Category: United Kingdom

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Communities urged to stay alert to online misinformation

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

Role of misinformation online shown to fuel actions of increasingly younger demographic, as it’s revealed that 17% of those arrested in relation to the summer riots and disorder were under the age of 18.

Police chiefs have today spoken about the role that misinformation played in the riots and disorder over the summer and the devastating impact it had on communities. The comments were made at the APCC and NPCC Partnership Summit in London today, Wednesday 20 November

After the tragic killing of three young girls in Southport in July, widespread unrest spilled into violence and disorder in communities across England and Wales. The cost to policing these incidents stands at £31.7m as mutual aid was deployed across the country, a cost that is expected to rise.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Williams, Head of the National Police Co-ordination Centre (NPoCC), said:

“I am incredibly proud of the way that policing pulled together to deploy officers to protect the communities most at risk.

“The disorder was one of the biggest challenges to national policing since the 2011 riots and was the first time the National Mobilisation Plan was evoked by NPoCC, which releases officers from forces to be deployed to the worst affected areas.”

During the 12 day period of rioting, over 40,000 hours’ worth of shifts for public order officers were stood up to protect communities from the violence and disorder. The estimated cost of the police operation stands at £31.7 million, a cost that is expected to rise.

Police chiefs reflected on how exposure to misinformation and harmful ideologies online are influencing the actions of an increasingly younger demographic, as data reveals that 17% of those arrested in relation to the disorder were under the age of 18.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Jukes, Head of Counter Terrorism Policing, said:

“As well as responsible ownership of technology companies and the international work of government to stop misinformation spreading online, we need to equip people to know how to deal with false information.

“It’s too late to wait to de-bunk misinformation that has real-world consequences, we need to get into classrooms so we can ‘pre-bunk’ and teach young people how to respond to this online content.”

Noting the impact this had on communities, West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, said:

“Some felt they had legitimate cause to protest, some were hell bent on causing violence and damage. We need to ensure that the public have accurate information to stop this from happening again. It’s about having the right information out there that people can believe in.”

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Domestic response to on-going events in the Middle East

Source: United Kingdom National Police Chiefs Council

On the 9 October 2023 the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), in collaboration with the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC), launched a coordinated policing response to address potential impacts on British communities following the terrorist attacks in Israel.

This initiative, known as Operation Tarlac, was designed to enhance support for local policing efforts, deliver consistencies in policing response and align with existing counter-terrorism frameworks to ensure public safety and community cohesion.

Once the severity of the initial attacks became clear, it was evident that their impact would be deeply felt within communities across the United Kingdom. Previous incidents of escalated tension in the region, notably in 2014 and 2021, demonstrated how such conflicts directly affect the community fear and confidence.

The response from communities at home has been well documented, and we saw protest activity take place almost immediately following the initial attacks. London saw the bulk of this activity, but at its peak, police forces across the country (and not even including London) responded to 67 protests across a four day period in early November, demonstrating how impactful these events were.

To date over 2,600 protest events have required varying police involvement. This has often required the diversion of resources from other priority business and requiring tens of thousands of rest days cancelled. This has contributed to Operation Tarlac being one of the longest and most resource intensive policing operations in recent history.

Over the past year, most of this protest activity has continued to take place peacefully and without issue, but where we have seen incidents of criminality occur, officers have been on hand to respond swiftly and gather evidence to support prosecutions. Since we nationally started tracking data, there have been over 550 arrests made by police at protests. This include arrests at assemblies, processions, direct action and post event protest arrest when someone has been identified through enquiries and investigations.

Policing’s focus has been on supporting our communities by being highly visible, engaging and responding quickly to crime and disorder. Despite evidenced increased engagement specifically within Muslim and Jewish communities we have seen continued heightened incidents of hate crime reporting.

We continue to work closely with community partners and government departments to ensure the most effective reassurance is taking place because we know we have work to do to create the confidence to report incidents and feel safe in their community.

We have been clear throughout this conflict that as emotive as it can be, there is absolutely no excuse for anybody to use it to engage in criminality. Hate crime has not been tolerated. Committing offences during protests has not been tolerated. We have made arrests and are well prepared to continue to do so.

