Moped Teen Caged For 'Brazen' Stabbing

A young moped knifeman, who stabbed a fellow-teen in the shoulder near a busy railway station, has been locked-up.

Police have described the stabbing as a 'brazen daytime assault' which hospitalised the victim.

Trevon McClymont, 19, of Edington Road, Greenwich, received eleven years custody after pleading guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm and possessing an offensive weapon.

Woolwich Crown Court heard that on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 the 19-year-old victim was in a newsagents in Derby Road, Croydon, when he saw two men pull up on a moped outside.

McClymont immediately jumped off the stolen moped, ran up to the victim and pulled out a knife. 

Both men then engaged in a violent struggle and the victim was left with a stab wound to his shoulder. 

He was required to attend a local hospital for treatment.

Believing the job was done, the suspect ran back to his friend who was waiting on the moped and they sped off together. 

Later enquiries established that the moped had been reported stolen just weeks before the attack.

Shocked members of the public passing by captured the moment that both men fled the scene on mobile phones.

Detectives investigating the stabbing quickly linked McClymont and he was arrested three weeks later. 

The address he was arrested at was searched and a knife was recovered that visually resembled the one used in the offence. 

The driver of the moped was never traced.

Detective Sergeant Sam Bennett said: “This is a good result and proves that the Metropolitan Police is absolutely focused on locking up those who are violent or carry potential lethal weapons.

“Despite the indifference McClymont showed throughout this process, he will now spend a considerable amount of his young life behind bars. 

“No doubt he’ll look back at this in years to come and realise how foolish he was carrying that blade and stabbing his victim.

“Our victim was lucky in this case, but sadly others lose their life to senseless violence on the streets of the capital. 

“We all want to stop the bloodshed before it happens and I would urge anyone with information on violent crime or knife crime to report it.”

Pair Of Greedy Grenfell Fraudsters Locked-Up

Two Grenfell Tower fraudsters, who scammed nearly £50,000 in financial assistance after lying they were housed by a victim of the fatal blaze, have been caged.

Both Carmel Daly, 50, and Robert Kenneally, 52, of Warwick Lane, West Kensington claimed they resided unofficially at Grenfell for six months before the fire.

They were convicted at Isleworth Crown Court of fraud by false representation.

Daly received four years and three months imprisonment and Kenneally four years and nine months.

The pair told the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) and the Red Cross they had been sharing a flat with Dennis Murphy, who died in the fire.

As a result, Daly and Kenneally were provided with a room at a hotel, clothing and financial assistance. 

They were later provided with a rent-free flat, with no requirement to pay council tax or other bills.

After an initial investigation by the RBKC fraud team, Daly and Kenneally were interviewed by police on April 5, 2018.

Detectives analysed CCTV footage from Grenfell Tower, five days before the fire, and neither Daly or Kenneally could be seen.

The jury also heard evidence from Mr. Murphy’s neighbour, who was sure he lived alone.

Mr. Murphy’s son, sister and mother also said they had never heard him talk about Daly and Kenneally living with him.

Analysis of Mr. Murphy’s telephone records revealed he had not had a single contact with any of the numbers attributed to Daly and Kenneally.

Detective Constable Ismail Mattar, of the Grenfell Tower investigation, said: “The aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire brought out the best in humanity, with members of the public and local services working round the clock to help survivors who had been left homeless.

“Unfortunately, a number of people like Daly and Kenneally cynically sought to abuse this kindness and personally profit from the tragedy, which killed seventy-two people.

“I am glad they have now been brought to justice. Fraud is not a victimless crime. 

“The money obtained by Daly and Kenneally was council taxpayers’ money that was intended to be used to help support local residents.”

Nuisance Police Caller Jailed

A notorious 999 phone pest, who flouted her emergency call ban when dialling police 39 times in just four hours, has been jailed.

Jelana Bobrova, 54, of Oaklands Estate, Clapham was sentenced to 10 weeks imprisonment.

