Police Recreate Murder Victim's Face In Bid To Solve Old Mystery

Police trying to solve a decade-old murder in a disused factory have released this facial reconstruction of the deceased male based on the skeletal remains.

Shortly before 4.00pm on Friday, April 29, 2016 police were called to reports of remains found in a blue sleeping bag at the building in Upton Lane, Forest Gate.

Police attended and the premises was secured as a crime scene.

Later tests confirmed the body had been there for ten to thirteen years after suffering blunt force trauma to the skull. 

Upon closer inspection it appeared that a black bin liner had been placed over the head and body, while the skull had a visible crack along the left side, towards the back.

Working with archaeologists to excavate the scene, officers removed more than 100 industrial rubble sacks containing objects, soil and debris. 

These were sieved by specialist search officers and examined by a forensic anthropologist.

During the excavation, almost all of the skeletal remains were recovered.

A post mortem and anthropological examination took place and this concluded that there were a number of blunt force trauma wounds to the skull.

A DNA sample was obtained from the remains, but no match was made on the National DNA database and the victim remains unidentified.

Professors at the Natural History Museum also examined some of the remains to establish the origin, however suitable DNA could not be extracted.

Officers from Specialist Crime North investigate, with Detective Inspector Darren Jones leading enquiries.

He said: “I would urge people reading this appeal, especially those living in the area where this man’s remains were found, to look closely at the reconstruction and think about whether you may have seen him. Does he look familiar to you?”

The examination of the skeletal remains concluded that the deceased was a male of between 5ft 4ins to 5ft 8ins in height, and it is believed he could have been of eastern, southern or central Asian, Indian subcontinent, European, North African or Middle Eastern descent.

Inside the blue sleeping bag there was a packet of chewing tobacco which is only officially sold in the Indian subcontinent. 

An item of clothing found on the remains also links to the same area.

Examinations continued over the following months at the scene. 

During this time, a room on the first floor of the four-story building was identified as being the suspected site of the attack. 

Blood matching the DNA of the victim was found in the corner of the room.

In efforts to identify the victim, a number of specialist techniques which are not often used in homicide enquiries were utilised.

Professor Gordon Cook, a Professor of Environmental Geochemistry of the Scottish Universities Environmental Research Centre performed Radio Carbon analysis of bones, teeth and hair.

He identified that the results from the lateral incisor and the second molar indicate that the victim was born between 1971 and 1974 and died between 2003 and 2006. 

This put the age at death as somewhere between 29 and 35 years. 

This tallied with the anthropologist’s report which stated that the likely age was between 30 and 45 years old.

Facial reconstruction of the skull was created by Dundee University.

There have been no arrests made.

Police are appealing for anyone who thinks they may recognise this man or may have any information on his death to please come forward and contact police on 0208 355 0400.

If you do not wish to speak to police, please contact Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bullying Boyfriend Caged

A young east Londoner, who violently abused and threatened to shoot dead his girlfriend, has been locked-up.

Mohammed Ahmed, 21, of Kemeys Street, Homerton was sentenced to two-and-a-half years imprisonment.

He was found guilty of harassment with intent to cause fear of violence; threats to kill and two counts of common assault.

The court heard Ahmed used controlling and coercive behaviour in an attempt to force his partner to stay in a relationship with him.

This culminated in an incident in August when he persuaded her to get into his car under the pretence he just wanted to discuss their relationship. 

Ahmed’s mood quickly changed and as his anger grew, he threatened to shoot the victim and murder her. 

He also assaulted her.

After reporting this incident to police, the victim further confided that Ahmed had assaulted her on another occasion while driving in her car.

On sentencing Ahmed, Judge Gregory Perrins told the defendant he held ‘vile and obnoxious views about women’ and the offences were ‘part of a serious pattern of behaviour’.

Detective Constable Imran Hansraj from the Central East Command Unit led the investigation and said: “I would like to praise the courage of the victim for coming forward and reporting Ahmed’s attacks and threats to police.

“I would also urge anyone who is in an abusive relationship to contact police or specialist support agencies – we can help you to end the cycle of violence and bring perpetrators to justice.”

Police Continue Hunting This Suspected South London Drug Dealer

Police are hunting this suspected drug dealer and have appealed to the public for help.

