Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

UPDATE: On Friday, 16 May at the Old Bailey, Shakeil Thibou was given a life sentence. He must serve a minimum of 29 years, less the 261 days he has spent on remand, before he will be eligible for release.

The press release issued following his conviction is below.

A man who was caught on camera stabbing a mother in front of her three-year old daughter at last year’s Notting Hill Carnival has been found guilty of murder.

Cher Maximen, who was 32, was with friends and her daughter just off the Carnival parade route on Sunday, 25 August 2024 when she was caught up in a fight involving multiple men. She was stabbed and died in hospital six days later.

On Wednesday, 9 April at the Old Bailey, Shakeil Thibou, 20 (29.05.04), of Masbro’ Road, Hammersmith and Fulham, was convicted of Cher’s murder, attempted GBH with intent and possession of an offensive weapon.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “My heart goes out to Cher’s family and friends. She was a loving mother who went to Notting Hill Carnival to enjoy what should have been a carefree day in the company of friends and her young daughter. Her life was ended in the most senseless way.

“In stark contrast, Shakeil Thibou went to Carnival not to be part of the celebration, but to engage in violence. Why else would he have arrived armed with a large knife and seeking confrontation?

“His dangerous actions took Cher’s life and narrowly avoided killing a second man too.

“The investigation team has worked diligently and tirelessly to build a case against him. Their work has made sure Cher’s family and friends have been able to get justice.

“They had to go through the pain of witnessing her final moments throughout the trial. I commend their bravery and the dignified way they have handled this tragedy. I hope that today’s result brings some small amount of closure for them.”

Vyleen Maximen, Cher’s grandmother, said: “Cher, my first born grandchild, my friend. I held you in my arms when you were born. 32 years of loving, of laughing, playing, crying and holidaying with you. I will no longer have that pleasure ever again. Not seeing you get married or have more children.

“Life will never be the same. Ever. We just have to live life, the best that we can and I will raise your daughter Cher, until my last breath. I will never hear your key opening my front door and shouting ‘Hello Nanny’.”

TJ Jacobs, relative of Cher and Godmother to Cher’s daughter, said: “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the jury for helping ensure justice is served for our beloved Cher Maximen – affectionately known to us as Princess Cher, Ri Ri, Churbs, Churburt, Cher Bear and Bear.

“What happened to us has completely turned our lives upside down. Losing Cher has filled our hearts with immeasurable sadness.

“Cher was pure magic – radiant, loving, passionate, and kind. She brought creativity, style and flawless flair to everything she did. She was a dedicated mother, a devoted granddaughter, niece, sister, and friend. This senseless act of violence has cut short a life that had so much more to offer the world and was only just beginning to blossom. Like many young adults, life hadn’t always been easy for Cher, but she was just discovering who she was and who she could become.

“Even when life felt unfair, Cher remained kind, caring, and a fierce protector of those she loved – qualities that were evident even in her final moments. Her smile lit up every corner of every room, and her laugh echoed through hallways. Her journey was an example of resilience against the odds, showing that no matter the challenges, young people can emerge with strength, determination, and the will to strive for better.

“We will never recover from this loss, but we are determined to ensure that Cher’s daughter – now being raised by her beloved great-grandmother (Cher’s much-loved grandmother), along with her village of aunties, uncles, and Godparents – receives the love, support, and care she needs as we navigate life without her. Cher’s four-year-old daughter was her everything – her reason, her drive, and now her legacy. Cher’s unwavering devotion to her role as a mother was evident to all who knew her.

“Our family is devastated, but we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the emergency responders, medical professionals, and law enforcement officers involved in this case.

“Knife crime continues to devastate communities across the UK. The government must urgently address the root causes – the systemic failures in education, children’s services, youth services, mental health services impacting the many disengaged and disenfranchised young people. Offering them the tools to overcome challenges rather than fall victim to them. This is not just about reducing crime; it’s about saving lives, restoring hope, and building safer, stronger communities.”

The court heard that Cher had spent the afternoon with her daughter and her friends among a crowd in Golborne Road which was just off the parade route.

Just before 18:00hrs, a fight broke out in the crowd. CCTV and police officers’ body worn video footage shown during the trial shows Shakeil attempting to stab a man in the abdomen. Cher was caught up in the melee and knocked to the floor, grabbing onto Shakeil’s coat as she tried to get back to her feet.

