Kidnap Investigation: Suspect Wanted

Police investigating an alleged kidnapping are hunting this suspect, who has links to the East End.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad are appealing for information to locate the man, who is wanted for questioning.

At approximately 5.00pm on Friday, February 28, police received information relating to a possible kidnap.

A fast-time operation was launched and the victim was recovered safe and well.

Extensive enquiries led to the identification of Abdur Rahat, 23, who is about 5ft 9ins tall and of very heavy build.

The investigating team wish to speak to anyone who has information about his current whereabouts.

Abdur Rahat has been known to reside in Bethnal Green and has links to people in that area.

Anyone who has any information on the whereabouts of Rahat is asked to contact police by emailing p205038@met.police.uk, phoning 101 or via Twitter @MetCC quoting 5750/28FEB.

Alternatively, they can visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Speeding Football Pundit Rio Ferdinand Loses Driving Licence

Court Out: Rio Leaving Crawley Magistrates'

Former footballer Rio Ferdinand was banned from driving for six months yesterday after being clocked at 85mph in his new Mercedes.

The 41 year-old former Manchester United, Leeds United, West Ham United and England star broke the 70mph speed limit on the A27 dual carriageway in Hove, East Sussex.

Ferdinand, of Knowl Wood Lane, Farnborough, Orpington, was convicted of speeding at the Hangleton interchange at 8.27pm on July 22, last year.

He was driving a brand-new grey two-litre diesel Mercedes and admitted the offence under the new secret Single Justice Procedure Act.

The latest offence, which carried three penalty points, was added to the nine he already has and triggered the automatic disqualification.

He argued at Crawley Magistrates Court a ban would amount to “exceptional hardship” because of needing to drive his three children to school, plus other activities.

The COVID pandemic meant a private driver or taxis were out of the question, claimed Ferdinand.

However, this was rejected by magistrate Mr. Geoffrey Allen, who told him: “Unfortunately COVID has effected everybody in the world the same way.”

Ferdinand was also fined £670, with £85 costs and ordered to pay a £67 victim surcharge.

Ferdinand was banned in 2012 for six months for speeding three times on the same stretch of road in  five-week period.

He was also convicted of speeding in 2005, 2003 and 2002 and drink-driving in 1997.

Ferdinand’s last three speeding offences were on March 16, 2017; May 4, 2018 and April 15, last year.

He received three penalty points on his licence each time.

He told the court it was vital he be allowed to continue driving his three children two school and various events, claiming “exceptional hardship” if he was disqualified.

Ruling out his wife taking over driving duties Ferdinand said: “It’s very difficult with three children, with different activities and different times at school.

“One will be going back to school an hour before the other. Usually we would have a school bus, but that’s impossible with COVID.”

He also ruled out taxis and a private tested chauffeur. “I wouldn’t let my children get in a taxi. COVID is an issue.

“Because of my profile I wouldn’t put my kids in a taxi. I would not allow them to go with a driver.”

Conceding he could afford to hire a chauffeur, who would be COVID-tested, Ferdinand told the court: “That’s not concrete. These are unprecedented times, they don’t go into a car with a driver at all.”

Ferdinand agreed his last two speeding convictions followed a Speed Awareness Course for yet another similar offence. 

Ferdinand’s representative Mr. Udo Onwere asked the magistrates not to disqualify his client. “The last three to four years have been an extremely difficult period in Mr. Ferdinand’s life.

“Family bereavements have effectively made him a single parent, though he has a new relationship with his new wife who is pregnant.

“Rio lost his mother two years ago. She was the primary carer for the children as Rio previously lost his wife.”

Ferdinand’s children are Lorenz, 12, Tate, 10 and Tia, 8. Their mother, Rebecca, died in 2015.

“He has three children and he has to travel around to public events, to school. He is a public figure, which makes this difficult and there has been trauma in their lives.

“The children rely on Mr. Ferdinand to take them to their different events and this is exacerbated by COVID, which makes it difficult for Mr. Ferdinand to employ somebody outside or use public transport because they are too young to use it.

“He understands speeding is not something to be looked on proudly.

“He has battled on a daily basis to maintain the safety of his children and driving them on a daily basis is a huge part of that.”

Fake-COVID Thug Jailed After Police Stand-Off

A wanted driver, who waved a knife at police and threatened to spit on them – claiming he had COVID-19 – has been caged.

Jason Gritton, 45, of Central Hill, Upper Norwood brandished the blade when officers arrived at his home.

He was convicted at Croydon Crown Court of affray and assaulting a police officer at the address on April 30.

Gritton was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment.

He was wanted for driving offences, but tried to hide from the officers when they turned up on his doorstep.

Gritton then began waving a large knife, while making threats to kill and began throwing objects, including a storage box.

