Predator Targeted Gay Pub

An “evil” sexual predator, who loitered around a landmark gay pub, talked himself into a taxi ride with one customer before drugging and molesting him.

Romanian Carol Simon, 45, struck outside the City of Quebec pub, Marble Arch when he approached the victim and asked to share a cab.

He then invited himself into the middle-aged man's home, where he spiked the victim's drink, sexually assaulted him and stole valuables.

Simon was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court to eight years and five months imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to administering a substance, with intent to overpower and allow sexual activity; sexual assault and possession of a Class C drug – Diazepam, also known as Valium.

The victim, aged in his fifties, was approached by Simon outside the West End pub on March 24, last year.

After drugging the man he snatched his wallet, watch and phone.

The victim reported the incident to police and detectives were able to trace Simon as the suspect through a DNA match.

He was arrested on April 4, outside the City of Quebec pub.

Officers found a small bottle of liquid on Simon that he claimed were eye drops. 

However, the substance was tested and was in fact Diazepam.

Detective Constable Sophie McLoughlin said: “The victim has been incredibly brave throughout this ordeal and it is because of his courage that Simon is behind bars where he belongs.

“Simon had clearly set out that night to harm someone for his cowardly gain, his actions were completely evil and he will never know the trauma he has caused.

“We encourage anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault to come forward and speak to us, we will support you.”

Bookie Bandit's Hat-Trick Of Raids

A hooded betting shop robber, who targeted two premises in the same road within a week, has been locked-up.

Kenneth Brown, 53, struck in New Cross Road, New Cross, south-east London on March 11 and twice on March 17.

He pleaded guilty at Croydon Crown Court to one count of robbery and two counts of attempted robbery.

He was sentenced to four years and eight months imprisonment.

Brown entered the first shop at around 6.45am and handed the cashier a handwritten note which read: “Give me the money – or I will blow your head off.”

Brown simultaneously had his right hand in his pocket and was pointing it at the member of staff – intimating that he had a gun or weapon.

He made off with a small amount of cash.

Brown returned to the same betting shop six days later just after 7.00pm and verbally demanded money, again intimating that he had a weapon in his pocket.

The member of staff activated the emergency button and Brown left the shop empty-handed.

Around ten minutes later, he entered another bookmakers on the same road.

Again he handed a note to the person behind the counter, demanding money and making threats.

The two staff members escaped to the back office and Brown left the store.

Police were called and armed officers attended and were given a suspect description. 

Within twenty minutes of the offence happening and after a brief area search officers located Brown. 

He was arrested and taken into custody.

Detective Constable Dennis Valdez, from the Metropolitan Police's Flying Squad, said: “These were terrifying incidents for the workers who were threatened by Brown.

“Armed officers were at the scene of the final robbery attempt within minutes. 

“Brown was located in the area and detained very quickly, and he was linked to the previous robbery offences shortly after. 

“The seriousness of the offences is reflected in the custodial sentences handed down.”

Heartless Scammer Cons Nonagenarian Out Of Cash And Valuables

Police hunting heartless fraudsters, who conned an OAP in his 90's out of £3,400, plus his gold cufflinks and coins, are hunting this female suspect.

On Friday, January 10 at 9.58am, the elderly Westminster victim received a call on his phone.

The caller identified themselves as a police officer and claimed he needed the help of the OAP with a 'sting operation.' 

The victim was deceived into going to the bank and withdrawing £3,400 from his account.

The gent returned home and a woman later attended his address. 

He handed over the money and two bank cards to her.

The same woman returned to the victim’s home later and he handed her some gold cufflinks, antique coins and some commemorative coins.

He was reassured that his property would be looked after and would be returned to him within a few days.

Detective Constable Michael Esangbedo said: “A vulnerable, elderly man was persuaded to hand over a large sum of money and items that were precious to him.

“I am very keen to speak to the woman in the photograph we have released and urge anyone who can identify her to please get in touch.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or via 0800 555 111.

COVID 19 Spitter Jailed

A young thug, who spat at two arresting police officers while claiming he had COVID 19, is starting a six-month prison sentence.

