Category: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A fourth man has been convicted as part of an investigation into the death of a man in Croydon in 2021.

On 5 February 2021, 22-year-old Lavaun Witter was fatally stabbed in the leg with a Samurai sword after four men broke into a flat in Wisbeach Road.

The four men, who were armed with long knives and swords, demanded drugs to be handed over and slashed through an internal door to get to Lavaun, who had barricaded himself in with two men and a 16-year-old boy.

Lavaun and the 16-year-old, who also suffered a stab injury, managed to run away from the scene, but Lavaun collapsed a short distance away. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died a short time later.

Homicide detectives immediately launched an investigation and a mixture of witness statements and CCTV identified Tyreece Riggon, Julian Russell, Tyreece Wolfries-Parkin and Alex Pasley as the men involved in the fatal attack.

On 18 February 2021, police raided an address linked to Riggon and he and Russell were arrested. A subsequent search of an address linked to Russell recovered a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to Lavaun.

Wolfries-Parkin and Pasley were also arrested in the following weeks.

Detectives built up the case against all four defendants via witness statements and analysis of the activity of phone numbers linked to them before and after the fatal attack.

All were charged with Lavaun’s murder as well as attempted murder and attempted grievous bodily harm of the 16-year-old.

A trial at the Old Bailey began on 17 July 2023 and Julian Russell (18.09.1998) of Sanfield Road, CR7 and Tyreece Wolfries- Parkins, (06.10.2002) were found guilty of murder. Alex Pasley (01.10.1995) of Paxton Grove, Coulsdon was found guilty of manslaughter.

A re-trial began on 4 November 2024 and on Thursday, 12 December, Tyreece Riggon, (29.09.2000) of Armistice Gardens, SE25 was found guilty of attempted GBH. Pasley was also found guilty of attempted GBH in relation to the attack on the 16-year-old boy.

Sentencing will take place at the Old Bailey on 16 January 2025.

Detective Inspector Mike Nolan, who led the investigation, said: “A shocking level of violence was used by these men, who were determined to gain possession of drugs they believed to be inside the flat.

“Lavaun stood no chance against four men armed with large knives, including a Samurai sword.

“It is important that all four men involved in the Lavaun have been identified and brought to justice.

“The streets of London will be safer now they will be in jail for a considerable period of time.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been convicted of the murder of teenager Kacem Mokrane in east London following a re-trial.

Christopher Wilson, 23 (24.07.01) of Templar Drive, SE28 was found guilty on Thursday, 12 December at the Old Bailey.

He will be sentenced on a date to be confirmed.

Kacem, who was 18 years old, was killed on 16 November 2017 as part of an ongoing feud between two rival east London gangs.

Wilson is the fifth person to be convicted of Kacem’s murder, with four others convicted in June 2023.

On the night of the murder, police were called at around 23:15hrs to Mount Pleasant Road in Walthamstow to reports of an altercation and a group of males armed with weapons including knives, machetes and swords. Kacem was ambushed by the group, who stabbed him at least twice, before fleeing from the scene.

Kacem was taken to Royal London Hospital where he received emergency surgery. Sadly, following complications, he died in hospital on 20 November 2017.

A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as multi-organ failure caused by hypovolemic shock and complications arising from a stab wound to the abdomen.

Detective Inspector Ben Dalloway, from Specialist Crime, said: “Kacem lost his life in a senseless and brutal attack by individuals who were intent on revenge following an ongoing feud between rival gangs. This is the second trial Kacem’s family and loved ones have had to endure and they are very much in my thoughts.

“This was a particularly complex investigation, involving a number of suspects, numerous crime scenes, and links to other incidents. Regarding the latter, my team spent months piecing together the circumstances of those various other crimes, and how they were interlinked, with one officer committing more than 500 hours of their time to a methodical analysis of both CCTV footage and material from body worn video. That work enabled us to present a strong case to the Crown Prosecution Service.”

+ In June 2023, Hamza Ul-Haq, Luca Griffiths, Abdirisak Ali, and Kamil Kazmierski were all jailed for Kacem’s murder.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two more men have been charged following an incident in Acton on Sunday that left a man dead and a number of people injured.

Nicholi Clyne, 34 (13.09.90) of Cathay Walk, Northolt and Ahmed Khaleel, 31 (11.11.93) of Quex Road, Camden appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 12 December, both charged with violent disorder and GBH.

They were remanded in custody to appear next at the Old Bailey on Thursday, 9 January.

Clyne was arrested on Monday, 9 December while Khaleel was arrested the following day.

The arrests were part of an investigation that was launched after police were called to Birkbeck Road in Acton shortly after 04:00hrs on Sunday, 8 December. Reports had been received of a fight and possible shots heard. Officers attended with paramedics from the London Ambulance Service.

A man later identified as 33-year-old Nash Clyne was found at the scene with serious injuries. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services he died a short time later.

His family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

At least three other people were injured during the incident. Those injuries were not life threatening.

Earlier this week, 50-year-old Benjamin Matthews appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court charged with murder. He was remanded in custody.

A significant investigation into the events of Saturday night and early Sunday morning is continuing. Detectives continue to appeal for anyone with information, who has not yet spoken to the police, to come forward.