Hethreatened to spit at them after claiming he had coronavirus and specialist negotiators were called to the scene.

Eventually Gritton was arrested and taken into custody.

Chief Inspector David Monk, from the Metropolitan Police's Road & Transport Policing Command,said:"This sentence shows that threats and assaults on emergency workers will not be tolerated and the maximum possible sentence will be sought through the court process."

Brawler Jailed For Number Plate Switch After Fatal Hit-And-Run

A chicken takeaway brawler, who switched the number plates of a car involved in the fatal hit-and-run of the middle-aged man he was fighting, has been jailed.

Jack Bush, 24, (pic.top) tried to help his friend Riyaz Adam, 25, evade justice after he killed the other man in east London.

Romanian father-of-two Constantin Sin, 52, (pic.bottom) died after he was struck by the Toyota Prius in the early hours of May 5, last year in High Road, Leytonstone. 

Bush pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to perverting the course of justice and was sentenced to six-and-a-half years imprisonment.

He was also disqualified from driving for four-and-a-half years.

Bush, of Oakdale Road, Leytonstone brawled with Sin just after midnight and the older man was run over soon afterwards.

The car was driven by Adam, later convicted of manslaughter, and both he and Bush fled in the vehicle.

The Toyota was dumped at a secluded location near Snaresbrook, a few miles away. 

Its registration plates had been replaced and the car was found by officers later the same morning.

Forensic examinations were carried out and Bush’s DNA was found on one of the registration plates that had been removed and placed in the boot of the car.

CCTV recovered from the scene also placed Bush and his accomplice at the location.

Bush handed himself into police, but claimed he was asleep at home during the time the plates were changed.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Wrigley, said: “Bush did everything he could to cover up the fact he played a role in this awful incident in a pathetic attempt to avoid justice.

“Constantin was the victim of a callous and frighteningly swift course of actions, for which he paid the ultimate price. 

“He had multiple injuries which were just not survivable.”

Party Gate-Crasher Locked-Up For Stabbing Guest

A party gate-crasher has been locked-up after a teenager was stabbed when he accidentally bumped into one of the group.

Kasim Hussain, 18, of Clifford Road, Canning Town was sentenced at the Old Bailey to six years custody. 

He was initially charged with attempted murder after the 18 year-old victim suffered a serious chest wound and collapsed lung.

However, Hussain was convicted of the less serious charge of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent and possession of an offensive weapon. 

At approximately 11.45pm on Saturday, November 23, last year a group of people gate-crashed the party that was being held at a house in Canning Town.

Once inside, one of the invited guests accidentally bumped into the group.

The suspects attacked him, punching him a number of times. 

One of the males then produced a knife and stabbed him multiple times before running from the scene.

Extensive enquiries and man hunts were launched in an attempt to identify the suspects. 

This resulted in Hussain handing himself in four days later to a police station where he was charged with multiple offences. 

Detective Constable Mohammad Belal Khan, from the North East Command Unit, said:“This was a violent assault that was unprovoked and resulted in a young man requiring critical medical treatment. 

“It is fortunate that the injuries sustained were not more severe. 

“A massive thank you must be said to all the first responders involved as well as all the vulnerable victim and witnesses.”

Late-Night Rapist Preyed On Lost Lone Woman

A rapist struck when a lone woman became lost after a night out – attacking her in a wooded area near Catford Bridge Railway Station.

Danut Bulboana, 21, preyed on the woman - aged her her late 20's – after her cab dropped her off at the wrong location at 11.30pm on August 27, last year.

He was convicted at Woolwich Crown Court of two counts of rape, plus another count relating to his attempt to choke her when she screamed out.

He will be sentenced on Tuesday, September 8.

As she tried to find her way home the victim suddenly found herself in an unfamiliar wooded area with an unknown male - later identified as Bulboana.

He raped her twice and she tried to scream, but Bulboana stifled her cries by forcing something into her mouth, choking her.

She eventually managed to get away from Bulboana and called 999.

Police attended and spoke to the victim, who then assisted the officers in trying to locate where the offence took place. 

In doing so, they were able to trace Bulboana’s location and, despite altering his appearance by changing his clothing, the woman was able to provide a positive identification and Bulboana was arrested.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's South East Safeguarding Team launched an immediate investigation.

They were able to charge Bulboana on October 25, after forensic examinations linked him to the crime.

Detective Constable Dean Young, who led the investigation, said: “This was a brutal and extremely sinister attack in which Bulboana preyed on the vulnerability of a lone woman at night. 

“I would like to commend the sheer bravery displayed by the victim, who quickly called police after being subjected to a truly horrific ordeal. 

“Her actions resulted in a dangerous man being detained by officers within an hour of the attack, and subsequently being brought to justice.

“Bulboana is now in custody awaiting sentence for his abhorrent crimes. 

