Category: United Kingdom

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

The Met has used its powers under the Public Order Act to prevent the Palestine Solidarity Campaign forming up in the vicinity of a synagogue ahead of its planned protest on Saturday, 18 January.

The group had asked protest participants to gather in Portland Place, outside the BBC, from noon, ahead of a march to Whitehall.

The conditions that have been imposed prevent any such gathering in Portland Place and the surrounding area. A map showing the relevant area is attached to this press release.

Commander Adam Slonecki, who is leading the policing operation in London that weekend, said: “The role of the police is to ensure that groups can exercise their right to peaceful protest, while also balancing the rights of those in the wider community to go about their lives without serious disruption.

“It is not our role to give permission for protests, but we can use our powers under the Public Order Act to apply conditions to control start and finish times, routes, form up points and other details where necessary. Since October 2023 we have used these powers proactively on more occasions than at any other point in recent history.

“We have been in discussions with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) and also with community, business and faith groups for many weeks.

“We have carefully considered the likely impact of the PSC’s plans. As part of those considerations we have reflected on the views of local community and business representatives, including those of the congregation at a synagogue located a very short distance from the proposed ‘form up’ point in Portland Place.

“We have taken into account the cumulative impact of this prolonged period of protest, often taking place on Saturdays and on numerous occasions in the vicinity of synagogues. We know this has been a cause of increased concern for many Jewish Londoners who have altered their plans, avoided parts of central London and reduced attendance at religious services.

“On Tuesday, I wrote to the PSC to inform them that we have reached the view that a protest forming up so close to a synagogue on a Saturday – the Jewish holy day – when congregants will be attending Shabbat services, risks causing serious disruption.

“We police without fear or favour and this decision was taken based on a detailed consideration of the evidence, not any outside influence.

“Some of the media coverage today makes reference to a letter sent to us from MPs and Peers raising concerns about this protest. I want to be clear that our position was decided and communicated with the PSC prior to us receiving that letter. It had no impact on our decision making.

“We had hoped that the PSC would reflect on our decision and on the likely impact of their plans on the wider community, however they have said they will not change their position, continuing to encourage protesters to form up in Portland Place.

“In those circumstances we have no choice but to use the powers available to us. We will continue to engage with the PSC and we hope they will rethink and put forward an alternative proposal in the coming days.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident where a woman died after collapsing on a bus in Finchley.

At around 12:35hrs on Saturday, 28 December a 78-year-old woman was taken ill following a cardiac arrest on board a route 13 bus at Finchley Road, NW3.

The woman had just boarded the bus prior to the incident.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and the woman was taken to hospital. She sadly died there on Saturday, 4 January.

The woman’s family are being supported by a specially trained officer.

Officers are investigating the circumstances that led to the woman’s death.

The driver of the bus is assisting police with enquiries and there has been no arrest.

Anyone who was on board the bus at the time of the incident but left prior to the arrival of police, and who could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD2686/28Dec.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been charged following a stabbing that took place in Shooters Hill on Monday, 6 January.

Oquaine Simpson, 19 (01.12.2005) of Dacres Road, SE23 was charged with attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon on Thursday, 9 January. He will appear at Bromley Magistrates Court today (Thursday, 9 January).

The charge follows a stabbing that took place at around 16.20hrs on Monday, 6 January to Prince Imperial Road, SE18.

Officers attended the scene and discovered an 18-year-old man suffering from stab wounds. The victim was in a life threatening condition at the time of the incident.

The victim is in now in a stable condition and remains in hospital with non-life threatening and non-life changing injuries.

A 17-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder, she has been bailed whilst enquiries continue.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Detectives investigating the murder of Michelle Sadio in Brent have made an arrest.

The 18-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, 8 January on suspicion of Michelle’s murder – he remains in custody.

Michelle’s family have been updated with this development and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Clarke who leads the investigation said:

“While this arrest marks a significant step forward in this investigation we continue to appeal for anyone with information about Michelle’s murder to come forward and speak to us.

“This was senseless act of violence that resulted in an innocent woman being killed. Michelle’s family continue to grieve and we are determined to ensure those responsible face the consequences of their actions.

“If you can help in any way then please don’t hesitate to contact us.”

An investigation was launched after police were called at approximately 21:15hrs on Saturday 14 December, to reports of the shooting in Gifford Road, NW10, which happened as Michelle and others were standing outside the church following a wake. Officers and London Ambulance Service paramedics attended the scene.

Michelle, aged 44, was found suffering serious injuries – despite the efforts of the emergency services she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men, both aged in their 30s, also suffered injuries. One remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition; the other man has been discharged following treatment.

The shots were fired from a black Kia Niro with distinctive alloys, with the number plate LA23 XRE. Following the shooting the car was driven to Barnhill Road where it was abandoned and set alight.

Enquiries into the circumstances are ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference CAD 7137/14DEC. You can also provide information, or upload images and footage, through the online portal here or by scanning the attached QR code.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are appealing to the public to help find a vulnerable man missing from north London.

Police are concerned about the welfare of 34-year-old Siroosh Hussain who has been missing for more than 24 hours.

Detective Sergeant Samantha Wilton from the North West Missing Persons Unit says:

“We are very worried about the whereabouts of Siroosh who was last seen at 14:14hrs on Tuesday, 7 January in Woodhouse Road, North Finchley, N12.