They particularly want to hear from anyone who was at the Front Line Cuts barber shop or the Paradise Cuts barber shop, both in Acton High Street, between 22:00hrs on Saturday and 04:30hrs on Sunday.

A dedicated page has been set up online where information can be provided. It is the best way to share images or videos with the investigation team.

Information about the incident can also be given to police by calling 101 and providing the reference 1132/08DEC, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct into the actions of armed officers who arrested a child who had been playing with a water pistol has found they acted reasonably and correctly.

There was no evidence the child was treated different due to his ethnicity or of adultification during the incident in Buxted Road, Hackney, in July 2023.

Detective Chief Superintendent James Conway, in charge of policing for Hackney and Tower Hamlets, said: “The IOPC has carried out a thorough and detailed investigation, examining a range of evidence including body worn video and dash cam footage and consulting with an independent firearms expert.

“It has found officers acted correctly, both in deciding to send firearms officers to the scene and then how they dealt with the incident on arrival.

“At the time there was very real concern a genuine firearm had been seen. Officers acted swiftly to deal with the potential threat, but then de-arrested the child as soon as it become clear he had been playing earlier with a water pistol.

“This incident shows just how difficult it can be to determine whether a firearm is real. The public would not wish us to hesitate in responding and risk a genuine firearm being used on the streets of London. We have a duty to protect the public from harm.

“I am pleased the IOPC has recognised this and the very difficult job our firearms officers do day in day out to keep London safe.

“None the less, this incident was understandably extremely distressing for the boy involved as well as his family and we remain sorry for the impact upon them.”

++ Officers actions in water pistol arrest incident were reasonable, investigation finds | Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC)

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision in Romford.

Police were called at 16:49hrs on Tuesday, 3 December to reports of a collision involving a pedestrian and a car on Beauly Way.

Police officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. An 81-year-old man was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.

Sadly, despite the best efforts by medical staff he died on Friday, 6 December. His family were present and are being supported by specially trained officers.

The driver of the car, who stopped at the scene, is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are leading the investigation. They would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or captured it on dash cam or CCTV.

Detective Sergeant Rob Groombridge, from the Met’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: “The police investigation is ongoing and officers are working to obtain CCTV and other footage that is essential to the investigation. I am appealing for anyone who saw the collision but has not yet to spoken with police to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the witness appeal line on 020 8597 4874, or via 101 quoting CAD 5212/03Dec.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A thorough investigation by the Met sexual offences team has seen a man who took advantage of a young woman after a night out in south-east London jailed. 

Craig Dorney, 35 (22.01.89) of Duncombe Hill, Lewisham, was sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court to seven years in prison on Thursday, 12 December for rape and two counts of sexual assault.

The court heard the 27-year-old victim-survivor had taken a taxi to Lewisham, just before 02:00hrs on Saturday 29, June, when she met Dorney who was getting out of another cab.

After the two spoke, Dorney assaulted and raped her before she could get away to call police.

The victim-survivor managed to capture part of the assault on her phone, taking a video to record their conversation, which became a key part of evidence in the case detectives built against Dorney.

Dorney was identified and arrested within 24 hours.

The investigation was led by specialist local officers who supported the victim-survivor to take her account of what happened.

The team worked tirelessly to build an investigation against Dorney by trawling through CCTV, and gathering forensic and medical evidence, such as Dorney’s clothing, bedding and phone and taxi receipts.

Detectives also obtained key witness statements from friends, as well as the two taxi drivers that had driven the suspect and victim-survivor on the night of the assault.

Dorney was charged with rape and two counts of sexual assault on Sunday, 28 July.

He appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 2 December and was found guilty on Friday, 6 December of all three offences.

Detective Constable James Hart, who led the investigation for the Met, said: 

“We hope this sentence brings some level of justice for the victim-survivor who bravely came forward and helped us catch her perpetrator in what must have been extremely distressing circumstances.

“We’d like to thank the victim-survivor for providing vital evidence at the start of our investigation, as well as the other witnesses who provided statements. 

“Dorney is a sexual predator who targeted a vulnerable woman and I hope this case proves the Met is determined to tackle violence against women and girls, which has a significant and lasting impact on victim-survivors.”

The Met is committed to radically improving how it protects the public from harm, especially the violence women and girls suffer, as part of its New Met for London strategy.  

The Met is putting extra people into specialist teams to prioritise this critical work and target offenders, with officers and staff working more closely with partners across London to protect victim-survivors and bring offenders to justice.   

Police are aiming to do much more to identify and tackle the most dangerous and prolific perpetrators of Violence Against Women and Girls, identifying high risk and high harm locations, and making better use of police powers to protect women and girls from perpetrators.  

Find out more on how to report a rape or sexual assault here. Always call 999 in an emergency.   

If you’ve been a victim of rape or sexual assault, charities and support agencies can offer help and guidance: 

Rape Crisis: 08085002222   

National Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 9999    

Survivors UK: 0203 598 3898 info@survivorsuk.org.   

Samaritans: 116 123 jo@samaritans.org  

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are offering a substantial reward for information to trace a man wanted for the murder of Rijkaard Saifa in Croydon.

