NOT GUILTY: So Solid Crew's Lisa Maffia Cleared Of Attacking Hairdresser

Not Guilty: Lisa Maffia

So Solid Crew star Lisa Maffia has been cleared today of attacking her petite hair stylist with the help of a mystery female accomplice during a violent row over hot comb straighteners.

The ’21 Seconds’ hitmaker was accused of bursting into the south London salon, demanding the return of the hair straighteners, which she had supplied on a sale-or-return basis.  

Croydon Magistrates court heard Maffia, 41, of Kent House Road, Beckenham was involved in an aggressive “joint enterprise” assault on four-foot eleven inches tall, five and a half stone Rebekah Groves.

Following an all-day trial she was found not guilty of assault.

She turned up at Bekah Aurora in Tulse Hill at 6.45pm on May 9, looking for the return of the stock, which was worth no more than £90.

Prosecutor Mr James Tucker told the trial Ms Groves - a wig and weave specialist - was with client and friend Melissa Greaves in the locked salon when Maffia’s accomplice gained entry.

“Rebekah Groves says the two effectively burst in and the two of them were becoming aggressive about the return of these hot combs.

“Rebekah Groves got on the phone and said she was going to call the police and was alarmed that the defendant was becoming aggressive, saying she wanted the hot combs or the money for them.

“She says she was backed into the corner of the shop,” added Mr Tucker, explaining the hair stylist announced she was calling the police.

“It seems the phone was grabbed and taken off Rebekah Groves in that procedure and she received scratches to her arms and says she was hit a number of times.

“She pulled her ponytails and punched or kicked her twice in the face and as a result she suffered a cut to the nose.”

The stylist was able to record two short clips on her phone, which the prosecution plan to play to the court.

“Lisa Maffia is responsible not only for the injuries she inflicted on Rebekah Groves, but those by the other woman in a joint enterprise.” 

Police Escort: Rebekah Groves

Maffia was alter questioned by police and after giving a prepared statement gave a “no comment” interview. “She denied the assault,” said Mr Tucker.

Ms Groves, giving evidence from behind a screen, told the trial Maffia was a client she agreed to sell stock for, taking £5 for every hot comb sale.

Maffia sent several texts messages, demanding their return, writing in one: “I’m ready to launch.”

She told the magistrates the accomplice, described as a tall black woman in her forties, posed as a potential customer, asking questions about wigs and was allowed in. 

“If Lisa had come I wouldn’t have answered the door, but a couple of seconds later Lisa’s barged in through the door too.”

Describing Maffia as “frustrated” and “angry” she said the musician demanded: “Where’s my stuff?”

“They were not taking no for an answer and they were both asking for the stuff.”

The stylist was in the middle of sowing hair extensions to her friend’s head. “They started to get closer and closer to me and the needle was taken  out of my hand.

“I was very scared. I felt like I was being grabbed.”

However, the singer gave a conflicting account to the court, claiming the hairdresser immediately became irate and "verbally aggressive" towards her when she entered.

"She was acting like something I'd never seen. I could see she was angry and there was a lot going on. I just wanted to get out.

"She was throwing things.....she had a hot comb that she was doing the lady's hair with and charged at me."

Maffia had five top twenty hits and a platinum-selling album with So Solid Crew and released two top ten singles as a solo artist and an award-winning album.

She starred in Channel 4 reality show The Games in 2004 and set up her own record label - Maffia Recordz.

Maffia rejoined So Solid Crew in January, 2010 with the single Since You Went Away.

Teen Caught With Knife After Police Foot Chase

A teenager has been arrested after an early hours police foot chase in east London for having this knife.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Violent Crime Task force apprehended the 17 year-old youth.

They were on patrol in Vicarage Lane East Ham at around 1.00am on Wednesday, January 13 when they noticed a male acting suspiciously in the street.

When officers approached the male made off.

He was pursued by officers and detained in nearby Becket Avenue.

A search was conducted and the knife seized.

The youth was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and was taken into custody. 

Sergeant Ben Mullender, of the Violent Crime Taskforce, said: "There can be no excuse for someone to be carrying a knife like this on our streets.

"My officers in the Violent Crime Taskforce are relentless in their efforts to tackle knife crime and thanks to them another weapon has been removed from the streets that may otherwise have been used to harm someone."

