NHS Demo Cop Bitten: Do You Know This Suspect?

Police want to identify this suspect after an officer was bitten at an NHS demo for better pay in central London.

On Saturday, August 6 a man bit the uniformed officer’s hand as the officer policed crowds attending the demonstration. 

The officer’s injuries were not serious.

In a continued attempt to trace the person responsible, police are re-releasing a CCTV image of the man they wish to speak with in connection to this incident.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting reference MINORCA 1 - FIMS 047066 and ask the call handler to email Detective Constable Steve Nicholls or Tweet @MetCC on Twitter.

If you wish to report anonymously please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report online (http://www.crimestoppers-uk.org/).

£1M-Plus Cocaine Conspiracy: Alleged Ringleaders Named

Organised crime police have named two suspected high-level cocaine dealers they are hunting in relation to the importation and sale of over £1m worth of the drug.

Officers from Specialist Crime North are involved in one of the Metropolitan Police's largest operations to tackle serious and organised crime.

They have released these photos of Aaron Wise, 30 (pic. l.) and James Lee, 54, (pic. r.).

Both men are suspected of being involved in a conspiracy to import/transport and sell wholesale quantities of cocaine.

Enquiries to locate them are ongoing.

Wise has links to west London and Hertfordshire. 

Lee has links to south east London, Merseyside, the West Midlands and Spain.

It is possible that both men are not currently in the UK.

If you know where either man might be or have seen them, call 999 or 101 quoting 'Operation Coequal'. 

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you would prefer to remain anonymous.

Sinister Disappearance Of Prostitute: £20K Reward Offered

A £20,000 reward is up for grabs for anyone who can help solve the disappearance of a prostitute ten years ago.

Mother-of-one Lana Purcell was twenty-seven years-old when she went missing in January, 2011.

Camden police have been reviewing leads and speaking to local people as they continue to investigate the mystery.

Officers were in the vicinity of Agar Grove and the Kentish Town area, where Lana lived, between Monday, September 14 and September 16 to dispense leaflets and appeal to members of the public to come forward with information.

Lana, who was also known as 'Nadia', was known as a family-oriented person, who was mother to her then six-year-old daughter, Megan. 

Lana has been described as someone who was cheerful and outgoing, but who had her routines and would keep in daily phone contact with her family.

The last confirmed sighting is believed to be on or about Monday, January 17, 2011 around Wellesley Road, Kentish Town. 

Officers believe Lana may have been heading to the West End/Soho area. 

It is known that at the time she went missing Lana was involved in drugs and was a sex worker.

Lana was reported missing after five days to Camden police who looked into her disappearance. 

Their investigation followed up on a number of sightings from people who claimed to have seen her in north London after she was reported missing.

Police also interviewed large numbers of people, made witness appeals and seized and viewed hours of CCTV footage.

The initial missing person’s report into Lana’s disappearance was later handed to the then Homicide and Major Crime Command after it was feared Lana had come to harm.

Detective Inspector Mike Stubbins, of Specialist Crime, is one of the lead investigators. 

He said: "Though nearly 10 years have passed, our determination to find out what happened to Lana remains undiminished.

“Her family have had to endure ten years of torment. 

“Her daughter, Megan, who was aged just six at the time of her disappearance and is now fifteen, has grown up without her mother. 

“We owe it to her and all of Lana’s family to find out what happened and if she has come to harm, to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

“I am very confident that there will be people who know full well what happened to Lana but have not yet spoken to us. 

“During my time in the police service I have seen many examples of years passing and then eventually the crucial piece of information we need is given that allows us to solve a case. 

“People change, allegiances change, or people who were once frightened of what they think might happen if they spoke to the police, eventually do speak to us in the strictest of confidence. 

“There is now a reward of twenty-thousand pounds on offer to the person who can give us that vital piece of information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator(s), or to Lana’s whereabouts. 

“That could be a life-changing sum to someone, but I know Lana’s family would give everything they have to know what has happened to her and find peace.

“We are looking at all the information we have and speaking to people who we know were acquainted with Lana in the area where she lived and worked, to not only go over old ground but break new ground too.

Lana’s father, John, said: “I am pleading to anyone who has any information concerning Lana’s whereabouts or anyone that knows anything regarding the circumstances of Lana’s disappearance to please help us.

“We as a family and myself as Lana’s father are so desperate to find out what has happened to our Lana. 

“This has devastated us as a family and torn our lives apart.

“The police have put up a twenty-thousand pound reward to find where Lana is or what has happened to her. 

“If anybody who knew Lana and knows anything at all that can help bring my daughter back home to us please, please call the number provided."

