Category: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Further charges in connection with injury of a police officer- High Wycombe

George Michael Green, aged 23, of no fixed abode, High Wycombe, has been charged with one count of aggravated vehicle taking, one count of assisting an offender, and one count of possession of cannabis.

Omar Trent Burke, aged 25, of no fixed abode, High Wycombe, has been charged with one count aggravated vehicle taking, one count of assisting an offender, and one count of possession of cannabis.

They have both been remanded in custody to appear at High Wycombe Magistrate’s court on 19 February 2018.

The charges are in connection with an incident in Market Square at 3.18pm on Tuesday (13/2) after it was reported that a red Vauxhall Astra had collided with a police officer.

The officer was taken to hospital with head injuries but has since been discharged.

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Two further arrests in connection with attempted murder of police officer – Aylesbury

The force was called to Market Square at 3.18pm on Tuesday (13/2) after reports that a red Vauxhall Astra had collided with a police officer.

The vehicle failed to stop following the collision with the officer, who was on-duty at the time of the incident.

The officer was taken to hospital with head injuries and has since been discharged from hospital.

Two men, aged 23 and 25, both from High Wycombe, were arrested today (16/2) on suspicion of attempted murder. They are currently in police custody.

As previously confirmed, Corey Allard, aged 20, of no fixed abode has today (16/2) been charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of dangerous driving. He has also charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm for an unrelated offence.

He is due to appear at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court today.

A 27-year-old woman from High Wycombe who was arrested yesterday (15/2) on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation.

We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information about the incident to please contact police immediately by calling police on 101 and quoting reference number 747 (13/2).

We would urge anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident to contact police as soon as possible.

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Man charged with attempted murder of police officer – Aylesbury

The force was called to Market Square at 3.18pm on Tuesday (13/2) after reports that a red Vauxhall Astra had collided with a police officer.

The vehicle failed to stop following the collision with the officer, who was on-duty at the time of the incident.

The officer was taken to hospital with head injuries and has since been discharged from hospital.

Corey Allard, aged 20, of of no fixed abode has today (16/2) been charged with one count of attempted murder and one count of dangerous driving. He has also charged with two counts of grievous bodily harm for an unrelated offence.

He is due to appear at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court today.

A 27-year-old woman from High Wycombe who was arrested yesterday (15/2) on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation.

We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information about the incident to please contact police immediately by calling police on 101 and quoting reference number 747 (13/2).

We would urge anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident to contact police as soon as possible.

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Arrests made in connection with attempted murder of police officer – Aylesbury

The force was called to Market Square at 3.18pm on Tuesday (13/2) after reports that a red Vauxhall Astra had collided with a police officer.

The vehicle failed to stop following the collision with the officer, who was on-duty at the time of the incident.

The officer was taken to hospital with head injuries and has since been discharged from hospital.

A 20-year-old man from High Wycombe was arrested in the early hours of today (15/2) on suspicion of attempted murder.

A 27-year-old woman from High Wycombe was also arrested in the early hours of today on suspicion of assisting an offender.

They are both in police custody at this time.

We continue to appeal to anyone who may have information about the incident to please contact police immediately by calling police on 101 and quoting reference number 747 (13/2).

We would urge anyone with mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident to contact police as soon as possible.

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Appeal after attempted murder of police officer – Aylesbury

The force was called to Market Square at 3.18pm yesterday (13/2) after reports that a vehicle had collided with a police officer.

The vehicle failed to stop following the collision with the officer, who was on-duty at the time of the incident.

The officer has been taken to hospital with head injuries. He was discharged from hospital last night.

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector James Mather of Force CID, said: “I am appealing to anyone who may have information about the incident to please contact police immediately.

“I would particularly like to speak to anyone who has mobile phone or dashcam footage of the incident or the vehicle being driven in the town to come forward.

“The vehicle, a red Vauxhall Astra, was involved in a number of road traffic collisions after the incident in Market Square, but thankfully no-one was injured during these subsequent collisions. I would also like to hear from anyone who saw a vehicle matching the description being driven erratically in the town.

“The vehicle was later located in Osier Way but there was no driver or passengers in the car. We believe the driver and two passengers, all believed to be male, fled the scene.

“Thankfully the officer is now recovering at home with support from his family and the force. This incident highlights the sacrifices that police officers and staff make every day to protect the public across the country.

“Anyone who has any information about the incident is urged to call police on 101 and quote reference number 747 (13/2).”