Police Hunt Wanted Man

A suspected thug, charged with assault, is wanted by police after breaching his bail.

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Central East Command Unit are appealing for the public’s help in locating the wanted man.

Mahmoud Mustafe Ali, 44, whose last known address is Kingsland Road, Dalston, east London is wanted by police after breaching his bail conditions in November 2020. 

Ali has been charged in relation to an alleged assault in Kingsland Road, Hackney on Sunday, August 9, last year.

Ali has links to Hackney and Barnet and is described as being of medium build and around 5feet 10 inches in height.

Anyone who has information concerning his whereabouts should contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 01GD/4748/20.

For an immediate sighting, please do not approach Ali, but call 999 immediately.

To remain 100% anonymous, please visit crimestoppers_uk.org or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police Seize Guns After Online Threats

Police seized these three firearms after swooping on a suspect, accused of making online threats.

A 25 year-old was arrested after the raid on a south-east London hotel.

Officers were called earlier at 9.10pm on Sunday, January 10 to an address in Plumstead, south east London.

The occupiers had been contacted by the suspect, who was known to them.

They told police the man had made threats over a social media app and shown them a firearm.

An immediate operation began to trace the man, who was suspected to be staying in a hotel somewhere in south east London.

Through extensive enquiries, a possible location of the man was found and a operation put in place involving Metropolitan Police firearms officers.

Officers forced entry to a hotel room in Deptford at around 5.00am and arrested the suspect for threats to kill and firearms offences.

No one was injured in the arrest and no firearm was discharged

Two suspected handguns and a suspected shotgun were seized and have been sent for forensic examination.

The man was taken into custody at a south east London police station.

Detective Constable Chris Barrett of the South East Basic Command Unit, said:”This was some excellent work by all those involved. 

“As a result of the prompt and courageous action by officers, three suspected firearms have been seized, no one was injured and the suspect arrested.

“This case demonstrates the dangerous and unexpected challenges that can be faced by police at any time, and the professionalism of the officers who deal with them.”

City Insurance Executive Throttled His "Absolutely Petrified" Partner

Howard Burnell

A City insurance executive’s career is in tatters after being convicted of throttling his “absolutely petrified” partner on the doorstep of his £1.6m apartment, a court heard today.

Former Head of Marine & Energy Liability Howard James Burnell, 62, was ousted from his lucrative directorship when news of the ugly late-night attack broke.

The divorced father-of-two, of Little Green, Richmond was convicted of assaulting girlfriend of nine years, hat-maker Mary Phillips on March 14, last year.

Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court heard Burnell, who was a company officer with Bishopsgate-based insurance giants Apollo, inflicted bruising to her throat and thigh when they rowed after a dinner-date.

“Parliament intends to make strangulation a separate offence because it is so scary and frightening and Mary was frightened by this,” magistrate Timothy Nathan told him.

Burnell was placed on a twelve-month community order, which includes a three-month electronically-tagged curfew between 7pm and 7am.

He must also attend fifteen days of Probation Service-approved rehabilitation; pay Ms Phillips £400 compensation; £620 in court costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Burnell was also made subject to an indefinite restraining order prohibiting him contacting his ex or visiting her new address in Kent.

“He lost his employment. He fell foul of the regulatory body and was dismissed and lost a substantial amount of equity in that partnership when this case was reported,” said Neville Gray, defending.

“He does not envisage ever being able to work again after working in the industry for many, many years and is deeply ashamed and apologetic for what happened.”

Ms Phillips told the trial the pair enjoyed a restaurant meal earlier that evening. “We shared one bottle of wine, but Mr. Burnell likes his alcohol so it could have been two.”

While travelling home the couple rowed, with Burnell telling his partner of nine years: “You have crossed the line”.

He stormed off ahead, shutting Ms Phillips out of the home they shared, which he owns. “He positioned himself in the doorway,” she told the court from behind a screen.

Mary Phillips

“He said: ‘You insulted my parents,’ and was very aggressive, more than usual.

“He was red, his eyes were evil-looking. The hatred.

“His hand came up and grabbed my throat and I was lifted up on to my tiptoes and was in sheer fear.

“I thought he was going to headbutt me. I was absolutely petrified.

