Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Willesden Green on Saturday, 28 December.

Police were called at 04:16hrs following reports of a stabbing in Linacre Road, NW2.

The victim sustained a stab wound and died on the way to hospital. The victim has been identified as 35-year-old Recorda Davey-Ann Clarke, known as Ricardo to friends and family. His family are aware and continue to receive support from specialist officers.

An investigation was launched, and a man was arrested on Saturday, 28 December.

Elyas Moussa, 29 of no fixed abode, has since been charged with murder. He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 30 December.

Officers continue to appeal for anyone with information and any witnesses yet to speak with police to call 101 and quote CAD 1013/28dec. To remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers will be on duty across London tomorrow night to keep the public safe as they welcome in 2025.

The Met will have dedicated resources in central London working alongside the organisers of the main fireworks display which takes place around South Bank and Victoria Embankment. The event is fully sold out and there will be no access to anyone without tickets.

Stewarding teams will have primary responsibility for crowd control, but there will also be a highly visible police presence, with officers ready to respond to any incidents requiring their intervention.

This year the non-profit organisation Safer Spaces will once again be supporting the Met to prevent and respond to incidents of violence against women and girls and all forms of domestic abuse and sexual violence. The team, which is supported by the Mayor of London’s office, will be providing a safe and supported space in Waterloo station, as well as specialist outreach support throughout the event.

Anyone who feels unsafe, uncomfortable, or who has been subject to any form of harm and for whatever reason does not feel comfortable approaching a police officer, can look out for the outreach team or drop in to see them at Waterloo. The service is independent of the police, but we are working closely with them to make sure anyone wishing to report a crime gets the right response, at the right time, and feels safe doing so.

While much of the attention will inevitably be on central London, the Met’s policing operation spans all 32 London boroughs with officers on duty in communities right across the city providing reassurance and responding to emergency calls.

Commander Nick John, who is leading the New Year’s Eve policing operation, said: “We have been working with our partners for many months in preparation for tomorrow.

“New Year’s Eve is always a night where demand is greater and I want to acknowledge the efforts of Met officers, staff, volunteers and Special Constables – as well as our colleagues in the other emergency services – who will be away from their families working hard to make sure everyone has a safe and enjoyable night.

“London is expected to be exceptionally busy, particularly in the West End and surrounding areas. Please plan your evening ahead of time, including your journey home. Where possible, we would encourage people to attend organised events.

“Anyone planning to come into the centre of London should be aware that the main fireworks display on the Embankment is a fully ticketed event and is sold out.

“Regrettably in recent years we have seen an increase in incidents where a minority have tried to illegally force entry into ticketed events, putting everyone’s safety at risk. Anyone trying to gain entry in this way tomorrow could be arrested and could face prosecution.

“Finally I would encourage everyone to be vigilant, to keep their eyes and ears open and to report anything suspicious either by speaking to an officer or by dialling 999.

“On behalf of the Met, I wish all Londoners, and those visiting our city to celebrate, a very Happy New Year.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation is under way following a stabbing in Willesden Green, North West London.

At approximately 04:16hrs on Saturday, 28 December police were called to reports of a stabbing in Linacre Road, NW2.

Officers and London Ambulance and Air Ambulance paramedics attended the scene.

A man was found suffering serious stab injuries – despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.

While formal identification has yet to take place, officers are confident the victim was a male in his 30s. Officers are working to identify his next of kin and they will be supported by specialist officers.

Road closures remain in place around the scene as work continues to gather evidence.

There have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference 1013/28DEC.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Today (27/12/2024) 30-year-old Anthony Gilheaney has been charged with four counts of attempted murder, causing serious injury by driving whilst disqualified, driving a motor vehicle dangerously and possession of a bladed article in a public place. He was remanded into police custody and is due to appear at Westminster magistrates court today (27/12/2024). One victim remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment in hospital.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said:

“The suspect was arrested within minutes of his violent attack in the early hours of Christmas Day in Central London. Since then, investigators have worked tirelessly to build the case and have today charged Anthony Gilheaney with four counts of attempted murder.

“Our thoughts now are with the victims, one of which remains in critical condition in hospital.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police were called at 00:45hrs on Wednesday, 25 December following reports of a road traffic collision and a car driving on the wrong side of the road on Shaftesbury Avenue, W1.

