A woman was found dead in a fire at a building in Hackney.
Yesterday morning, firefighters went to Nisbet House, a tall building on Homerton High Street in east London.
A fire damaged part of a flat on the ground floor. Firefighters found a woman in her 40s inside, and she was declared dead at the scene.
The police are looking into what started the fire, but they don’t think it was done on purpose.
The fire department came to the place around 8:20 am on Saturday. They used six fire trucks and 30 firefighters to put out the fire. They got the fire under control by about 9:40 am.
A person from the fire department said: “Unfortunately, a woman died in a fire in a Hackney apartment. ”
“A fire damaged part of a flat on the ground floor. ” A lady was discovered in the apartment and was declared dead there.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: “We have told her closest family and we are thinking of them during this hard time. ”
They are trying to find out what caused the fire. It is not thought to be suspicious.
Tag: Metropolitan Police
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Woman dies in massive apartment tower fire in London
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Prince Andrew’s claims not being looked into – Met Police
The Metropolitan Police said they are not looking into claims about the Duke of York and his ties to the late Jeffrey Epstein who was involved in child abuse.
Prince Andrew is being accused of touching a woman inappropriately at Epstein’s house in court documents that were made public. He has said before that this is not true.
The Met said it will look at any new and important information if someone tells them about it.
The prince is one of many important people listed in the files.
The new papers are part of a legal case against Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein’s girlfriend. She has been arrested for helping him hurt girls.
Many of the claims in the papers are not new.
The files have a long story from Johanna Sjoberg. She met Prince Andrew at Epstein’s house in New York in 2001. Also there were Epstein’s friend Maxwell and Virginia Giuffre. She later filed a claim against the prince for a sexual assault, and they agreed on a settlement.
Ms Sjoberg says that Prince Andrew touched her breast during an encounter. Buckingham Palace has said that the allegations are completely false.
British group against king and queen, Republic, said it told the police about the prince after the papers came out this week.
The force knew about the documents getting out, but they haven’t started looking into it yet.
“We will look at any new and important information that is brought to our attention,” a spokesperson said.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he won’t talk about the police or court cases involving Prince Andrew.
Keir Starmer, the leader of the Labour party and a former top prosecutor, said that when people make believable accusations, those accusations should be looked into.
“I saw the headlines but not the details. Whoever it is, if there are believable accusations, they should be investigated,” he said on LBC.
The papers mention some famous people like former US presidents Bill Clinton and Donald Trump.
The papers do not have any claims of Mr. Trump doing something wrong, and there is no suggestion that Mr. Clinton did anything illegal.
Epstein, a wealthy man who had connections in the government, business, and royal families, died in jail in 2019. He was accused of running a large group of young girls for sex.
Maxwell went to prison for 20 years in July 2020. She has asked for help, and they will listen to her in November next year.
Prince Andrew said he would stop doing his royal duties in 2019 because of the Epstein scandal. -
Man found guilty of murder following gunshot at park party
A man has been convicted of killing another man who was shot during a gathering of about 150 people in a park in east London.
On Wednesday, the court heard that Chase Griffith, 22, from Southgate, ran away to St. Lucia after the murder.
Sam Brown, who is 28 years old and lives in Walthamstow, got hurt at Cheney Row Park in Waltham Forest on July 24th, 2022.
He was shot in the chest and died in the hospital.
The court was told that both men went to a party at the park on the evening of July 23rd, and a man was stabbed early the next morning.
Jurors were told that after Griffith stabbed someone, he took out a gun and shot Mr. Brown because he thought he had something to do with it.
Mr Brown got into his car and drove a little bit before falling asleep. He was taken to the hospital and died from his injuries.
The police said Griffith ran away from the place and went home to Southgate. There, he got rid of the tracksuit he was wearing.
Several days later, on July 27th, the killer changed how he looked, including his hair, and got on a plane to St Lucia from Gatwick Airport.
‘We will never find resolution’
The police said that Griffith stayed in Saint Lucia until he was sent back to his home country.
Mr Brown’s family said in a statement that they will never fully understand what happened to their son that night and it’s hard for them to get closure.
“We need to continue living our lives because that’s what Sam would have wanted. ” He will always be our angel and we will never forget him.
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Allen, who was in charge of the Metropolitan Police’s investigation, said: “This was a difficult investigation. ” Many people saw Griffith shoot Sam at the gathering, but they were afraid to tell the police.
Griffith was found guilty of having a gun and will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on a date that is not yet known. -
Army prepared and ready after Metropolitan Police turned in their guns
The military might be asked to help out the Metropolitan Police by replacing some of their firearms officers who have given up their guns.
More than 100 officers who carried weapons gave up their permits after an officer was accused of killing Chris Kaba.
A man named Mr. Kaba, who was 24 years old, was killed in Streatham Hill, which is in south-east London. This happened in September of last year when he was shot through the windscreen of an Audi car.
The person who is accused of murdering someone, and is known as NX121 to protect their identity, appeared in court for the first time this week.
The police have asked the military for assistance and the Metropolitan Police have confirmed it.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said that soldiers would only help with certain jobs and would not do regular police work or have the ability to arrest people.
A person speaking on behalf of the police said: “The Ministry of Defence has agreed to help the Met with countering terrorism, if they need it. ”
This is a backup plan that would only be used in certain situations when there is no appropriate police response available.
The military will not be used for regular police duties. We will constantly check if we still need to receive support.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defense said that they agreed to help the Metropolitan Police if they need assistance with counterterrorism activities.
Scotland Yard said that some police officers have decided to stop doing armed duties while they think about what they want to do. The number of officers doing this has gone up in the last 48 hours.
Sir Mark Rowley, who leads the force, said that police officers who carry guns are understandably worried after the murder charge.
The Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, wants to assess the situation and make sure that police officers don’t worry about being punished for doing their job. -
More than 1,000 Met officers removed from active duty due to inefficiency and corruption in UK
Over 1,000 police officers from the Metropolitan Police are currently not working or have limited duties because the force is trying to remove staff who are corrupt or not capable of doing their job properly.
However, it may take a long time for the force to remove officers who have broken rules or didn’t pass background checks.
The Metropolitan Police is being urged to fire officers who are not capable or may be harmful, especially after the Wayne Couzens and David Carrick incidents. It’s concerning because both officers were working together in the same unit.
It has been revealed that one-third of the staff in the squad where Carrick and Couzens worked has been removed to completely reorganize the unit.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Stuart Cundy said that around 60 officers could lose their jobs every month for the next two years. Around 30 officers could be facing investigations for misconduct, while another 30 officers could be having hearings due to severe incompetence.
Out of the 34,000 officers in the Met, 201 have been suspended and around 860 are limited in their duties.
He said, “It will take one, two, or more years to remove the people who are corrupt. ”
1,600 cases were looked at after Carrick received a life sentence for many sexual crimes. These cases involved police officers who were accused of domestic or sexual violence in the last 10 years, but nothing was done about it.