Chief Constable Chris Noble is the NPCC Strategic Lead for Operation Tarlac, and the national lead for Policing Protests. He said:

“The tragic events of October 2023 and beyond continue to resonate with our communities, and our thoughts remain with those who were affected by that incident, in addition to events that have occurred in the region since.

“Over the past 12 months, our officers have responded to an increase in protest activity seen in response to events overseas, often under significant scrutiny.

“In February the Home Affairs Select Committee acknowledged the complexities involved in policing protests, particularly in balancing the rights of all parties. The recent protests have presented the most sustained period of pressure and coordination on policing since 2012. Our officers and staff have demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism in responding to these challenges, and their efforts deserve our gratitude and recognition.

“We recognise that events in the Middle East continue to evolve, that a further escalation in conflict is possible, and that this will raise concerns further in our communities at home, particularly those who have friends and family in the region.

“People wish to have their voices heard, and the right to lawful protest is a key part of any democracy, which UK police uphold and facilitate.

“We continue to ask that those looking to organise any future events contact their local police force and engage with them ahead of the time, to ensure that any activity that takes place does so peacefully and lawfully, to the benefit of all in attendance.”

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Woman charged with fatal stabbing and attempted murder

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A woman has been charged with murder following the death of a man in Bow.

Fatima Umar, 21, (22.12.2002) of Navenby Walk E3 was charged on Monday, 25 November with the fatal stabbing of Alan Geary, 46, and the attempted murder and stabbing of a 56-year-old woman.

Umar [D] appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 25 November. She was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 27 November.

Police were called shortly after midnight on Saturday, 23 November to reports of a man suffering from stab injuries at an address in Navenby Walk, E3.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and found Mr Geary suffering from stab injuries.

He was taken to hospital, but sadly died from his injuries. His next-of-kin have been informed.

A post-mortem examination has taken place.

Two men, aged 45 [A] and 23 [B] and a woman aged 21 [C], were arrested at the address on suspicion of murder. All three were later released without charge.

At 03.00hrs, officers were made aware of another stabbing at a nearby address in Navenby Walk. Officers attended and found a woman suffering from stab injuries. The woman was taken to hospital. We await an update on her condition. She is in a stable condition and has been released from hospital.

Officers attended and arrested a 21-year-old woman [D] who was later charged in relation to both incidents as above.

The police investigation is being led by Specialist Crime detectives.

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Statement from Superintendent Owen Renowden following shooting in Ladbroke Grove

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Statement from Superintendent Owen Renowden following the double shooting that took place on Southern Row in Ladbroke Grove on Sunday, 24 November.

“My name is Superintendent Owen Renowden and I am the lead for policing in Kensington and Chelsea. I am going to give you an update on the shooting that took place here last night.

“Last night at approximately 5:30pm, we received numerous 999 calls, to Southern Row reporting that shots had been fired and a number of people in a vehicle had been injured.

“We immediately dispatched units to the scene including local officers from the emergency response teams supported by armed officers from the Specialist Firearms Command.

“On arrival, officers located a 34-year-old man and an eight-year-old girl who had sustained serious gunshot injuries. Also present in the car, was a two-year-old child and a 32-year-old woman who were thankfully unharmed.

“I want to take this opportunity now to thank the members of the public who came to the aid of those who were injured.

“Officers administered first aid before being assisted by colleagues from the London Ambulance Service.

“Both injured parties were taken to hospital where they currently remain in a serious but stable condition.

“The 34-year-old male has sustained potentially life changing injuries, whilst the eight-year-old girl remains in surgery, although we do not believe her injuries to be life threatening at this time. They are being supported by specialist officers and my thoughts remain with them.

“Immediately following the incident, officers arrested a 22-year-old male on suspicion of attempted murder and he remains in police custody.

“The investigation is being led by detectives from the Specialist Crime Command who are working closely with our local teams to establish the circumstances surrounding what took place.

“I recognise that any shooting has a traumatic impact on the local community and I have already heard today how last night’s incident in particular has affected local people.

“There will be a continued presence from our neighbourhood policing teams over the coming days and we are working closely with our partners to increase the presence of all services in the area.