Officers from the South Area Command Unit have released this image of 42 year-old Daniel McCarthy.

They are hoping somebody will call them or the freephone hotline of charity Crimestoppers.

It is believed McCarthy has been involved in the supply of both Class A and Class B drugs in south London.

He had recently been residing in Croydon, but has links to the Brixton area.

Anyone who has seen McCarthy or knows of his whereabouts is asked to contact officers from the South Area Command Unit on 101.

Alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111.

£10K Reward To Solve Fatal Drive-By Shooting

Shot: Wilson  Alexandre Garcia Varela

Police hunting the late-night shooter of a man walking to a local shop for milk have announced a £10,000 reward for information that cracks the murder case.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Stancombe, of the Specialist Crime Command, said: “The investigation so far indicates that the death of Wilson Alexandre Garcia Varela was a case of mistaken identity and that he was wrongly targeted by gang members.

“I would like everyone who is protecting the identity of the murderers to know that on the day he was murdered, Wilson was simply getting on with a normal day. 

“He left his girlfriend’s house to buy some milk and minutes later his life was violently, and abruptly, ended.

“Wilson would have had a bright future. Instead his life is over and he leaves behind a devastated family and partner who are wondering why he was taken from them.

“I have no doubt whatsoever that there are people out there who know exactly who is responsible for Wilson’s death. 

“The callous people who did this have no respect for the lives of others, why would anyone protect people like that? 

“If you know anything, do the right thing and call me now, before they harm someone else.”

Police were called by the London Ambulance Service shortly before midnight on Sunday, September 8 to reports of a shooting in Malden Road, Kentish Town.

Officers, including firearms officers, and London’s Air Ambulance attended. 

Wilson Alexandre Garcia Varela, aged 24, who was from Forest Gate in East London, was found suffering a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene at 00.10am on Monday, September 9.

His next of kin were notified and Wilson was formally identified.

A post-mortem examination that took place on Tuesday, September 10 found the cause of death to be a shotgun wound to the chest.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone with information is asked to call the police incident room on 020 8358 0200.

The independent charity Crimestoppers is offering a reward of up to £10,000 for information that they receive anonymously that leads to the arrest of the person or people responsible for the murder of Wilson Alexandre Garcia Varela.

Alexa Loukas, London Regional Manager at the charity Crimestoppers, said:“We know that for some people, the truth may be close to home. 

“It maybe someone you know personally was involved in serious violence. 

“You may have a sense of loyalty to that individual but want to do the right thing.

"Please remember that Crimestoppers, as an independent charity, keeps its promise of 100% anonymity each and every day to those who trusts us with their crime information. 

“Share what you know by calling our UK Contact Centre on 0800 555 111 or using our website’s anonymous online form. 

“No one will know your identity. We cannot trace your call or track your IP address and we never ask for or record any personal information.

"If you’re a young person, you can also report anonymously via Crimestoppers’ dedicated youth service by visiting Fearless.org.”

Post Grad Students Deny Raping Drunk Woman At West End Nightclub

Ferdinando Orlando outside court

Two post graduate students were caught on CCTV laughing and exchanging high-fives after raping a “ten out of ten” drunk young woman in a nightclub maintenance room under the London Palladium, a court heard today.

Just six minutes after the 25 year-old woman met Ferdinando Orlando, 25 and Lorenzo Costanzo, 26, at the Toy Room Club they were having sex in the side room near the toilets, the jury were told.

Orlando, of St. George’s Square, Pimlico, is currently studying a post-graduate degree in International Law and Costanzo is taking a post-graduate masters degree in Business & Management. 

Both have pleaded not guilty to two counts of raping the petite woman in the early hours of February 26, 2017, insisting she consented after swapping kisses with them on the dance floor.

Prosecutor Allison Hunter QC told the Isleworth Crown Court jury the nightclub CCTV will show the three meeting: “They can be seen to pass her from one to the other, each of them taking it in turns to kiss her.”

Orlando then leads the woman to the maintenance room as she holds onto his waist, with Costanzo behind, steering her as she leans into him, the court heard. 

“I was in the middle of them so it was hard to get away from them,” the woman told the jury. “They were the support for me walking.”

All three emerge sixteen minutes later, with the woman sandwiched between the defendants. “Orlando can be seen to re-arrange her dress, which was twisted and raised at the front, to cover her modesty,” said the prosecutor.

