Category: United Kingdom

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following a large police operation in Kent.

The 22-year-old was arrested at the Port of Dover this evening (Tuesday, 8 July) on suspicion of the murder of Tyler Hayward in Waltham Forest.

An investigation was launched after we were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 21:14hrs on Sunday, 6 July.

Met officers responded with paramedics and a 26-year-old man was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.

In a statement, Tyler’s family said: “We are struggling with the tragic loss of Tyler, a beautiful soul with the kindest of heart’s. A much loved son, grandson and brother, that will be missed immensely. We would appreciate privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with our loss.”

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Woodsford, who is leading the investigation from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “The thoughts of the investigation team remain with Tyler’s family and our specially trained officers continue to support them at this difficult time.

“Since Sunday we have been making extensive enquiries and this resulted in searches being carried out at the Port of Dover today.

“I’d like to thank Kent Police and other agencies for their support as we carried out these checks, as well as members of the public who were disrupted while this vital work took place.”

We continue to appeal for information about the incident. Any witnesses who haven’t yet spoken to officers are asked to call 101 quoting CAD 7174/06Jul.

Information can also be shared anonymously with the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Five men have been convicted for their involvement in a Russian-ordered arson attack on a London warehouse full of supplies destined for Ukraine.

Approximately £1 million of damage was caused after two units in an industrial estate in Leyton were deliberately set alight on 20 March last year.

An investigation led by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command found that Dylan Earl, aged 21, established contact with the Wagner Group, a private military organisation that acts on behalf of the Russian state, in 2023.

Earl then recruited a group of men to set fire to the Leyton warehouse and organised surveillance of two businesses in Mayfair in preparation for further arson attacks.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said; “This case is clear example of an organisation linked to the Russian state using ‘proxies’ – in this case British men – to carry out very serious criminal activity in this country on their behalf.

“The ringleaders – Earl and Reeves – willingly acted as hostile agents on behalf of the Russian state. I am pleased that, working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, we were able to use the new National Security Act legislation, which meant the severity of Earl and Reeves’s offending was reflected in the charges they faced.

“The warehouse arson put members of the public at great risk, and it was only by good fortune nobody was seriously injured or worse. Those involved showed little or no regard for the potential impact of their actions on the UK’s wider security. Seemingly motivated by the promise of money, they were prepared to commit criminal acts on behalf of Russia.

“I hope these convictions send a strong warning of the very serious consequences of committing offences on behalf of a foreign country.”

The businesses based in the warehouses damaged by the arson were both Ukrainian-owned.

The fire was initially investigated by local Met officers in Waltham Forest. However, after officers became aware that another warehouse belonging to the same Ukrainian company was also subject to an arson attack in Madrid, Spain, detectives from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command took over the investigation.

Met counter terrorism detectives then worked quickly to identify the individuals involved, which led them to suspect that Earl was the architect of the plot.

Earl was the first to be arrested in a B&Q car park in Hinckley, Leicestershire, on 10 April 2024. Analysis of his mobile phone revealed his contact with the Wagner Group on Telegram, via an account with the usernames ‘Privet Bot’ and ‘Lucky Strike’.

In total, detectives extracted 56GB of data from Earl’s phone including, 5702 instant messages, 1244 e-mails, 51528 images, 3629 videos, 183 documents and 4840 social media files; some of the content required translation from Russian.

The swift investigation was crucial in preventing Earl and others from carrying out further arson attacks at two premises in Mayfair – evidence of which was found by officers following his arrest. Messages recovered from Earl’s phone showed that reconnaissance had already been carried out and discussions were ongoing about the use of explosives to damage buildings.

Detectives found that Earl was also raising the possibility of kidnapping the owner of the business, a Russian dissident, and “exiling him back to Russia to face prison.”

Analysis of Earl’s Telegram messages showed the first person he recruited for the warehouse arson plot was Jake Reeves, who then recruited his friend Kojo Mensah to carry out the arson. In turn, Mensah recruited his friend Jakeem Rose. Ugnius Asmena was also recruited to take part.

The investigation team established that three men – Mensah, Rose and Asmena met up on the evening of 20 March 2024 and travelled in a red Kia Picanto to the scene of the arson. Officers found evidence that Mensah filmed the warehouse being set alight and livestreamed it on Face Time to Earl and Reeves.

Dmitrijus Paulauskas, a friend of Reeves, and Ashton Evans, who helped Earl supply drugs, were also charged as part of the investigation as social media messages allegedly showed they were both aware of the arson attack and the planned offences in Mayfair.