At around 11.45am on April 20, officers from the Metropolitan Police's East Area Command Unit were called to a Barking address in east London.

They arrested 21 year-old Brandon Wallace on suspicion of domestic threats to kill and criminal damage to property belonging to a woman.

He told officers he had COVID 19 and, while being put into a police van, he spat at two officers. 

He was further arrested for assault on emergency workers.

While in custody Wallace confirmed that he did not have COVID19 or any symptoms.

He pleaded guilty to affray (threatening the woman), criminal damage, assault on emergency workers and breach of regulation 9(1)(b) Health Protection (Coronavirus restrictions) Regulations 2020.

Inspector Alexis Manley, of East Area Command Unit, said: "Thousands of dedicated officers are working to keep Londoners safe at this extraordinary time, and among our priorities is to tackle all forms of domestic offending.

"It says much about the attitude of this man that, in addition to targeting somebody close to him, he was also willing to make false claims about COVID 19 and to spit at officers.

"He has, at least, pleaded guilty to these offences. I hope he spends his period in prison to reflect on his behaviour, and that his prison sentence sends a message to others who are willing to commit domestic offences and to target police officers whose job it is to protect Londoners.

"Such offenders will be arrested and put before the courts, and a prison sentence is a likely outcome."

Fake Mini-Cab Molesters Preyed On Lone Young Women

Nazmul Ahmed: 16 Years

Two predatory brothers who sexually preyed on vulnerable lone women leaving bars and nightclubs - even looting their bank accounts - are now behind bars.

Nazmul Ahmed, 26, and Selim Ahmed, 32, would pose as genuine mini-cab drivers and sexually assault the young women in their vehicles and take their bank cards.

Nazmul, of Cromer Street, Camden, north London was sentenced to 16 years imprisonment after being convicted of one count of rape; two counts of assault by penetration, plus counts of theft, fraud and money laundering.

His brother Selim, also of Cromer Street is now starting a four-year prison sentence for sexual assault and kidnapping, plus using a bank card stolen by Nazmul.

Detective Inspector Louise Caveen, of the Metropolitan Police’s Central North safeguarding team said: “Nazmul and Selim Ahmed are predatory offenders, who have deliberately targeted vulnerable women to sexually assault and defraud them.”

Nazmul was placed on the sex offenders register for life and will spend an extended four years on licence once released.

Selim was placed on the register for ten years and is subject to a 10-year sexual harm prevention order.

When sentenced the judge at Wood Green Crown Court described Nazmul as a “predator” and “a ruthless and callous serial sex offender.”

Four women, all in their twenties, gave evidence and the first victim, recalled being approached by men in a car following a night out with friends in Russell Square, Holborn on September 15, 2018.

She fell asleep in the vehicle and awoke to Nazmul sexually assaulting her. Her dropped her off at her home and she reported the incident to police.

The second woman woke up in a Bedford Place hotel room in Holborn on March 2, last year after a night out in Tottenham Court Road.

She was alone with no memory of the previous evening and her phone and bank cards had been stolen and cash withdrawn.

Police enquiries revealed she had been raped by Nazmul, who had also defrauded her of £3,000 with the help of his girlfriend Dora Vavrova, 26, from Dundee.

Selim Ahmed: 4 Years

Vavrova was convicted of fraud by false representation and acquiring criminal property and was sentenced to a one-year community order, which includes 140 hours community service work.

The third victim accepted a lift home from Nazmul outside a Shoreditch bar on March 27, last year.

She fell asleep in the front passenger seat and woke up to find him sexually assaulting her.

He drove her home and she later realised he had taken money from her account.

The victim reported the incident and when Nazmul was arrested the next day he was linked to the two earlier offences.

The same investigation exposed his brother Selim as a similar offender, who picked-up a woman in Great Eastern Street, Shoreditch just after midnight on January 27, last year.

She was waiting for a bus when Selim pulled up, posing as a mini-cab driver, offering to drive her home.

Another man in the car, Levi Croll, 19, of Euston posed as a legitimate customer and backed-up Selim’s claims and the woman got in.

She was driven around residential streets while Selim tried to obtain money from her bank account and he sexually assaulted her when they both briefly left the vehicle.

