Category: United Kingdom

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Two men have been jailed following a meticulous investigation by Met detectives after a woman was sexually assaulted in south London.

Convictions were secured after detectives traced the offenders through cigarettes which were left at the scene and DNA from the complainant.

This investigation comes as part of the Met’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls. As officers and staff build A New Met for London, they are focused on supporting victim-survivors and targeting predatory offenders who threaten the safety of Londoners.

Adhamon Mebrahtu (10.08.01) of Norbury, Croydon was sentenced to five years in prison at Croydon Crown Court on Thursday, 25 April. He previously was found guilty of rape and sexual assault by penetration on Monday, 12 February. He also pleaded guilty to the theft of the victim-survivor’s phone at a previous hearing.

On Wednesday, 27 November, Jamie Osman (01.02.01) of Thornton Heath, Croydon was sentenced at Croydon Crown Court to three years in prison on Wednesday, 20 November following a retrial which took place in September 2024. He was convicted by a jury of sexual assault by penetration.

In November 2018, Mebrahtu and Osman followed the victim-survivor home after they met her on a tram in Croydon. They followed her and forced their way into the building in which she lived in Addiscombe, south London. They barged their way in and proceeded to sexually assaulted her in her own home.

The victim-survivor – who was 26 at the time of the offence – reported the rape to police and detectives began to investigate.

The team quickly identified that during the assault the two men left stubbed-out cigarettes in the victim-survivor’s bedroom, providing vital DNA which was used to identify them.

Mebrahtu was also forensically linked to the victim-survivor after a detailed forensic analysis was carried out by staff in the Met.

The defendants denied any interaction with the victim-survivor when interviewed but detectives analysed hours’ worth of CCTV to disprove their lies.

Specialist Met officers immediately supported the victim-survivor throughout the investigation and criminal justice process. They ensured she was offered help, care and advice, as well as being signposted to expert charities and support services.

Detective Constable Paul Harakis, who led the investigation, said “I would like to commend the bravery shown by the victim-survivor who has shown great courage and resilience throughout this difficult process.

“I’m proud we have been able to bring these dangerous offenders to justice and make London safer as a result. I hope they spend their time in jail to reflect on the devastating consequences of their abhorrent actions.

“Every woman and girl deserves to feel safe in the city they call home and we’re committed to continuing our mission to protect our communities from harm, eradicating sexual violence caused largely at the hands of predatory men.”

As part of A New Met for London, the Met is doing more to build trust and support London’s communities with issues that impact them the most. The Met is putting more people into the teams responsible for protecting the public from harm.

Listening to victim-survivors, and working together with charities and partners across the criminal justice system, officers are working to ensure that all victims-survivors have the confidence to report these awful crimes. 

Crimes of this nature can be reported online or on the telephone or in person to the police by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.  

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

• National Association for People Abused in Childhood NAPAC helpline: 0808 801 0331  
• Rape Crisis: 08085002222   
• Childline: 0800 1111  
• 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

More than four months on from a fatal shooting in Peckham, investigating officers are renewing appeals for the public’s help.

Jesse Lloyd-Smith, 20, was shot in East Surrey Grove, SE15 shortly before 17:00hrs on Wednesday, 10 July. Emergency services rushed to the scene and Jesse was taken to hospital – however, despite the best efforts of medical staff, he tragically died the following day.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for the public’s help and want to hear from anyone, who may have any further information.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Gammampila, whose team is leading the investigation, said: “Our team remains resolute in securing justice and we 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 – no matter how insignificant you think it might be – to get in contact as this could prove to be crucial.

“We believe that the answers to this shooting remain within the community in Peckham and whilst I appreciate it may be difficult, now is the time to do the right thing.

“Anyone who doesn’t want to speak directly can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Today, Jesse’s sister Chaise and Godmother Sam, said: “It’s been over four months without Jesse and we believe that there are still people living within this community who are sitting on the truth.

“Now is the time to come forward.

“Our family has continued to grieve Jesse and we are appealing for your help to give us answers.

“Please, if you know anything or remember anything from the evening of 10 July, no matter how small the information may seem, contact the police or Crimestoppers.

Information can be provided via an online portal.

Alternatively, if you would prefer to speak to a police officer regarding this incident, please call 020 7175 2206. Alternatively, anyone who has information or footage can call 101 or post on X @MetCC quoting CAD 6886/10Jul.

To remain 100 per cent anonymous call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police Service has launched a new investigation following a public appeal for victims to come forward and an assessment of allegations concerning Mohamed Al Fayed.