On 8 July Mensah , 23 (03.06.02) from Thornton Heath, Rose 23 (24.05.02), of Croydon and Asmena, 21 (31.12.04) of no fixed address, were convicted of aggravated arson.

Paul English 61 (02.10.63) from Roehampton was found not guilty of the same charge.

Paulauskas 23 (02.01.02), of Croydon was found not guilty of two counts of failing to disclose information about terrorist acts.

Evans 20 (11.01.2005) of Newport. Evans was found not guilty of the first count (relating to the Leyton arson) but guilty of the second count related to the plot to damage businesses in Mayfair.

Rose previously pleaded guilty to having a bladed article in a public place (in relation to a knife he left at the scene of the arson in Leyton). Evans also previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

Earl 21 (17.02.04) of Elmesthorpe, Leicester, pleaded guilty to preparatory conduct, contrary to section 18 of the National Security Act (NSA) 2023, aggravated arson, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of criminal property.

Reeves, 23 (20.10.01), of Croydon pleaded guilty to agreeing to accept a material benefit from a foreign intelligence service, contrary to section 17(2) and (11), NSA 2023, and aggravated arson.

Earl and Reeves are the first people to be convicted of offences under the National Security Act, which came into legislation at the end of 2023.

All the defendants will be sentenced at the Old Bailey at a later date.

All the material is available to download here

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Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are continuing to investigate the circumstances around vandalism to an exhibition honouring the Windrush generation in Brixton.

Police were called to reports of vandalism at Windrush Square at 06:09hrs on Thursday, 3 July.

Officers arrested a 24-year-old man on Saturday, 5 July on suspicion of vandalism. The suspect was then taken to hospital due to concerns for his welfare.

Upon returning to custody, he was further arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage and possessing articles with intent to destroy or damage property.

Investigating officers continue to explore all possible motives. However, based on additional enquiries since the suspect’s further arrest in custody, they still do not believe this incident is racially motivated.

Detective Chief Superintendent Emma Bond, who leads policing in Lambeth, said:

“We absolutely recognise the concern this matter has caused and that the community perceives this to be a hate crime. That is why the suspect was further arrested while in custody on suspicion of racially aggravated offences.

“While the evidence does not support this act being racially motivated, our priority is to ensure the victims and wider community feel heard and supported as they navigate this painful and shocking act of vandalism.

“Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.

“My team continue to investigate this incident and we urge anyone with information to contact police.”

The man arrested has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 1182/3July.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been convicted of murdering 53-year-old Derek Thomas, who was fatally stabbed outside his home in Hackney in July 2024.

Today, Monday, 7 July, Kamar Williams, 34 (21.01.91) of West Ferry Road, E14, was found guilty of Derek’s murder following a trial at the Old Bailey.

The court heard how, in the early evening of 30 July 2024, Williams sent threatening text messages to Derek’s daughter, who was William’s ex-partner, warning her to “watch this space”.

Hours later, CCTV captured Williams driving a grey van along Benthal Road, N16. He stopped directly outside Derek’s home. Williams was wearing a pair of reflective trainers, which made him easily identifiable throughout the CCTV footage.

Williams was seen pacing along Benthal Road, loitering near Derek’s home, before disappearing out of shot. Moments later, he returned to his van and drove away at 23:03hrs.

At 23:04hrs, police received a 999 call from a member of the public reporting that a man had been stabbed with a ‘very big knife’. Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended, but despite their best efforts, Derek died at the scene.

Detective Inspector John Marriott, who led the investigation, said: “This was a brutal and premeditated attack on a much-loved father. Kamar Williams showed clear intent that night, driving to Derek’s home, waiting for the right moment, and carrying out this senseless act of violence.

“The swift response from our officers, combined with extensive CCTV, forensic work, and determination from our investigation team, led to his arrest and conviction.

“Our thoughts remain with Derek’s family, who have shown immense strength throughout this ordeal.”

Following the conviction, Derek’s family said: “Derek will be greatly missed by his family and friends, he was a dedicated family man and worked hard to provide for them. He was the life and soul of the family. Derek was always on hand to provide support, knowledge, advice and was a calming influence when it was required. His passing has left a massive hole in the lives of his wife, children, grandchildren, family and all that knew him. He was greatly loved by all and will never be forgotten.”

The investigation progressed rapidly. On 1 August 2024, police were contacted about an abandoned grey van on Langford Close, E8. Inside, officers recovered a bank card belonging to Williams from the driver’s seat, directly linking him to the vehicle.

Analysis of the Automatic Number Plate Recognition system showed that the van had travelled multiple times between the crime scene and Williams’ home address.

