Rolex Robbery: Trio Of Muggers Hunted

Police are hunting these suspected Rolex robbers, who snatched a £6,000 watch from their 60 year-old victim during a brazen mugging.

On Friday, July 3, the victim was walking from Chancery Lane tube station, turning into Brownlow Street and then onto Bedford Row.

He was approached by two men, who stopped him and asked him where Tottenham Court Road was. 

The victim gave them directions and carried on towards Theobalds Road.

Moments later, the victim was grabbed from behind around his neck by one of the men as the other snatched his phone from his hand. 

The victim grabbed the phone back and threw it down the street to prevent the suspects from taking it, shouting for help as he did so.

One of the suspects then pulled the victim’s Rolex watch, model 116710BLNR, worth approximately £6,000 from his wrist, shouting” “I’ve got it,” as they fled.

A passing member of the public came to the man’s aid before police conducted an area search, but the suspects could not be traced.

The victim sustained minor injuries following the incident, but was otherwise physically unharmed.

Detective Constable Alejandra Gomez, from the Central North Command Unit, is investigating. 

She said: “It appears that two of the suspects approached the victim while the third acted as a lookout. 

“All three are then believed to have fled – possibly via Holborn tube station.

“We have released CCTV images and footage of three men we would like to speak to in connection with the incident and urge anyone who recognises them to contact us immediately.

"Any jewellers who have been approached with the offer of a Rolex watch model 116710BLNR, and are unable to account for how they came to obtain it, are also urged to contact police.”

Those with information are asked to call 101 ref CAD 4538/03JUL20, or emailp243390@met.police.uk.

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

Big-Headed Entrepreneur Guilty Of Boozy Christmas Party Kiss Attempt

A drunken Canary Wharf entrepreneur cornered a terrified woman in a lift after a Royal Festival Hall corporate Christmas party before grabbing and trying to kiss her, a court heard yesterday.

Company Director Pavel Grushin, 26, who attended a £26,500-a year private Mayfair college boasted about his looks to police and urged officers to admire his Instagram account.

This “feeling of self-importance” was criticised by a district judge, who convicted Grushin, a University of Cambridge graduate in Entrepreneurial Studies of common assault and attempted sexual assault.

Croydon Magistrates Court heard Grushin, of Mersey Court, Samuel Gray Gardens, Kingston-upon-Thames was a guest at the private event on December 12, last year.

He was spotted by the victim, a married 33 year-old project management university graduate, loitering on an upper landing at 11pm.

“He was leaning over the staircase bannister for balance, he looked to be very drunk and unsteady and I could hear him mumbling,” she told the court.

The woman entered a lift with Grushin and his two male companions. “He very quickly walked towards me and tried to corner me, with his arms raised and using his body so I couldn’t get around him.

“His eyes were very glazed over and he seemed to be enjoying himself and I was immediately very frightened by his demeanour and expression.

“His motive seemed sexual. I was afraid for my safety.

“He followed me out of the lift and grabbed my right wrist very, very tightly and pulled me in his direction, back towards the lift.

“He said: ‘Come on,’ a few times and I just kept saying: ’No,’ loudly, firmly and very clearly.

“To escape, I kept walking backwards and his mouth was puckered as if leaning in for a kiss and I placed my hand on his chest to push him away as he leaned in three times to kiss me.

“I firmly pushed with all my body strength and he stumbled back and stopped.

“Afterwards I burst into tears and there was a big red mark on my wrist, like a Chinese burn.”

Venture capitalist Grushin had begun his night out at a Pall Mall club and ended it at members-only Tramp, near Piccadilly, insisting he limited himself to two glasses of champagne and two glasses of wine.

After being arrested at home over a month later, wearing just his boxer shorts, he told police he had “social status” and had met “many” women.

When officers asked if he thought the victim was attracted to him he replied: “She could have been. Look at me.”

Describing himself as “very successful” Grushin urged the officers to check his Instagram account, where he could be seen “hanging out with cool people.”

He told the trial: “I absolutely, categorically did not touch her,” but contradicted himself immediately by saying: “It is possible I friendly patted her, but I don’t remember.”

Grushin denied cornering the victim in the lift, claiming he was reaching for the buttons.

District Judge Nigel McLean bailed Grushin for sentencing, telling him: “Alcohol had been consumed and you accept it did effect your behaviour.

“I entirely accept the complainant’s reaction was to freeze through fear.

“I did not find you a credible witness and reject your account.

“The alcohol diminished your inhibitions and you had an inflated feeling of self-importance in your appearance and everything else.

“You did attempt to kiss her and that behaviour was sexual in nature.”

Local Nightmare Locked-Up

A vicious doorstep robber, who sank her teeth into a pensioner's hand and snatched her wedding ring, has been locked-up.

Monique Roach, 24, initially asked the 75 year-old victim for £10 when she turned up crying at her front door in east London.

She blocked the pensioner's attempt to close the door to the address in Dalston Lane, Hackney during the March 28 robbery and took the ring after biting the victim.

At Wood Green Crown Court Roach was sentenced to a total of seven years imprisonment.

She pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to one count of robbery and a separate blackmail when she obtained £105 from a man in his fifties by threatening to make a false assault claim. 

Roach rang the woman's doorbell at 11.30am and after failing to pull at her heartstrings with fake tears, launched the violent attack.

Roach left a palm print on the victim’s door, which was recovered by forensic officers. 

She was also captured on CCTV in the vicinity.

She was arrested on April 17 at an address in Rendlesham Road, Clapton.

Due to the Covid-19 lockdown the pensioner could not attend a live identity parade so an officer wearing full protective clothing visited the victim's home with a photo line-up.

He explained the process to the victim through a front window of the address and via this process, the victim successfully identified Roach.

Investigating Officer Detective Constable Jack Downey, of the Central East Basic Command Unit, said: “This was a callous and heartless robbery, whereby Roach targeted a vulnerable lady in her own home. 

“The violence she used left the victim terrified and fearing for her safety, at a time of significant uncertainty as we all navigated our way through Coronavirus restrictions and risks.

“I am pleased that Roach has been brought to justice for this brazen crime.”

The blackmail offence, which occurred on Monday, April 13 at an address in Spenser Grove, Hackney targeted a vulnerable victim. 

A few days earlier she had manipulated the man into giving her money after approaching him at his address and claiming she needed cash for her children.

She returned to his address and told the victim to give her a further £20 or she would call the police, saying that he had hit her. 

She left with the cash and the victim reported the incident to police.

She tricked him into giving her a total of £105 in cash.

Midnight Underground Station Fight: Tube Worker Injured

British Transport Police are hunting a midnight thug after a tube station worker potentially suffered nerve damage trying to break-up a fight.

This CCTV image of their suspect has been released as officers continue trying to identify the man.

Just after midnight at July 11 the worker was on duty at Mornington Crescent Underground Station when two members of the public began fighting.

The victim tried to separate the pair, but was pushed to the floor and had to attend hospital.

He is believed to have sustained possible nerve damage.

Officers believe the man in this CCTV image may have information which could help their investigation.

If you recognise him or have any information please contact BTP by texting 61016 or calling 0800 40 50 40, quoting reference 13 of 11/07/20.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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.