She was convicted of breaching the Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) she received in November, 2019 for her nuisance and persistent calling.

On Sunday, February 16 a total of 39 calls were made to police by Bobrova within a four hour period. 

In every call she appeared to be rambling and challenged police to arrest her.

She was arrested on February 23 for breaching her CBO, which prohibited her from making false calls.

Bobrova denied placing the calls and said there was a technical glitch. 

Bobrova’s calls over a period of three years amounted to 1,278 at a cost of more than £10,000 to the Metropolitan Police.

Police Sergeant Terry Collman said: “The Metropolitan Police answers more than 4.5 million calls per year. 

“In 2019, there were 175,000 calls recorded as misuse calls. This amounted to a yearly cost to the Met of more than £1.3m.

“Nuisance calls to police are absolutely not acceptable, they are certainly not funny and are a huge waste of time and money.

“These calls prevent people who are in a genuine emergency from speaking to police and receiving help when they most need it.

“I hope the sentence given to Bobrova will send a message to anyone who thinks this immature behaviour is a form of entertainment.”

Heart Of Darkness: Knifeman Caged For Street Stabbing

A knifeman, who plunged a blade into his victim's heart during a street row outside a hospital, has been locked-up.

Mohammed Alinoor Uddin, 36, of Well Street, Hackney turned on the 34 year-old man when he intervened in a dispute.

Fortunately the victim survived because he was treated by medics in the reception area of the Royal London Hospital, Whitechapel.

Uddin received twelve years and nine months imprisonment after pleading guilty to wounding, with intent, and assault of an emergency worker.

He was also sentenced to six months imprisonment for possession of a bladed/pointed article, to be served concurrently.

On Saturday, October 12, last year the victim was stabbed in the heart as he attempted to intervene in an altercation between Uddin and another man in Turner Street, Whitechapel.

The victim’s injury was so serious that doctors were forced to operate in the reception area of the hospital. 

He required ongoing medical treatment, but has since made a full recovery.

The Old Bailey heard the outcome could have been far worse if not for the actions of PC Mat Evans, an off-duty officer from West Midlands Police.

PC Evans, based in Birmingham city centre, was walking down the road when he saw Uddin attacking the victim.

He ran towards the two men and identified himself as a police officer, causing Uddin to flee the scene.

The officer then chased him across the road and forced him to the ground, where he was bitten by Uddin while attempting to get the knife out of his hand.

He was restrained until officers arrived at the scene, at which point he was arrested and remanded in custody.

Detective Constable Gavin Markey, who led the investigation, said: “This was a brutal attack and it is only by sheer luck that the victim was in the grounds of the hospital and able to receive immediate medical treatment. 

“Had he not been so close by, doctors have made it clear he would have died.

“We must also recognise the vital intervention of the off-duty officer, who saw what was happening and acted instinctively, risking his life to try and prevent the attack becoming more serious.

“We are pleased Uddin is now behind bars and unable to inflict any further harm.”

PC Evans said: “Incidents like this make you realise being a police officer isn’t a job, it’s a state of mind you can never turn off, even when not at work. 

“When I saw the guy being stabbed, for me there wasn’t a choice to make, I had to stop him before he killed someone.

"I’m glad everything turned out well in the end. 

“The doctors, nurses, and hospital staff performed a miracle in saving that man’s life."

Watch Out! Burglars About!: £200K In Timepieces Nicked

Burglars fled with designer watches, worth over £200,000, during a residential break-in.

Police are hunting these three suspects after the burglary in Kingston-upon-Thames.

The watches were a variety of makes including Rolex, Cartier, Ulysse Nardin, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoulter and Chopard.

Police were called at 7.00pm on Friday, September 27, last year to reports of a burglary in Fife Road, East Sheen.

The three thieves had broken into the property and ransacked an upstairs bedroom, taking the watches. 