Since a renewed public appeal and recent media reporting, the Met has been contacted by numerous victims, some reporting multiple offences, bringing the total known new victims to 90.

The Complex Investigation Team (CIT), a dedicated unit within the Met, continues to review all reports and pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry.

As a result of their assessment so far, specialist crime detectives have launched an investigation into a number of individuals associated with Al Fayed. Officers are working to establish what roles those individuals may have played in assisting and facilitating Al Fayed’s offending.

The Met is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and will be seeking early advice at the appropriate time.

Detectives are also actively reviewing all previous investigations to identify any missed opportunities, recognising current investigative techniques and practices have progressed significantly over the last 20 years. They have already reviewed more than 50,000 pages of evidence, including victim and impact statements, and retrieved significant amounts of material from these investigations stored in our archives.

No criminal charges were brought against Al Fayed while he was alive and we recognise the impact this has had on many victims. From the review so far, it is apparent that past investigations were extensive and conducted by specialist teams who sought charging decisions from the CPS on two occasions. However, we know that contact with and support for some victims at the time could have been improved. Only after completing this comprehensive review will we fully understand what could have been done differently.

Following complaints from two women about the quality of investigations conducted in 2008, the Met has voluntarily referred these cases to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

While these cases date back over a decade and we cannot change what happened in the past, we are committed to understanding, being open about any shortcomings and improving our response to survivors moving forward.

Commander Stephen Clayman, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “I recognise the bravery of every victim-survivor who has come forward to share their experiences, often after years of silence.

“This investigation is about giving survivors a voice, despite the fact that Mohamed Al Fayed is no longer alive to face prosecution. However, we are now pursuing any individuals suspected to have been complicit in his offending, and we are committed to seeking justice.

“We are aware that past events may have impacted the public’s trust and confidence in our approach, and we are determined to rebuild that trust by addressing these allegations with integrity and thoroughness. We encourage anyone who has information or was affected by Al Fayed’s actions to reach out to us. Your voice matters, and we are here to listen and to help.”

Appeal to Victims and Witnesses

The Met is committed to supporting all victims and is urging anyone with information, whether they were directly affected by Mohamed Al Fayed’s actions or aware of others who may have been involved, to come forward.

The Met has specialist detectives who regularly handle sensitive cases and can provide survivors with access to support services.

Every report will be carefully evaluated and recorded, and survivors are encouraged to use the secure channels provided to share their experiences.

Contact Information

Survivors and witnesses are invited to contact the Complex Investigation Team through any of the following methods:

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A seventh person has been arrested as part of an investigation by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command into suspected activity linked to the proscribed group Kurdistan Workers Party known as the ‘PKK’.

The 31-year-old man [G] was arrested this afternoon in west London. He has been detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000, and is in custody at a London police station.

This follows the arrest of six others ([A] a 59-year-old woman, [B] a 27-year-old man, [C] a 31-year-old woman, [D] a 62-year-old man, [E] a 56-year-old man and [F] a 23-year-old man) earlier this morning (27 November) in connection with the ongoing investigation. They were all detained under section 41(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000, and remain in custody at a London police station.

Acting Commander Helen Flanagan from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command said: “I want to stress that today’s arrests are targeted specifically at those we believe may be involved in suspected terrorist activity.

“We understand these arrests have caused some concern amongst certain local communities – particularly those in the Kurdish community. I want to reassure the community that our activity is being carried out to keep everyone safe from potential harm, including those within the Kurdish community itself.

“I would also ask that people avoid speculating or sharing unverified details online about this activity. Local officers will continue to be present in the area over the coming days to provide reassurance to local residents and I would urge anyone with concerns to speak with these officers.

“Local officers will also continue to hold meetings with community leaders, the local authority and local resident and community groups to keep them updated directly on the progress of this investigation.”

A group of protestors gathered in the vicinity of the Kurdish Community Centre following the arrest of six people this morning on suspicion of terrorism offences linked to the PKK.

Officers continue to carry out search activity at the Community Centre as part of the ongoing investigation, and it remains closed to the public at this time.

Additional officers have also been deployed to the area in relation to the protest activity and are engaging with the protest group. Four protestors from among the group have been arrested, although the arrests are not directly connected to the investigation into the seven people arrested by the Counter Terrorism Command.

We will continue to have local officers in the neighbourhood over the coming day to engage with any members of the local community who may be concerned following arrests by the Counter Terrorism Command this morning.

We recognise the impact that this action has on our communities and we will work hard to support them together with partners.

Anyone with concerns or information relating to the investigation or activities of the PKK can contact police in confidence on 0800 789 321 or via www.gov.uk/ACT

Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are appealing for help in locating a missing woman from Chadwell Heath who may have travelled to Stevenage.