Lorenzo Costanzo arriving at court

“The pair propel her towards the ladies’ toilet, where they open the door and put her inside and turn and run down the corridor.

“They ran straight up the stairs to the outside, where they can be seen hugging, high-fiving each other, strong arming, laughing and looking at what appear to be images or videos on a mobile phone.

“They engage in gestures simulating sexual intercourse and oral intercourse and appear to laugh and congratulate each other.

“It is the prosecution case that she was not able to consent to what she sustained at the will of these two defendants,” added Ms Hunter.

“Her capacity to consent was a matter of supreme indifference and irrelevance to them in their pursuit of their own sexual gratification.”

The complainant told the jury she has no memory of the incident, having begun drinking unlimited Prosecco at 11am, plus free shots and vodka at the club, where she was celebrating a girl friend’s birthday.

“I remember being very drunk and falling over a lot and then I was in the toilets of the club in so much pain, not wanting to get out and then I remember being on the street, sitting on the sidewalk.”

After a French couple helped her home to Ealing the woman was taken to hospital for an injury between her legs. “I was very swollen down there and bruised,” she said.

“I was very swollen, I could barely walk and there was a lot of bruising. I was very scared.”

As well as the painful swelling doctors also noted three bruises between her legs, bruising to her bum, shoulder and leg, plus a mystery love bite to her neck she had no recollection of.

Sex Scene: Toyroom Maintenance Area

She told police on a one to ten scale of drunkenness she was a “ten”, adding: “I do have a history of kissing randomners when I’m drunk.”

When cross-examined she admitted the CCTV showed her grinding her rear into Costanzo on the dance floor and flicking her long hair.

Orlando claims they flirted with each other and exchanged compliments, but the woman told the court she has no memory of their conversation.

She agreed the CCTV shows them “kissing passionately”, but denied groping him between the legs. 

Once in the maintenance room Orlando claims the woman had consensual sex first with him and then Costanzo.

Orlando’s QC Sarah Elliott put it the woman her behaviour was “receptive” and “enthusiastic” and that she was “moaning” with pleasure.

The complainant maintained she could remember nothing and the lawyer suggested the CCTV outside the room revealed her true feelings.

“You appear to be smiling. You gave them the impression you were having a good time.”

Trial continues………

KISS THIS - Police Hunt Protester

Police hunting a violent protester, who assaulted an officer when a pro-Tommy Robinson group clashed with anti-racist counter-demonstrators, have released this CCTV image.

On Saturday, August 24, supporters of the founder of the English Defence League – now known as Stephen Yaxley-Lennon - staged a protest in central London. 

An associated counter-demo by groups including Stand up to Racism was held in the same location at the same time.

Shortly after 11.30am, a number of people attempted to physically breach a police cordon in Portland Place, near Oxford Circus.

An officer was violently pushed by one or more people.

Police are now releasing an image of a man - wearing a distinctive KISS t-shirt - they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Sergeant Chris Rudd, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our officers work hard to protect the rights of those who wish to protest and our main aim is to reduce the potential for violence, disorder and disruption to communities.

“Assaults on police officers – who are there to ensure the safety of those attending such protests – are entirely unacceptable and we will work tirelessly to investigate incidents of this nature.

“I appeal to anyone who has information on this individual to come forward in complete confidence.”
Anyone who recognises the man pictured, or has any information about the violence which occurred as part of these protests should call 0208 246 9365.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 - they do not ask your name and cannot trace your call.

Accountant With Taste For High-Life Jailed For Nicking £144K

An accountant with a family-run engineering firm stole £140,000 to fund her child's private school education, foreign holidays and champagne lunches.

Alison Thomas, 52, of Tadworth Street, Tadworth, Surrey, was jailed for two-and-a-half years for the six-year fraud on the company.

She pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to fraud by abuse of position, when she transferred £144,589 to her personal account between December, 2011 and January, 2018.

Thomas worked for seven years as the company accountant at the small firm in south London. 

Her role gave her access to and control of the company’s financial dealings and she was viewed as a vital and trusted member of the team. 

Thomas’ fraud was discovered when one of the firm’s owners began to investigate why the company was not performing as well as it should have been. 

