CPS Bungle Allows Notorious Hit-And-Run Driver To Dodge New Charge

A notorious hit-and-run driver, who crippled a young mum, has escaped justice on a charge of flouting his disqualification after a Crown Prosecution Service foul up.

Pascoe Petgrave, 24, walked free from court because no prosecution witnesses turned up for his trial and important evidence had not been served on him.

Petgrave, of Sutherland House, Gilbert Close, Woolwich had been charged with driving a Seat Ibiza, while disqualified, on Battersea Bridge Road on August 25, last year.

He was also charged with driving without insurance, but always insisted it was a case of mistaken identity and he was not behind the wheel.

Petgrave left Chanelle Higgins, 33, paralysed from the chest down and needing a wheelchair for the rest of her life when mounting the pavement in his grey BMW and mowing her down.

He was described as “callous” when sentenced in 2017 to two-and-a-half years imprisonment and was made subject to a two-year driving ban from the day of his release.

Ms Higgins needs round-the-clock care after being injured along with friend Nikisha Cox, 32, at 4.30am on May 29, 2016.

Petgrave fled the scene and was convicted after an Inner London Crown Court trial of of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

He appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where prosecutor Meena Fakhri unsuccessfully applied for the trial to be adjourned so her witnesses could give evidence against Petgrave.

The CPS had anticipated Petgrave not appearing and were going to rely on statements being read to the court to convict, but they had never been served on him, making this impossible.

Magistrate Rene DaSilva announced: “We are not prepared to grant the prosecution’s application to adjourn the trial.

“We have considered the old age of this offence, it is summary only and we look to speedy justice.”

There had been four previous listings of the case.

“The prosecution are not even in a position to proceed with the case today. In the interests of justice we refuse to adjourn,” added the magistrate.”

Ms Fakhri then announced: “The Crown have no option, but to offer no evidence in this case.”

The magistrates were never told the facts of the previous case against Petgrave and the circumstances of his disqualification.

Mr. DaSilva told Petgrave before he left the dock smiling: “The prosecution is offering no evidence in the case. This matter is withdrawn, dismissed and you are free to go.”

Police Find Cannabis Farm In Camden Spare Room

A middle-aged Camden man, who turned his spare room into a cannabis farm, while also peddling heroin and crack cocaine, has been jailed.

Michael Ryan, 59, of Cranleigh Street, has been sentenced to three years’ imprisonment.

At Wood Green Crown Court he pleaded guilty to the cultivation of cannabis, plus possession, with intent to supply, heroin and crack cocaine.

The court heard that on Friday, March 27, officers from the Central North Gangs unit executed an intelligence-led search warrant at Ryan’s address following information from the public.

At the address they discovered 193 wraps of heroin and crack cocaine with a value of around £2,000, as well as a cannabis farm containing sixty mature cannabis plants.

The cannabis farm had been hidden in a spare room disguised as a built-in cupboard in an attempt to conceal it.

The electricity meter had been by-passed, which was a fire hazard and danger to neighbours.

Detective Sergeant Richard Greenwood, of the Central North Gangs unit, said: “Information from the public is crucial and in this case, led to drugs being taken off the street and a fire hazard being removed.

“This search warrant which subsequently led to Ryan’s arrest and conviction is just one example of the proactive policing work which is taking place across Camden and Islington.

“Drug supply is totally unacceptable and drives much of the violence we see across the boroughs, which is why it’s so important that Cannabis farms like this one are destroyed.

“We will continue to use all the different tactics available to us to reduce anti-social behaviour in Camden and Islington and bring those involved in criminality to justice.”

Fifteen Years For Acid Attacker

An acid attacker, who was part of a vicious gang that poured corrosive liquid over their victim – leaving him with devastating injuries – has been caged.

The victim has needed plastic surgery, including reconstructive work to an eyelid after the ambush in east London.

Sahme Mohammed, 28, of Park Avenue, East Ham has been locked-up for a minimum of 15 years, with an extended 5-year period on parole after his release.

At Snaresbrook Crown Court he was convicted of throwing a noxious substance, with intent to maim, disfigure or cause grievous bodily harm and grievous bodily harm, with intent.

The court heard police were called at 4.00pm on February 12, 2018 to reports of a man having been attacked with a noxious substance in Burges Road, East Ham.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. 

On arrival, police found the victim suffering from burn injuries to his face, arms and torso.

Members of the public had run to help him and were dousing him with water.

Initial enquiries established that three males – including Sahme - had arrived in Burges Road in a silver coloured Lexus. 

The victim was hit with a brick before the corrosive liquid was brought out of the vehicle and poured onto his face, causing catastrophic injuries.