Out of the cases being looked at, there are around 450 investigations currently happening.
The Met has also provided information about how they deal with disciplinary actions.
“In the last year, 100 officers lost their jobs for serious wrongdoing, which is 66% higher than the usual rate. ”
Currently, there are 201 officers who are not working, which is more than the 69 officers who were not working in September of last year.
275 people are waiting for a serious misconduct hearing, and a big number of them are accused of being violent towards women and girls. This is compared to 136 cases from last year.
The amount of reports from people and police officers claiming misconduct has increased twice as much.
The police force has checked all officers against the records on their computer. They found 11 cases that needed to be looked into more closely, and now five of those cases are being investigated for serious misconduct.
14 people are being looked at more closely to see if they did something really wrong, and there will probably be more people added to the investigation.
The worst case out of all the cases reviewed was about accusations of rape.
On Monday, the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, said that they have plans to make it simpler for police chiefs to fire bad officers. She announced this in a written statement to the Commons.
This means that if someone is found to have done something really wrong, they will be fired. It also means that if officers don’t pass background checks, they can be fired as well.
If someone is found guilty of certain crimes, like sexual offenses, it will be considered very bad behavior, and the responsibility for overseeing punishment hearings will go back to the top officers instead of independent people who know the law well. -
Daniel Khalife, prisoner who escaped, captured after four days on the run
The police have said that they caught Daniel Khalife, who ran away from Wandsworth prison on Wednesday.
The ex-soldier and person believed to be a terrorist was caught by police before 11:00 am this morning in Chiswick, London. He is now being held by the police.
The police have thanked everyone who helped in the search for Khalife and will give more information about his arrest later.
Police were looking for something or someone in that area earlier on Saturday because someone had seen it there before and said it was true.
Khalife, who is 21 years old, is believed to have run away from HMP Wandsworth on Wednesday morning. He did this by attaching himself to the underside of a delivery truck after leaving the prison kitchen while dressed as a cook.
The Minister responsible for policing, Chris Philp, praised the Metropolitan Police for quickly and successfully arresting Khalife. He expressed his admiration on social media, saying, “The Met Police did a fantastic job. ” Great job for quickly and efficiently capturing this criminal.
A great example of effective policing. Well done to all the officers who were part of this mission.
Prime minister Rishi Sunak expressed happiness about Khalife’s arrest and commended the police and the public for their efforts in finding him.
The Prime Minister spoke to the broadcasters at the G20 summit in New Delhi and said he was happy with the news. He thanked the police officers for their excellent work and also the public for providing a lot of helpful information to the police.
It’s great that we caught the person involved. As we all know, the Justice Secretary is investigating how he escaped and will keep working on it.
This is clearly really good news. And once again, I want to express my gratitude to the police as well as to the public for their assistance.
The police had promised to give £20,000 to anyone who could give them helpful information about the criminal. They received more than 100 phone calls because of this offer.
Police officers were looking for someone in Chiswick on Saturday. They stopped cars, checked the trunks, and asked people for their identification when they saw them.
There were police officers with weapons and dogs in the area, and a police boat was visible on the River Thames near the roads.
Before he escaped, Khalife was waiting for a trial because he was accused of placing a fake bomb at an RAF base and collecting information that could help terrorists or people who are against the UK.
The Labour party wants the Government to explain why they arrested Daniel Khalife.
Yvette Cooper, who is in charge of home security, wrote on social media: ‘I want to express my gratitude to all the police and intelligence teams who worked together to find and arrest Daniel Khalife. It is very good news that he has been captured now. ‘
Now, we need to find out how a prisoner accused of committing terror and national security crimes managed to escape. -
Woman accused of manslaughter in connection with 11-year-old girl’s death
Manslaughter charges have been brought against a lady in relation to the death of an 11-year-old girl in London.
On December 11, 2021, Fatiha Sabrin was discovered unconscious at a residence in Shadwell’s Sutton Street. She passed away that same day at the hospital.
Jesmin Akter, 33, of Sutton Street, Shadwell, was also charged with importing a controlled substance, according to the Metropolitan Police.
On Tuesday, August 22, she is scheduled to appear in court at Thames Magistrates.
The charge has been disclosed to her family, who are still receiving assistance from family liaison staff.
The charge comes after a detective investigation by the Specialist Crime Command of the Metropolitan Police.
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Retired Met Police officers imprisoned for an attempt to distribute pictures of child sex abuse
A three-year scheme by two retired Metropolitan Police officers and a current chief inspector of the Met to trade photographs of “the most depraved” child sex abuse resulted in their imprisonment.
Before being charged, the inspector was discovered to be deceased.
Jack Addis, 63, and Jeremy Laxton, 63, were jailed at Southwark Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to a charge of planning to distribute or display pornographic photos of children with Richard Watkinson, 49.
According to the testimony given in court, the guys shared the pictures and films on a hard drive that they added to whenever they got together “for their own sexual pleasure.”
Following concerns for his well-being, Watkinson, a working Met chief inspector for local policing at the West Area Command Unit, was discovered dead at his house in Saunderton, Princes Risborough, Buckinghamshire, on January 12.
His suicide was reported to the court.
Following his arrest in July 2021, he was placed on administrative leave. On that day, he was scheduled to appear in court to answer bail on charges of the conspiracy, three counts of taking indecent pictures of children, voyeurism, and two counts of misconduct in public office.
The three men allegedly planned to “distribute or show indecent images of children to each other” between January 1 2018 and July 10 2021, according to the accusation.
The photographs were discovered on a computer hard drive and included 2,516 of the worst Category A images, 1,032 of Category B images, and 1,701 of Category C images.
Grantham, Lincolnshire native Laxton was punished after entering a guilty plea to a number of additional offences.
Laxton’s attorney, Karen Walton, stated that her client must live with the public’s perception of him as “integral” to the public’s “all-time low” level of confidence in the police.
Laxton received a five-year, nine-month sentence from Mr. Justice Wall, while Addis, of Perthshire, Scotland, received a three-year, nine-month sentence.
“The pictures you traded in were of the most depraved,” the court remarked.
Despite not working directly in child protection, he said, “You had each been policemen and must have been fully aware of the damage done to real children by the filming of such disturbing images.”
Laxton also admitted guilt to three counts of creating indecent photos of children, possessing a forbidden image, possessing an extreme pornographic image, and possessing cannabis on or before September 20, 2021, in addition to the conspiracy charge.
The indictment lists 56 extreme pornographic images that were “grossly offensive, disgusting or otherwise of an extreme character” and showed a person having sex with an animal. There are 6,086 images in Category A, 4,039 in Category B, 3,597 in Category C, seven prohibited images of a child, and 56 other images.
After witnessing a message Laxton sent to someone claiming to have “buried” his equipment within the walls of his house, investigators discovered gadgets in a ‘cavity’ Laxton had made behind the walls of his residence.
One of the officers assigned to review the material called one of the pictures “one of the most disturbing Category A pictures in existence.”
