Appeal for witnesses following fatal collision in Romford

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.

Man jailed for sexual assault and rape of woman in Lewisham

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  

Reward for information to trace a man wanted for the murder of man in Croydon

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.

Man that died in collision in Enfield in October is named

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.

UPDATED: Met Counter terrorism investigation leads to jury finding man planned to kill solicitor

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

Appeal to identify suspect following attempted murder in Peckham

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.”

Appeal following fatal collision in Willesden

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for witnesses and any road users with dashcam footage following a fatal collision in Willesden.

The incident happened at around 08:15hrs on Wednesday, 4 December when a motorcycle was involved in a collision on Robson Avenue, NW10. At this time it is not thought there were any other vehicles involved.

At the time of the collision, the rider of the motorcycle – a 44-year-old man – did not appear to be seriously injured. However, he was subsequently admitted to hospital and died there on 8 December.

Work continues to identify and inform his next of kin.

Anyone who witnessed the collision or any road users with dashcam footage is asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit on 020 8246 9820, call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC. Please could CAD3645/10Dec.

Appeal to trace missing man last seen two weeks ago in Camden

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are increasingly concerned for the welfare of a man who has been missing for two weeks.

Orhan Ekren, 48, was last seen in the vicinity of Camden Market, near Camden Lock, at approximately 22:40hrs on Tuesday, 26 November.

He was wearing dark clothing and carrying a dark backpack, which was found near the canal the following day.

Orhan is of Turkish heritage and lives with his family in Milton Keynes.

Police are particularly keen to speak to people that live in the Camden area, or who might have been in the area at the time, or that have a barge moored on the canal.

Anyone who may have seen Orhan or who has information about his whereabouts is urged to please call 101 quoting 5132/27NOV or reference 01/1137478/24.

For an immediate sighting, dial 999.

Met Counter terrorism investigation leads to jury finding man planned to kill solicitor

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.

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 jury has now found the facts of this case proven.”

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.

Medlock will be sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on Thursday, 12 December.

CCTV of the incident can be downloaded here https://mps.box.com/s/nw6vbdfl76j32fsjfl2hlqh6709xnq14

Planned farmers protest

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A further protest is being organised by farmers for Wednesday, 11 November.

We expect the event to begin at 10:00hrs from Whitehall.

We have had a number of positive conversations with the protest organisers to safely manage the event and expect a high number of people driving tractors to take part in a procession.

They will form up in Whitehall before travelling down Millbank, Horseferry Road and Victoria Street.

There will be a staggered closure of some roads around this area and diversions will be in place. Police will open any closed roads when possible during the day. It is expected that all closures and diversions will be lifted by 16:00hrs. We advise people to take alternative routes.