Medics treating the victim following the attack described his injuries as ‘a devastating chemical injury’ for which the resulting treatment was a variety of procedures including skin grafts and the reconstruction of his eyelid.

The men involved were identified from CCTV and forensic evidence.

Detective Constable Faye Cook said: “This was a horrific incident which left the victim with serious injuries. 

“This sentencing is the culmination of a lengthy process which has been very trying for him.”

Co-defendant Muhammed Al-Ali, 25, of Sisley Road, Barking was also sentenced to a minimum of 15 years, plus extended parole for the same offence.

A third accused, aged 27, was arrested and charged, but died before he could stand trial.

I Like To Ride My Bicycle: Huge Haul Of Suspected Stolen Cycles Found During Raid

Police investigating specialist bike thieves seized 118 suspected stolen cycles when they raided an address in Hackney.

Officers from the Central East BCU launched the probe after stolen bikes were advertised for sale online.

They executed a warrant at the property on the morning of Sunday, August 2 and found the huge haul, with an estimated value of more than £30,000.

Officers are working to establish how many of them are stolen, and hope to reunite as many of them as possible with their rightful owners.

Two men, aged 21 and 60 were arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods, and possession of criminal property and bailed pending further enquiries.

An investigation was launched and the warrant arranged after eleven people reported finding bikes that had been stolen from them being advertised for sale on social media.

Sergeant Jo Stephens said: “This was a significant seizure of bicycles we strongly believe have been stolen – either in burglaries, robberies, or from the street - for the purpose of selling on for a profit to unsuspecting buyers.

“While the internet is a good place to easily advertise and sell property, the informal nature of the transaction means that people also use certain websites to sell stolen goods quickly and anonymously, with little trace."

Sergeant Stephens added: “We are making enquiries to try and find out who the bikes belong to so we can return them to their owners.

“We would urge anyone who has a bicycle to get it security-marked and registered at BikeRegister – this helps us return stolen property to its owner, and it also helps us bring prosecutions.”

Kidnap Investigation: Suspect Wanted

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speeding Football Pundit Rio Ferdinand Loses Driving Licence

Court Out: Rio Leaving Crawley Magistrates'

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He received three penalty points on his licence each time.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fake-COVID Thug Jailed After Police Stand-Off

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

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

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

Gritton was sentenced to twelve months imprisonment.

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

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

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

Eventually Gritton was arrested and taken into custody.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Party Gate-Crasher Locked-Up For Stabbing Guest

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Late-Night Rapist Preyed On Lost Lone Woman

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

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

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

He will be sentenced on Tuesday, September 8.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Attempted Kidnapping Of Teenage Girl: Suspect's Image Released

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Early Hours Assault Outside Polish Nightspot: Suspect Hunted

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

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

CID officers based at Walworth are investigating.

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

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

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

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

To remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers.

Race Attack: Suspect Wanted For Gang Assault And Slashing Of Black Motorist

Police are still hunting this suspected racist thug after a large group of men attacked a black motorist when he returned to his vehicle.

The victim – aged in his thirties – was slashed across the face when around twenty white men surrounded him after two troublemakers initially began shouting racial abuse.

Police were called to Bragg Close, Dagenham, at 9.28pm on Sunday, July 21, last year after the victim was attacked.

The victim had parked his car and walked to a nearby take-away to get some food. 

When he returned to his vehicle two white men in a dark coloured car began shouting racial abuse.

The victim confronted them and a larger group of white males turned-up on foot and surrounded the victim. 

They started to kick and punch him while he laid defenceless on the floor.

One man slashed the victim in the face, with what officers suspect was a knife.

The victim managed to get up and run away, eventually alerting police by dialling 999. 

The suspects then set about damaging the victim’s car. 

One of the men got into the driver’s seat and drove the car into some shutters of a nearby premises, causing further damage. 

A laptop and tablet were also reported stolen from inside the vehicle.

The group in question were believed to have been drinking in the nearby Roundhouse pub, in Lodge Avenue.

One year on from the attack, after exhausting all other lines of enquiry, detectives have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to in relation to this racial assault.

He is described a white male, between 20 to 30 years-old, of chubby build and approximately 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins in height.

Detective Constable Adelaide Halliday from the East Area’s CID, said: “This was a violent, unprovoked, racially motivated attack on the victim, which has not only left him with a physical scar but emotional ones too.

“I would appeal for anyone who can identify or knows the man in the image to contact police as soon as possible. 

“I would also ask for anyone that may have been drinking in the nearby Roundhouse pub that evening, Sunday, July 21, 2019, who are aware of this incident to contact police. 