In an effort to defend herself and her daughter, Cher kicked out and was stabbed in the groin as she did so, falling to the ground.

Officers rushed to her aid and provided emergency medical treatment until the arrival of paramedics. She was transported to hospital in a critical condition but despite the efforts of medical teams she died on Saturday, 31 August.

Video footage showed that moments before Cher was stabbed, Shakeil’s brothers – Sheldon Thibou and Shaeim Thibou, along with an unidentified male, fought with one man. Sheldon can be seen wielding an illegal stun gun. An officer who intervened to try to break up the fight was assaulted by both brothers.

The three brothers and an associate fled the scene, but CCTV footage recovered during the investigation showed that Shakeil, when leaving carnival was captured on CCTV changing his outer clothing with an associate and calmly making his way out of the area.

An investigation started immediately after the incident, with officers running images captured on bodyworn video cameras through facial recognition software, revealing a match for Sheldon and Shaeim Thibou. Further research identified Shakeil.

A significant manhunt was launched which saw officers search a number of addresses across west London.

Shakeil was found lying on the floor under a sleeping bag when officers found him in the early hours of Tuesday, 27 August. During a search of the address they found a distinctive bag he’d been seen wearing on footage captured at Carnival.

His jacket had been discarded at the scene after it came off in the struggle. It was sent for forensic testing and DNA found on it was a 1 in a billion match for Shakeil – further proof that he had committed the stabbing.

Detectives would also spend weeks trawling through hundreds of additional hours of CCTV and body worn video footage, as well as messages on mobile phones recovered at the time of the brothers’ arrest.

This helped to further establish a watertight case that Shakeil and his brothers were at Carnival at the time of Cher’s murder.

Sheldon Thibou, 25 (23.01.00), of Star Road, Hammersmith and Fulham and Shaeim Thibou, 22 (20.02.03), of Charleville Road, Hammersmith and Fulham stood trial alongside their brother.

Sheldon was found guilty of violent disorder. He had also previously pleaded guilty to the possession of an illegal stun gun.

Sheldon and Shaeim were both found guilty of assaulting an emergency worker. 

Shakeil and Shaeim will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 16 May.

Sheldon will be sentenced in due course at a court that is yet to be confirmed.

TJ Jacobs and Vyleen Maximen added:

“We would also like to say a special thank you to:

“Police officers Alex Gammampila, Charlotte Carter, Andy Miller, Kevin Newton, Dan Hobbs and Dave Davies.

“Emma Currie and Peter Hutton from the Crown Prosecution Service.

“Prosecuting Counsel Edward Brown KC and Phillip McGhee.

“Sharon Macaulay, Ravandeep Khela and Wendy Rixon from Taylor Rose Solicitors.

“Barrister Oliver Wooding from St John’s Chambers.

“Gulizar Candemir from the Children’s Team at Freeman Solicitors.

“Barrister Alison Brooks from Staple Inn Chambers.

“These individuals have supported us tirelessly throughout this unimaginable experience. Their efforts and dedication have been a source of comfort during this dark and painful time.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged following an investigation by detectives in the Metropolitan Police Service.

Chris Brown, 36 (05.05.89), who is a US National, was charged on Thursday, 15 May with grievous bodily harm with intent.

He remains in custody and will appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court at 10:00hrs on Friday, 16 May.

The charge relates to an assault, which reportedly took place at a venue in Hanover Square in London, on Sunday, 19 February 2023.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks in north London has been charged.

Roman Lavrynovych 21 (06.02.04), of Sydenham, a Ukrainian national has been charged with three counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

The charges, which were authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service, relate to three incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on 8 May, a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on 11 May and a fire at a residential address in NW5 in the early hours of 12 May.

Due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command have led the investigation into the fires.

Lavrynovych was arrested in the early hours of 13 May and has remained in custody after warrants of further detention were obtained.

He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 16 May.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A serving officer has been convicted of assaulting a man suffering a mental health crisis after he sprayed him with PAVA and stuck him 14 times with a baton while he was already restrained.

PC Rhys Walmer, attached to the East Area Basic Command Unit, was convicted on Thursday, 15 May of causing assault by beating and administering a noxious substance (PAVA) with intent to injure/aggrieve/annoy following a trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court.