In addition, Laxton admitted guilt to the charge of willfully promoting or aiding the commission of the act of misconduct in a public position between December 1, 2019, and May 1, 2021.
At Lincoln Magistrates’ Court, Laxton admitted to several separate charges; he was also sentenced for those offences on Friday.
In Lincoln, he guilty to three counts of having severe pornography, indecent photos of children, illegal images, and cannabis possession.
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Teenager accused of using sword to stab a kid declines to appear in court
A kid who is suspected of using a crimson “Ninja-style” sword to stab a 16-year-old in the heart has skipped his initial court date.
On the afternoon of 9 July, the Metropolitan Police were summoned to West Ham Park in Newham, east London, in response to a suspected stabbing.
When paramedics arrived on the scene, Rahaan Ahmed Amin was found with a knife wound to the heart.
He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he died the following day.
Detectives later charged another 16-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, with his murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
It is alleged he went to the scene on a bicycle carrying the foot-long weapon that he found in bushes.
The victim was said to be known to the defendant and was in the company of five others when he was attacked.
Latest London news
His first crown court appearance at the Old Bailey was scheduled for earlier today, but he refused to appear.
His barrister told the court his client had refused because he did not want to lose his place at Oakhill youth detention.
Judge Richard Marks continued the hearing in his absence and set a plea hearing for October 3 and a provisional two-week trial from April 29 next year.
The defendant was remanded into custody.
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Met Police issues apology over ‘corruption and incompetence’ in Daniel Morgan homicide
The Metropolitan Police has expressed regret to the family of private investigator Daniel Morgan, whose 1987 murder is still unsolved.
In Sydenham, southeast London, Morgan, 37, was discovered with an axe embedded in his head.
His family has long held the belief that Morgan was ready to reveal police wrong doing to the media, and for advocacy groups, his passing has come to represent this.
The investigation, which spanned decades, was, according to the London Police, “marred by a cycle of corruption, professional incompetence, and defensiveness.”
In his apology, Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley confessed the Met ‘prioritised its reputation at the expense of transparency and effectiveness’.
‘No words can do justice to the pain and suffering that has been a feature of the family’s lives for more than three decades as they have fought for justice, a fight which no family should have to endure,’ he said.
Morgan was killed outside the Golden Lion pub (Picture: REX/Shutterstock) ‘Their tenacious campaigning has exposed multiple and systemic failings in this organisation.’
The commissioner said he has met with Morgan’s loved ones and listened to their ‘vivid and moving accounts of the devastating impact those failings have had on their lives’.
‘They have explained how their trust in policing has been eroded,’ he added.
‘The personal commitment I made to tackling corruption in this organisation when I took over as Commissioner has never been stronger.’
On Monday, the Met reportedly hashed out a settlement of around £2,000,000 with Morgan’s family.
Morgan’s family was set to sue Sir Mark but the two sides struck a deal through formal mediation earlier this month.
For the Met, the commissioner’s statement is the latest in a long line of apologies for police failings, both decades-old and recent.
A series of crises has seized the Met in recent years, with issues around the Met’s handling of Morgan’s death being among them.
His death’s grisly and baffling details – how papers he had on him were stolen but his wallet was left or a suspect being an investigator who worked on Morgan’s murder case – have kept the pressure high for answers.
The Met’s approach raised serious questions about the quality of policing, exasperated by Morgan’s own investigation into the Met in the weeks before his death.
Morgan and his business partner at the time of his death, Jonathan Rees, ran an investigation agency called Southern Investigation that carried out work for the Rupert Murdoch-owned tabloid News of the World.
In 2007, the Met said the motive for Morgan’s murder was likely that he ‘was about to expose a south London drugs network possibly involving corrupt police officers’.
What happened to Daniel Morgan?
Daniel Morgan, 37, was a private detective living in south London.
The father-of-two worked for a company called Southern Investigations, which he had set up with his business partner Jonathan Rees.
He was found with an axe embedded in his skull in the dimply-lit car park outside the Golden Lion pub in Sydenham on March 10, 1987.
That night, he had met with Rees for a drink before leaving together at 9pm – Daniel, however, was found stabbed 40 minutes later.
He had been struck four to five times with the Chinese-made axe.
His watch and notes he had written earlier that day had been swiped but his wallet and money were untouched.
Rees, his brothers-in-law Glenn and Garry Vian and Met Officer Sid Fillery, who knew Rees and had previously moonlighted for the agency were arrested a month later before the charges were dropped.
Fillery had actually been assigned to investigate Daniel’s death but was later removed just days later.
No one has ever been brought to justice for Daniel’s killing, even after five police probes between 1988 and 2006 and an inquest.
Charges would come and go before being dropped, often due to a lack of evidence.
Many theories about why Daniel was murdered have been thrown around.
His family say Daniel was on the brink of exposing police corruption, with a Sunday paper offering him £250,000 for it.
Another pointed to how Daniel had worked as a bailiff and, the day before, handed a court summons to a man with previous violent convictions.
The final police investigation saw four people – including Rees, Glenn and Garry Vian, as well as builder James Cook – arrested in 2008.
However, prosecutors dropped the case in 2011 due to a lack of evidence.
Then-Home Secretary Theresa May launched a probe into the killing and the quality of policing in 2013.
Rees and the Vian brothers would win a case against the Met for malicious arrest in 2019, being awarded £400,000 in damages, five years later.
His family filed a civil suit over allegations of misfeasance in office and violations of the Human Rights Act on the part of the Met in December 2021.
The legal claim stretches back to 1987, cataloguing what the family see as alleged wrongdoing and shortcomings.
Five investigations and an inquest costing some £40,000,000 failed to find Morgan’s killer, with no suspects ever convicted.
Two probes into the investigation – one from the Daniel Morgan Independent Panel report and another by Hampshire Constabulary – accused the met of ‘a form of institutional corruption’.
‘Concealing or denying failings for the sake of the organisation’s public image is dishonesty on the part of the organisation for reputational benefit and constitutes a form of institutional corruption,’ the panel wrote in 2021.
‘The multiple police failures over many years, the death of witnesses and the passage of time, mean that it is most unlikely,’ the report added, ‘there will be a successful prosecution for Daniel Morgan’s murder.’
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Claims made against BBC presenter are ‘rubbish’ – lawyer tells BBC
The young person’s attorney referred to the accusations made by the mother at the centre of the BBC presenter incident as “rubbish.”
After a virtual discussion with the broadcaster earlier today, the Metropolitan Police is now conducting additional investigations to determine whether any crimes have been committed.
Online rumours have also been rampant over the identity of the male celebrity who is suspected of paying the anonymous adolescent £35,000 for sexual pictures.
While the victim at the centre of the allegations is now 20 years old, the situation is said to have begun when they were 17.
But the lawyer representing them has reported that the claims have ‘no truth to it’.
A letter from them reported by BBC News At Six said: ‘For the avoidance of doubt, nothing inappropriate or unlawful has taken place between our client and the BBC personality and the allegations reported in the Sun newspaper are “rubbish”.’