“Although the investigation is progressing at pace, I want to appeal today to anyone with information that may assist to come forward.

“You can do so by calling 101 and quoting CAD reference 5238/24Nov or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

“I want to end by thanking the local community for their continued patience whilst we investigate this appalling incident.”

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Man jailed for murder of Keelen Wong in Brixton

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been sentenced following the murder of Keelen Wong in Brixton after detectives managed to track the suspect down using a blood trail he left at the scene.

Kyiza Sandiford, 24, (19.09.00), of Merton, was sentenced at the Old Bailey on Friday, 22 November to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 23 years, for the murder of 22-year-old Keelen.

He was found guilty at the same court following a trial on Thursday, 17 October.

Detective Inspector Kevin Martin, from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Our thoughts remain with Keelen’s family and friends.

“Our investigation gathered compelling evidence to put the defendant before the court. My team pieced together the various movements of Sandiford on the day of the murder, including linking a blood trail at the scene to Sandiford’s self-admission to hospital.

“I have spoken with Keelen’s family and, although the trial has not provided them with the full result that they had wished for, I have expressed my sincere hope that they can obtain some degree of comfort from the sentence handed down.

“This result shows that the Met remains deeply committed to pursuing and prosecuting those who are willing to commit acts of violence on the streets of London.”

Police were called at 16:44hrs on Tuesday, 3 October 2023 to reports of a stabbing in Coldharbour Lane, Brixton.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended and Keelen was found with a knife injury. Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he died at the scene.

Sandiford was arrested the day after the murder on Wednesday, 4 October 2023 and he was subsequently charged.

Two teenage defendants were both found not guilty of the murder but one, aged 16, was found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon.

The 16-year-old boy was given a nine month Youth Supervision Order at court.

Keelen’s father Jemaine Wong said: “I’m grateful for the sentence that has been served. All who knew and loved Keelen are planning to have his memory last long beyond Sandiford’s time.

“However, there are no joy or winners in this scenario, only levels of loss. Community violence is a sad reality that I will have to navigate with the grace of God moving forward. No amount of time will account for the life of my son Keelen Wong, but my hope is that the sentence will allow the defendant time to appreciate the value of life.”

Keelen’s mother Nadine Searchwell said: “To the killer and the two individuals who stood with him they only took his flesh, his spirit is still here. He’s God’s child and God doesn’t sleep.

“I’m just blessed and grateful to be his Mum and so thankful I got 22 years with my baby. My one son, I love you, know I got you. Keelen Wong’s legacy lives.”

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Appeal for witnesses after man and young girl shot in Kensington

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for help and information following a double shooting in Kensington which has left a man and a child seriously injured.

On Sunday, 24 November at 17:34hrs police were called to Southern Row, W10 following reports of a shooting.

Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from the London Ambulance Service who treated two people for gunshot injuries.

A 34-year-old man and a girl aged eight were then taken to a hospital.

Superintendent Owen Renowden, in charge of policing for Kensington and Chelsea, said: “This is an appalling incident that has left two people seriously injured, including a young girl who thankfully is in a stable condition this morning.

“I am appealing to the public who may have been in the area at the time of the shooting.

“Did you hear any gunshots around 17:30hrs yesterday evening? Did you see anyone fleeing from the area? We are keen to hear from anyone who may have any information surrounding this incident. Your information matters, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.”

We await an update on the condition of the man. We also await an update on the girl, but she does not have life-threatening injuries.

A 32-year-old woman was also taken to hospital as a precaution but was not injured.

Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

If you saw anything, or have any information then please contact police on 101 stating CAD5238/24NOV or call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 to remain anonymous.

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Police appeal for witnesses following fight on Westminster Bridge

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for witnesses and any CCTV or dashcam footage following an assault on Westminster Bridge that has left a man critically ill.

At 10:43hrs on Sunday, 24 November, police were called to reports of a fight on Westminster Bridge, SE1.

Officers attended the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance, where they found a man in cardiac arrest.

Initial reports suggested the man had been stabbed, but further enquiries have confirmed this is not the case. Investigations are ongoing to determine how he came to suffer a cardiac arrest.