“He also used the door to bar my way and that bruised all of my leg and the bruise was under my jaw for a week and my neck was painful.”

Burnell denied throttling his ex-partner, suggesting she may have sustained injuries as she tried to barge her way into the flat against his wishes.

Ms Phillips was forced out that night with just a travel bag, leaving behind, to this day, her collection of mink coats and tens of thousands of pounds worth of jewellery, silver and crystal.

“The victim states the defendant’s verbal abuse had been escalating and was worse when he was in alcohol and this was the first example of physical abuse,” said prosecutor Suleman Hussain.

“She says his mood swings are erratic and states: ‘I feel my future safety is at risk if Howard’s in one of his moods. If he loses control he becomes abusive and bullying.

‘My health has deteriorated both mentally and physically since the assault, with stress and anxiety attacks and periods of uncontrollable shaking’.”

Cops Seize Drugs After Traffic Stop

Police have seized a large amount of drugs after stopping a car, which was driving erratically, in east London.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's Violent Crime Taskforce made the arrest after the vehicle stop in Newham.

Shortly before 9.00pm on Monday, January 11, officers witnessed a vehicle driving erratically, at speed, south along High Street, Plaistow.

The vehicle, which was known to police for making off on previous occasions, was stopped in Northern Road.

The driver of the vehicle repeatedly refused to get out of the car, prompting officers to remove the keys from the ignition to prevent him driving off.

When the driver eventually got out of the car he was unsteady on his feet and a strong smell of cannabis emanated from the vehicle.

The suspect was detained for the purpose of a search, but attempted to flee the scene on foot. 

He was quickly detained by officers and handcuffed.

Inside the vehicle a large bag of cannabis was found under the driver’s seat.

The 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of possession, with intent to supply a Class B drug, (cannabis).

He was further arrested on suspicion of driving, whilst over the prescribed limit for drugs and alcohol. 

He was taken in custody to an east London police station.

A subsequent search of the suspect’s home address yielded further quantities of cannabis and Class A drugs, approximately £28,000 in cash and a variety of paraphernalia relating to drug supply. 

The man was further arrested for being concerned in the supply of Class A drugs.

Inspector Tony McGovern, of the Violent Crime Taskforce, said: “The use and supply of drugs brings misery to local communities, while the danger posed to the public and police by those driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol quite simply cannot, and will not, be tolerated.

“Due to this arrest, a significant amount of Class A and B drugs will now not be sold on the streets of east London and a dangerous driver has been taken off the road.”

Woman Breached Non-Mol

A woman who flouted a Family Court's non-molestation order by attending a school and a cafe as well as stalking a man has been sentenced.

Anastasia Olshanskaya, 38, was made subject to the order by Central London Family Court early last year.

It prohibited her from attending Bousfield Primary School, South Bolton Gardens, Earl's Court and a tapas bar in Portobello Road, Notting Hill.

Olshanskaya, of Nell Gwynn House, Sloane Avenue, Chelsea was charged with breaching the order by attending both locations on various ocassions between March 9 and 17, last year.

The order was made a few weeks before on February 19.

She was also charged with stalking Thomas Labeyrie between the same two dates.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court Olshanskaya was sentenced to a twelve-month community order, which includes a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to thirty days.

She was also ordered to complete eighty hours community service work.

The court made Olshanskaya subject to an indefinite restraining order, prohibiting contact with Mr Labeyrie, named children and attending Bousfield Primary School, Holland Park School and the surrounding areas. 

Assault At Mayfair Restaurant

A young woman, who was charged with assaulting another female at a luxury Mayfair Italian restaurant, has received a suspended prison sentence.

Lily Mitchell, 23, of Green Lane, Chislehurst, south-east London was sentenced to one hundred and eighty days imprisonment, suspended for eighteen months.

She was originally accused of assaulting Elena Tatsi, causing her actual bodily harm, at Novikov in Berkley Street on November 28, 2019.

Mitchell was also placed on a twelve-month community order, which includes 200 hours community service.

She was also ordered to pay the victim £500 compensation.

Husband Stalked Ex With Secret Bedroom Bug

A husband planted a bug behind the headboard of his estranged wife's bed disguised as an electric extension lead, a court heard.