Again citing the lawyer, the BBC also reported the young person sent a denial to the Sun on Friday evening, but that the ‘inappropriate article’ was still published.
A statement from the newspaper said: ‘We have reported a story about two very concerned parents who made a complaint to the BBC about the behaviour of a presenter and the welfare of their child.
‘Their complaint was not acted upon by the BBC.
‘We have seen evidence that supports their concerns. It is now for the BBC to properly investigate.’
According to a report by the newspaper, the mum saw a picture of the presenter on her child’s phone ‘sitting on a sofa in his house in his underwear’.
She was told it was ‘a picture from some kind of video call’ and looked like he was ‘getting ready for my child to perform for him’.
The family were said to have complained to the BBC on May 19, but then became frustrated that the star remained on air.
The broadcaster confirmed it had been investigating a complaint since May, and that new claims of a ‘different nature’ were brought to it on Thursday.
As well as being in touch with the police, it is carrying out its own inquiries and talking to the young person’s family.
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There is currently no inquiry into the BBC presenter – Met Police
The Metropolitan Police has announced that there is “no investigation” ongoing into the BBC incident in which one of its stars is said to have paid a kid for sexual photographs.
In response to claims that an anonymous male presenter paid a teen more than £35,000 for the images, the broadcaster stated last night that it had gotten in touch with the police.
The incident is believed to have started when the victim, who is the subject of the allegations, was 17. The victim is now 20 years old.
Detectives are now assessing information discussed in a virtual meeting with the company, but an investigation has not been launched ‘at this time’.
A Met statement said: ‘Detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command met with representatives from the BBC on the morning of Monday, July 10.
‘The meeting took place virtually. They are assessing the information discussed at the meeting and further enquiries are taking place to establish if there is evidence of a criminal offence being committed.
‘There is no investigation at this time.’
This is the latest scandal to hit the BBC after the allegations first came to light on Saturday in the Sun.
Director-general Tim Davie is due to face the media tomorrow for a briefing after the release of the corporation’s annual report.
In a note to staff on Sunday, he said: ‘The BBC became aware of a complaint in May; the BBC investigations team have been looking into this since it was raised and have been actively following up.
‘New allegations, of a different nature, were put to us on Thursday, and, in addition to our own inquiries, we have also been in touch with external authorities, in line with our protocols.
‘I can also confirm that we have suspended a member of staff.’
He added: ‘By law, individuals are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, which is making this situation more complex.
‘I also want to be very clear that I am wholly condemning the unsubstantiated rumours being made on the internet about some of our presenting talent.
‘We are in contact with the family referenced in the media reports.
‘I want to assure you that we are working rapidly to establish the facts and to ensure that these matters are handled fairly and with care, including by external authorities where appropriate.’
The BBC said it had been investigating a complaint since May, adding that new claims of a ‘different nature’ were brought to it on Thursday.
As well as being in touch with the police, the corporation is carrying out its own inquiries and talking to the young person’s family.
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Boy, 17, discovered dead in a canal with stab wounds
Police have identified the adolescent who passed away after being discovered with stab wounds in a canal.
On Sunday, Victor Lee, 17, of Ealing, was discovered in the water near Ladbroke Grove in West London.
Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the spot after being retrieved from the canal.
He was found dead from his stab wounds on Wednesday, according to a post-mortem study.
Although formal identification has yet to take place, the Metropolitan Police said they are able to name Victor as the victim.
His family has been informed and is being supported by specially trained officers, the force said.
Three boys aged 14, 15 and 17 were arrested on Friday and remain in police custody.
Latest London news
Police have renewed appeals for information and witnesses to the killing, which is understood to have happened on the Grand Union towpath under Scrubs Lane.x
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Howie from the Specialist Crime Command is leading the investigation and said: ‘We are continuing to provide Victor’s family with support during this traumatic time and our thoughts remain with them.
‘We made three arrests as part of our investigation into Victor’s murder.
‘However I still need to hear from anyone who has information about what happened last Sunday.
‘Were you in the area of the Grand Union Canal towpath near the Scrubs Lane bridge, or travelling on Scrubs Lane, between 5.15pm and 6.15pm?
‘Did you see a fight or hear anything that may assist with the investigation?
‘If you were driving in the area and have a dash cam, please review your footage and contact us or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
‘My team will be in the vicinity of Scrubs Lane tomorrow, Sunday July 2, as part of a proactive appeal for information.’
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Murder suspect identified by Met Police after 30 years
The Metropolitan Police have identified a new suspect in the infamously racist murder of Stephen Lawrence.
A BBC investigation named Matthew White, who passed away in 2021 at the age of 50, and charged the force with handling significant inquiries against him improperly.
According to the broadcaster, there is proof that White was the’sixth man’ in the attack that happened in Eltham, southeast London, 30 years ago.
The Met responded by repeating Sir Mark Rowley’s apology from earlier this year on the anniversary of Stephen’s passing and noting that White had been detained twice.
On both occasions, the force said, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had advised there was no realistic prospect of his conviction.
Stephen Lawrence was 18 years old when a group of white men stabbed him to death as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in April 1993.
While the police have repeatedly said there were six attackers, only two people were ever found guilty.
David Norris and Gary Dobson were given life sentences for Stephen’s murder in 2012, and the three other prime suspects – Luke Knight and brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt – were never convicted.
The BBC has said evidence found in the investigation that identified White also further implicates Knight and the Acourt brothers.
In 2020, Commissioner Cressida Dick declared the case inactive, saying the Met had exhausted all lines of inquiry – but she said the Lawrence family had been assured that any new evidence would be investigated.
Following the release of the BBC report, the force’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward said: ‘The impact of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence and attack on Duwayne Brooks, and subsequent inquiries, continues to be felt throughout policing.
‘Unfortunately, too many mistakes were made in the initial investigation and the impact of them continues to be seen.
‘On the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s murder, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for our failings and I repeat that apology today.’
The broadcaster highlighted a number of moments when alleged errors by the Met meant leads on Matthew White were not pursued.
The investigation found that wrong information was entered on a police database after a relative of White tried to approach the force, meaning the inquiry went no further.
When the relative was traced 20 years later, they said White had admitted to being present at the attack.
The Met said White was arrested and interviewed in March 2000 and in December 2013, with files submitted to prosecutors in May 2005 and October 2014.
A CPS advice file concluded no further action should be taken both times.
Speaking to the BBC, Stephen’s father Dr Neville Lawrence said any further investigation should be carried out by a different ‘decent police force’, while his mother Doreen said officers should ‘lose their jobs’ over the failings.
Luke Knight, Neil Acourt and James Acourt did not respond to the accusations when approached by the broadcaster.
On both occasions, the force said, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) had advised there was no realistic prospect of his conviction.
Stephen Lawrence was 18 years old when a group of white men stabbed him to death as he waited for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in April 1993.