The suspects were disturbed by a resident at the address. 

They fled via the rear of the property with as many as 15 watches.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who has been offered a high value watch at a reduced price or, who can identify any of the male’s pictured in the CCTV images.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 7030/27SEP19, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fatal Bedroom Stabbing: Partner Charged

A man accused of stabbing his partner multiple times at their east London home has appeared in court.

Yi Xing Song, 53, of Magnolia Close, Leyton is charged with the murder of 35 year-old Li-Qing Wang, 35 (pictured).

She was stabbed twenty-two times with a kitchen knife in the bedroom of their home.

After he was charged Xing Song appeared at at Thames Magistrates Court.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey, where he will next appear, in custody, on May 18.

Head Stamping: Thug's Accomplice Hunted

Police are still hunting a thug's accomplice, who held their victim's head as the main assailant stamped on it, inflicting life-changing injuries.

The injured 34 year-old man ended up in a 17-day coma with a fractured skull and bleed to the brain and has had to learn how to walk again.

This CCTV image has been released of the suspect officers are hunting.

The victim was attacked near a pub in Uxbridge High Street, west London just after 3.00am on August 17, last year.

The main aggressor, Jay Fletcher, 28, of Ennerdale Close, Feltham was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment for inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent.

CCTV footage of the attack showed Fletcher kicking and stamping on the victim’s head several times.

The suspect in the CCTV image is suspected of holding the victim's head as Fletcher continued kicking it.

The victim is now out of hospital, but is still suffering physically and psychologically from the attack.

Detective Constable Oliver Mallett, the lead investigator, said: “This was a shockingly brutal attack in which a man was repeatedly kicked in the head.

“I am glad that Jay Fletcher has been brought to justice for his part in the attack and will now spend at least eight years in jail.

“However, the other individual who took part in the assault has not been identified, and I would appeal for anyone who recognises the man pictured to contact us.

“This incident has left the victim with life-changing injuries and justice will not be fully achieved in this case unless we can arrest and prosecute both people involved in this attack.”

Any witnesses or anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 1164/17AUG.

Train Flasher: Suspect Sought

Police are hunting this suspected train pervert after a male indecently exposed himself on a London-bound service.

British Transport Police (BTP) have released a CCTV image of the man they are trying to trace.

The suspect was reported for an offence of indecent exposure on a train travelling between West Croydon and London Bridge.

It allegedly occurred at approximately 4.40pm on Thursday, February 20.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the images who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who knows him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases quote reference number 453 of 20/02/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Drunken Thug Caged For Fatal Phone Assault

A violent drunk, who mistakenly accused a frail middle-aged pedestrian of stealing his mobile phone before inflicting a fatal beating, has been jailed.

Wayne Packer, 31, of Arlington Road, Camden will serve a minimum of six years and five months of a life sentence.

He will remain of licence for the rest of his life.

Packer pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 50 year-old Peter O'Loughlin, who he punched and kicked in the head in Camden Road, Holloway on June 4, last year.

The victim did not appear seriously injured, but had suffered a bleed to the brain and died on June 26.

Wood Green Crown Court heard Mr. O'Loughlin had caught a bus to Holloway and was confronted by the heavily-intoxicated defendant that evening.

After dropping his phone Packer accused Mr. O'Loughlin of stealing it and began verbally abusing him.

The victim, who had a history of ill health and was visibly frail, was then viciously assaulted by Packer, who punched him to the ground. 

Packer then carried out a sustained assault on his helpless victim, kicking him several times and punching him again as he tried to get to his feet.

Passers-by tried to intervene, but Packer threatened them, intimating he had a knife and left the scene.

Officers attended and spoke to Peter, who did not appear to be visibly injured. 

He was advised there would be a wait for an ambulance and said he would attend hospital himself.

Once at hospital, Peter’s condition deteriorated and scans revealed he had suffered a bleed on the brain as a result of the assault. 