Croll was convicted of one count of kidnap and received two years imprisonment, suspended for two years and made subject to an electronically-tagged Restriction of Liberty Order, which also includes a night time curfew.

DI Caveen added: “Through a large scale and detailed investigation my team were able to link the Ahmeds to this pattern of behaviour, which they continued to deny in the face of overwhelming evidence.

“Thankfully my team were able to prove their involvement beyond doubt. We continue to investigate whether they have committed other offences.

“I would like to thank the four women who gave evidence in these cases and I hope that the sentences passed will be of some comfort to them, as well as ensuring other members of the public are protected from these men.

“My officers are trained to give specialist support to victims of sexual assault and I would urge anyone who has been the victim of such behaviour to come forward and speak to us.”

Teenage Girl Groped On Bus: Hooded Suspect Sought

Police hunting a bus pervert after a teenage girl was groped have released these images of their suspect.

Detectives would like to speak to the man pictured in the CCTV images following an incident on a W15 bus traveling through Hackney.

It is reported that at 4.40pm on Wednesday, October 16, last year the teenage girl boarded the bus at Morning Lane, Homerton. 

She was sitting on the lower deck when a man boarded at Glyn Road, Clapton and sat next to her. 

It was then reported that he made sexual comments towards her and went on to touch her inappropriately.

The girl got off the bus in Warren Road, Leyton and walked home and the man followed her most of the way back, but she managed to lose him.

Specialist officers are supporting the girl and an investigation to trace the man continues.

Officers are now turning to the public to help them identify this man as they believe he can assist with their enquiries.

Detective Constable Dion Bascombe said: “This was an extremely distressing incident for the girl to endure. 

“No one should have to experience something like this while going about their daily life and taking a bus home.

“We’ve made various enquiries to trace this man, however now believe the public can assist us. If you think you know who he could be, please call us without delay.”

Anyone who has information regarding the incident or who knows the man in the CCTV is asked to call police on 101 quoting reference CAD 1657/17OCT19.

Alternatively you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

More Time For Prison Urine Attack

A remand prisoner, who sprayed urine into the face of a female detention officer, has been locked up for an extra twenty months.

Michael Raheem, 22, was being held at HMP Belmarsh on a robbery charge he subsequently received six years imprisonment for.

He was convicted of administering poison, with intent to injure, aggrieve or annoy, following a determined police investigation to prosecute the urine attack.

The incident occurred on October 6, 2018 when Raheem, holding a shower gel bottle filled with urine, approached the female officer and sprayed her with it. 

He was detained by staff and the half-full bottle was retained.

An investigation was launched by officers from the South East Prison Investigation Team.

The unusual charge was pursued by Detective Constable Natalie Ford because an offence of common assault only carries a maximum six-month sentence.

The Metropolitan Police's forensics team needed to source analytical capability to support the investigation. 

Therefore, a review of forensic testing capability, offered by forensic providers, was conducted, identifying a company that was able to examine the liquid and confirm beyond reasonable doubt that it was urine – making it applicable under the legislation.

Detective Chief Inspector John Massey, from the South East Command Unit, said:“This conviction shows a real persistence and flair for innovation on the part of the officers involved, demonstrating the extra mile the Met will go to ensure the safety of, and justice for, front line staff.”

OAP Couple Conned: Image Of Suspect Released By Police

Police investigating the cynical swindle of a vulnerable OAP couple, who were conned out of over £4,500, have released this image of their suspect.

A fraudster impersonating a police officer contacted the Hillingdon couple on January 17, claiming there had been suspicious criminal activity on their banks cards.

They were persuaded to assist the bogus police investigation and withdrew £4,500 cash from a bank branch in Ruislip.

Once they did this a man came to their home and collected the money from them.

The following day they were contacted again and asked to withdraw monies from a Travel Exchange in Uxbridge. 

After doing this a male came to the address to collect the money.

They were also asked to purchase a gift card from a department store and, once they did, a male collected the gift card from the couple.

After this the couple contacted a relative who advised them to contact the police.