Renee Baafi-Owusu, 26, was last seen by colleagues at around 14:00hrs on Friday, 22 November, at King’s Cross station where she works for Network Rail.

She purchased a ticket at King’s Cross and it is thought that she took a train to Stevenage. However, it is possible that she has travelled elsewhere.

Officers have released an image of Renee travelling to work on Friday morning. She may still be wearing the same black coat, trousers and trainers. She sometimes wears a face mask.

Her disappearance is out of character, and she has not been reported missing before. Renee’s mother is concerned for her wellbeing and officers are urging the public, and in particular anyone in the Stevenage area, to contact them if they may have seen Renee.

Anyone who may have seen her is asked to call 101 and quote reference 01/1120083/24. For an immediate sighting dial 999.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating a shooting in Ladbroke Grove where a man and a child were injured have made an arrest.

A 32-year-old man [B] was arrested on Tuesday, 26 November on suspicion of the attempted murder of two people and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life – he remains in custody.

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances which led to a 34-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl suffering injuries following the shooting in Southern Row, W10 at around 17:30hrs on Sunday, 24 November.

The man suffered potentially life-changing injuries. The girl’s injuries are not life-threatening.

A 22-year-old man [A] was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. He has been bailed to a date in early February pending further enquiries.

Local residents will continue to see an increased police presence in and around the area of Southern Row over the coming days. We would urge anyone with concerns to speak to one of them.

Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command lead the investigation and ask anyone with information that may assist to come forward. Enquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances, including any motive.

Alternatively, if you can help, please call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD reference 5238/24Nov. You can also provide information by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A meticulous investigation by Met police officers means that two men will face prison for committing a series of violent robberies across London and Kent.

James Dixon, 42 (17.10.82) of no fixed address pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit robbery, conspiracy to steal, robbery of cash and possession of an offensive weapon during a hearing at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court on 28 October. He is due to be sentenced on 18 January 2025.

Thomas Loring, 41 (11.9.83) of Dunkery Road, SE9 was found guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery on 25 November at Kingston Crown Court, after the jury deliberated for 42 minutes. He is due to be sentenced on 16 January 2025.

Dixon and Loring were part of an organised crime network based in South London and targeted cash in transit vans, Post Offices and a jeweller’s in a spate of vicious assaults which left victims with serious injuries.

On 26 March, during a robbery on an antique jewellery shop in Chelsea which was captured on CCTV, two shop workers in their seventies were attacked with a claw hammer and around £200,000 worth of jewellery was stolen.

An investigation by the Met’s Flying Squad involved specialist officers reviewing hundreds of hours of CCTV footage, evidential profiling, analysis of DNA, use of vehicle monitoring technology and the identification of fake number plates.

Dixon and Loring were arrested following an attack targeting a cash in transit worker at a Post Office on the Old Kent Road on 19 June during which they punched and kicked the custodian, stealing £26,000.

Antiques expert and owner of Bourbon Hanbury in Chelsea, Ian Towning, said: “The support we got from the police was absolutely fantastic. They’ve been there for me every minute. They’ve always been there. That’s what the police are there for, to help you, to guide you, to take you through it.”

Senior Security Manager at Post Office, Mark Dinsdale said: “We’re grateful to the Metropolitan Police and their officers for all their work to bring these serious criminal offenders to justice.

“Where Postmasters, or our own cash delivery drivers, are the victims of crime this has a devastating impact on them and also a knock-on-effect on our branches’ ability to provide everyday cash and banking services to local communities.

“We will continue to work closely with the Metropolitan Police to support their efforts to prevent or detect criminal behaviour.”

Detective Inspector Kelly Schonhage, from the Metropolitan Police who led the investigation, said: “Evidence obtained as part of our investigation revealed this criminal network were proficient, competent and well organised and were aware of the impact and relevance of forensic and identification evidence.

“These men inflicted serious injuries and caused immense distress during violent robberies which deliberately targeted the cash and valuables in transit industry and businesses in London and Kent.

“We continue to use innovative methods, data and technology to build intelligence about robbery and combat violent crime in the capital which our New Met for London plan highlights is a priority for the Met.”

The Flying Squad investigates serious organised crime such as commercial robbery, cash in transit offences, high harm offenders and organised crime groups as well as leading the Met’s covert response to kidnappings and product contamination.

As part of the A New Met for London plan, the Met is working to build public trust in police work showing how officers fight crime in communities and keep people safe. The Met is building on work to keep serious violence low, including robbery.

For more information visit: A New Met for London