He remained in hospital, but died from his injuries three weeks later.

An investigation had been launched following the assault and Packer was identified as the suspect. 

He was arrested on July 1, but denied being involved in a fight. 

Despite the weight of evidence against him, including CCTV footage, he refused to answer questions about his involvement.

Detective Sergeant Kerry Burgess from Specialist Crime said: “Wayne Packer was heavily intoxicated that night, to the point that he did not realise he had dropped his phone. 

“In a drunken rage, he appears to have taken his anger out on the first person he saw - unfortunately this was Peter O’Loughlin - a frail man in poor health.

“Peter could not offer any resistance to Packer’s cowardly assault – he was an innocent man who died as a result of a truly senseless attack.”

Notorious Flasher Graduated To Rape

A notorious flasher-turned-rapist is starting a 17-year prison sentence after strangling and dragging an unconscious woman into his home.

Nathaniel Mundle, 23, throttled the victim, aged in her forties, as she walked past the address in Bounds Green, Haringey, north London and was held against her will for over an hour.

He appeared on the local police radar as a potentially dangerous sex offender when caught as a 19 year-old indecently exposing himself to five females in five days.

The victims included cyclists and a dog walker, some with their young children, and resulted in a judge banning Mundle from his Walthamstow Marshes hunting ground.

He ultimately received a non-custodial sentence, having spent time locked-up on remand.

He has now pleaded guilty to raping his latest female victim on September 25, last year and also admitted a charge of kidnap and false imprisonment.

Wood Green Crown Court heard it was approximately 4.00pm when the victim was attacked from behind by Mundle, who beat and throttled her until she passed out.

He dragged her into his home and raped her while she was unconscious and forcibly detained her for over an hour.

Fortunately the woman managed to escape and was helped by a neighbour and police and an ambulance were called.

She was hospitalised due to the brutality of the attack.

Mundle fled the scene, but officers were waiting for him when he returned just before 1.00am and arrested him.

Detective Constable Lydia Polydorou-Evangelou, of the North Area Command Unit’s Safeguarding Team said: “This was a shocking, pre-meditated assault in which a woman was violently attacked.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case, who showed great bravery in making her escape and contacting us.

“I would also like to thank her for assisting the investigating team, who made sure this dangerous individual was removed from the public domain and is now unable to hurt anyone else.

“I’m very happy with the sentence and I hope this case underlines how seriously we take allegations like this.” 

Fiddler On The Roof: Dealer Caught Fleeing Drug Cops

A south London drug dealer was caught on a roof trying to escape police after a mobile phone number linked him to a supply network.

Jerome Simpson, 27, received four years imprisonment for supplying crack cocaine and heroin.

At Inner London Crown Court he pleaded guilty to two counts of being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and two counts of possession, with intent to supply, class A drugs.

Simpson was targeted by police after a mobile phone linked to drug dealing was seized during a stop in August 2019. 

Simpson was identified as the dealer running the drugs line.

Checks on the seized phone identified that bulk messages were sent from the phone followed by little or no activity. 

These messages were coded advertisements to purchase class A drugs.

On November 7 officers attended an address in Coldharbour Lane, Camberwell to arrest Simpson. 

He was found attempting to evade officers by climbing onto the roof, but was apprehended.

He was searched and found to be in possession of class A drugs estimated to be worth thousands of pounds.

Another address linked to Simpson was searched and £2,000 cash was also located.

Detective Constable Raymond Sekalongo, of the Central South Command Unit, said:“Simpson was a prolific drug dealer operating in the Lambeth area and his conviction demonstrates our commitment to taking criminals off our streets.

“Drugs dealing and its associated criminality blights communities, and I would urge anyone who has information about such activity to contact police.”

New Year's Day Robbery: Three Suspects Wanted

Police hunting three train robbers, who threatened a passenger on a London-bound service, have released this CCTV image of the suspects.