He became suspicious about how Thomas was able to fund a lifestyle of champagne lunches, foreign holidays and private education for her child on the wages she was being paid. 

When the accounts were investigated further, he discovered regular payments were being made to Thomas’ personal account from the company and he confronted her. 

She admitted the offence to him at that time.

PC Stewart Bold of the Met’s Economic Crime Hub in Lewisham, said:“Thomas used her position of trust to withdraw large funds from the company to fund her own lifestyle. 

“She lived beyond her means and treated the company’s account as her own.

“In doing so she put the company in serious financial difficulty. 

“Fortunately this did not lead to the loss of any jobs and therefore further financial struggles for its employees and their families.

“The sentence she has received demonstrates the severity of her actions and I hope will act as a deterrent to others.”

Hair Salon Fire: Arsonist Hunted

Police investigating a deliberate fire at a former hair salon have released this CCTV image of the suspected arsonist they are hunting.

Police were called at 5.00pm on Saturday, September 7 to reports of a fire on Cheam Common Road, North Cheam.

Officers, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) and the London Ambulance Service attended.

A number of neighbouring buildings were evacuated as a precaution.

The disused shop and the empty flat above were severely damaged by the fire. 

Fortunately, no one was injured.

The fire is being treated as suspicious.

Detectives from the South Area Command Unit are investigating alongside the LFB.

A review of local CCTV cameras captured an unknown man walking into an alleyway close to the shop at 4.33pm.

Officers are keen to identify this man and speak with him to establish what he was doing in the area.

Anyone who recognises him is asked to call police at Bromley police station via 101 quoting reference Cad 5323/07Sep.

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Bus Stop Thug Wanted For Punching Passenger

Police hunting a bus stop thug, who repeatedly punched a passenger after deliberately barging into him, have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

Police were called at around 13.20pm on Thursday, August 1 to reports of a man assaulted at a bus stop in Vine Street, Uxbridge.

Officers attended and spoke to the victim, aged in his late twenties, who said he had been attacked by another man.

The suspect is said to have deliberately barged into the victim, leading to a verbal altercation between the two.

He told the suspect to go away and was about to board a bus when he was repeatedly punched and fell to the ground, suffering facial injuries.

Officers are now releasing an image of a man they are keen to speak to in connection with the incident.

He is believed to be in his mid-twenties and was wearing grey tracksuit bottoms and a blue t-shirt at the time.

It was reported that at least one member of the public recorded the assault on a mobile phone and police are asking anyone who believes they may have captured this incident to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 with CAD reference 3894/01AUG or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Teen Caged For Stabbing Young Woman Multiple Times

A violent teenager, who repeatedly stabbed a young woman at a family and friends get-together at a west London address, has been locked-up.

Luke Rose, 19, left his 23 year-old victim bleeding with a lacerated kidney after an argument broke out in the early hours.

She had multiple stab wounds and needed immediate emergency surgery.

Rose, of Shakespeare Road, Hanwell, was convicted at the Old Bailey of inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent, at the Acton address on January 28.

He was sentenced to four and a half years imprisonment with a further two years extended license.

The court heard in the early hours Rose attended the address with members of his family and friends.

A physical argument ensued which resulted in Rose stabbing the woman, who was known to him, repeatedly before fleeing the scene.

Officers were called alongside the London Ambulance Service and found the victim lying on a bed with multiple stab wounds to her body.

One of the stab wounds had lacerated her left kidney and left her requiring immediate surgery.

On arrival, Rose had already fled the scene but was arrested later that day at his home address.

He was taken into police custody and charged the next day.

Detective Constable Mitesh Mulji, who led the investigation, said: “Rose has failed to admit his actions that night nor has he shown any remorse for the injuries he inflicted.

“We are pleased that the jury carefully considered the evidence in front of them and were able to see through his lies.

“This was a complex investigation and we hope this sentence demonstrates our commitment to pursuing violent individuals through the courts, even in circumstances where victims are reluctant to support a prosecution.”

Gambling Arcade Robbery: Suspect Hunted

Police hunting a gambling arcade robber, who pulled a knife on a woman worker before fleeing with £2,000 cash, have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

The man entered the arcade in Upper Wickham Lane, Welling, south east London on the morning of Wednesday, July 31.

At around 10.00am, after spending around half an hour on a gambling machine, he approached and grabbed the woman working at the shop from behind.