He will be sentenced at the same court on Monday, 14 July.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, in charge of policing for the East Area Basic Command Unit, said: “The level of force used by PC Walmer was not proportionate or necessary and his actions have been subject to proper scrutiny and accountability through the legal process.

“I would like to thank the hospital staff for quite rightly raising their concerns with the officer’s supervisor. All officers must be held account for their actions, especially when it comes to use of force. Those found to be using excessive use of force, like PC Walmer, will be brought to justice.”

The court heard that on 3 August 2022, officers from the East Area Basic Command Unit were on hospital guard at an east London hospital for a man who had been arrested and subsequently sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

He was at hospital awaiting an assessment and had been placed in handcuffs, limb restraints and a spit guard.

The victim appeared to be resisting officers and as he attempted to stand up, Walmer deployed his PAVA into his face.

As officers continued to restrain the victim, Walmer delivered a total of 14 strikes with his baton to his right arm and leg – despite the victim already being restrained by three officers and being in limb restraints, handcuffs and a spit guard.

Due to the level of force used by Walmer, hospital staff raised their concerns with a police supervisor. They carried out enquiries and the incident was passed to the local Policing Standard Unit, which referred it to the Directorate of Professional Standards.

Following a thorough investigation, Walmer was charged by postal requisition on 21 June 2024 and was convicted as above.

Walmer was placed on restricted duties in November 2022.

Now that criminal proceedings have taken place, Walmer will face a misconduct hearing at the earliest opportunity.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has determined that force used by two officers during an incident in Fulham was reasonable.

The officers, who are both attached to the Met’s Specialist Firearms Command, will not face any disciplinary action following the mistaken arrest of a man in Fulham Palace Road, SW6 on 4 September 2024.

The man was later de-arrested as soon as officers were able to confirm that he was not involved in the matter they were dealing with.

The incident was investigated by the IOPC following a voluntary referral by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and a public complaint.

Having carefully examined all the available evidence, the IOPC found no case to answer for any officer for misconduct.

They also found no evidence the officers treated the man differently due to his race.

Commander Owain Richards said: “We are pleased the IOPC was able to determine the officers acted in good faith and appropriately. This was a fast-moving incident during which they were trying to detain three men who had fled from police during a pursuit. Their use of force was reasonable in the circumstances.

“Mr Richards was swiftly de-arrested as soon as officers confirmed he was not a suspect, but we absolutely acknowledge how distressing it must have been to be caught up in such an incident.

“We would be happy to meet him to discuss what happened should he wish to do so.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police issue CCTV footage of two teenagers they would like to speak with after kittens killed

The Met is appealing for the public’s help as they release CCTV of two teenagers they want to speak to after two kittens were tortured and killed in Ruislip.

On Saturday, 3 May police received a report from a member of the public stating that two teenagers had allegedly dismembered two kittens in Ickenham Road, Ruislip.

Police immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances and urgent enquiries have been carried out since the first report, but unfortunately, no arrests have been possible so far.

Police Sergeant Babs Rock from the Met has turned to the public to ask for assistance. She said: “This is an incredibly distressing incident which I know has caused concern in the local community.

“We are currently looking to speak with a young boy, described to be 5ft6 with short dark hair. He was wearing a dark jacket with long sleeves, with blue jeans on the day of the incident. He was also seen carrying a black duffel bag, which sadly is thought to have contained the kittens.

“We would also like to speak with the young girl, who accompanied the boy, described to be 5ft6 with long red hair. She was wearing a white top with black shorts. She was also carrying a purple jumper, which she later puts on to wear.

“If you know these two individuals then please come forward to us, we would like to speak with them as soon as possible.”

If you have any concerns about this incident, then you can speak with your local neighbourhood officers who will be happy to support you.

If you have any information then please come forward to police by calling 101 stating CAD3355/03MAY. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

UPDATE On Wednesday, 14 May, a warrant of further detention was obtained at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, meaning the man can be detained for an additional 36 hours.

+++

A man arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks remains in police custody.

The 21-year-old was arrested in the early hours of Tuesday, 13 May on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life.

He was arrested at an address in Sydenham.

The man was taken to a London police station, where he currently remains in police custody.