The reward of up to £10,000 is being offered to anyone who has information that leads to the arrest and charge of Jordan Vincent.

A murder investigation was launched after police were called to reports of a man stabbed in Fellmongers Yard, Croydon on Friday, 12 April.

A number of members of the public attempted to provide first aid, before police, London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance arrived at the scene. Sadly, despite their efforts, Rijkaard died at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Samantha Townsend, who leads the investigation, said:

“Officers have been working tirelessly on this case since April. While the investigation continues, we are appealing to people to dig deep into their consciences – if you have information that can help, I urge you to come forward.

“Rijkaard was only 22 and had his full life ahead of him and his family are desperate for answers – our team remains resolute in helping them secure justice and need the public’s help to do so.

“I am grateful to all those who have come forward so far but would ask anyone with information about the whereabouts of Jordon Vincent – no matter how insignificant you think it might be – to get in contact as this could prove to be crucial.”

Information, images or footage can be provided at this portal.

Alternatively, anyone who has information or footage can call 0208 721 4961 referencing Op Biscot. 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

A motorcyclist who died in a collision with a van in Enfield has been named as Geary Wilson.

Police were called at approximately 14:05hrs on Monday, 28 October to reports of a collision involving a white Ford box van and a blue motorbike in Meridian Way, close to the junction with Morson Road.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended.

Despite the efforts of the emergency services, Geary, who was 29-years-old, sadly died at the scene.

His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers.

Detectives from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating. They would like to speak with anyone who witnessed the collision or captured it on dash cam.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8246 9820 or the police non-emergency number, 101, providing the reference 4097/28OCT.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command has led to a jury finding that a man planned a terrorist attack at a law firm in Harrow.

At the conclusion of a fact-finding hearing at Kingston Crown Court on Tuesday, 10 December, Cavan Medlock 32 (18.09.92) of Austen Road, Harrow was found to have committed the act of making a threat to kill and the preparation of terrorist acts.

On Thursday, 12 December, he was sentenced to an indeterminate hospital order, under section 37 of the Mental Health Act 1983 and a restriction order under section 41 of the Mental Health Act 1983, and under section 5 of the Criminal Procedure and Insanity Act 1964. This means he can only be released from hospital if the Secretary of State for Justice agrees.

The court heard Medlock targeted a particular solicitor at a law firm in Harrow on 7 September 2020. He was arrested at the scene with a rucksack containing a large knife, handcuffs, ‘gaffer’ tape and two large flags demonstrating extreme right-wing terrorist ideology.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “Our investigation uncovered how Medlock had planned this attack and wanted to intimidate the public, particularly anyone who might be regarded as immigrants.

“He was prevented in carrying out his plan thanks to the extraordinarily brave actions of a receptionist, who managed to disarm him of a large knife.

“By his own admission, at the time of these events, Medlock identified as a Nazi. Our investigation supported this, with officers finding a copy of Mein Kampf at his home address.

“It is clear from what he said in police interviews, Medlock wanted to provide a ‘rallying cry’ to inspire other extreme right-wing terrorists.

“I’m glad that a judge has now found the facts of this case proven and he will be detained in a secure medical facility for a considerable period of time.”

Medlock was arrested shortly after 5.20pm on 7 November 2020 after he took out a six-inch combat knife and demanded to see a particular solicitor.

The receptionist managed to disarm him, despite being punched and kicked. Other members of staff also intervened and Medlock was restrained and police were called to the scene.

While he was detained in reception, Medlock saw the solicitor whom he targeted and said he had come to the office to kill him. Medlock was also recorded as saying ‘unfortunately I didn’t finish the job’.

A search of Medlock’s home address revealed a mobile phone and analysis of it showed Medlock had targeted the solicitor after reading a media article in which he was quoted. He had then researched the location of the law firm, before planning his attack.

A mugshot of Medlock as well as CCTV of the attack on the receptionist can be downloaded here

https://mps.box.com/s/nw6vbdfl76j32fsjfl2hlqh6709xnq14

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police investigating an attempted murder in Peckham are appealing for the public’s help to identify the suspect.

The victim reported the incident at 22:27hrs on Thursday, 5 December saying he had been attacked in a shop on Rye Lane.

Officers attended the scene and found the 62-year-old victim with stab wound injuries to his neck and thigh, which were described as life-threatening.

The man was treated in hospital but has since been discharged.

The suspect has been described as a black man, approximately 5ft 4ins, and aged in his 40s, with a stocky build and a short beard.

He was wearing a black jacket with wording printed on it at the time of the offence.

Detective Constable, Jacob Ludlam, from the local investigations team, said:

“We are urging anyone who may have been in Peckham Rye that evening to please think back and let us know if you saw or heard anything suspicious.

“Whilst our enquiries are ongoing, it appears at this stage to be an unprovoked attack.

“The incident occurred opposite John The Unicorn pub, so if you were there that night or knew anyone that was, please get in touch with us online or call 101 quoting reference 01/1168928/24.

“Alternatively you can report it to the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“Any snippets of information could be vital to our investigation. Thank you.”