He pulled a knife on her, demanding that she open the safe in the back office.

She complied, and he made off around £2,000 in cash. 

It is believed that he left the scene in a maroon-coloured Mercedes car.

The man being sought by police is described as a white male believed to be in his late 30s, and of slim build. 

He was wearing a green hoodie, black jeans and dark trainers. 

He spoke in broken English, and may be eastern European.

If you recognise the man or have any information that may assist the investigation, call 101 quoting CAD 2148/31JUL19. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Woman Jailed For Keeping Pensioner A Slave

A cruel and selfish woman, who held a vulnerable pensioner in slavery for over four years, has been jailed.

Maria Miller, 65, of Simmons Lane, Chingford, recruited the woman outside a local pet shop, initially to volunteer at her charity outlet.

However, the victim, who was 74 years-old by the time she escaped Miller's clutches, ended up being a dogsbody who slept on the floor of the defendant's home.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court she was found guilty of two counts of holding another in slavery or servitude and one count of theft and received three years.

In 2012 she persuaded the woman, who has learning difficulties, to move into her home address.

She then made her sleep on the floor and carry out tasks such as weeding the garden or clearing out animal shelters in exchange for meals or coming back inside the house.

This resulted in her often being left outside, working until late at night.

Miller also took control of the victim’s bank account, became executor and sole trustee in her will and tried to persuade her to sell a property she owned.

She also refused her access to a mobile phone, money or access to her own pension.

She also lost a significant amount of weight as Miller often refused to provide meals for a number of days, as well as forcing her to sleep on the floor or in an outhouse.

Miller's home was stuffed with designer items, particularly clothing and expensive bottles of champagne.

On June 14, 2016, the victim managed to run away from the address and reported the abuse to police, who began an investigation.

Detective Sergeant James Earle, who led the investigation, said: “Miller targeted one of society’s most vulnerable and the sentence received today reflects the gravity of her actions.

“This was a long and challenging investigation, but we are pleased that Miller has now been brought to justice.

“We know that the victim will never forget the years she spent in constant fear but we hope that she has some closure now Miller is behind bars.

“Her bravery in coming forward to police and reliving some of the worst experiences of her life in court is testament to her strength of character and we hope this sends out a message that the Met will seek to bring the strongest charges for such shocking criminal conduct where appropriate.”

Bully Of Bollo Bridge Road Binned

A bully who subjected the woman in his life to a miserable existence has been locked-up for twenty-two months.

Tarang Katira, 34, of Bollo Bridge Road, Acton pleaded guilty to one charge of controlling or coercive behaviour.

He was jailed at Isleworth Crown Court, where he was also ordered to pay £1,500 costs to the victim and made subject to a restraining order prohibiting contact with her.

On April 29, last year police were called to their home to a report she had been assaulted by Katira following an argument.

Officers attended and Katira was arrested. 

He pleaded guilty to a number of incidents between September, 2017 and April, 2018 of physical, verbal and psychological abuse.

The investigation was led by the West Area CID and officers collated witness accounts from more than 30 people, medical evidence and more than 250 exhibits to support the prosecution.

Detective Constable Robert Watson, said: "Katira subjected her to serious abuse and she was incredibly brave in finally reporting his offending to police.

"This was a complex and protracted investigation and the strength of the case built by the team led to an early guilty plea.

"Domestic abuse has no place in modern society and the Met is committed to playing its part to bring offenders to justice and safeguard and support victims.

"We would urge anyone who is in an abusive relationship to speak to police."

Anyone who is a victim of domestic abuse, or knows of someone who may be a victim, should call police via 101 or 999 in an emergency. 

They can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Accountant's £4,300 Cancer Con

A chartered accountant, who conned his new internet girlfriend out of £4,300 by claiming he was dying from stomach cancer, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Badal Arun Hindocha, 34, sent messages including: “If I don’t solve this problem, I’m dead. I’ve collapsed again. I’m dead.”

The accountancy and financing graduate - employed by a Canary Wharf firm - told Tina Mistry he lost income due to missing work to attend hospital appointments.

Hindocha, of Oakways, Eltham pleaded guilty to fraud between January 30, 2017 and March 7, 2018 and was sentenced to nine months imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

He must also complete 280 hours community service and pay Ms Mistry, who he met on an internet dating site, £6,000 compensation.