Four pedestrians have been taken to hospital with one remaining in a life-threatening condition.

The driver, a 31-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said “Officers responded quickly to this report, working closely with City of London Police to arrest a man within minutes.

“Detectives are quickly progressing enquiries as part of this investigation. It’s believed that the suspect was involved in an altercation at a nightclub prior to getting in his car and mounting the pavement.

“Several scenes remain in place at the location today.

“This has been confirmed as an isolated incident which is not terror related.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or post @MetCC ref CAD 233 of 25 December.

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

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been convicted of murder after he was identified following the forensic analysis of discarded cigarettes at the scene.

Zak Baako, 29 (06.08.95) of no fixed address was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Friday, 20 December of offences including the murder of 27-year-old Michael Patrick Afonso Peixoto.

On 19 December 2023, police were called to Mayfield Crescent in Thornton Heath at around 22:30hrs following reports of a man being seriously assaulted.

Officers arrived alongside the London Ambulance Service and located Michael on the floor with multiple stab wounds.

He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene and a murder investigation was launched by detective from the Specialist Crime Command.

Enquiries revealed that a group of men were seen arriving at Mayfield Crescent and waiting in a white BMW for around 30 minutes. Michael and a friend arrive at the location in a Vauxhall Grandland.

Michael got out of the car and was confronted by a man holding a large knife.

Michael was stabbed multiple times, including once in the chest, as he attempted to get back to the car. The suspects then threatened his friend with a knife and forced her out of the car, before stealing it. The car was located abandoned nearby.

During searches of the area following Michael’s death, officers located cigarette butts on the floor, near to where the BMW was parked.

Following forensic analysis, these were matched to Baako, John Budal, 20 (07.03.04) of Ena Road, Thornton Heath, and Omari Peat, 23 (01.03.01) of Southampton Gardens, Mitcham.

All three were arrested and charged with murder and robbery within a month.

Following a four-week-trial at the Old Bailey, the jury returned with verdicts on Friday, 20 December.

Zak Baako was found guilty of murder and robbery.

John Budal was found not guilty of murder, and guilty of manslaughter and robbery.

Omari Peat was found not guilty of murder or manslaughter, and guilty of robbery.

All three men will appear at the Old Bailey on 13 January 2025 for sentencing.

Detective Inspector Martin Thorpe said: “Zak Baako arrived that day, armed with a knife and was prepared to use it against Michael Afonso Peixoto.

“It’s been just over a year since Michael was killed, leaving his family including his young son devastated.

“Whilst this Christmas will be no easier than the last for his family, I hope that this result allows them to start moving forward.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Met is renewing its reward of up to £20,000 for help finding the remains of a murdered woman, as her family face their second Christmas without her.

The reward is on offer for information leading to the recovery of the remains of 48-year-old Fiona Holm.

Fiona was last seen alive leaving a residential address in Verdant Lane, Catford, on 20 June, 2023. She was reported missing nine days later.

Her partner, Carl Cooper, was jailed for life in July for her murder which took place in the living room of his flat in Broadfield Road, Catford. Cooper lied to Fiona’s family and police, and took extensive steps to cover up the killing. Fiona’s body has never been recovered.

Cooper was also convicted of murdering another girlfriend, 41-year-old Naomi Hunte, who was found dead at her home in Woolwich in 2022.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, who leads the investigation, said: “My team has carried out a huge amount of work to try to find Fiona, using specialist teams to search areas she was known to frequent, open spaces, bodies of water, houses, cars and lockups. Thousands of hours of CCTV has been seized and viewed, substantial mobile phone enquiries have been reviewed and hundreds of witness statements have been taken, including interviews with Fiona’s family and friends. Those efforts have continued since Cooper’s conviction.

“This Christmas, our thoughts are with Fiona’s family, who are still waiting for answers almost two years after her tragic murder. Our thoughts are also with Naomi’s family at this difficult time.

“I am appealing to anybody who may be able to assist the ongoing search for Fiona’s remains to come forward, no matter how insignificant you think your information could be. Perhaps now Cooper has been convicted, you feel able to come forward and tell us what you know or have heard.”

Fiona’s family have described her as a kind and loving person, and say they are tormented by the lack of closure.