While the police have repeatedly said there were six attackers, only two people were ever found guilty.
David Norris and Gary Dobson were given life sentences for Stephen’s murder in 2012, and the three other prime suspects – Luke Knight and brothers Neil and Jamie Acourt – were never convicted.
The BBC has said evidence found in the investigation that identified White also further implicates Knight and the Acourt brothers.
In 2020, Commissioner Cressida Dick declared the case inactive, saying the Met had exhausted all lines of inquiry – but she said the Lawrence family had been assured that any new evidence would be investigated.
Following the release of the BBC report, the force’s Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Ward said: ‘The impact of the racist murder of Stephen Lawrence and attack on Duwayne Brooks, and subsequent inquiries, continues to be felt throughout policing.
‘Unfortunately, too many mistakes were made in the initial investigation and the impact of them continues to be seen.
‘On the 30th anniversary of Stephen’s murder, Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley apologised for our failings and I repeat that apology today.’
The broadcaster highlighted a number of moments when alleged errors by the Met meant leads on Matthew White were not pursued.
The investigation found that wrong information was entered on a police database after a relative of White tried to approach the force, meaning the inquiry went no further.
When the relative was traced 20 years later, they said White had admitted to being present at the attack.
The Met said White was arrested and interviewed in March 2000 and in December 2013, with files submitted to prosecutors in May 2005 and October 2014.
A CPS advice file concluded no further action should be taken both times.
Speaking to the BBC, Stephen’s father Dr Neville Lawrence said any further investigation should be carried out by a different ‘decent police force’, while his mother Doreen said officers should ‘lose their jobs’ over the failings.
Luke Knight, Neil Acourt and James Acourt did not respond to the accusations when approached by the broadcaster.
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Thieves using e-scooters and bicycles in UK stole 1,800 items last year – London Police
Based on recently released statistics, the number of gadget thefts committed by users of electric scooters and bikes in London has nearly tripled in the past year.
In the capital in 2022, burglars stole 108,900 devices, including about 90,000 mobile phones.
This sum reflects an increase of approximately 40%; daily thefts from city residents and tourists amounted to about 300.
Additionally, as the number of electric bikes and e-scooters on the streets has increased, so has the number of thieves taking advantage of them.
Freedom of information requests commissioned by insurance company Direct Line found electric bikes were used in 1,397 gadget thefts last year.
There were 424 carried out by people riding e-scooters too, meaning the number of thefts carried out by people riding the two vehicles rose by 185% in 2022.
But the true number is likely to be even higher, as some victims will not report incidents to the police.
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The statistics, supplied by Scotland Yard and City of London Police, also show the number of thefts involving knives and other weapons has jumped up.
In 2021, there were 2,341 such incidents, but that figure rose by 6% to 2,480 last year.
Even more people were injured by thieves carrying weapons too, with 180 recorded in the statistics.
E-scooters can only be legally used on UK roads if they are rented as part of a government-backed trial scheme.
In London, those schemes are currently running in ten boroughs:
- Camden
- City of London
- Ealing
- Hammersmith & Fulham
- Kensington and Chelsea
- Lambeth (north of the borough only)
- Richmond upon Thames
- Southwark
- Tower Hamlets
- Westminster
The Metropolitan Police advises people to avoid texting while walking and to only use their phone for the briefest time possible on the street to limit opportunities for criminals.
Last month, it was revealed that a phone was snatched by thieves every six minutes in London, with only 2% of them recovered.
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Two detained in Wembley after gangs attacked police car and a bus driver
After a bunch of boys attacked a police vehicle, terrorised drivers, and climbed onto the back of a moving bus, two persons were detained.
The gang was caught on tape yesterday wreaking mayhem close to Wembley Stadium in north-west London.
At 7:10 p.m., youngsters were reportedly damaging vehicles in Engineers Way, according to the police, who were called to a “disorder.”
The Metropolitan Police tweeted: ‘Two males were arrested on suspicion of violent disorder and assault on police.’
They said a dispersal order was also put in place.
Videos of the gang soon spread on social media. One clip shows the boys gathering around a double decker bus, before kicking it and climbing onto the back of the vehicle and clinging on as it moves.
In other footage the group are seen hurling objects at a police van as it drove away, with one boy climbing onto the back of it while it was moving.
The boys were also filmed attacking an Ocado delivery van as well as other cars.
Some of the gang members were hooded and masked.
One woman, Munni Trivedi, said she witnessed the chaos: ‘We were watching from the other side. Could not believe it.
‘The pictures don’t truly reflect the reality of how awful it was. The boys were so lucky they didn’t get hurt and I really hope there was no damage to any cars.
‘Not big. Not clever. Very sad.’
Police said no serious injuries were reported and that investigations continued.
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Met officers fired for abusing a 14-year-old child with excessive force
After lying about using excessive force to apprehend a teenager, two Metropolitan Police officers were fired.
The North Area Command Unit’s PCs Alexei Zalesskiy and Conor Ryan were judged to have used excessive force as they were attempting to apprehend a 14-year-old kid, according to a misconduct hearing.
On April 17, 2021, both officers proceeded to Wilberforce Road in the London neighbourhood of Finsbury Park, where the incident took place. There have been reports of numerous young people causing mayhem while carrying blades.
The 14-year-old boy in question spat at PC Zalesskiy and PC Ryan before running away from them. The pair followed him and used force to arrest him close by.
Both were found to have used excessive force during the arrest, and then lied in statements about the incident.
Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, who leads policing in the north area, said: ‘Officers have to act with restraint and the public of course would expect them to be honest about their actions.
‘Action will be taken against any officer whose behaviour falls below that which is expected. We are determined to drive up standards, and those who fail to meet those standards have no place in the Met.’
Both men have now been added to the barred list held by the College of Policing.
The Crown Prosecution Service did not pursue criminal charges.
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Three people reportedly killed in separate stabbings before king Charles coronation
The night before the UK crowned its new monarch, three young people were killed in a wave of knife attacks that spread over East London.
Despite “significant events” taking place in the nation’s capital over the weekend, the Metropolitan Police said they are thoroughly examining the various instances.
The attacks happened on Friday over a shorter time frame than eight hours.
Jordan, an 18-year-old nephew of Michel A. Pongo, a municipal politician for Barking and Dagenham, has been identified as one of the fatalities.
Jordan is thought to have died after a machete fight broke out near Dagenham Heathway tube station shortly before midnight.
An arrest has reportedly been made in connection with the attack.
It is believed a second man was taken to hospital with a stab injury, but is not in a life-threatening condition.
Jordan’s uncle, councillor Michel A. Pongo, said his mother is ‘inconsolable’ (Picture: Twitter/m_a_pongo) Mr Pongo said: ‘It was with great sadness that this afternoon I learned that my nephew, Jordan, 18, had been stabbed to death in Dagenham last night.
‘His mother is inconsolable.’
The Barking and Dagenham councillor added: ‘If you are a gang member, this message is for you.
