Lambeth in September 2022.   
   

Sergeant Martyn Blake, 40, was acquitted unanimously following a trial which ended on Monday, 21 October.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “The jury system is the cornerstone of British justice and today, after two weeks of evidence, 12 men and women have cleared Sgt Martyn Blake of murder.

“Over the past two years Sgt Blake has paid a huge personal and professional sacrifice. This has been an incredibly difficult time for him and his family and he has acted with professionalism and dignity throughout.

“This case has had an enormous impact on many. Chris Kaba’s family and friends continue to grieve the loss of a loved one and today will be tremendously difficult for them.

“Today’s verdict is significant. No firearms officer sets out on duty intent on ending a life. Their sole purpose is the complete opposite – the protection and preservation of life.

“Throughout the trial the jury heard significant detail about the scenes facing Sgt Blake that night. They were told the car Mr Kaba was driving had been linked to a reported shooting the night before, the suspects were still at large, and no gun had been recovered.

“Armed officers bravely intervened not knowing the risks they were about to face. The court heard that Mr Kaba tried to evade police, ramming his vehicle into others around him.

“Sgt Blake made a split-second decision on what he believed was necessary to protect his colleagues and to protect London. The jury decided that was an honestly held belief and the force used was reasonable.

“Any fatal use of force understandably prompts huge concern among communities, particularly in Black communities where trust in policing is low. There remains much for us to do to strengthen confidence in our service, and we know incidents like this place further strain on already challenged relationships.

“No police officer is above the law, but we have been clear the system holding police to account is broken. I worry about the lack of support officers face for doing their best, but most of all I worry for the public. The more we crush the spirit of good officers, the less they can fight crime. That risks London becoming less safe. 

“Our armed officers respond to more than 4,000 incidents each year, but there are only one or two incidents where shots are fired by police. It is undeniable that they are the most professional, most accountable and most cautious in their use of lethal force in the world.

“Their operations have prevented countless acts of violence across our city. Last year alone they removed more than 400 guns from our streets.

“I remain humbled and deeply proud of officers who continue to protect London despite all the risks they face. They continue to have my full and my unwavering support.”

Sgt Blake was suspended throughout this period. His suspension will now be immediately lifted.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man who robbed a woman, and attempted to rob another woman, at gunpoint has been jailed after ­­­Met detectives worked with the victims to build a strong case against the defendant.

Ismail Tajzai, 26, (29.01.98) of Moberly Road, SW4 appeared at Wood Green Crown Court on Friday, 18 October after he pleaded guilty to robbery, attempted robbery and two counts of having an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, namely robbery.

He also pleaded guilty to making a threat to kill, strangulation and perverting the course of justice.

He was sentenced to 14 years in jail. and a restraining order was put in place banning him from contact with the two victims.

The court heard Tajzai committed the offences on February 21 and 22 after arranging an appointment with two sex workers.

In the first incident Tajzai produced a handgun, tied the woman up and then stole approximately £2,000 from her.

The next day, Tajzai attempted to rob a second woman after producing the handgun, which he hit her with. He also attempted to strangle her after she fought back, before he fled.

Detectives in Westminster launched an investigation and identified Tajzai’s DNA and fingerprints at the scene in Kensington.

An extensive CCTV trawl was conducted, which provided facial imagery of Tajzai. The gun and cable ties were recovered at the time of his arrest in a backpack thrown from the balcony at his home address.

Detective Constable Stephanie Clarke, of the Westminster Public Protection team, said: “This case demonstrates the support police will offer to all victims of crime in order to prosecute violent, dangerous men.

“The defendant sought to exploit vulnerable sex workers, and deliberately aimed to commit crimes against a group of people whom he assumed were scared to report crimes to police.

“I had first-hand experience during the investigation of how scared the victims were to report to police, out of fear of repercussions that could be caused to them. I would urge anyone else who has been the victim of similar crime to contact police and an investigation will be launched with specialist support for the victims.”

Detective Inspective Luke Bacon, of the Westminster Public Protection team, said: “I would like to commend my officers for their dedication in identifying this particularly dangerous individual and the swift action they took to ensure his arrest and prosecution. This was a time-sensitive investigation, and I firmly believe that if it were not for the actions they took, more attacks would have occurred.

“I would also like to reserve particular praise for the victims involved in this terrifying case. They showed immense bravery in coming forward to report to the police in the first instance, and in doing so they have ensured that this dangerous individual was caught, prosecuted and convicted.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Between 2005 and 2023, the Met received 21 separate allegations in total against the late Mohamed Al Fayed.

Investigating officers approached the CPS for early investigative advice in relation to 10 of these allegations.

Detectives routinely forward cases to the CPS for early investigative advice to ensure the early development of a joint strategy for the prosecution . As part of this process, the CPS can offer expertise and advice around the evidential picture.

Based on the advice and dialogue with the CPS, no further action was taken in relation to the ten allegations officers sought early investigative advice on.

There was however sufficient evidence to pass two files of evidence to the CPS, which related to two separate allegations. No charges were brought by prosecutors.