Anyone with information into the disappearance of Lana Purcell is asked to call the incident room on 020 8345 1570, or 101 quoting Op Kagal.

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

Walking-Stick Pensioner Wanted

Transport cops are hunting this suspected bus bully after a woman was racially-abused and spat at.

The 65 year-old victim was left “shocked and distressed” by the incident.

At 3.00pm on Saturday, January 25 a man boarded a Route 114 bus in Kenton Road, Harrow.

Whilst on board the bus he assaulted, spat at and racially abused the female passenger.

Although the victim did not suffer lasting injuries, she was shocked and distressed by the attack.

Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating.

Anyone who can identify this man is asked to contact police via 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting Cad 4623/25Jan.

To remain anonymous please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bus Meat Cleaver Threats: Dreadlocked Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspected armed bus bully, who threatened passengers with a meat cleaver during shocking separate early-morning incidents.

At 6.50am on Sunday, August 9, a male passenger was chased from a Route 2 bus at bus stop J in Upper Tulse Hill, Brixton Hill in an unprovoked attack. 

He was not injured.

The suspect had been challenged regarding the non-payment of his fare.

Less than an hour later, at 7.45am, the same man threatened a number of people and made a homophobic comment at bus stop P at Elephant and Castle, Southwark before boarding a Route 196 bus.

Police are appealing for help to trace the man who was captured on CCTV.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Roads and Transport Policing Command via 101 quoting reference Cad 2611/09Aug.

If you wish to report anonymously please call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or report online.

Police Continue Hunting Rapist A Year On

Police are re-appealing for information as they continue investigating a year-old rape near St. Thomas' Hospital.

The appeal featured on BBC's Crimewatch Roadshow on Wednesday, September 9.

Police were called to Royal Street, outside St Thomas’ Hospital, at 1.23am on November 12, last year to a report of a rape.

A woman in her forties was physically assaulted before being raped by an unknown man on Royal Street, near the junction with Lambeth Park Road.

The woman is being supported by specialist officers.

Detective Sergeant Paul Barham, investigating the incident, said: “This is clearly a horrific incident and we are doing all we can to support the woman and find who is responsible.

“The man in the CCTV is wearing distinctive clothing so I appeal to anyone who recognises these items of clothing or believes they know who the man is to contact us straightaway.”

No arrests have been made; enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference CAD 379/12NOV.

You can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
 

Stalker Preyed On Female Co-Worker

A work-colleague-from-hell, who made false police claims against a fellow-employee and spread fake social media gossip about her, has received a five-year restraining order.

Alan Woods, 52, of Lake Mead, Heybridge, Essex, stalked the woman, who worked alongside him in Romford, between July, 2018 and April, this year.

At Barkingside Magistrates' Court he was also ordered to complete 200 hours unpaid community service work.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of stalking without fear, alarm or distress, contrary to the Protection from Harassment Act.

The victim reported the stalking to officers at a north east London police station on Thursday, October 24, last year and stated she did not know who the perpetrator was.

The stalking began in July, 2018 with Woods creating a fake social media account in the victim’s name. 

He then sent messages to a colleague’s wife, falsely stating that he was having an affair with another colleague.

On Friday, July 20, 2018 Woods contacted the police to inform them the victim drove to work while under the influence of drugs.

One day, police were waiting and she was drug tested outside her workplace by officers and the result came back all clear.

Throughout April this year, Woods made multiple unwanted phone calls to the victim, left abusive messages and tampered with her car. 

It was established the phone number used to send the victim messages was the same as the one used to call police and make the false accusation back in July, 2018.

To identify Woods as the perpetrator, officers from the Metropolitan Police's East Area Basic Command Unit analysed phone data from the number he used. 

The number was linked to Maldon in Essex. 

Further investigations led to a security officer from the workplace stating that Woods lived in the same area which the phone was linked to.

PC Tay Mirza, said: “Stalking in all its forms greatly impacts victims and this in this case their work life. Hopefully, this result will give the victim some peace of mind.

“Anyone that believes they are a current victim of stalking should contact the police by calling 101 or reporting it online.”

Teen Jailed For Late-Night Rape Of Pregnant Woman

Isleworth Crown Court

A 17 year-old, who raped and robbed a pregnant woman after she asked him for directions at a bus stop, has been locked-up.

The teenager received eight-and-a-half years custody for the late-night attack on the 30 year-old woman, who had nipped out to the shops.

At Isleworth Crown Court the juvenile defendant, who cannot be named, pleaded guilty to one count of rape and one count of robbery.

The victim left her home at around 11.30pm on Monday, January 6 and asked the defendant – who was sitting at a bus stop – for directions.