‘Drop your knife and quit the gangster life before it is too late.’
The rash of violent altercations began at around 4pm, when a 16-year-old pupil at Kelmscott School was stabbed to death in Walthamstow.
Coronation of King Charles III latest
A local said the victim’s attackers were waiting for him, and he died at the scene.
Kelmscott headteacher Sam Jones said the attack marked the ‘darkest of days’ for pupils and teachers at the school.
He said: ‘A Kelmscott student was tragically killed in a senseless knife attack.
‘Kelmscott is a large and tight-knit family and this loss will be felt for a long time to come.
He added: ‘Hold those that you love close this evening.
‘I know we will come together as a community and support one another through this.’
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers, who is leading that investigation, said the brutal attack had taken place in full view of bystanders and young people.
He added: ‘My thoughts are with them as they come to terms with seeing such an act of violence unfold and I would ask anyone with footage or images to do the right thing and send them into my team of detectives.’
Meanwhile, three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the third fatal stabbing.
It took place around 11pm at a residential property on Mare Street in Hackney.
A 20-year-old man was declared dead at the scene.
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Man denies shooting and killing a Met Police officer while on duty
The man accused of killing Metropolitan Police Sgt. Matiu Ratana in a gunfight in south London has entered a not-guilty plea.
During a plea hearing at Northampton Crown Court, Louis De Zoysa, of Banstead, Surrey, denied killing Sgt. Ratana.
On September 25, 2020, Sgt. Ratana, 54, passed away from gunshot wounds at the Croydon Detention Center in South London.
De Zoysa, who was accompanied by an intermediary and was shown on video-link in a wheelchair with his right arm in a sling, entered his plea by holding up a whiteboard with the words “not guilty” scribbled on it.
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Police identify 17-year-old victim stabbed to death in Chingford
Police have identified the 17-year-old boy died in a fatal stabbing that occurred in Chingford, east London, on Monday as Chima Osuji.
At 9:21 p.m., police were alerted about a stabbing on Longshaw Road; they were there with paramedics three minutes later.
Despite their best efforts, first responders were unable to save Chima.
His family members have been notified.
Three juvenile guys, including a 14-year-old, have been detained.
Detectives have identified the victim as Chima before a formal identification is made, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick said: ‘This is a tragic incident and I am devastated that a young life has been lost as a result of knife crime.
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‘My thoughts are with the victim’s family at this incredibly difficult time. Incidents such as this have a devastating impact on families, friends and our local communities.
‘We have a dedicated team of detectives working on the investigation. They have been at the scene overnight and will remain there today as they carry out further enquiries.
‘This work is being supported by additional local patrols who are there to respond to any concerns within the community.’
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Guy, 17, fatally stabbed outside of elementary school
In the east of London, close to a primary school, a 17-year-old kid was fatally stabbed.
In Chingford, near Longshaw Primary School, the adolescent was discovered hurt shortly after 9 o’clock.
While paramedics and an air ambulance responded, members of the public and emergency services worked to save his life.
The boy, however, passed away there later.
He has been alerted to his next of kin.No one has been taken into custody despite the Metropolitan Police opening a murder inquiry into the incident.
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Man crashes into police cruiser after refusing to stop
A vehicle struck a police car, turning it over in the middle of the street.
After failing to stop and colliding with two police vehicles, the driver was taken into custody.
At 5.10 p.m. on Saturday, the Metropolitan Police said that officers attempted to stop a car at North End Road in Fulham, west London, as part of an ongoing observation.
The motorist failed to stop, struck an unoccupied marked patrol car, forcing it to flip over, then continued and struck a second law enforcement vehicle.
The car was overturned in North End Road in Fulham (Picture: UkNewsinPictures) 
A cordon was quickly put in place (Picture: UkNewsinPictures) The force said a man was arrested on suspicion of ‘a number of offences’.
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He was taken to hospital ‘as a precaution’ and remains in police custody.
Police said two officers who were in the second car were treated for minor injuries.
Additional officers, the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service attended.
Commander Kyle Gordon said: ‘Our officers come to work each day to tackle criminality and protect Londoners.
‘his afternoon, two officers were injured by a man who appears to have been willing to do whatever he could to escape.
‘This incident is a reminder of the risks that are taken on a daily basis, and it is only by luck that these officers were not seriously hurt.’
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Girl, 14, confirmed as victim in tragic apartment fire after teenager arrested
Following a 16-year-arrest old’s on suspicion of murder, a girl, 14, has been identified as the victim of a fire at an east London apartment building.
According to today’s statement from the Metropolitan Police, a murder investigation has been opened, and arson is being suspected as the cause of the fire.
On Thursday around 5:28 p.m., reports of a fire along Tollgate Road in Beckton prompted the response of police, paramedics, an air ambulance, and six fire engines.
The blaze tore through the three-story building at the address, injuring five individuals there, according to the fire department.
Footage showed flames shooting out of the windows on the second floor, with witnesses claiming residents leapt from their windows to escape the raging fire.
A manager of a Lidl opposite the flat block told MyLondon: ‘I saw people jumping out the windows from the balcony at the top, people were running around everywhere.
Latest London news
‘They had a mattress there and they were trying to jump on it but some people didn’t get to the mattress.’
London Fire Brigade said the fire ‘destroyed’ a stairwell running between the ground floor and second floor of the residential block. Half the second floor was damaged.
Scene and safety cordons remain in place around the building, its windows now gutted and blackened.
Chief Superintendent Simon Crick who leads the North East Command Unit said: ‘My thoughts at this time are with the victim and their family and friends. Incidents such as these send shockwaves through our communities and I don’t underestimate the impact this will have in the local area and beyond.
‘Your officers will be on patrol in the immediate vicinity over the Easter Weekend, please talk to them if you have any concerns.’
Detective Chief Inspector Joanna Yorke of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command added: ‘We are at the very early stages of our investigation and are still keen to hear from anyone who has information but has not yet spoken with police.
‘I understand the effect an incident of this kind will have on the local community and I reiterate Chief Superintendent Crick’s advice that anyone with concerns should speak with local officers.
‘I would like to thank residents in the immediate area for their cooperation while my team conduct their enquiries.
‘Our thoughts are with the family of the victim.’
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A group attempts to steal a Deliveroo rider’s bicycle in Canary Wharf
The moment a bunch of men attempted to steal a delivery rider’s bike is captured on shocking video.
The footage, which was uploaded to Twitter yesterday, appears to have been shot around east London’s Canary Wharf.
Video depicts a struggle between three Deliveroo riders and a group of about five black-clad males who appear to be in a gang.
The bright turquoise jackets and bags that the delivery riders are sporting make them easy to recognize. They are also clutching their bicycles.
The footage was captured after the actual violence started, so it’s unclear how it started, but as the 40-second clip goes on, it seems like more and more individuals are becoming involved in the altercation.
One rider, who was wearing a blue jacket as well as another orange Just Eat delivery backpack, then turned his back and attempted to get his bike and leave the situation.