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Appeal for witnesses following rape – Banbury

The incident took place yesterday (9/2) at about 11.15pm in an alleyway near to the Moo Moo Clubrooms, in High Street.

The victim, a 20-year-old woman, left the club and walked into an alleyway.

She was approached from behind by a man who then raped her before leaving the scene.

The offender is described as a white man with a moustache.

The victim is currently being supported by specially trained officers, and a scene watch is in place in Banbury while an investigation into the incident takes place.

Investigating officer, Detective Inspector Matt Bick, based at Banbury police station, said: “This is clearly a very distressing incident, which I understand will cause concern in the community, but I would like to reassure people that we are carrying out a full and thorough investigation.

“People are likely to see an increased police presence in Banbury town centre today while officers carry out enquiries.

“As we are in the early stages of this investigation, we are unable to release further details of the incident at this time, but we will provide updates when it is possible for us to do so.

“I would ask anyone who has any information which they think could relate to the incident, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact us.

“If you have any information which you think could help our investigation, please call Thames Valley Police on 101.”

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Launch of second phase of #ProtectYourWorld campaign

The campaign began in November last year, with the first phase focussed on raising awareness of cyber crime and encouraging residents and businesses to take action to protect their online worlds.

The second phase is being launched today (5/2), and in partnership with the NSPCC will focus on encouraging parents, carers and anyone who has contact with young people, to engage with them about their online activity.

It will coincide with Safer Internet Day 2018, which will be celebrated globally on Tuesday (6/2) with the slogan ‘Create, Connect and Share Respect: a better internet starts with you.’

To mark Safer Internet Day Thames Valley Police and the NSPCC are hosting online safety workshops for parents working at local businesses and experts will discuss online safety with a Facebook Live event.

According to Ofcom statistics, 13 per cent of children aged between 12 and 15 with a social media profile agree that getting likes or followers is more important to them than keeping their posts, comments or photos private.

A total of 23 per cent said that they do not know how to control who can see what they see on social media and 12 per cent say that they have been bullied on social media, equal to the number who say they have been bullied face to face.

The campaign aims to ensure that those who are responsible for young people are aware of their activity online and are able to ensure that they are staying safe.

Detective Sergeant Sally Russell, of the Thames Valley Police Cyber Crime Team, said: “Our campaign is aimed at encouraging parents to have regular conversations with their children about their online activity, as well as to take some simple steps to help improve their knowledge.

“For example, we want to encourage parents to better understand the social media platforms their child is using by signposting them to the NSPCC Net Aware website, which tells them the content, age restrictions and perceived risk levels of over 30 platforms.

“With young people spending so much of their social time online, it’s crucial that they know how to keep themselves safe.

“It’s also vital that parents have enough knowledge to help them do so.”

On Tuesday (6/2) at 6.30pm DS Sally Russell and Emma Motherwell of the NSPCC, will be taking part in a Facebook Live event in which they will answer questions and give useful tips to help parents keep their children safe online.

The discussion will be broadcast on Thames Valley Police’s Facebook page.

NSPCC Campaign Manager Emma Motherwell said: “Our business workshops aim to equip parents with the tools to help their children stay safe online with simple tips and signposting.

“But if you can’t make a workshop join our Facebook Live chat and ask us about privacy, parental controls and what more you can be doing to ensure your children are enjoying the internet safely.”

The hour long workshops will give parents the skills and knowledge to understand more about internet safety and businesses signed up include Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust and HUBER+SUHNER(UK)Limited.

To find out more, or to book a session, email emma.motherwell@nspcc.org.uk.

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Man sentenced for manslaughter – Reading

Assistant Chief Constable Nikki Ross said: “PC Gareth Browning put his life on the line to serve and protect the public and on 30 November 2013 he made the ultimate sacrifice when he was struck by a stolen vehicle.

“Gareth and a colleague used a stop stick in an attempt to stop the stolen car which was being driven by Luke Haywood, who was on day release from prison. The vehicle, which was being driven by Haywood recklessly and at speed, hit Gareth who suffered serious injuries and needed constant care from that day on.

“Gareth never recovered from his injuries and sadly he died on 1 April last year. Gareth’s death was a stark reminder of the sacrifices that police officers make across the country.

“Gareth was proud to be a police officer, and we could not be more proud of him.

“Gareth was a hugely respected police officer and friend whose colleagues have felt his loss every day since the incident occurred.

“He was also a wonderful husband and father and our thoughts still go out to his family who must miss him terribly.

“The force will continue to support Gareth’s family as well as staff and officers who have been affected by the incident.