He pointed her in the direction of Hatton Road, Feltham, west London and after a few minutes, the victim realised he was following her.

The attacker suddenly grabbed the victim from behind and physically assaulted her. 

He took her phone and cash.

He then threatened her with a screwdriver and raped her.

The victim said she had £500 cash in her house and if the attacker walked her to the address she would give it to him. 

He threatened her by saying if she did not give him the £500 or called the police, he ‘would shoot her’.

Once inside her address, the victim used a different phone to call the police while the attacker waited outside. 

The suspect left the scene before officers arrived.

The first officers to arrive took a statement from the victim and a description of the suspect. 

Officers searched the area near the victim’s address. 

A youth, who fitted the description, was seen and made off from the police.

He was caught after a foot chase. 

He was searched and officers found the victim’s mobile phone and cash on him. 

He also had the screwdriver he had threatened her with.

He was arrested and taken into custody and charged.

Detective Constable Emma Rogers, from the Metropolitan Police's West Area Safeguarding Team, said: “I would like to thank the victim for her bravery during this horrific assault. 

“I hope that she finally has some closure to an ordeal that has been so traumatising for her and her family.

“Officers were at the scene of the crime and arrested the attacker within minutes of receiving the 999 call. 

“I’m grateful to those officers and staff from the LAS who took such good care of this victim when she needed it most.”

Bus Driver Punched By Thug: CCTV Image Released

Police are hunting this suspected thug after a resting bus driver was viciously punched in the eye during a break.

The attack may be linked to a road rage incident the driver had with a motorcyclist shortly before at a set of traffic lights.

At 11.55am on Monday, July 20 the driver, aged 43 years-old, was on his break at a bus stand in Atkins Road, Clapham Park.

While parked a man boarded the bus and punched him in the face.

The driver attended hospital, where he was treated for serious facial injuries.

Police Constable Nick Kortright, from the Roads and Policing Command (RTPC), said: “This was a completely unprovoked attack which has left the victim with an eye injury. 

“As a professional driver, this is clearly of significant concern to him.

“I would urge anyone who recognises the man in the CCTV stills to contact us.”

Anyone with information should contact the RTPC @MetCC or via 101.

Drifter Exploited Vulnerable Victim Before Murdering Him

A homeless scrounger, who took over a vulnerable middle-aged man's life before beating and strangling him to death, has been convicted of murder.

Mohammed Assri, 47, (pic. Top) of no fixed abode sacked 55 year-old James Dowdell's carers and took control of his finances after moving in.

He will be sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court on November 20 for murdering Mr. Dowdell (pic.bottom) at his home in St. Mark's Grove, West Brompton on February 17.

Assri tried to dodge justice by frantically calling police and reporting his housemate's death, claiming he found the body on returning to the address.

Officers and paramedics attended to find Mr. Dowdell with head injuries. 

He was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Assri was arrested and found in possession of Mr. Dowdell's personal items including his bank card and a large sum of bloodstained cash.

Detectives began an investigation and found the relationship between Assri and Mr. Dowdell to be unclear. 

Assri claimed his name was Adam and Mr. Dowdell was his uncle. 

Assri had been homeless prior to moving into Mr. Dowdell's flat in late January.

Having moved into the flat, Assri quickly established control, seeking to exclude Mr. Dowdell's carers. 

He took over his finances, including using his Halifax debit card regularly, and pawned a valuable watch-strap belonging to Mr. Dowdell.

Officers found that in an attempt to displace himself from the crime scene Assri lied about his whereabouts in the hours before Mr. Dowdell's death. 

He claimed he had been at his sister’s house at 4.45pm that day and later returned to Mr. Dowdell's residence, performing CPR for thirty mins before calling the ambulance at 6.45pm. 

Officers found that CCTV cameras showed he had been in the vicinity of his sister’s house twelve hours before he claimed and Mr. Dowdell's pacemaker registered a failing heart nearly two hours before an ambulance was called.

A post-mortem examination revealed bruising on Mr. Dowdell's wrists and marks to his hand suggesting he had tried to defend himself from the fatal attack.

The cause of death was blunt force trauma and compression of the neck.

Assri insisted that Mr. Dowdell's injuries were sustained by falling and were self-inflicted. 

This was disproved by pathologists and medical evidence.

Detective Inspector Maria Green, from Specialist Crime said: “I would like to thank the witnesses who spoke in court for their courage in giving evidence.

“Assri is a violent and manipulative man, who has taken no responsibility for his actions, using his appearance at court as an attempt to dishonour the memory and life of James. 

“I hope that James’s family and friends can draw some strength from seeing justice done.”