“She hoped to form a fulfilling relationship and saw you as a prospective partner and not someone who caused her judgement of people to be shaken,” Croydon Crown Court Judge Elizabeth Smaller told Hindocha.

“You have taken advantage of her trust that you were genuinely ill and had even witnessed your cousin dying and you had a terminal illness and over six weeks caused her to make eleven bank transfers to you.

“You even engaged someone else to tell her you were on medical life-support and she should not contact you again.

“She must have been wondering if you were dead or alive, but then saw you were back on that dating website.

“She thought it was a genuine romance and you committed a fraud on her vulnerability and trust.”

Ms Mistry told the police: “It has made me feel very upset that I had been used and taken advantage of. I did not think he could lie and fake that he had cancer.”

Prosecutor Mr. Iestyn Morgan told the court the pair began dating in December, 2017. “After two months the defendant said he was off work due to medical operations and was short of money and struggling to meet bills.

“He told her he was very weak and ill, couldn’t consume food and said that he had stomach cancer, which was not true.”

Hindocha even invented another story that his cousin was a car accident victim and he was holding her hand as she passed away in hospital.

His lawyer Imran Khan said the money was spent on installing a downstairs toilet for his disabled parents.

Hindocha has a Masters from Middlesex University and has lost his ACCA accreditation to practice as a chartered accountant as a result the fraud.

“What started out as an offer he took advantage of and that was stupid,” the lawyer told the court. “He’s tearful, stressful and terrified about what will happen today.”

Judge Smaller said: “This was a fraud upon someone that was trusting and involved the manipulation of someone’s good sense and hopes and preyed on hopes that she had a future with the defendant.”

Armed Hackney Marshes Flasher: E-Fit Released

Police are hunting this knife-wielding pervert who flashed a lone woman on Hackney Marshes.

On Friday, May 17, at around 3.10pm, a woman was approached on the famous open space in east London by a man who was in possession of a knife.

The man held the knife in a threatening way and exposed himself. 

When the woman screamed the suspect fled.

A short time later, police received further reports of a man, of the same description, continuing to expose himself in the Hackney area.

The suspect is described as a light skinned black man, aged between twenty and thirty years-old. 

He was wearing a khaki jacket/anorak with the hood up and dark tracksuit trousers. 

The man possibly wears his hair in braids.

Anyone who has information concerning the identity of the man is asked to call officers at the Central East Command Unit via 101 quoting reference Cad 4711/17May19, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Renewed Appeal On Kilburn Double Stabbing: Do You Know This Man?

Police investigating a double early hours stabbing in north-west London have again released this CCTV image of their suspect.

Both attacks occurred within an hour of each other in Kilburn High Road on April 9.

This is the second attempt to identify the suspect after the first appeal was unsuccessful.

Police were initially called at 1.19am after a 63 year-old man was stabbed in the back near the junction with Victoria Road.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service (LAS) attended and he was taken to a central London hospital for treatment before being discharged.

At around 2.35am police were called to the stabbing of a 39 year-old man further along Kilburn High Road close to Cambridge Avenue.

Officers and LAS attended and found the man suffering a stab wound to the abdomen. 

He was taken to a central London hospital - his condition was deemed not life-threatening.

Detective Constable Thomas Ryan, from North West Area's CID, said: "Following a thorough investigation, including analysis of CCTV, we are confident that the attacks that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, 9 April are linked.

"We are releasing an image again of a man we want to trace and speak to - do you recognise him? If so, please get in contact with us without delay.

"Following the two incidents, we increased our presence in and around the Kilburn High Road area as a precaution.

“At this time, we are not aware of any further, linked offences, however, we need to identify and apprehend the person responsible for these attacks so I would ask anyone who has information that could assist this investigation, or who recognises this person, to contact us now.”

No arrests have been made at this time. Enquiries continue.

Anyone who has information is asked to call North West area CID on 101 quoting CAD 386/09APR or tweet @MetCC.

Hooded Knifeman Hunted For Face-Slashing

Police are hunting this suspected knifeman after a 65 year-old grandad was viciously slashed across the face outside his east London home.

On Thursday April 11, officers were called to Mandeville Street, East Ham shortly after 8.00pm, to find the victim had been slashed across the face with a knife.