The remaining nine allegations were reviewed by officers and no further action was taken. Two of those allegations resulted in no further action as Al Fayed died and therefore there was no prospect of a conviction.

Following recent media coverage and the Met’s public appeals for people to come forward and speak to the police, officers have now been contacted by 60 people reporting their experiences.

Detectives continue to build a fuller picture around the previous allegations against Al Fayed alongside partners in the criminal justice system. Looking forward, investigators are reviewing the new information which has come to light, in an effort to establish if there are any allegations of criminality that can be pursued against others who may have had some involvement in any offending.

Commander Stephen Clayman said: “I want to thank those who have put trust in us and come forward to share their experiences – this will have taken a huge amount of courage and bravery.

“We recognise the significance of the allegations and it is right that a detailed and thorough review takes place on previous allegations. And while we know that it isn’t possible to bring criminal proceedings against someone that has died, our priority is to give any potential victim-survivors a voice and ensure they receive the right care and support.

“We continue to explore a number of new lines of enquiry, thoroughly reviewing any new information and assessing whether there are any allegations of criminality which can be pursued.”

Breakdown of previous allegations

The Met received a total of 21 allegations relating to Al Fayed. These are broken down as follows:

• Investigators sought early investigative advice from the CPS around 10 of these allegations, which subsequently had no further action by police.
• Two allegations were included in two files of evidence passed to the CPS. No charges were brought by prosecutors.
• Two allegations were not referred to the CPS as Al Fayed had died.
• Seven allegations resulted in no further action taken by the police.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Seven men who “retaliated to violence with more violence” have been jailed for a total over 102 years following multiple shootings in Peckham in May 2023.

Tyreke Smikle, 26, Kai Davis Francis, 25, Duan Correa, 21, Shaquille Marsh, 26, Tyreece Quartey, 25, Malachi David Francis, 21 and Timothy Newton, 18 appeared at the Central Criminal Court on Friday, 18 October.

The investigation comes as part of the Met’s strategy to tackle firearms and make the capital safer.

Met detectives launched an investigation into the group in May 2023 after an escalation of violence in the Peckham area.

Officers pieced together the movements of the group, speaking to multiple witnesses and analysing hours’ worth of phone data and CCTV.

Enquiries revealed how in the early hours of Sunday, 7 May an acquaintance of Smikle and Newton was stabbed in Peckham. The pair had visited the victim in hospital before going to collect a bag containing weapons. The two men then met with the rest of the group to form a ‘revenge plan’ for those who had assaulted their friend earlier that day.

CCTV showed the group wearing balaclavas and all splitting up between three vehicles, including a stolen moped. Smikle was carrying a loaded shotgun and ammunition, while the others had machetes and knives.

The groups’ two vehicles pursued a vehicle before Tyreke Smikle fired a shotgun through the driver’s window. The group then pull alongside another vehicle on a nearby street and fired a second time at a second victim. They continued to chase the car, which crashed and flipped over as it tried to drive away. As the third victim ran off, Tyreke Smikle chased him into a nearby garden and shot him in the leg at almost point blank range.

Witnesses also later saw the group in the possession of a large machete.

Thankfully, no one involved received life-threatening injuries.

Detective Constable Luke Martinez, who led the investigation, said:

“This group retaliated to violence with more violence, bringing a firearm and other weapons to the streets of London which could have seriously injured or killed someone.

“These shootings took place during daylight hours, with one occurring just metres away from a mother and her child.

“Today’s sentencing has taken dangerous individuals off the streets – I hope it serves as a stark warning to those seeking to threaten the safety of Londoners by brandishing such dangerous weapons.”

When arresting Tyreke Smikle, officers the shotgun and a quantity of Class A drugs, as well as a stab-proof vest, a knife and burner phones.

Tyreke Smikle was convicted of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm, two counts of wounding with intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearms and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The remaining defendants were convicted of conspiracy to commit Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH).

In addition to the conspiracy to commit Grievous Bodily Harm conviction, Kai Davis-Francis and Timothy Newton were convicted of possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

The group were sentenced to the following:

Tyreke Smikle, 26 (20.03.1998) of Rupack Street, was sentenced to life imprisonment to serve a minimum term of 17 years and seven months.

Kai Davis-Francis, 25 (18.09.1999) of Arngask Road, was sentenced to 17 years and six months in prison.

Timothy Newton, 18 (30.10.2005) of Brackley Avenue, was sentenced to nine years and six months in prison.

Duan Correa, 21 (20.07.2003) of Nunhead Lane, was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Shaquille Marsh, 26 (19.01.1998) of Rainham South Road, was sentenced to 14 years and six months in prison.

Tyreece Quartey, 25 (11.08.1999) of Woodmill Street, was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

Malachi David Francis, 21 (31.05.2003) of Ivydale Road, was sentenced to 14 years and six months in prison.

Smikle was also granted an indefinite Criminal Behaviour Order whilst the others were also given Criminal Behaviour Orders with fixed terms.