Detectives from Central Specialist Crime are investigating and are appealing for witnesses and information.

PC Carl Blissett said: “This couple truly believed they were helping with an investigation and were trying to do the right thing. 

“Once they realised what had happened they were, understandably devastated. I am keen to speak to the man in the photograph we have released in connection with this incident."

Anyone with information or who recognises the man in the image is asked to contact police.

No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 5776/18JAN or Tweet @MetCC. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or via 0800 555 111.

Hoxton Rape Attempt Investigation: Man Charged

Police hunting a wannabe early-hours rapist have arrested and charged a man after releasing this CCTV image of their suspect.

Omar Mehmoul, 31, of Chatsworth House, Hayes has been charged with assault, with intent to rape.

He appeared at Thames Magistrates Court in custody and was bailed to appear at Wood Green Crown Court five days ago.

Officers were called to Hoxton Street, east London at 5.45am on Saturday, March 7 to a report of an attempted rape.

A woman, aged in her twenties, reported being approached from behind by a male, who then chased her, dragged her to the floor and attempted to rape her.

The woman managed to break free and shout for help, scaring off the suspect, who then fled the scene.

Detectives investigating the incident released this CCTV image of the unknown male walking in Kingsland High Street at around 5.20am, about twenty minutes before the incident took place.

The victim is being supported by specialist officers. 

Detective Constable Duncan Brown, from CID at Central East Command Unit said:“This is a serious incident and we are extremely keen to identify and speak to the man in the CCTV images. 

“If you recognise him, it is imperative that you let us know immediately. All calls will be treated in complete confidence.”

Anyone who believes they know the identity of the man is asked to call police on 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC, quoting reference CAD 1622/7 March.

To give information anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online via crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.

PPE Face Mask Thief Jailed

A thief who nicked three face masks from a hospital treating multiple Covid-19 patients has been jailed.

Lerun Hussain, 34, of Worsopp Drive, Clapham was caught at King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill.

At Croydon Magistrates Court he was sentenced to twelve weeks imprisonment after pleading guilty to stealing the PPE equipment.

Police were called to the hospital at around 11:20am on Sunday April 5 after Hussain was detained by hospital security staff for stealing the three face masks.

Hussain was arrested on suspicion of theft and also detained for being in breach of a court order.

Later that same day Hussain was charged with theft.

Woman Stabbed In East London Park: Knifeman Hunted

Police hunting a knifeman after a woman was the victim of an unprovoked attack in a Hackney park have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

The woman, aged in her forties, suffered stab injuries to her arm and back in London Fields, Richmond Road at 3.48pm on April 4.

She was hospitalised and treated for the non life-threatening wounds.

Shewas walking alone when an unknown man ran up to her and stabbed her in an unprovoked attack. 

The suspect then ran off down Navarino Road.

Officers, including the Metropolitan Police's Dog Support Unit, attended and searched the area but there was no trace of the suspect.

The suspect is described as a black man, about 5ft 8ins tall, of medium build. 

He was wearing a red beanie hat, a mustard coloured jumper and grey trousers.

Detectives from Central East CID are investigating and are appealing for witnesses and information.

Detective Sergeant Justin Franklin said: “This is a shocking unprovoked attack with no apparent motive and it is understandably going to cause concern in the community. 

“However, please be assured that we are working around the clock to find the person responsible and bring them to justice.

“Meanwhile our residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. 

“I’d encourage anybody walking alone to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.

“I would urge anyone who can assist our inquiry, or knows who this man is, to contact police as a matter of urgency. 

“Your information, no matter how small or insignificant you think it is, could be vital to our investigation. Help us to help keep you safe.”

No arrests have been made. Enquiries continue.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting 4448/4APR or Tweet @MetCC. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers online at crimestoppers-org.uk or via telephone on 0800 555 111.

Spit-Threat Bail Jumper Jailed

A wanted drug-driver, who coughed at police and threatened to infect them with Covid-19 by spitting, has been locked-up.

Michael Gray, 41, of Ingatestone Road, South Norwood received nineteen weeks imprisonment.

At Croydon Magistrates Court he pleaded guilty to assaulting an emergency worker and using threatening words and behaviour.