The arrest relates to three incidents.

On Monday, 12 May at 01:35hrs, police were alerted by the London Fire Brigade to reports of a fire at a residential address in NW5.

Officers attended the scene. Damage was caused to the property’s entrance, nobody was hurt.

As a precaution and due to the property having previous connections with a high-profile public figure, officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command are leading the investigation into this fire. Enquiries are ongoing to establish what caused it.

The investigation team are also considering two other incidents – a vehicle fire in NW5 on Thursday, 8 May and a fire at the entrance of a property in N7 on Sunday, 11 May – and are investigating whether they may be linked to the fire in NW5 on 12 May.

All three fires are being treated as suspicious at this time, and enquiries remain ongoing.

Commander Dominic Murphy, Head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “We are working at pace and continue to explore various lines of enquiry to establish the cause of the fires, and any potential motivation for these. A key line of enquiry is whether the fires are linked due to the two premises and the vehicle all having previous links to the same high-profile public figure.

“We recognise that this investigation may cause concern to other public figures – particularly MPs. The protection of MPs is something we take extremely seriously across the whole of policing and I would encourage any MP who is concerned about their own safety to get in touch with their dedicated local Operation Bridger officer, who can provide further advice and support.

“In the meantime, our investigation remains ongoing and we will continue to work closely with local officers in the areas affected. Residents can expect to see an increased police presence in those areas over the coming days, but if anyone has concerns, then please speak with a local officer, or call us.”

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should call police on 101 quoting CAD 441/12 May.

We would ask the public to remain vigilant and if they see or hear anything that doesn’t look or feel right, then to report it to police – either by calling police, in confidence, on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have now named an 87-year-old man – much loved by his community – as the victim of a murder in Manor House.

John Mackey sadly died on Thursday, 8 May after being robbed around 17:53hrs on Tuesday, 6 May in Goodchild Road.

His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading the investigation, said:

“John was a proud Irishman and an innocent member of the public, and was walking back home after running errands when he was the victim of this tragic incident.

“His family tell us he was one of 11 children. He was born in Callan, County Kilkenny, Ireland and moved to London in the 1950s. He was uncle to a remarkable 22 nieces and nephews and a brother to his remaining four siblings, they will all miss him.

“John’s family describe him as funny and charming. He was a life-long Arsenal fan, who was adored by his family and was loved by his local community.

“His family will join John on one final trip back to Ireland where he’ll be laid to rest.

“I would like to reassure the local community that a man has been charged and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with John’s death.”

Peter Augustine, 58 (25.10.1966), of Green Lanes, Hornsey, was charged on Friday, 10 May, with murder and robbery. He is remanded in custody.

Anyone with information for the investigation team can contact them on 0208 345 3715 quoting 6012/06MAY. If you wish to remain anonymous please contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two teenagers have been convicted of savagely stabbing a young man to death as he ran for his life following a dispute between feuding families.

Ryan Wedderburn, 18 (29.05.06) of Windlass Place, Lewisham, and Kirk Harris, 19 (29.03.06) of Upper Brockley Road, Lewisham, were convicted on Tuesday, 13 May of the murder of 21-year-old Robert Robinson following a trial at the Old Bailey.

They will all be sentenced at the same court on Thursday, 15 May.

Detective Inspector Neil Tovey from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, who led the investigation, said: “I am pleased that we have today secured justice for the family and friends of Robert. He was stabbed to death in a brutal attack in a residential road when numerous families would have been home. Robert was a young man who had his whole life ahead of him, it was instead taken away by Wedderburn and Harris in a senseless attack. Robert tried to run for his life, but was chased down and viciously attacked.

“This was a cowardly attack on Robert, who was outnumbered and unarmed. His family listened to the details of the attack and watched the CCTV of Robert’s last moments. They also heard the evidence from Wedderburn and Harris where they attempted to justify their actions. I am pleased that the jury agreed with the evidence we presented to the court to prove their guilt. I would like to pay tribute to the dignity that Robert’s family and friends have shown throughout the trial.”

Police were called at about 22:35hrs on Thursday, 6 June 2024 to reports of a stabbing in Carteret Way, SE8. Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended but despite their best efforts the victim, later identified as Robert, sadly died at the scene.