But a member of the gang dressed in black stopped him from leaving by attempting to snatch the delivery rider’s bike away from him.
The video shows a gang of around five men dressed in black who are involved in a fight with several Deliveroo riders (Picture: @CrimeLdn / Twitter) The rider clung on to the bike until another member of the gang pushed the man trying to steal it away.
The same gang member, who was wearing a grey hoodie and black coat, was also seen attempting to separate the fighting people in the video.
A Deliveroo spokesperson said: ‘We are extremely concerned by this incident and strongly condemn all forms of violence towards riders.
‘There is no place for this, especially when riders are carrying out a vital role in their communities.
‘We are currently investigating this as a matter of urgency. The safety and well-being of our riders is an absolute priority.’
Metro has also contacted the Metropolitan Police for more information.
Elsewhere in London recently, a shameless Deliveroo customer was branded ‘heartless’ after they stepped over a driver who collapsed on the street while bringing them food.
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Funeral postponed following vandals’ destruction of undertakers’ cars
Five undertakers’ vehicles were vandalized in a “disgusting” rampage, forcing the cancellation of a funeral.
When they were attacked by the bunch of adolescents, the three hearses and two limousines were parked and ready for the ceremony the following morning.
In Hayes, West London, they kicked off wing mirrors and threw a traffic cone at windshields before a girl climbed on the bonnet of one of the cars.
She climbed up after the group, who were seen on Video descending on parked cars in broad daylight at around 6pm on Thursday, took a Mercedes logo off the front of the hearse.
Family-run LCK Funeral Support Services has had to refund the mourners and been left having to repair and replace the specialist vehicles – one of which has been written off due to the damage.
Co-director Katie McCafferty, who runs the business along with her dad, Alan McCafferty, said the vandalism had hit a company that was working hard to provide a service to bereaved families.
She said: ‘We got a phone call on the evening from a neighbour saying these kids were vandalising the cars.
Latest London news
‘When we got there they’d damaged a whole street’s worth of cars and in a service road at the front of our premises.
‘They’d kicked off the wing mirrors, ripped off the petrol caps and used a traffic cone to smash the windows.
‘There was a little Mercedes badge on the front of one of the hearses which three boys ripped out and put on the bonnet for one of the girls to jump on.
‘It’s disgusting to see these children running around vandalising things that we’ve worked all our lives for.’
A girl can be seen on the bonnet of one of the hearses parked up ready for a funeral service (Picture: Supplied) 
The youths kicked off wing mirrors as they targeted vehicles parked in two residential streets (Picture: Supplied) Two of the funeral vehicles, including the one damaged beyond repair, belonged to the firm, which supports other directors with staff, vehicles and transportation. The remaining cars belonged to Ms McCafferty’s brother, Christopher McCafferty, who runs M&R Funeral Carriages.
While the vehicles were insured, the specialist nature of the fleet makes the damage time-consuming to repair.
‘One of the vehicles has been written off completely because every single panel is damaged and we are waiting on a quote to come back on them all being fixed,’ Ms McCafferty said.
‘They had been parked outside in a service road ready for a funeral in the morning. We had to cancel the booking and pay the fees back to the family because none of the funeral cars could be used.
‘It saddens us as a family business who have working so hard to get to where we’re at and these children can just come along and ruin it.
‘We won’t be able to send out any cars for a funeral for a couple of weeks until it’s all fixed. A hearse isn’t something you can get from Enterprise, only certain places have them available for hire, otherwise we’ll just have to wait for the repairs to be done.’
Katie McCafferty said her family’s business has been left having to pick up the pieces (Picture: LCK Funeral Support Services/Facebook) The support service has reported the incident in Vancouver Road and Welbeck Court to the Metropolitan Police and shared the video footage online in an appeal for people to come forward.
It’s thought the youths were returning home after school.
Ms McCafferty said: ‘A lot of people have messaged us with the names of the children and the schools that they go to.
‘But our fear is that they will be just let off and nothing will happen to make them responsible for what they’ve done to our livelihood, to the people who are grieving loved ones and to the local residents’ property.’
The Metropolitan Police is appealing for information about the incident.
A spokesperson said: ‘Police were called at approximately 19:00hrs on Thursday, March 30 to reports of a number of vehicles damaged in Vancouver Road, Hayes.
‘Enquiries into the circumstances, including obtaining and analysing CCTV, remain ongoing.’
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Murderer Wayne Couzens police pension should be revoked – Sadiq Khan
The Mayor of London has stated that killer copy Wayne Couzens should have his police pension taken away for the kidnapping, rape, and murder of Sarah Everard.
After serving in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary, Wayne Couzens is still eligible for a pension (CNC).
For killing Ms. Everard, 33, whom he kidnapped from the streets of south London in March 2021, Couzens is currently receiving a life sentence.
Although Mr. Khan requested that the Home Office reject him of it, he had already had his Metropolitan Police pension taken away, according to Sky News.
But in a letter, Mr Khan claims Couzens is still entitled to a pension from the CNC, where he served between 2011 and 2018.
The CNC safeguards nuclear facilities in the UK, and Mr Khan has written to energy secretary Grant Shapps calling for him to take the same measures as the Home Office.
His letter reads: ‘I note that Couzens joined the CNC in 2011 as a constable. When he transferred to the MPS in 2018, he did not transfer his pension service.
‘It remains there, and is not covered by the pension forfeiture certificate I was able to obtain as it sits outside the normal police pension regulations.’
A spokesman for the mayor added: ‘It will be totally unacceptable if Couzens remains entitled to a single penny of his pension – it would be very difficult for his victims and the wider public to comprehend.
‘The rules need to be tightened to ensure anyone who commits such abhorrent crimes can have their publicly-funded pension removed swiftly and in full.’
Couzens was found guilty in February of three counts of indecent exposure, which took place between November 2020 and February 2021, months before killing Ms Everard.
A Kent Police sergeant will face a misconduct hearing, and a Met Police constable a gross misconduct hearing, over the way they handled previous indecent exposure reports.
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Police searching for man unintentionally released from prison
Police are appealing for assistance in finding a guy who was unintentionally freed from custody.
The Metropolitan Police has issued a search warrant for Rayon Newby, 20, whose whereabouts are unknown after he was given permission to leave HMP Thameside on March 17.
The police have additionally asked the general population to avoid approaching Newby.
Serco, the private company that manages the jail, has been approached by Metro for comment on the specifics of the blunder that resulted in the inmate’s freedom.
Newby was serving time for assault, harassment, and burglary. He has ties to the Tower Hamlets and Ilford neighborhoods.
Police describe him as a black man of heavy build, approximately 5ft 10ins, with a piercing in his left ear. He speaks with a London accent.
It’s not the only time in recent weeks police have appealed to the public for help tracking down former inmates.
Latest London news
Sussex Police posted a wanted poster on Facebook last week for Curtis Harrison, 32, after he violated the terms of his release, only for him to then taunt authorities via social media.