The London Ambulance Service were already on scene and had been treating the victim’s significant facial wound, which required multiple stitches.

The victim was approaching his home when he was approached from behind by a man and slashed across the face. 

The suspect then ran off over the other side of the street.

The victim's daughter and grandson, who heard the shouts of the victim, had come out of the house and attempted to pursue the suspect, however he fled the scene.

Officers have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

He can be seen in the imagery wearing a Black puffer jacket with a small white logo, dark trousers and black rucksack – he is believed to be in his mid-twenties.

There is no information to suggest the victim and suspect are known to each other. 

Enquiries continue to establish any possible motive.

Detective Constable Robina Balal of the Central East Command said: “This was a callous and unnecessary attack on an innocent member of public.

“We urge anyone who recognises the man in the imagery to come forward and let us know; any information could help us to catch the man who caused this life-changing injury.”

If you have any information about the man in the images or, anything to do with the incident, please contact police on 101, quoting CAD 7174/11Apr. 

Alternatively, you can contact anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Knife-Wielding Rapist Who Pounced As Victim Made Him Tea Is Jailed

A “predatory and dangerous” rapist, who attacked his victim at knifepoint as she made him a cup of tea, has been caged for ten years and two months.

Abdullahi Mohammed, 30, of Watling Avenue, Harrow, is a vague acquaintance of the woman's family and invited himself over on the day.

He pleaded guilty at Harrow Crown Court to rape; attempted rape; threats to kill and possession of a bladed article.

On September 27, last year the woman, aged in her thirties, reluctantly allowed Mohammed into her home when he got in touch out of the blue.

While in the kitchen making a cup of tea the victim was grabbed from behind by Mohammed and threatened her with a knife. 

He then forced her into the lounge and raped her. 

During the incident Mohammed threw the knife he had used in the attack out of a window into the communal area.

Afterwards he left the address to go and retrieve the knife. 

The victim raised the alarm with a neighbour, who photographed Mohammed retrieving his weapon.

Police were called and Mohammed was arrested later that day.

Detective Sergeant Andy Cook of the North Area Safeguarding Unit said: "The judge in the case described Abdullahi Mohammed as 'predatory' and 'dangerous' and I am glad he will now spend a considerable amount of time in jail.

“I would like to praise the woman for her courage in both reporting this to police and supporting this prosecution. 

“I can only hope that Mohammed’s conviction and sentencing brings her some form of closure.”

DIY Gunman Jailed For Hampstead Heath Weapon

A DIY gunman has been jailed for five years after his improvised firearm was found hidden on Hampstead Heath.

Dominic Van Allen, 46, was convicted of possessing a disguised prohibited firearm and possessing a prohibited component part of a firearm.

Blackfriars Crown Court heard officers from Hampstead Heath Constabulary, on patrol in the park, found a concealed encampment on November 11, last year. 

It contained a hide concealing what appeared to be a pipe bomb. 

A bullet was also discovered in the undergrowth.

Specialist explosives officers from the Metropolitan Police attended the scene to make it safe. 

The ‘pipe bomb’, a smaller piece of pipe and a bullet were taken to a lab to be analysed.

It was later established the ‘pipe bomb’ was in fact an improvised gun with an inbuilt silencer, capable of firing bullets similar to that found in the undergrowth. 

The smaller piece of pipe recovered from the scene was a component part that enabled the user to change the calibre of bullets which could be fired.

The bullet, which did not contain gun powder, was capable of being used in the gun if adapted with the explosive substance.

Detectives from the Met Police Counter Terrorism Command launched an investigation, retrieving evidence including a jiffy bag with Van Allen’s name found discarded in woods near the hides. 

On February 19, this year they traced and arrested Van Allen on suspicion of firearms offences.

Meanwhile, forensic specialists carrying out analysis of the improvised firearm, found DNA on it that was a match for Van Allen’s, and he was subsequently charged.

Acting Detective Chief Superintendent James Harman, of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “The hides in Hampstead Heath were discovered by diligent parks officers on routine patrol.

“It’s not known what Van Allen’s motives for having the gun were. If not discovered by police, it could have been used in crime and seriously injured or potentially killed someone. 

“His sentence is a reminder to anyone with a gun - improvised or otherwise - that there are severe consequences for having it.