“If you would prefer not to speak to the police, you can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

Anyone with information about the man in the image or about the incident itself is asked to contact police on 101 quoting CAD 8064/21JUL2019. 

They can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously online at crimestoppers-uk.org or via 0800 555 111.

They do not ask your name and cannot trace your call or I.P address.

TRAPPED: Online Predator Caught 'Meeting' 14 Year-Old Phantom Girl

An online sexual predator – trapped by a paedo catcher group posing as a 14 year-old girl – has been locked-up.

Michael Richards, 34, was caught trying to meet the 'girl' he believed he had been grooming via the internet with explicit videos and graphic messages.

At Wood Green Crown Court the Enfield offender was sentenced to two years' imprisonment.

He pleaded guilty to sexual communication with a child; causing a child aged 13 to 15 to watch/look at an image of sexual activity and facilitating the commission of a child sex offence.

Richards was also issued with an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), restricting his contact with any females under 16 years-old.

He will also be subject to Sex Offender Registration for life.

The court heard how detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Central Specialist Crime were contacted on Monday, May 4 by an online child abuse activist group.

They informed police of a case of suspected online grooming by Richards, who was using the pseudonym Jason Langham. 

In December, last year he initiated contact with who he believed to be a 14-year-old girl, but was in fact an adult decoy.

The communication quickly became sexual and despite being told several times his contact was just 14 years-old he kept communicating and encouraged the child to meet him in Enfield.

On Thursday, May 7 an operational team were deployed to the area of the planned meet. 

Detectives suddenly spotted a slim, unkempt looking man walking the streets, with his hood up whilst on his mobile phone.

Following a closer look they confirmed the man was the suspect they were searching for, having identified him from his online image. 

They stopped him and soon confirmed his identity was not Jason Langham, but Michael Richards.

He was arrested and his mobile phone was seized. 

Detective Inspector Mark Rogers from Specialist Crime Command: said “Richards is a predatory offender and thankfully on this occasion no child was harmed.

“I would like to remind activist groups that we do have significant concerns about people taking the law into their own hands. 

“Although seemingly well-meaning, this can significantly hinder our work, compromise on-going investigations and negate months of investigative work.

“There is also the risk that it can potentially identify people who are completely innocent and mistakenly associate them with grooming offences.

“Our advice to anyone who has concerns about online grooming, is they should report them to their local police, or to Crimestoppers. 

“If you think a child is at immediate risk of harm call 999.”

Bus Phone Snatcher: Tracksuited Suspect Wanted

Police are hunting this suspected phone-snatcher after an octogenarian pensioner was targeted on a bus and her husband's walking stick kicked away.

Officers are treating it as a robbery and are appealing for witnesses and information.

Police have released this CCTV image of the male they wish to identify and speak with in connection with the incident.

At approximately 12.30pm on Wednesday, June 29, the 80-year-old victim was travelling with her husband on a Route 233 bus in Marechal Niel Parade in Bexley, south-east London.

The suspect boarded the bus and refused to pay. 

He then argued with the driver and threatened to spit at him.

When he saw the victim’s phone in her hand, he grabbed it and kicked her husband’s walking stick before leaving the bus.

Officers from the Roads and Transport Policing Command are investigating. 

They would like to speak with anyone who recognises the male in the images.

Anyone with information is asked to call police via 101 or 0208 284 9115.

Police Hunt Hit-And-Run Cyclist After Fatal Collision

Police are hunting this suspected hit-and-run cyclist after a pensioner died after a collision in east London.

Officers were called at approximately 5.05pm on Friday, July 3 to Bow Road, Bow, near Thames Magistrates' Court, to reports of an incident involving a cyclist and a pedestrian.

London Ambulance Service attended the scene and the pedestrian, 72-year-old Peter McCombie, was taken to hospital in a critical condition with serious head injuries.

He died in hospital a week later on Saturday, July 11.

The cyclist did not stop at the scene.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are investigating.

Detective Inspector Julie Trodden said: “I am appealing to anyone who recognises this man or saw him leaving the scene to call police. 

“This man cycled off from the scene, but from photos we can see he abandoned his cycle and then ran off. 

“If anyone knows the location of this bike please tell us, it is vital evidence. 

“Any information you can give, even if it is just the street where you saw him, could be crucial.

“Peter was an active man who had continued to work beyond retirement age. 

“As a result of this collision his family, friends and colleagues are now mourning his loss.

“I am also asking anyone who in the area at around 5pm on Friday, July 3 and who witnessed this collision, or the events immediately prior to and after the collision to contact the police.

“Finally, I continue to appeal directly to the cyclist involved – please come forward to assist this investigation but, more importantly, to provide answers to the victim’s family who are grieving the tragic loss of a loved one.