“Siroosh, who lives in Yorkshire, was visiting London with his family for the day for a funeral.

“Siroosh has a neurological disorder and autism. Please get in touch with police as soon as possible if you have any idea where he might be.”

Siroosh, who is of Pakistani heritage, is described as having fair skin, a beard and black hair.

He is around 5ft 2ins and is of short, stocky build with a mole on the left side of his cheek.

He was thought to be wearing a brown jacket, navy blue jumper, blue shirt, and white and green Puma trainers.

If anyone has seen Siroosh, or has information on his whereabouts, please call 101 giving the reference 3759/7DEC or call Crimestoppers free of charge on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Officers are continuing to investigate the murder of a teenage boy in Woolwich yesterday.

Police were called at 14:28hrs on Tuesday, 7 January to reports of a stabbing on a bus in Woolwich, SE18. The incident occurred on a Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

Officers attended, along with London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. Paramedics treated a 14-year-old boy at the scene who had received stab wound injuries, but he very sadly died shortly after medics arrived.

While formal investigation has yet to place his next of kin have been informed and officers are confident the victim is 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Thorpe, who is leading the investigation, said:

“Following Kelyan’s tragic death yesterday, specialist officers are now leading the investigation which is progressing at pace.

“The incident happened shortly before 14:30hrs on a route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street, SE18 at the Woolwich Ferry bus stop. If anyone saw this horrific attack or was in the area then I urge them to come forward and speak to officers. We’re particularly interested in any mobile phone footage that captured this incident or any dash cam or doorbell footage from around the surrounding area at the time of this incident.

“I know this is an incredibly worrying time for those in Woolwich, and there will continue to be an enhanced police presence in the area.

“Our thoughts remains with Kelyan’s family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.”

There has been no arrests and enquiries continue.

If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may help, they are urged to call police on 101 with ref 3795/07JAN25 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Met detectives have charged both UK Athletics and a man in connection with the death of Paralympian athlete Abdullah Hayayei during a training incident in 2017.

UK Athletics Limited, the national governing body for athletics, was charged on Tuesday, 07 January with corporate manslaughter and offences under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Keith Davies, 77 (06.05.1947) of Bushwood, Leytonstone and Head of Sport for the 2017 World Paralympic Athletics Championships was charged on Monday, 06 January with gross negligence manslaughter and offences under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Both UK Athletics and Davies are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday, 31 January.

An investigation was launched after emergency services responded to reports of a seriously injured man struck on the head by a metal pole during a training incident at Newham Leisure Centre in Prince Regent Lane, E13 on Tuesday, 11 July 2017. The man, Abdullah Hayayei, 36, a United Arab Emirates athlete, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

A man has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into the stabbing of a journalist in Queensmere Road, Wimbledon last year.

Officers from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, which is leading the investigation into the assault, arrested a 40-year-old man at an address in Cricklewood, London on Tuesday, 7 January. The man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm and was taken to a west London police station, before being released on bail to a date in April pending further enquiries. Officers also carried out searches at four premises in the Cricklewood and Finchley areas and enquiries continue.

The arrest is linked to the ongoing investigation into the assault which took place on 29 March, 2024. Two Romanian nationals were previously arrested upon their arrival into the UK following their extradition from Romania on 17 December, 2024.

Nandito Badea, 20 and George Stana, 24 were both charged with wounding and wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm and appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 18 December, 2024, where they were both remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on 17 January.

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

Statement from Superintendent Louise Sargent, the Deputy Commander for the South East BCU which covers the Woolwich area.:

“I am very sad to say that this afternoon a 14-year-old boy has died following an incident in Woolwich.

“Police were called at just before 2.30pm to reports of a stabbing on a bus.

“The incident occurred on a Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Road near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

“Officers attended, along with London Ambulance Service and London Air Ambulance. The initial alert was raised by a local officer out on patrol.

“Paramedics treated a 14-year-old boy at the scene who had received stab wounds, but really sadly he died shortly after medics arrived.

“Our thoughts at this time are with the victim’s family and friends. This is a horrendous crime and I can’t imagine what they must be going through right now.

“No arrests have been made at this early stage, but we are working at pace to identify and arrest those involved.

“Police cordons and road closures will remain in place while we continue to carry out enquiries.

“I know this will be a worrying time for everyone here in Woolwich, and all the more so given the very young age of the victim.

“The community can expect to see an enhanced police presence around the scene and the surrounding area.

“I would urge anyone who witnessed this horrific incident or has any information which might help, to call police on 101 with ref 3795/07JAN25 or call Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

An investigation has been launched after the fatal stabbing of a teenage boy on a bus this afternoon.

Police were called at 14:28hrs on Tuesday, 7 January to reports of a stabbing on a bus in Woolwich, SE18.

The incident occurred on a Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Road near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

Officers attended, along with London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance.

Paramedics treated a 14-year-old boy at the scene who had received stab wound injuries, but he very sadly died shortly after medics arrived.

Police cordons and road closures remain in place whilst emergency services carry out enquiries. No arrests have been made at this early stage.

If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may help, they are urged to call police on 101 with ref 3795/07JAN25 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.