Police stopped him for harassing three women in Upper Tulse Hill, Brixton Hill at 1.55am on April 2.

He was identified as a wanted suspect, having failed to appear on bail at court on a charge of driving while under the influence of drugs.

He was arrested on the warrant and became confrontational.

Following his arrest he intentionally coughed towards the two officers and when in custody threatened to spit at both of them. 

He stated he hoped to infect them with COVID-19 so that they would pass it on to their children.

Gray received eight weeks for the assault on police officers, plus eleven weeks for the drug driving offence. 

The court also handed down a £100 fine for the public order offence.

In addition, Gray was disqualified from driving for 26 months.

Superintendent Kris Wright, of the Central South Command Unit, said: “This attack on our officers whilst carrying out their duties protecting the communities of Lambeth and Southwark is an attack on every one of us. 

“Both officers displayed the finest qualities of the Met, in spite of threats to, and the risk of COVID-19 infection through this man’s actions, and even worse his desire to cause harm to the officers' children. 

“I am grateful to the court that it treated this matter with the seriousness it deserves."

Rape In Bushes: Bus Suspect Sought

Police hunting the midnight beast who dragged a young woman into bushes and raped her have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

Police were called at 00.39am on Friday, March 20 to reports of a man restraining and assaulting a woman in Turpington Lane, Bromley.

Officers quickly attended and found the beaten woman, aged in her late teens, at the location.

The victim told officers she had been dragged into the bushes by an unknown man and raped.

The London Ambulance Service attended and took the victim to a south London hospital. 

She received a head injury and two black eyes in the attack.

Officers, including the Metropolitan Police's Dog Unit, with assistance from the National Police Air Service, searched the area, but there was no trace of the suspect.

The victim is being supported by specially trained officers.
Detectives have released an image of a man who boarded the N199 bus with the victim. 

Both alighted at the Southborough Library stop on Southborough Lane. 

He is the last person to be seen alongside the victim that night in the vicinity of the attack.
Anyone who recognises the man is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 181/20MAR. 

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

New E-Fit In Fifteen-Year Hunt For Japanese Student Rapist

Police hunting a rapist, who attacked a Japanese student fifteen years ago, have released this updated e-fit of their suspect.

The rape occurred in the front garden of an abandoned property near Willesden Green library on Saturday, August 9, 2005.

Just before 9.00pm that evening the victim, aged in her twenties, left Willesden Green tube station and was making her way home.

As she walked along Grange Road she was approached by an Asian male who touched her shoulder and spoke to her. 

Frightened by this, the victim ran off towards Chambers Lane.

Once in Chambers Lane the victim stopped running, but as she looked behind her saw the man chasing her.

He caught up with the victim, grabbed her and dragged her into the secluded front garden of an unoccupied address and raped her.

It is not known which direction the male ran off in after the attack.

The victim reported the attack at a local police station and was given immediate support by specialist officers.

The attacker is described as an Asian male in his early 20s. 

He is of slim build with short black hair. 

At the time of the attack he was clean shaven and had gelled hair. 

He was wearing a casual black shirt and black trousers.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Anthony Stanton of North West Safeguarding team said: “We are renewing the appeal with a new e-fit of the attacker in the hope he can be identified.

“We believe that he may be called Ambi or Nagma and may have worked at a supermarket in Willesden at the time of the incident.

“After being attacked, the victim’s clothing was stained by red berry juice picked up at the scene. 

It is likely that the attackers clothing was similarly stained.

“We have the DNA profile of the attacker, but this has not identified him. 

“I appeal to anyone who has any further information or who believes they may know the identity of the attacker to contact me”

Anyone with any information that could assist the investigation should call Detective Constable Anthony Stanton on 07990 695946 or call 101 asking for NW Safeguarding or tweet @MetCC.

To remain 100% anonymous visit crimestoppers-uk.org or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Vagrant Caught Nicking PPE From Ambulance

A homeless thief, who nicked personal protective equipment from an ambulance outside St. Thomas's Hospital and assaulted and racially abused security staff, has been jailed.