British Transport Police (BTP) are investigating the New Year's Day offence.

A male passenger was onboard a Gravesend, Kent to St. Pancras train at around 5.45pm on January 1.

He reported being threatened with violence if he didn’t hand over his bag and earphones.

Officers would like to speak to the men in the images, who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who knows them is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 463 of 01/01/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Train Station Male-On-Male Rape: Image Of Suspect Released

Police hunting a male-on-male train station toilet rapist have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

On Saturday, March 7, officers received a report of a rape at Barking Station in east London.

The attack occurred between 5.10pm and 5.30pm in the men’s toilets.

The victim, a man in his twenties, is continuing to be supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Inspector Jeremy Banks said: “We’ve been conducting extensive enquiries into the incident, and we believe that the man in the CCTV image could have vital information which would assist our investigation.

“If you recognise him, please get in touch with us as soon as possible. 

“Likewise, if you were in the men’s toilets around around this time, or noticed anything unusual at the station, please do let us know.

"You can do so by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40 quoting reference 340 of 09/03/20. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

Transport Police Hunt Tube Train 'Upskirter'

Police hunting an 'upskirter' have released this CCTV image of the suspect they are hunting.

British Transport Police (BTP) received a complaint from a female tube train user that a male filmed under her clothing.

The incident occurred at Balham Underground Station at 11.20am on Saturday February 29.

Officers would like to speak to the man in the image, who may have information that could help their investigation.

Anyone who knows him is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 or by calling 0800 40 50 40.

In both cases, quote reference number 245 of 29/02/20.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously by dialling 0800 555 111.

OAP's Emergency Food Nicked During Lock-In

Food: PC's Matt Hodge & Pat Peltier

An vulnerable 84 year-old pensioner was forced to eat old food from her bin after a heartless thief snatched supplies from her doorstep.

The Feltham OAP, identified by police only as 'Elizabeth', had mistakenly locked herself into her west London flat and could not venture out for supplies.

The Metropolitan Police have revealed they rescued the pensioner, who they say was trapped indoors and left to starve, describing the unknown thief as “callous”.

Response officers, PC's Matt Hodge and Pat Peltier were notified of the lady, who could not open her door and was imprisoned in her own home, unable to collect her only supply of food.

The isolated OAP has no nearby family or friends and fended for herself by ordering food online

Unfortunately, she had locked herself in and whilst confined to her home with no way of leaving, the food thief took advantage and stole the supplies from her doorstep.

On arrival, the officers swiftly gained entry to the property and saw her fridge was almost empty and learned the woman had resorted to eating out of the rubbish bin to survive. 

They immediately went to the local shops and purchased food, drinks, toiletries and a few other necessities to fill her home and make her feel more comfortable.

She was overwhelmed with the officers selflessness and generosity and thanked them for their help.

The officers have put the necessary action in place to ensure this heart-breaking situation doesn't happen again.

The Met say: 'This is a remarkable example of what lengths our officers will go to, to protect local residents during this very challenging time.

'Well done PC's Matt Hodge and Pat Peltier!'

On The Run: Suspect Flees Hospital After Arrest

Detectives are urgently appealing for information to trace a man who absconded from North Middlesex Hospital whilst under arrest.

Hasani Chakron, 23, escaped from an ambulance towards Tiverton Road, Upper Edmonton, after he arrived at the hospital at 7.15pm on Wednesday, February 19.

He is 5ft 7ins tall and of medium build. 

When last seen, he was wearing a white T-shirt, blue jeans and grey plimsolls.

He is known to have links to Haringey, particularly Finsbury Park pubs, as well as the Upper Edmonton and Newham.

Detective Inspector Paul Ridley, from North Area CID, said: ‘It is absolutely crucial that any person who knows the whereabouts of Hasani Chakron contact police as a priority. 

“My investigation team are completing urgent enquiries to locate him.