He had suffered 12 serious stab wounds, including injuries indicating he tried to defend himself from the attackers.

The court heard that on 6 June 2024, Robert had been with some friends who lived near Wedderburn. Those friends and the Wedderburn family had been close friends until October 2022 when they had a falling out. Tensions had been brewing since that time, with it coming to a head on 6 June 2024.

Earlier that day, one of Robert’s friends allegedly had his bike stolen by a man who was known to be friends with Wedderburn.

The victim wanted to get his bike back, so the friends, Robert and a group went to Wedderburn’s house hoping they would find the bike and the person who stole it. There was no answer, so the group eventually left the address. Some of the group then allegedly damaged two cars belonging to the Wedderburn family.

Shortly afterwards, Wedderburn and Harris left the property in Windlass Place armed with knives and walked to nearby Carteret Way, SE8.

When the defendants arrived at the property in Carteret Way, one of the friends, their mother and Robert spotted them approaching with the knives and ran away. The friend’s mother was on the phone to 999 at the time, reporting the earlier theft of the bike and her son being threatened. Robert was chased and overpowered by Wedderburn and Harris who carried out a savage attack on him.

Wedderburn and Harris then fled on foot and got into a waiting pre-arranged taxi, which was booked by a friend who was acquitted by the jury of perverting the course of justice.

Officers quickly arrived and Wedderburn was named by witnesses as being one of those involved. A 44-year-old man was arrested near the scene shortly afterwards on suspicion of murder. He was acquitted by the jury.

Knowing they were wanted, Harris and Wedderburn handed themselves into the police on 17 June and 19 June 2024 respectively.

Detectives tirelessly scoured CCTV from the area, which clearly showed not only the attack but the defendants being at the scene. The defendants were tracked from the scene and CCTV footage showed they had discarded clothing and weapons. This led to searches of the Thames which recovered clothing worn during the attack and some of the murder weapons.

The defendants admitted their presence and all gave evidence in their defence attempting to justify their actions on the day. Both Wedderburn and Harris admitted to stabbing Robert with Wedderburn claiming self-defence and Harris claiming he did not intend to cause serious harm.

However, CCTV captured Wedderburn and Harris arming themselves with knives and running along the corridor of the building before turning back and arranging for a cab to be booked, in which they later fled the scene.

This evidence led to the defendants being charged and convicted as above.

+ An 18-year-old man is due to stand trial in January 2026 charged with Robert’s murder. A 23-year-old man is due to stand trial in October 2026, charged with perverting the course of justice.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A year on from the fatal shooting of a man in Lambeth, detectives have announced a £20,000 reward as they seek justice for his bereaved family.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime have been leading the investigation into the murder of 26-year-old Jazmel Patterson-Low over the past year.

They hope the offer of this substantial reward will encourage anyone with information to come forward.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe said: “It has been a year since the death of Jazmel and we are still actively searching for those involved.

“We want to know what happened that morning on St Rule Street SW8. We know there was a group of around 40 people gathered there on Friday evening and into the early hours of Saturday morning. If you were there, then you may have crucial information for us.

“I am grateful to those who have come forward already, however we still need more from the public. This is why we are now offering a reward of up to £20,000 for information that leads to the successful charge and conviction of the person responsible.

“Think back to last May, did you witness what happened to Jazmel? Do you know who fired the gun? Did you see anyone running from the St Rule Street area? If you know what happened, then you need to speak to us.

“We will support you throughout, you can also contact Crimestoppers to remain anonymous and your identity will be protected. Alliances change over time, so please do the right thing by coming forward.”

On Saturday, 11 May 2024, police were called by medical staff at 02:30hrs to St Thomas’ Hospital after a man was dropped off in a private car, suffering from a gunshot injury.

Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Jazmel, who lived in Lambeth, sadly died shortly after 03:00hrs.

Jazmel was shot at around 02:25hrs that morning on the Westbury Estate in St Rule Street. A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as a single gunshot wound. Jazmel’s family continue to receive support from specially trained officers

A 25-year-old man was arrested in south London in the early hours of Tuesday, 14 May 2024 on suspicion of murder. He was taken into custody but subsequently released without charge.

Anyone with information that may assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting Op Bulbhorn or CAD 884/11MAY24. You can also submit information via this MIPP link.

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