Shaun Holland, 44, said: “It's my house, I can do what I like,” when the listening device was found by his wife's father.

Holland, of Freelands Road, Bromley initially fought the case, but finally confessed on the day of his trial.

He pleaded guilty to one count of stalking his estranged wife Vicky Holland at the former matrimonial home in nearby Cedar Close between October 19 and November 19, 2019.

Bexley Magistrates' Court heard Holland always accepted the extension lead belonged to him.

His wife, who says Holland has knowledge of conversations she had in her home, did not want to give evidence in court against him.

The extension lead was not plugged in and had a SIM card inside.

Holland claims he placed it there when the couple were still living together.

He was fined £400, with £500 costs and ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge.

Holland was also made subject to a two-year court-ordered restraining order prohibiting him attending any address Vicky Holland resides in without her prior agreement.

Violent Mugger Half-Blinded Victim

Police hunting a violent mugger, who left his teenage victim partially blind, have released this e-fit of the suspect.

The 19 year-old victim was robbed of his bag in Canonbury Road, Islington at 6.50pm on December 29.

Police and an ambulance crew rushed to the scene, where they found the victim with facial injuries.

He was taken to hospital for treatment.

The victim says he was walking along Canonbury Road when he was approached by two men. 

One of the men stole his bag and hit him repeatedly around the face with a baton-style weapon.

He is described as black, aged in his late teens with spikey hair and of a skinny build. 

He is thought to be around 5ft 7inches tall and was wearing a black top and black and white tracksuit bottoms.

Detective Constable Faisal Issaoui, of the Central North Basic Command Unit, said: "I’m appealing to the public to take a good look at this e-fit and if they recognise him to get in touch with police.

“The victim has been left with injuries that will affect him for the rest of his life. 

“It is incredibly important that we track down the person responsible for this horrific attack. 

“I would ask anyone who has any information, no matter how insignificant you may think it to be, to get in touch with us as soon as possible."

There have been no arrests.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 5318/29Dec.

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

Mother Nature's Son: Knife Horror

A paranoid son, who stabbed his mother to death, has been locked-up in a psychiatric hospital.

Jamal Sealy, 31, of Lewisham Way, New Cross walked into a local police station and told officers he had stabbed his mother.

Officers went to 58 year-old Dawn Bennett, who was fighting for her life at the family address and died in hospital ten days later.

Sealy pleaded guilty at the Old Bailey to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

He was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under Sections 37 and 41 of the Mental Health Act.

At approximately 9.00pm on June 10, last year Sealy entered Walworth Police Station and confessed to carrying out the knife attack.

She was rushed to a south London hospital, where she died on June 16 – the day of her 59th birthday.

Medical experts found that Sealy was suffering paranoid beliefs. 

He pleaded not guilty to murder, but guilty to manslaughter.

Detective Sergeant Victoria Yusuf, of Specialist Crime South, said: “This is an extremely sad case which has devastated Dawn’s family, who’ve shown incredible bravery and dignity throughout this investigation and during the proceedings. 

“They have been, and continue to be, supported by specially trained officers. 

“Our thoughts are with them at this very difficult time.” 

Victim Blinded By Acid Attack

An acid-attack victim has been permanently blinded after liquid was thrown in his and a friend's face in south London.

Detectives are now appealing for help to identify this suspect, who they wish to speak to in connection with the mystery corrosive substance attack.

On Monday, December 7, last year at approximately 8.10am the two male victims were walking in Thornton Road, Thornton Heath.

They were approached by the suspect, a man they did not know.

The suspect threw a cup of corrosive liquid over the two men before running down Limpsfield Avenue.

Both victims were hospitalised following the attack, with one of the men now suffering from permanent loss of sight.

One of the victims said the same man had turned up at his home address in September, prior to the incident, claiming to have a letter for him. 

When the victim proceeded to collect the letter, the man punched him in the face with a bicycle chain wrapped around his fist.

At this stage the identity of the attacker and the motive behind the incident remain unknown.

The suspect is described as a white or Asian man in his thirties with a slim build. 

At the time of the attack he was wearing a blue medical mask, a long black jacket with the hood up, black trousers and shoes.

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD1273/07DEC20.

Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers, 100% anonymously at crimestoppers_uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

Brazen Robber Snatched Cash In Front Of Police

A heartless robber was caught on a police officer's body-worn camera snatching £200 from an octogenarian bank customer he deliberately knocked to the ground.

Jay Makwana, 40, was sentenced to six years imprisonment for the heartless crime.

The 81 year-old woman suffered facial injuries when pushed over in Market Place, Bexleyheath at 10.50am on November 9 after leaving her bank with cash.

Makwana, of Northumberland Park, Erith pleaded guilty at Woolwich Crown Court to one count of robbery.

The victim was taken by ambulance to a south London hospital. 

Her injuries were assessed as not life-threatening.

As a result of her ordeal the pensioner is now afraid to leave her home.

Police launched an investigation after learning the lady's purse, containing approximately £200 was stolen.

Officers took witness statements and reviewed CCTV from the area.

The footage showed the victim leaving a nearby bank when she was approached by Makwana. 

He deliberately pushed her to the ground, causing her to hit her head on the pavement.

He waited with the woman until officers arrived and thought he had got away with sneaking her purse into a carrier bag and leaving the scene.

However, his audacious money-grab was caught on a police's officer's camera.

Makwana was arrested by officers from the South East Basic Command Unit on 24 November. 

He was interviewed and charged the following day.

Sergeant Matt Taylor, of the Burglary Robbery Investigation Team, said: "This was a truly shocking assault on a woman, who was deliberately targeted because of her age and vulnerability.

"It has had a huge impact on the victim's life and left her scared to leave home alone. 

“I hope the fact that Makwana received a significant custodial sentence will bring her some closure as she continues to come to terms with this terrible ordeal."

Resident Charged With Murdering Nonagenarian

Eileen Dean

A man has appeared in court, charged with the murder of an elderly fellow care home resident, who died after an alleged assault.

Homicide detectives from the Metropolitan Police's Specialist Crime Command investigated after 93 year-old Eileen Dean was taken to hospital, where she sadly died.

Alexander Rawson, 62, also a resident at the home in Canadian Avenue, Catford appeared in custody at Bexley Magistrates' Court.

Police were called at around 00.40am on Monday, January 4 to a report of an assault at the care home.

Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service.

The deceased's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

A post-mortem examination was performed on January 7 at Greenwich Mortuary.

The same day, Rawson was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to a south London police station.

At his court appearance the magistrates sent him in custody to the Old Bailey.

Private Tutor Finally Admits Another Sex Offence

A retired private tutor with a history of sex offending has confessed to molesting another young boy in the early 1980's.

John Broughton, 75, was sentenced to a token one day's imprisonment, having already been sentenced to 40 months in 1986 for similar offences in that decade.

At Woolwich Crown Court he pleaded guilty to a charge of indecently assaulting a nine-year-old boy at an address in Sidcup, south-east London between December 1981 and April 1982.

The one day's imprisonment will run concurrently with a sentence he is serving for another offence.

The court ruled that if sentenced in 1986 for the historic offence it would have made no difference to the length served.

Broughton must also sign the Sexual Offenders Register for seven years.

Detective Constable Bethany Russell said: "What this victim suffered was unacceptable. Broughton should have been protecting the victim in his role as his private tutor.

"I commend the bravery of the victim in coming forward to police after so many years. 

“This case demonstrates that police will investigate and prosecute sexual offences, no matter how long ago they happened."

Rail Workers Witness Late-Night Domestic Beating

A thug was caught repeatedly kicking and punching his prone ex-girlfriend during an early hours domestic assault in a train station underpass.

Danny Hewitt, 23, of Third Avenue, Queens Park was seen by workers at Royal Oak station, Paddington beating the woman at 1.20am on May 3, last year.

He received an 18-month community order, which includes 250 hours community service work and a 25-day rehabilitation activity requirement.

Hewitt was also ordered to pay £775 costs and a £95 victim surcharge.

Westminster Magistrates' Court heard Hewitt was seen by a rail worker attempting to climb over a wall to retrieve his mobile phone, which his ex had thrown away.

He was challenged that he was trespassing and became visibly angry and told the worker not to get involved.

When the worker returned to his office he heard screaming and shouting between the man and woman and investigated with a colleague.

They saw a woman on the floor calling out for help and called the police when they saw the man standing over the victim, kicking, punching and kneeing her.