Fiona’s daughter Savannah said: “This year is the second Christmas without my beloved mother. As the heartache still continues, the restless nights go on knowing that she has been out there this long, and no-one has come forward with any information, which I find disturbing.

“The thought of us finding her remains is sickening to think about, but this would also bring my whole family peace.

“My Nan has not been the same since. The only thing she worries about is where her daughter is, as she wants her to be found. Nan misses her daughter’s big heart and kind ways the most.”

If you have any information, please contact the incident room on 020 8721 4005, or 999 if you need urgent police attendance. If you want to give your information anonymously, you can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with the murder of 42-year-old Gemma Devonish in Carshalton.

The 38-year-old man, who was known to Gemma, was arrested in the early hours of Friday, 20 December. On Saturday, 21 December, he was charged with her murder.

The man is James Madden, 38, (25/03/1986) of Railton Road, SE24. He will appear in custody at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 23 December.

Officers await the conclusion of a post-mortem examination.

Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two officers have been convicted of assaulting a 16-year-old boy who they were transporting to hospital for a mental health assessment.

Following a trial at Westminster Magistrates’ Court which concluded on Friday, 20 December, PC Sevda Gonen, 33, was found guilty of two counts of assault by beating – one for using unlawful force when searching the victim and the second for slapping him and holding his hair. PC Stuart Price, 35, was found guilty of one count of using unlawful force when searching the victim.

Both officers, who are attached to the North Area Basic Command Unit, will be sentenced on Thursday, 24 January.

The officers were convicted following an investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) in relation to an incident on 14 November 2023 when officers were voluntarily transporting a 16-year-old boy to hospital for a mental health assessment, as there were no ambulances available to immediately take him.

Area Commander Hayley Sewart, said: “We know this incident had a significant impact on the victim and his family, and I would like to apologise to them for the distress and upset caused. Very sadly, what started out as an attempt to get the right medical attention for a teenager in mental health crisis quickly escalated to the events we saw unfold that day.

“The actions of PC Gonen in slapping the victim are deeply troubling and fall well below the standards and behaviour we expect from our officers. An internal review of the incident raised concerns about her actions and as a result we referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“We will continue to exercise such diligence where standards are not being upheld.

“The decision to charge and subsequently convict the officers with assault because the search was deemed to be unlawful, however, raises important questions and we need to now take some time to understand the outcome and carefully consider the possible wider implications for officers and policing in general.”

+ PC Gonen is suspended. PC Price remains on restricted duties. Now that criminal matters have concluded, we will be liaising with the IOPC regarding misconduct procedures.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of Michelle Sadio have issued an image of individuals they are keen to speak to.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command are leading the investigation into Michelle’s murder and have today released an image of people they believe may have information about the occupants of a car linked to the shooting.

The car, a black Kia Niro with distinctive alloys, with the number plate LA23 XRE was being driven by the suspects who then fired a number of shots in Gifford Road, NW10 on Saturday, 14 December.

Michelle was one of three people injured and she sadly died at the scene.

Following the shooting, the car was driven from Gifford Road to Barnhill Road where it was then abandoned and set alight.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our investigation has progressed at pace but we are still keen to hear from anyone who can help piece together the series of events which led to Michelle’s murder.

“We have an image of a number of people who were seen speaking to the occupants of a black Kia Niro of interest on Church Road, NW10 at 20:50hrs on Saturday, 14 December.

“Are you one of the people pictured in the white Mercedes or on the pavement nearby, or do you recognise anyone? Did you hear or see something either before or after the shooting that may help with the investigation?

“I would like to stress that none of those pictured have done anything wrong. They may not live in the area but they could hold information that is important to the investigation and I urge them to contact us.”

At approximately 21:15hrs on Saturday, police were called to reports of the shooting, which happened as Michelle and others were standing outside the church following a wake. Officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene.

Michelle, aged 44, was found suffering serious injuries – despite the efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Michelle’s family have been informed and continue to be supported by specialist officers. They have requested that media respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Two men, both aged in their 30s, also suffered injuries. One remains in hospital in a critical condition; the other man’s injuries are not life threatening.

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

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference CAD 7137/14DEC.

You can also provide information, or upload images and footage, through the online portal here or by scanning the attached QR code.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.