“I have serious concerns in respect of his well-being and believe that he may be in need of urgent hospital care. 

“I wish to reassure the public that Hasani Chakron is not considered a danger to the public and was not under arrest for an offence involving violence.’

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 6832/19Feb.

Gang Hitman Jailed For Murder Bid

An armed hitman, who fled a shooting on his pedal bike, has been locked-up for at least twelve years.

Reece Burton, 29, shot his 28 year-old victim Aaron Charles in the neck after waiting outside his east London home one morning last summer.

Police say the assassination bid was the result of tensions between criminal street gangs.

Fortunately his target survived and Burton was convicted at the Old Bailey of attempted murder and given a life sentence.

He was also given an eight-year sentence for possessing a firearm.

The court heard on the morning of Monday, June 17, last year Burton armed himself with a loaded firearm and travelled to Birch Grove, Leytonstone where he lay in wait for the victim.

When the target left his mother's house at around 11.30am, Burton discharged the firearm at least twice.

One of the shots struck the victim in the back of the neck, narrowly missing vital arteries and blood vessels.

The victim staggered home, convinced he was dying, while Burton fled the scene on his bicycle.

Detectives from Specialist Crime launched an investigation and Burton was identified and arrested four days later.

The firearm has never been recovered and Burton failed to admit any responsibility for the attack.

On sentencing, the judge said Burton was a dangerous offender, who was heavily entrenched in criminal culture.

Detective Inspector Matthew Webb, who led the investigation, said: “This offence was borne from tensions between street gangs and their members and was clearly a pre-planned and targeted attack.

“There is no doubt that Burton intended to take the life of the victim. 

“He laid in wait with a firearm, with no regard to the fact it was broad daylight and other members of the public were present.

“It is simply pure luck that the victim was not killed.

“The sentence imposed today illustrates the seriousness of this offence. 

“I would like to use this opportunity to offer my thanks to those people who selflessly assisted the victim, offering comfort and first aid, not knowing if Burton and his associate were still nearby."

Train Station Knife Attack: Scooter Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspect after a teenager was attacked with a knife outside a train station as his mother tried to save him.

On Friday, January 24, at approximately 3.15pm, the 19 year-old and his mother were outside Hackney Downs overground station on Dalston Lane, east London.

They were approached by an electric scooter-riding unknown male. 

The suspect made a comment to the victim and a fight ensued. 

During the altercation, the suspect hit the victim with his electric scooter before pulling out a knife and attempting to stab him.

The knife went through the victim’s clothing but did not penetrate his skin. 

His mother also suffered bruising to her face as she attempted to intervene.

The suspect then fled the scene on his scooter.

Officers are now releasing images of a male they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Inspector Sean Drislane, from Central East CID, said: “The victim in this attack was extremely fortunate to be wearing thick clothing; without it he would undoubtedly have received several stab wounds to his body.

“This incident occurred in broad daylight and it is clear the suspect had no issues with carrying a knife or using it in front of many members of the public.

“These images are of good quality and there will be people out there who recognise this individual. 

“We would urge them to come forward and speak to us on 101 with CAD reference 4575/24Jan.

“Alternatively people can call Crimestopperscompletely anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Party Over For New Year's Day Rapist

A New Year's Day rapist is starting a nine-year prison sentence after taking advantage of a sleeping young woman while staying at a friend's house.

Emeka Ugoh, 33, of Norbury House, Oldham, Lancashire had travelled down to north London in December, 2017 to see in the new year.

The 20 year-old victim was also sleeping-over at the Edmonton address and woke to find Ugoh raping her.

He was convicted of rape by a Wood Green Crown Court jury after just 90 minutes of deliberation. 

The trial heard that during the night, on two occasions, Ugoh attempted to have sex with the victim. 

On both occasions she clearly said no and sent him away.

However, on the morning of January 1, 2018, the victim awoke to find Ugoh raping her.

She reported the incident to police and was supported by specialist officers.