Any witnesses or anyone with dash cam footage is asked to call police on 0208 597 4874 or 101 or contact via Twitter @MetCC. Please quote CAD 5779/03JUL

To give information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers at crimestoppers-uk.org or phone on 0800 555 111.

Notting Hill Carnival Horror: Woman's Lip Bitten Off By Devilish Attacker

A vicious thug, who claimed: “I’m the devil” before headbutting and biting off a woman's top lip at the Notting Hill Carnival has been jailed.

Jason Thompson, 42, of Appleby Close, South Tottenham, received 14 years imprisonment for inflicting the life-changing injuries to the victim, aged in her forties.

Detective Chief Inspector Driss Hayoukane, from the Notting Hill post-investigation unit, said: “Jason Thompson has not only caused the victim life-changing physical injuries, but also some deeply troubling emotional injuries as well.

“Due to this unprovoked attack, the victim felt so scared to be in London that she stopped living in the capital after more than a decade and struggles to go out in public on her own.”

The incident took place on the first day of Carnival at approximately 6.00pm on Sunday August 25, last year.

It was her first experience of the Notting Hill Carnival and Thompson was a stranger to her.

She was talking to some other women in Portobello Road, close to the junction with Golborne Road, when she was approached by Thompson.

He told her: “I’m the devil”, before leaning forward, headbutting her and then biting off her top lip.

The victim, bleeding heavily and in shock, approached police officers, who escorted her to the nearest first aid post. 

She was then taken to a west London hospital where surgeons operated on her face. 

The victim was left with life-changing injuries.

Police issued a public appeal for witnesses and information a week later and as a result information was received, which led to Thompson’s arrest.

At Isleworth Crown Court he pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm, with intent.

In a statement, the victim, said: “I would like to say thank you to all the police work on this case, because they have helped me so much with everything.

“This has been very difficult for me. I have had to uproot my life from London, where I have lived for over ten years and now I am scared to go out on my own and stay at home.

“I cannot even go to the supermarket on my own; sometimes I have to say to my 14-year-old niece to come with me.”

DCI Hayoukane, added: “My whole team worked non-stop to identify Thompson after this attack, and we have all felt some sort of responsibility for making sure that he gets the jail time that he so rightly deserves.

“The streets are a much safer place with this dangerous individual in jail."

Greenwich Sex Assault: CCTV image Of Suspect Released

Police are hunting this tracksuited suspected sexual predator after an 18 year-old teenager was molested in the early hours.

The female victim was walking along the Thames Path, Greenwich between 4.30am and 4.40am on Friday, June 26.

As she reached Highbridge Wharf, near the Trafalgar Tavern Pub, she was approached from behind and sexually assaulted by a man.

The victim fought back and the attacker fled along Eastney Street.

He was last seen on CCTV walking into Lassell Street.

The suspect is described as a white male, with brown ear length hair in curtains, wearing a black Adidas tracksuit with white stripes along the arms and legs.

Detective Constable Ellie Cordery, of the South East Command Unit said: "This was a distressing and frightening incident for the victim, who was on her way home after socialising with friends. She is being supported by specially trained officers.

"We would like to hear from anyone who recognises the man in the images captured. 

“While we appreciate they might not be the best quality, we are hopeful that someone may recognise him and come forward.”

There have been no arrests.

Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 ref CAD 1679/26JUN20.

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

Member Of Fake-Cop Violent Burglary Gang Locked-Up

A violent burglar, whose gang raided a north London home and threatened the occupiers with a firearm and crowbar, has been caged.

One member of the four-man crew was dressed like a police officer and they took a safe, containing a large quantity of cash.

Craig Green, 38, of Beatty Road, Stanmore was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment.

He had previously been found guilty at Harrow Crown Court of aggravated burglary.

Acting Detective Sergeant Mitchell Lockey, from the North West Command Unit, said: “A family were threatened by Green and his accomplices. 

“Everyone should feel safe in their homes, but the events of that day will stay with them.

“It is only right that Green is beginning a lengthy prison sentence. 

“Hopefully, with the help of the public, those who were also involved will be caught and share his fate.”

Police were called on October 11, last year to reports that four suspects had entered an address in Bush Grove, Colindale. 

They threatened the occupants with a firearm and crowbar and stole a safe containing a significant amount of money.

Detectives launched an investigation and Green was quickly identified as being involved. 

He was arrested two weeks later.

Enquiries are ongoing to identify the other suspects. 

Officers would like to speak with anyone who has information regarding the burglary and who is yet to come forward.

They should call police via 101 quoting reference Cad 3728/11Oct19.