The man remains in hospital in a critical condition.

Three people have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, and one person has been arrested on suspicion of affray. Two of those arrested have been taken to hospital with head injuries.

Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and may have witnessed the incident.

Officers are also urging anyone with CCTV, mobile phone footage, or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information or footage is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 2468/24NOV.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website at crimestoppers-uk.org.

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Man charged with attempted murder following disturbance on Brixton bus

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged following a disturbance on a bus in Brixton that has left a man fighting for his life.

Nathan Grant, 39 (27.07.85), of Lambeth Walk, Brixton, was charged on Friday, 22 November with attempted murder and theft.

He appeared in custody at Croydon Crown Court on Saturday, 23 November. He was remanded in custody to next appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, 20 December.

The Specialist Crime Command launched an investigation following an incident involving two men on a route 59 bus in Brixton Road, SW9, at approximately 10:20hrs on Thursday, 21 November.

A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital following the incident, where he remains in a critical condition. His family have been informed.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was taken into police custody. He was subsequently charged as above.

At this stage it is not thought any weapons were used in the incident but enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

Anyone with information, including footage of the incident or CCTV footage, mobile phone, doorbell or dashcam footage of anything nearby that you believe may be relevant, is asked to contact the police as soon as possible by calling 101 OR messaging @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2089/21Nov.

The public can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A dedicated online page has been set up to make it easier to provide information or material – such as images or video – online.

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Met investigation sees two men jailed for stealing mobile phones

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A speedy investigation by Met detectives has seen two men sentenced to almost six years in prison between them for robbing mobile phones whilst riding E-bikes in central London.

Kymani Wilson 22, (23.10.01) of Brent was sentenced to 3 years and 2 months in prison, whilst Claude Parkinson, 25, (06.09.99) of Islington was handed a 2 years and 8 months’ sentence for four counts of theft at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Monday, 11 November.

They were also sentenced to one count each of dangerous driving, whilst Parkinson was also convicted for one count of breaching a Criminal Behaviour Order.

Detectives found on Thursday, 23 May of this year, between 14:00hrs and 15:00hrs, Wilson and Parkinson committed a series of robberies and thefts of mobile phones on E-bikes in the boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea.

Followed by a National Police Air Service helicopter at the scene, as well as armed police vehicles, the suspects travelled from central London towards Islington where they were found to have dropped off stolen items to associates in a pub on Caledonian Road before entering a nearby estate to hide from police.

Armed officers located the estate and proactively stormed the property around 20 minutes later, where they arrested the two men and took them to custody.

Officers gathered evidence from multiple victims and witnesses which helped them build a case against the two men.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Ware from the Central West Robbery Squad unit, said:

“We know mobile phone theft is a huge worry for people, and it is particularly frightening to have something snatched out of your hands from someone on a bike.

“We’ve worked hard to build a case and gather evidence to convict these two offenders and get them put behind bars.

“We know what a significant impact this type of a crime has on victims so please rest assured cracking down on it and getting these villains off our streets is a priority for us.”

If you witness or are a victim of a crime, it is crucial to report it promptly by calling 999 in the case of an emergency. For non-emergency situations, you can call 101 or report online.

For advice on how to stay safe from mobile phone theft please our website for further information.

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Appeal after assault leaves man in life threatening condition

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing to the public for information following a disturbance on a bus in Brixton yesterday that has left a man fighting for his life.

The Specialist Crime Command has launched a major investigation following an incident involving two men on a route 59 bus in Brixton Road, SW9 at approximately 10:20hrs on Thursday, 21 November.

A 40-year-old man was taken to hospital following the incident, where he remains in a critical condition. His family have been informed.

A 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was taken into police custody where he remains.

At this stage it is not thought any weapons were used in the incident but enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

Anyone with information, including footage of the incident or CCTV footage, mobile phone, doorbell or dashcam footage of anything nearby that you believe may be relevant, is asked to contact the police as soon as possible by calling 101 OR messaging @MetCC on X, giving the reference 2089/21Nov.

The public can also provide information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A dedicated online page has been set up to make it easier to provide information or material – such as images or video – online.