Harrison, who had served time for breaching a restraining order, joked in posts about collecting the £500 reward for information leading to his arrest.
The hunt for Harrison came less than a month after Norfolk Police apprehended Dean Manning, 34, who also mocked efforts to track him down in videos posted to Facebook and TikTok.
A court jailed Manning for 18 months last year for attacking his partner while under the influence. He was wanted for breaching the terms of his licence.
In one clip, Manning walked past a police station, saying: ‘I shouldn’t really be here, should I?’
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Boris Johnson mocked lockdown and now Partygate inquiry
The greased piglet succeeds where normal mortals fall, according to the saying, “The thing about the greased piglet.”
This week, as the former prime minister tries to escape a crisis completely of his own invention, David Cameron’s infamous statement about Boris Johnson’s survival skills is being put to the test.
Some people might wonder why an inquiry conducted by the relatively obscure Privileges Committee in a backroom of Parliament regarding some pixelated photos taken a few years ago is so important.
But be in no doubt, it does matter.
Because our entire economy, society and environment hinges on functioning democratic systems.
Boris Johnson’s actions in relation to Partygate put these at grave risk – and we the public shouldn’t be forced to accept that risk. There should be consequences for his dishonesty – to ensure accountability to Parliament is restored.
Boris Johnson swears on oath before facing committee on Partygate
Parliament needs statements from Ministers to be accurate and honest, in order to do its job.
As Dr Hannah White at the Institute for Government states so clearly in her response to the Partygate inquiry: ‘Parliament’s role scrutinising government is central to our democratic system… (that) role is worthless if the information it extracts from government cannot be relied upon.’
Yet Johnson was not accurate and not honest when informing Parliament about parties in Downing Street.
After reports of these gatherings first emerged in November 2021, Johnson told MPs they were within the guidance – even as the evidence piled higher proving they were not. Shamefully, he didn’t correct the Parliamentary record for another six months, when Sue Gray’s report was finally published in May 2022.
Johnson blatantly, recklessly, and many would argue knowingly, misled Parliament, and has gone on to try and paint the investigation as somehow biased. MPs simply cannot do our job if senior politicians undermine the legitimacy of independent Committees.
The deliberations of such bodies may appear dry, but they are a vital part of our Parliamentary democracy – tackling big issues of public interest, scrutinising ministers, and holding our government to account.
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Yet in front of the Privileges Committee investigating Johnson, he patronisingly argued that its Chair, Harriet Harman, ‘had said some things about this matter before reading the evidence, which plainly and wrongly prejudge the very issue on which you are adjudicating.’
And he mustered together his old allies to back him up – from Andrea Jenkyns labelling the Committee a kangaroo court, to Jacob Rees-Mogg arguing it’s a ‘political committee against Boris Johnson.’
Let’s just remind ourselves – this is a Committee comprising four Conservative MPs, and three opposition MPs – it doesn’t exactly scream ‘anti-Boris alliance.’ Harriet Harman was elected as Chair of the Committee by her fellow Committee members – it’s quite simply dishonest of Johnson and his allies to suggest she is biased.
Parliament also cannot do its job if crucial constitutional conventions are treated with disdain and disregard.
We’ve seen it before from Johnson – whether it’s unlawfully proroguing Parliament, or ignoring the findings of his own ethics advisor.
But these conventions matter because the person who is Prime Minister, as Boris Johnson was when he misled Parliament, has to be seen as the ultimate guarantor of decency in public life.
Whoever leads our country must be a decent, honest, law-abiding person. That doesn’t mean our conventions are perfect – for example it’s still ludicrous that the Prime Minister is the final judge and jury over the Ministerial Code – but they’re what we have, and our system relies on them being honoured.
Boris Johnson apologises to MPs for his involvement in Partygate
Instead, in one of Johnson’s final claims to the Committee this week, he even refused to say whether he would accept its findings.
‘I wait to see how you proceed with the evidence’, he stated. Here we have the outcome of an independent Committee sabotaged and subverted before it has even been decided.
And so Johnson continues to fundamentally undermine the conventions on which our democracy is built. And while he does this, the world burns.
This week, a major new climate report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) showed global temperatures intensifying, and sea levels rising.
On the same day, the Metropolitan Police was found to be institutionally racist, misogynistic and homophobic.
And new research from Friends of the Earth suggests that over a million households are facing extreme fuel poverty – spending an extortionate 20% of their disposable income on energy bills. Over 100,000 households are even paying double that.
There are so many crises that our government – and our country – faces. But tackling them requires a functioning, healthy democracy.
That means we cannot set a precedent whereby a Prime Minister, even one that has left office, can show complete disdain for our constitutional conventions, total disrespect of our Parliamentary procedures, and an utter disregard for any sense of decency in public life – and not face the consequences.
All our futures depend on good governance – and it couldn’t be clearer that Boris Johnson failed to provide it.
This greased piglet must not be allowed to wriggle free.
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44-year-old man murdered over “disturbance”
After a man was slain by a single heart stabbing, a murder investigation was opened.
Romanian national Stefan Stelian Moraru was attacked on Chandos Avenue in Barnet, UK.
Before the alleged assault, there was a “disturbance or altercation,” according to detectives.
On Monday, March 20, soon after 6 a.m., Mr. Moraru was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police have named Stefan Stelian Moraru as the victim of the attack (Picture: Metropolitan Police) 
Police were called to Chandos Avenue at 6am on Monday. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
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A post mortem held on Tuesday, March 21 established a cause of death as single stab wound to the heart.
Detective Chief Inspector Neil John, of the Metropolitan Police, said: ‘I would like to appeal to any witnesses who were in the area of Chandos Avenue and Whetstone High Street, N20 on Sunday, 19 March at approximately 10.30pm.
‘Our enquiries suggest there was a disturbance or altercation on Chandos Avenue at or about this time and we are seeking any witnesses to this.
‘I am particularly interested in anyone who may have had a dashcam when travelling through either of these roads at the time.’
Homicide detectives from Specialist Crime are leading the investigation. At this stage, there have been no arrests.
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A woman and two boys discovered dead in a house
In a home in south-east London, three people—a woman, two boys—were discovered dead.
On Mayfield Road in Belvedere, around 11:50 a.m. yesterday, the bodies of a 47-year-old woman and two youngsters, seven and nine years old, were found.
As post-mortem examinations are scheduled, the cause of their deaths has not been made public.
Detectives are not looking for anyone in connection to the deaths.
No one is being sought in connection to the deaths (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto) Next of kin have all been notified.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: ‘Detectives are investigating following the deaths of three people at an address in south London.
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‘Police were called at 11.50am on Thursday, 9 March to concerns for the welfare of occupants at an address on Mayfield Road in Belvedere.
‘Officers and London Ambulance Service attended. At the scene, a 47-year-old woman and two boys, aged nine and seven, were found deceased inside the property.’
‘At this early stage, detectives are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the investigation,’ the force added.
‘A crime scene remains in place.’