The highly distressed victim was found with a cut to her head and she also mentioned she had hurt her leg.

Police Hunt Silver VW After Stabbing

Police are trying to place a suspect car after four men were involved in a multiple early hours stabbing in east London.

On October 24, last year a 31 year-old man was stabbed several times soon after midnight in Blackhorse Road, near the junction with Lloyd Road.

He was taken to an east London hospital, where he continues to receive treatment for his injuries.

The suspects - described as four young males dressed in dark clothing - fled the scene in a silver VW Golf car before police arrived. 

Officers from the Metropolitan Police's North East Gangs Unit are working to trace any information relating to the vehicle captured on CCTV.

Detective Constable Ramandeep Gahir said: “This was a brutal attack which inflicted a devastating injury on the victim. 

“We are committed to ensuring those responsible are suitably brought to justice for their actions.

“We are seeking the public’s help to identify the vehicle captured on CCTV - do you recognise this silver Volkswagen Golf? 

“Were you in the area on that evening in October and remember seeing something suspicious? If so, please get in contact.”

There have been no arrests and enquiries continue.

Anyone who can help police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC, quoting CAD316/24th Oct20. 

You can also provide information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Ambulance Station Pelted With Eggs

A local menace, who pelted an ambulance station with eggs and caused other nuisances, is wanted by police.

At around 4.00pm on Christmas Day, police were called to Brent Ambulance Station on the Falcon Park Industrial Estate, Neasden.

They were responding to reports that a man had been throwing eggs at the building.

He was described as black, of medium build, aged in his thirties or forties, with a black beard, wearing a burgundy hoodie, dark trousers and glasses. 

He appeared to be carrying a hammer and may have use of a moped.

On Wednesday, December 30 the man returned and on this occasion he threw eggs at ambulances.

It is believed the same man has turned up at the ambulance station on previous occasions when it is alleged he spat on the intercom and the front window.

PCSO Tony Gassett, of the Brent Neighbourhoods Team, said: “These may sound like minor incidents, but each one is distressing for the ambulance crews, who are based at this station.

“We know that as London faces a new wave of Covid-19 cases, the London Ambulance Service is in incredibly high demand. 

“Every time a building or a vehicle needs to be cleaned because it has been hit with eggs – or worse with spit – it causes delays that could impact on people who need urgent medical help.

“The photo we’re releasing today is very clear and I’m sure someone will recognise the man in it. 

“Please come forward with any information that could help us to locate him.”

Anyone with information can call 101 quoting CAD3602/25DEC.

Information can also be provided anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bogus Workmen Preyed On OAP's

Detectives have reissued these e-fit images as they continue to appeal for information following two distraction burglaries targeting elderly victims in Hackney.

The e-fit images are of two men they would like to speak with in connection with burglaries which both occurred on Wednesday, July 22, 2019, within a short time of each other.

Detective Constable Tom May of the Central East Command Unit CID, who is leading the investigation, said:"I would urge the public to take another look at these images to see if they recognise these men. 

“Although both sets of victims were physically unharmed, they have been left distraught by the callous actions of the men who preyed on vulnerable, elderly people.”

At around 12.30pm, an 89-year-old woman left the address she shares with her 90-year-old husband in Gosset Street, Hackney to go shopping.

She was approached by a man in the street wearing a blue lanyard who told her an explosion had taken place and that they needed to go into all of the flats to check the water pipes.

The victim agreed to take the man to her home, at which point they were joined by another man who followed them.

Once inside the property one of the men began moving materials from under the sink while the other suspect searched the living room, where the victim's husband was sat.

Both men then left a short time later.

The female victim was confused as to why one of the man had entered the living room. 

She asked her husband - who was in recovery having recently suffered a stroke - what the man had done. 

He was confused but responded that the man had taken a black bag.

The elderly woman then realised the man had taken a handbag containing around £4,000 in cash. 

She alerted her daughter who then called the police.

In the second incident, two hours later, an 85-year-old man and his 77-year-old wife were at their home near Mabley Green in Homerton.

At around 2.30pm, two men knocked on the door, claiming to be from Thames Water. 

They said an explosion had taken place down the street and they needed to check the water.

The male victim was directed to go upstairs and turn the taps on while the elderly woman looked down the street to see what had happened.