Specialist detectives in the Met continue to pursue criminals who use guns and endanger the lives of others. Earlier this year, Met police announced a record low in firearms offences in the last fifteen years across London. Last year alone, 386 illegal firearms were seized across the capital – more than one a day. Since March 2023 there has been a reduction from 196 firearms offences to 145.

Anyone with information relating to firearms or shootings is asked to call 101, while information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

Breakdown of convictions

Tyreke Smikle, 26 (20.03.1998) of Rupack Street, previously found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent and two counts of wounding with intent, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm and possession with intent to supply class A drugs at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

Kai Davis-Francis, 25 (18.09.1999) of Arngask Road, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

Timothy Newton, 18 (30.10.2005) of Brackley Avenue, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

Duan Correa, 21 (20.07.2003) of Nunhead Lane, previously previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

Shaquille Marsh, 26 (19.01.1998) of Rainham South Road, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

Tyreece Quartey, 25 (11.08.1999) of Woodmill Street, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

Malachi David Francis, 21 (31.05.2003) of Ivydale Road, previously was found guilty of conspiracy to commit GBH with intent at a hearing at The Central Criminal Court on the 18 July 2024.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man with a multimillion pound property empire has been convicted for supplying drugs and money laundering as a result of proactive investigation by Met officers.

Richard Baxter, 50 (20.07.1974), of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to the following offences at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, 18 October:

• Conspiracy to supply Heroin
• Conspiracy to supply Cocaine
• Conspiracy to transfer criminal property – cash

The conviction demonstrates the Met’s proactive work in tackling the crimes that matter most to London residents. The public regularly tell officers about their concerns of drug dealing within local communities, and how it can bring violence and anti-social behaviour into the neighbourhood. This is why the Met is working harder than ever to tackle these crimes.

In August 2024, Spanish police arrested Baxter in Valencia and he was extradited back to the UK to be remanded in custody.

As part of their investigation, specialist officers investigating criminal gangs operating in London discovered that Baxter was one of the key figures of a group smuggling hundreds of kilos of cocaine and heroin, before laundering money through various companies.

As part of their investigation, officers discovered Baxter owned a home in Surrey, with a property empire across the south-east of England. All four properties and a holiday chalet with a total approximate value of £1.5m of houses have been seized as part of the investigation.

Detective Constable David Lawn, who led the investigation, said: “We have zero-tolerance for anyone who engages in criminal activities and are committed to combat the sale of dangerous and illegal drugs which pose a threat to the public.

“The Met are deploying specialist resources to tackle drug criminality and make the capital a safer place to live.

“Baxter’s conviction sends out a strong message to those who seek to profit from illegal drug trade – you will be held accountable for your actions in front of the court.”

Met officers are working alongside communities to crack down on individuals who supply drugs in London. As part of the Met’s drive to tackle issues that matter most to communities through our A New Met for London plan, officers are focusing on community crime fighting, acting on residents’ concerns, making London safer for those who live, work and raise a family in the capital.

The supply of drugs has devastating consequences on communities across London and beyond – it causes addiction, having devastating health impacts, as well as leading to anti-social behaviour and violence.

With the help of local communities sharing information, Met officers are acting swiftly to pursue those who seek to cause harm by supplying drugs.

If you want to report a drugs crime, call 999 in an emergency, 101 or report online. Alternatively, this can be reported to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Baxter has been remanded for sentencing at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 5 December.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation has been launched following a stabbing in Kensington and Chelsea in which the victim later died in hospital.

Police were called at about 20:55hrs on Monday, 30 September to reports of a stabbing in the World’s End Estate, SW10.

Officers, alongside the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, attended and found the man suffering a stab wound injury.

He was taken to a central London hospital, where he remained until he sadly died on 17 October.

Police are able to name him as Omarkafi Sahal, who was aged 28. Omarkafi’s family are aware and are being supported by specially trained officers.

The incident was initially investigated by officers in Kensington and Chelsea. Following Omarkafi’s death they have passed the investigation to homicide detectives, led by Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell

DCI Foxwell said: “This is a tragic development in this investigation and my thoughts are with Omarkafi’s family at this time.

“Three men have been charged as part of this investigation prior to Omarkafi’s death and work is ongoing to review those charges as appropriate.

“I would stress however that charges do not indicate the end of our investigation and I would ask anyone with any information who has not already spoken to police to get in touch at the earliest opportunity. Your information could still be vital to our investigation.”

Superintendent Owen Renowden, responsible for policing in Kensington and Chelsea, said: “This is a shocking incident in which a young man has been fatally injured. Officers have worked swiftly to identify those involved and bring charges, and that work continues.

“There has been an increased police presence in the area, which has included the Neighbourhood Policing Teams supported by both specialist officers and partners in the local authority. Any local residents with concerns should speak to an officer or call 101.”

Three men were previously charged with offences relating to the incident where Omarkafi received his injuries and have appeared in court. Following his death, we will liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service as to whether any of these charges will be amended.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 7105/30SEP.

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