“In April 2014 Haywood was jailed for nine years after pleading guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, one count of aggravated vehicle taking and one count of going equipped for burglary. However, following Gareth’s death last year the Attorney General granted the authority to prosecute Haywood with manslaughter.

“Although I am satisfied that Haywood pleaded guilty to manslaughter and saved Gareth’s family and witnesses the painful task of attending court for trial, this is little consolation because no conviction or sentence will ever bring back Gareth.”

James Cable, Senior Crown Prosecutor for Thames and Chiltern Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: “This case represents a tragedy for Gareth’s family and friends, who have been devastated by his appalling injuries and his subsequent death. I cannot praise Gareth’s family enough; they have remained dignified and courageous throughout, despite the unimaginable nightmare they have endured.

“We have worked closely with Thames Valley Police since this investigation was launched, sought consent from the Attorney General to prosecute, as Haywood had already been convicted of offences arising out of the same incident, and as a result of the hard work and diligence of the prosecution team, a just outcome has been achieved. We know that nothing will bring Gareth back to his family and friends, but we hope that today’s conviction and sentence bring them at least a small sense that justice has been done. Our thoughts are very much with them all at this time.”

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Update on Didcot Power Station investigation following Coroner’s pre-inquest review

Thames Valley Police (TVP) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the partial collapse at Didcot A Power Station, which led to the deaths of Michael Collings, Ken Cresswell, Christopher Huxtable and John Shaw and also led to a number of men being injured.  

The joint investigation is being led by Thames Valley Police.

At the Coroner’s pre-inquest review, Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Craig Kirby, who is leading the investigation, updated HM Coroner Mr D.M. Salter on the status of the investigation.

Following the pre-inquest review, DCI Kirby said: “We continue to carry out a thorough investigation in order to obtain answers for the affected families and friends who lost their loved ones, and those who were injured following the partial collapse at Didcot.

“This is an extremely wide scale and hugely complex investigation. 

“To date over 1900 witness statements have been taken by the investigative team, and a number of interviews have been conducted under caution in line with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984).

“These interviews have taken a significant length of time, and further interviews will need to be undertaken.

“The joint TVP and HSE investigative team continue to meet regularly with a specialist dedicated prosecutor from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to ensure that all lines of enquiry are being appropriately and robustly explored.

“At this time it is not possible for us to put a timeframe on the completion of the investigation however an initial file was submitted to the CPS at the end of December for investigative advice.

“On-site recovery of evidence continues to be a key line of enquiry, to understand why the boiler house collapsed.

“Clearance of boilers one and two has been completed, and independent contractors continue to clear boilers three and four. This work is expected to be completed by spring 2018.

“The site remains a crime scene with a 24/7 police scene guard. A TVP and HSE evidence recovery team continue to work on site.

“TVP and HSE remain committed to carrying out a thorough investigation to ascertain if any criminal or health and safety related offences have taken place, and to obtain justice for the families and all those affected.”

Source: United Kingdom Thames Valley Police

Headline: Statement in connection with Operation Nautical – Oxfordshire

A trial which was due to begin in February in relation to 11 defendants charged in connection with child sexual exploitation offences in Oxfordshire has been dismissed.

At a hearing at Blackfriars Crown Court on Thursday (25/1), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) offered no evidence in respect of the trial of men facing charges of sexual offences against children. Not guilty verdicts were recorded for all defendants in on all counts.

TVP was informed that the decision taken was due to evidential reasons; the CPS having determined that there was insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction. The dismissal of the case was not the result of a failure to disclose evidence and the decision was not related to the issue of disclosure.

Following an earlier linked trial at Oxford Crown Court, which concluded on 5 December 2017, a jury acquitted seven defendants of various sexual offences in connection with the same investigation. Not guilty verdicts were recorded against all defendants on all counts.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Mick Saunders, said: “It was right that the case was brought to court so that a jury could hear and consider the evidence and the defendants could have an opportunity to answer to the case against them. Thames Valley Police respects the decision of the jury.

“Prosecutions are quite properly kept under review and Thames Valley Police accepts the decision of the CPS not to proceed with the second linked trial and to offer no evidence in respect of the defendants in that case.

“We will review the investigation, as we would in all such cases, to identify whether there is any learning for future investigations of child sexual exploitation.

“Thames Valley Police will always take all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously. Specialist officers will continue to work to support victims sensitively and to investigate offences thoroughly. We commend the courage of those who come forward to report abuse and will continue to endeavour to bring to justice those who are responsible for the crimes.”