Ugoh was charged by postal requisition on June 25, last year 2019. 

Detective Constable Rob Bushell said: “Even though Ugoh knew that the victim did not want to have sex with him, he decided to take advantage of her being asleep in order to rape her.

“Thanks to the strength and patience of the victim in supporting this investigation, we have successfully removed a dangerous offender from the community.

“I urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual offence to contact police without delay so that at the very least, they can be supported.”

Trio Sought After Early Hours Bar Assault

Police are trying to identify these three men after a bar customer received a gash to his nose when defending his female friends against the group's unwanted advances.

The assault occurred at approximately 2.00am on Sunday, January 5 at a bar on Chalk Farm Road, Camden, north London.

A group of men approached the 23 year-old victim and his friends. 

They are then reported to have behaved inappropriately toward some of the victim’s female friends.

When the victim intervened and asked them to stop he was attacked. 

As a result of the incident the victim sustained a deep cut to his nose.

The group of men then left the bar.

Officers are keen to speak to the three men in the image as it is thought they may be able to help officers with their enquiries.

If you recognise any of the men in the photograph please call police on 101 and quote Cad 774/05Jan. 

Alternatively, if you wish to remain anonymous you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111. 

One Day From Freedom: Prisoner Gets Another 3 Years

A prisoner just one day from release is starting a three-year sentence after an improvised weapon made from a nail and pen was found in his cell.

Steven Bangs, 38, had almost served an eight-month jail term at HMP Thameside when caught by a joint operation involving the Metropolitan Police and the prison service.

Woolwich Crown Court heard he had improvised the weapon by inserting a nail in the casing of a pen.

It was found in his possession in December, last year and he was immediately arrested and later charged.

At the time, he was at the very end of a sentence for possession of an offensive weapon.

Detective Constable Alex Furniss, from the Met’s Prison Intelligence Unit, said: “Bangs had just one day left in prison when he was found with a dangerous weapon in his cell.

“He must now face the consequences of his actions and spend further time behind bars.

“We are committed to targeting those who carry weapons and are working closely with the prison service to remove these dangerous items from jails.”

Trish Mitchell, Serco Prison Director at HMP Thameside, said: “We are working closely with the Metropolitan Police to prevent criminal activity in the prison and we are pleased at the result of this case.

“We have a zero tolerance approach to weapons of any kind in the prison and we will always take appropriate action when we find any.”

Masked Gang: Teenage Burglar Caged

A masked burglar, who was part of a terrifying gang that broke into an occupied flat, has received four years and ten months imprisonment.

Buster Goldsmith, 19, of Havering, east London pleaded guilty to the aggravated burglary and a second attempted burglary.

Snaresbrook Crown Court heard Goldsmith was one of a group of four suspects who broke into a residential address on the York Way Estate, Holloway on Sunday, August 11, last year.

At 11.36pm, a 999 call was made from the address stating that a group of men had forced their way into the flat and made threats.

The group were all wearing hoodies and masks, but ran from the flat when the light was switched on by one of the occupants.

The group then tried unsuccessfully to break into a neighbouring flat before fleeing the scene. 

It was once they had ran from the building that police were called.

Goldsmith was detained and arrested only minutes after the 999 call was made, when an officer who was near the York Way Estate saw him hiding next to a car.

A CCTV review showed the group in balaclavas entering the ground floor lobby of the building, after entering the estate by climbing over a high fence. 

All four males wore hoodies, balaclavas and latex gloves.

Goldsmith was charged the next day.

Detective Constable Irfan Ahmad, who led the investigation, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victims involved and they are still coming to terms with what happened that night. 

“Their sense of security in their own homes – the place they should feel safest – has been shattered.

“We are pleased Goldsmith has done the right thing and acknowledged his involvement in the incident. 

“We know however that there were a number of other individuals involved in this case and we are continuing our efforts to trace them.”