Mark Manley, 35, was sentenced to six months imprisonment when he appeared in custody at Croydon Magistrates Court.

He pleaded guilty to theft of PPE and assault, which resulted in the security guard suffering facial injuries.

Police were called at 9.19pm on Saturday, March 28 to reports of a male having stolen from an ambulance at St. Thomas Street, Southwark.

When challenged by security staff, the suspect assaulted one security worker and racially abused another.

The suspect had taken a bag containing PPE from the vehicle.

Items taken included masks, paper suits and hand gel. 

Some of the items were rendered no longer usable due to contamination.

The male was detained by the security guards and patrolling British Transport Police.

Covidiot Caged For Coughing At Cop

A suspected car crook, who deliberately coughed into a policeman's face – claiming he had Covid-19 – has been jailed.

Adam Lewis, 55, was sentenced to six months imprisonment for assault on the officer, a designated emergency worker.

Westminster Magistrates Court heard the officer was on cycle patrol in Westminster at 3.40pm on March 31.

A member of the public alerted the officer to Lewis, who was trying the door handles of parked cars.

The PC approached Lewis and attempted to detain him for a search, at which point Lewis tried to resist and smashed a bottle of wine he was holding on the floor.

Lewis then verbally threatened the PC, telling him: "I am covid and I am going to cough in your face and you will get it." 

He then coughed on the PC, who was trying to keep him at arm's reach, making no attempt to shield his mouth, and fell to the floor.

The PC bent down to restrain him, while holding his head away from Lewis, who attempted to cough up phlegm, before trying to spit in his face. 

Lewis also threatened to bite him, shortly after telling the PC that he had a bad disease and that he was going to give it to him.

After the PC called for assistance, other Met colleagues arrived and Lewis was arrested.

Chief Superintendent Helen Harper, from Area West Command Unit, said: “My officers are doing everything they can to keep the public safe and police to the very best of their abilities - and we are appreciate that the vast majority of people are making every effort to comply with the measures the government has introduced.

"While these type of assaults are thankfully a rare occurrence, this incident was horrendous and if we do encounter this type of unacceptable behaviour we will be robust in our response. I hope the sentence today conveys a strong message that it will not be tolerated."

Shotgun Thugs Jailed

Lewis Philpot & Tony Murray

Two men are starting prison sentences after firing a shotgun in east London, injuring a man and a woman.

The pair, who were riding bikes, shot at the front door of a commercial premises, injuring the victims both aged in their thirties, in Chatsworth Road, Clapton.

Lewis Philpot, 22, (pic. l.) and Tony Murray, 27, (pic. r.) of Churchill Walk, Hackney, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm, with intent to endanger life and causing grievous bodily harm, with intent.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court Philpot was sentenced to nine years and four months imprisonment.

Murray was sentenced to nine years imprisonment.

Police were called on Thursday, January 23 at 0.55am to reports of a firearm being discharged.

The victims received pellet wounds as a result of the shooting and were taken to hospital and discharged with non-life changing injuries.

An immediate investigation was launched by Trident detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime.

As a result of their enquiries search warrants were executed a week later at two addresses and during the searches a shotgun was recovered.

Detective Inspector Matthew Webb of Specialist Crime said: “Both of these men have paid the penalty for their wanton discharge of a firearm on the streets of London. 

“It was merely good fortune that the injuries they caused were not more serious.

“The Met is determined to bring violent criminals to account and both men were quickly arrested and charged. 

“Following our inquiry, both were faced with overwhelming evidence and quickly pleaded guilty.”

'Arab Street' £300K Safe Snatcher Snared

An 'Arab Street' restaurant raider, who threatened a worker with a kebab skewer as his gang fled with over £300,000 in a safe, has been caged.

Hassan Gawish, 20, received 18 months imprisonment for his part in taking the safe from a Lebanese restaurant in Edgware Road.

At Southwark Crown Court he pleaded guilty to one count of burglary and one count of common assault.

The court heard that at around 5.55am on Thursday, November 28, last year Gawish and a group of four other men entered the restaurant.

Once inside, they threatened two members of staff until they revealed where the money was kept.