Enquiries at a local hospital also revealed that Williams had sought treatment for a 5cm cut to his left knee on 31 July, the day after the murder—further evidence tying him to the violent incident.

Williams repeatedly attempted to evade police. On 3 August, traffic officers tried to stop a silver BMW on Burnt Ash Hill, SE9, but the driver made off. It was later established that Williams was behind the wheel.

In a further effort to avoid arrest, Williams left London temporarily. However, following a manhunt, officers identified and arrested him within the footprint of Notting Hill Carnival on 26 August 2024. He was charged with murder the following day.

Kamar Williams was also found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon. He will be sentenced on Friday, 18 July at the same court.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

On Sunday, 6 July at 21:14hrs officers on patrol were notified by members of the public of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road, E4.

Officers attended the scene and found a 26-year-old man with a stab wound. London’s Air Ambulance and the London Ambulance Service also attended.

The officers gave first aid on arrival but despite the best efforts of all the emergency services, the man sadly died at the scene.

The man’s next-of-kin are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

No arrests have been made at this early stage and a crime scene and road closures will be in place for some time while officers investigate.

Chief Superintendent Dan Card, who leads policing in the local area, said: “We are deeply saddened by the events that took place last night and our thoughts remain with the man’s family at this hugely difficult time.

“Detectives are working hard to establish the circumstances of what happened yesterday evening.

“We understand the impact this incident will have on the local community and officers are being deployed on reassurance patrols to help answer any questions or concerns.”

If you know anything, please contact police by calling 101 stating CAD7174/6July. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in Vauxhall have charged a man with murder.

Abdul Kareem Fawaz, 35 (13.04.1990) of Bondway, SW8 was charged with murder and possession of a knife on Sunday, 6 July.

He has been remanded in custody and will appear at Croydon Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 7 July.

An investigation was launched after police were called to a residential address at Bondway, SW8 following reports of an altercation on Saturday, 5 July at 05:38hrs.

A man, aged 32, was found with knife injuries. He was treated by paramedics but sadly died at the scene.

While formal identification awaits, he can be named as Daniel Manuel. Daniel’s next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Two men, aged 35 and 33, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.

Fawaz has been charged as above. The 33-year-old has been released on bail pending further enquiries.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met officers have arrested a man after an exhibition honouring the Windrush generation was vandalised in Brixton.

On Thursday, 3 July at 06:09hrs police were called to reports of vandalism at Windrush Square, Brixton.

Officers began a swift investigation before a 24-year-old man was arrested on Saturday, 5 July on suspicion of vandalism. He was taken to a police station where he remains in custody.

Based on enquiries carried out so far, the incident is not being treated as a hate crime. Further enquiries will take place to establish the circumstances.

Superintendent Gabriel Cameron who leads policing in Brixton said:

“We understand that those in the community will feel distressed about vandalism to the Windrush exhibition in Brixton.

“We believe that this was not a hate crime, and I want to reassure anyone with concerns, that a man has now been arrested.

“Local neighbourhood officers have been in contact with the organiser of the exhibition, and remain in the area to respond to any questions or worries that people may have.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged with murder following a death of an 85-year-old man in Lambeth.

Amithraz Balgobin, 36 (27.03.1989), of Woodbourne Avenue, Lambeth, was charged with murder and possession of Class A and Class B drugs on Sunday, 6 July. He was remanded in custody to appear at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 7 July.

On Friday, 4 July, officers were called at around 13:00hrs by the London Ambulance Service to an address in Churchmore Road, Streatham after an 85-year-old man was reported to have suffered serious injuries.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the man was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

A 36-year-old was arrested nearby and charged with the above.

The victim’s next of kin have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives have made two arrests following the death of a man in Vauxhall.

On Saturday, 5 July at 05:38hrs police were called to a residential address at Bondway, SW8 following reports of an altercation.

Met officers attended the scene alongside London Ambulance Service, who treated a man in his thirties for knife injuries. Sadly, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he died from his injuries.

His next-of-kin have yet to be informed.

Two men, a 35-year-old [A] and a 33-year-old [B] were arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.

A crime scene is in place while police investigate the circumstances.

If you know anything, please contact police by calling 101 stating CAD1719/5July. You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

Detective Inspector Aytac Necati who is leading the investigation said:

“Sadly, a man has lost his life in the most horrendous of circumstances. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

“We understand the effect this will have on the local community, and will ensure that officers are deployed on reassurance patrols to respond to any questions or concerns.

“Two men have already been arrested. Detectives are working hard to establish the circumstances of what happened. At this time, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”