“Sexual offences often inflict lasting trauma on victims, but I hope that Bulboana’s conviction will help the victim’s recovery process.

“This case demonstrates our commitment to removing sexual predators from the streets of London and ensuring they are brought to justice. 

“If you are a victim of sexual crime, please tell us - you will be supported and the crime fully investigated.”

Poles Apart: Younger Thug Stabs Older Fellow-Countryman To Death

A drunken worker stabbed a fellow Polish national to death when asked to leave the building the older victim was renovating.

Dawid Wycik, 28, (pic.top) was convicted of murdering 67 year-old Czeslaw Swiatkowski (pic.bottom) and sentenced to life imprisonment.

An Inner London Crown Court judge ordered him to serve a minimum of seventeen years before he can be paroled.

Detective Inspector Brett Hagen, of the Specialist Crime Command, said: "Wycik violently assaulted his work colleague in a drunken rage after he was politely asked to leave a property the victim had been renovating.

“He begins a lengthy prison sentence for his actions that night when he stabbed Czeslaw as he lay prone on the floor.”

Police were called to a residential address in Mount Pleasant Lane, Clapton, east London at 11.29pm on Friday, January 24, following reports of a disturbance.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. 

Swiatkowski was found inside the property, suffering from stab injuries.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, he was declared dead a short time later.

Wycik was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and was charged the following day.

A post-mortem examination gave cause of death as a stab wound to the abdomen.

Stop & Search Works! Croydon Police Seize 16" Machete From Teen

Croydon cops seized this fearsome machete after chasing a teenager who ran away when approached by the officers.

Police from the Violence Suppression Unit (VSU) searched the 17-year-old and found this 16 inch machete on him.

At 7.00pm on Monday, July 27 they were carrying out a weapons sweep in Drummond Road when a group of young men changed direction after seeing them. 

The group then split up so officers approached some of them and engaged in conversation.

However, the 17-year-old ran away, but was detained for stop and search after a brief chase. 

They found him to be in possession of the large machete which was immediately seized.

He was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and possession of class B drugs and taken into police custody.

A Section 60 was in place at the time of the search, following several knife-related incidents in the area over the last two days.

Inspector Kathy Morteo said: “This stop shows the effectiveness and value of stop and search and how it can keep our communities safe. 

“We may not have found the blade if it wasn’t for the powers we have under stop and search

“Part of the investigation will also address how we, along with local partners, can support him and look after his welfare.”

“The VSUs are dedicated teams established to spearhead suppression activity at a local and neighbourhood level.

“We have dedicated resources working to prevent, deter and tackle violence in all its forms, day and night. 

“Our officers continue to work around the clock to identify and pursue offenders, bring perpetrators to justice, support victims, engage and reassure the public, and keep our communities safe.

“But we cannot do this alone. Officers need to hear from anyone who has information about crime, those who carry a weapon, or those who exploit others for gain or revenge, while putting young people’s lives at risk.

“If you are worried about someone, advice and support is available through organisations including Knife Free:https://www.knifefree.co.uk/get-help-support/and Fearless: https://www.fearless.org/en.

"You can also visit our website for further information:www.met.police.uk/stopknifecrime.”

Attempted Kidnapping Of Teenage Girl: Suspect's Image Released

Police hunting a wannabe kidnapper, who grabbed a 16 year-old girl in Bexleyheath, have released this image of their suspect.

Between 10.30pm and 10.40pm on Friday, June 25, the victim was in the proximity of Upton Road.

She was approached from behind without warning by a man unknown to her, who grabbed hold of her.

The victim screamed and the suspect made off on foot towards the Broadway, Bexleyheath.

As part of their investigation, detectives from the South East Command Unit have released this image of a man they would like to speak to.

The suspect is a described as a white male, wearing black bottoms, a beige jumper, with a face mask pulled down to his chin.

Detective Constable Tristan Hunter said: “Though the victim was not physically injured, she was left incredibly shaken by this frightening incident.

“I urge anyone who may recognise this man to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 ref CAD 9818/25JUN20.

Alternatively, tweet @MetCC, or to remain 100% anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestopperson 0800 555 111.

Early Hours Assault Outside Polish Nightspot: Suspect Hunted

Police are hunting this suspect after a man suffered a serious head injury outside a Polish nightspot in Streatham.

The 42 year-old victim was hospitalised after receiving the injury outside bar/restaurant Mikrus at 2.00am on July 11 on the High Road.

CID officers based at Walworth are investigating.

Detective Constable Oliver Honeybun-Arnolda, said: “This was a very serious assault, which has left a man in hospital with a significant injury.

“I would appeal to anyone with information about the incident or who recognises the man in the footage to come forward. 

“Following the incident a lone suspect, believed to be a white man, ran from the scene north along the High Road.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 942/jul11. 

To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.