They used a crowbar to break open an office door and removed two safes, dragging them out onto the street.

As they loaded the larger safe into a silver Honda Civic they were disturbed by a marked police car responding to an emergency call made by one of the staff.

Three of the men immediately fled on foot while the car was quickly driven away with the large safe – containing between £300,000 and £350,000 in cash – in the back.

Gawish, who had remained inside the building, was detained by a member of staff as he ran out onto the road. 

As he attempted to make his escape, he punched the victim in the face and attacked him with a metal kebab skewer.

Despite the assault, the victim managed to keep Gawish at the scene and officers arrested him.

Detective Sergeant Pete Lower, from the Central West CID’s burglary unit, said: “This was clearly a pre-planned burglary in which Gawish played a pivotal role. 

“He had no hesitation in attacking anyone who stood in his way and it is only by luck that the victim was not more seriously injured.

“A large amount of money was stolen from the restaurant and has still not been recovered and four suspects remain outstanding.

“We are doing all we can to identify the others involved and would encourage anyone with information to contact us on 101 with reference number CAD 1112/28NOV19.”

Bus Sex Pest Hunted In Heart Of Orthodox Jewish Community

Police hunting a bus sex pest in the heart of north London’s Orthodox Jewish community have released this CCTV image of their suspect.

He is believed to be responsible for molesting a 15 year-old girl and trying to touch a 19 year-old female on buses travelling through Stamford Hill.

There is nearly a year between the incidents and the first, onboard a 254 bus, occurred at 7.50am on February 14, last year when the 15 year-old reported being sexually assaulted on the top deck.

The 19 year-old was travelling to work on a 253 bus at 8.56am on February 4, this year when the suspect repeatedly attempted to sexually assault her.

He eventually got off at Clapton Common and the young woman reported he had also molested her or tried to molest her on the same bus service on two earlier occasions in a period of a couple of months.

Police Constable Clair, who is investigating said: “Both of the victims did the right thing and immediately reported what happened and we’ve supported them throughout the investigation.

“Although there is a year between the two incidents we are treating these as linked and it’s really important that we track down this man.

“I am asking anyone who knows him to call us straightaway, specifically if you travel on the 253 or 254 bus routes or are local to the Manor House and Stamford Hill areas then consider if you know who this man might be.

“If you are the man in the CCTV then I am appealing to you directly to contact us.

“We treat all allegations of sexual assault seriously. If you have been sexually assaulted then I urge you to report it to us. We will support you.”

To give information 100% anonymously contact independent charity Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or on 0800 555 111.

Would-Be Canal Rapist Caged

A wannabe rapist was caught and is starting a fifteen-year sentence after a teenage boy heard the early hours screams of his female victim. 

Sean Manning, 42, was convicted of the attempted rape of the woman, aged in her thirties, and was made subject to a minimum ten-year period behind bars.

Wood Green Crown Court Manning attacked the woman on the steps of Haggerston Bridge, by the Regents Canal, Hackney on August 11, last year.

He met the woman in a nearby pub and followed her when she left in the early hours, asking her to come with him.

When she refused, he became aggressive and dragged her down the steps at the side of Haggerston Bridge. 

He then attempted to rape her, physically assaulting her as she struggled to get away.

The victim only managed to escape from Manning after a 14-year-old boy heard her screaming from inside his house.

He came outside and confronted the male before calling police, while Manning fled the scene prior to officers’ arrival.

He was arrested five days later and remanded in custody until trial.

Detective Constable Mark Papasavva said: “Sean Manning targeted a vulnerable lone woman, who was simply out enjoying an evening with friends.

“He followed her until she was on her own and when she refused to return to his flat, violently attacked her.

“The victim has shown extreme courage and bravery in coming forward in what has clearly been an incredibly stressful and traumatic time for her and I am pleased that Sean Manning has now been convicted.

“I must also praise the bravery of the 14-year-old witness who came forward to assist the victim. 

“His bravery began by bringing this attack to an end and assisted with the conviction of a very dangerous man.

“I hope this case shows how seriously we take these types of offences and encourages other victims of this type of crime to come forward, whatever their circumstances.”