A short time later, both men left.

Later on, the victims went out but became suspicious when they noticed that they could not see any works taking place. 

They returned home and searched their bedroom, discovering that around £400 had been stolen, as well as sentimental jewellery including an engagement ring and Star of David necklace.

Suspect one is described as a white male, approximately 40 years old. 

He was about 5ft 8inches tall and was “plump” in figure. 

He had short dark hair and was clean shaven. 

He was wearing a dark jumper and trousers and had a lanyard around his neck.

Suspect two is described as a white male, very thin build, aged around 17-19 years-old, clean shaven, with short brown hair slicked back with gel.

He was wearing a grey, thin summer waterproof style jacket with a cream t-shirt and blue jeans.

Anyone who has information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 5615/15DEC20.

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

Burglary Suspect In Court After Armed Christmas Day Break-Ins

Willesden Magistrates' Court

Police arrested and charged a suspected armed burglar after three frightening incidents early on Christmas Day.

Tony Corby, 32, of Greenway, Pinner was arrested after an elderly woman was threatened with a knife after an intruder broke through patio doors at 7.30am.

The burglar fled with cash and at 7.55am police received another call in the Pinner area of a suspect fleeing from a break-in and a 8.05am report of an attempted burglary.

Corby appeared in custody at Willesden Magistrates' Court on December 26, charged with two counts of aggravated burglary and one count of attempted aggravated burglary. 

There were no reports of any injury in the three incidents, which were quickly identified as linked.

A number of lines of enquiry were rapidly investigated, resulting in a police raid at around 8.30am of an address in Pinner Hill Road. 

Items including a knife and a rucksack were recovered at the premises and Corby was arrested.

A/Chief Inspector Jason Stewart of the Metropolitan Police's North West BCU said: “Police officers came into work across the capital on Christmas Day as part of their total commitment to protecting our communities.

"Their response to these incidents in Pinner was rapid and diligent. 

“Using their skills and local knowledge, they were able to arrest a man very soon after the burglaries. 

“I’d like to thank our Response Team officers and CID detectives for some excellent joint working.”

"Habitual Thief" Jailed And Banned From Square Mile

A prolific crook, with 147 offences to his name, has started an eighteen month prison sentence for breaking into retail shops in the City of London.

Paul McKenna, 29, struck a bakery; pharmacy and dry cleaners in just over a week, snatching approximately £1,000 in cash from the tills.

The burglaries occurred between August 27 and September 7, last year.

He was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court for the three Square Mile break-ins, plus two similar offences in Hackney, east London.

The court banned him from the City of London for five years by making a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO), prohibiting McKenna entering the Square Mile.

Detective Constable Ufuk Ekbic said: “McKenna is a habitual thief, not just in the City, but all across London. 

“Thanks to some good work by our officers, who spotted him and quickly arrested him, he is now facing the consequences for his latest crimes.

“As well as bringing criminals to justice, we also aim to get the highest harm, most prolific offenders banned from the Square Mile. 

“In this instance, McKenna has been banned from the City of London for five years.”

A few days after the third burglary, City of London Police officers spotted McKenna in the City, recognising him from CCTV footage, and quickly arrested him.

Suspected Gunman Arrested After Threat

Police seized this gun after a woman in east London was threatened with the weapon and retaliation from “the boys”.

Police were called in the early hours of Wednesday, December 30, last year by a terrified young woman, who reported she had been threatened by a male.

The suspect produced the firearm from his man-bag, after a meeting at a residential address in Whitechapel, Tower Hamlets.

The man brandished it at her and menaced her, warning that he would return again later with “the boys”.

Around 24 hours later, after a series of successful enquiries, a 28-year-old suspect was tracked down to an address in nearby Bow.

Armed officers carried out a warrant and recovered a silver handgun, ammunition, and a quantity of suspected class A drugs.

Detective Sergeant Charlie Leather, of the Metropolitan Police's Trident command, said: “Thanks to the prompt actions taken by officers we have removed another dangerous weapon from the streets that could have been used to potentially injure or kill someone.

"The victim in this incident has been left understandably very shaken by her experience.”

If you have any information about someone you suspect may be carrying a knife or other weapon, contact Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man was arrested and taken into police custody.