Zoë Garbett response to Met’s ‘Race Action Plan’: If anti-racism starts now, how have officers been policing in the meantime?

In response to the Metropolitan Police (Met) announcement of a new Race Action Plan, which promises a “communities-first, frontline focused, inclusive” policing model for Londoners, Green Party London Assembly Member Committee Zoë Garbett issued the following statement:

I want to express my respect for the efforts of the many Londoners who contributed to the development of this new policy. 

However, I am deeply concerned that it has taken the Met almost two years to take a stand against racism after Baroness Casey's initial report. Additionally, I fear that this new plan fails to address the most important demands of Londoners. 

The data is clear. Londoners do not want safer strip-searching policies for children: they want to prohibit strip-searching of all children. 

Overcoming the entrenched racism in the Met will require much more than just a shiny press release.

Police use of facial recognition technology is coming to Brent. Undermining human rights or helpful in fighting crime?

 

Cllr Tariq Dar, the next Mayor of Brent, has hailed the news that facial recognition is coming to Brent on Twitter saying, 'Great news, this will help reduce the crime rate in Brent.'

The zoom meeting on May 21st (email Brentiag.community@gmail.com to attend) will be an important opportunity to debate the drawbacks and merits of the technology and its uses.

Note that the meeting is not asking Brent citizens if they want facial recognition used in the borough, that is stated as a fact: 'Facial recognition technology is coming to Brent!'

It is particularly important in Brent as police are said to favour its use for the scanning of large crowds such as those at Wembley Stadium and the Arena. Another Brent factor is the doubts raised over its accuracy when surveying people of colour and discriminatory use by the police. An additional concern is its use on private developments and private 'public spaces' such as Olympic Way where safeguards may not be strong..

The civil rights organisation Liberty devotes several pages to the issue on its website LINK. Extract below:

What is facial recognition?

Put simply, facial recognition is a form of technology that attempts to match a person’s face from a picture, video footage or live camera feed to a database of facial images.

Do the police use facial recognition?

Yes. Several UK police forces have used facial recognition technology since Leicestershire Police scanned thousands of people’s faces with it at Download Festival in 2015.

Police use has been spearheaded by the Metropolitan Police and South Wales Police. The forces have used the surveillance tech to scan hundreds of thousands of faces at protests, sporting events, concerts, Notting Hill Carnival, Remembrance Sunday, train stations, busy shopping streets, and even the seaside.

In 2022, it’s clear that the Met Police is ramping up its use of the tech.

How does police facial recognition work?

Police facial recognition works by measuring and ‘mapping’ a person’s unique facial features. These ‘maps’ are then converted into a numerical code to be matched against the codes of faces on secretive watch lists.

Up until now, the police have used what is known as ‘live’ facial recognition. This means that the act of scanning a person’s face and comparing to the watch list happens in real time.

It usually involves facial recognition cameras mounted on top of police vehicles stationed in crowded areas. The cameras scan the faces of everyone in range, and the software instantly compares them to the database.

Recently, South Wales Police announced that it was testing facial recognition on officers’ phones, so they could more easily scan people’s faces in the street.

As well as ‘live’ facial recognition, the Met has purchased software that allows it to carry out what is called ‘retroactive’ facial recognition. This is when faces in still images or previously captured video footage are scanned and compared to the watch list.

Who is on the watch list?

The police say the watch lists are made up of dangerous criminals and people wanted by the courts. There are usually thousands of people on a watch list each time a force uses facial recognition.

In 2020, we represented Ed Bridges against South Wales Police (SWP) in the world’s first legal challenge to the use of live facial recognition – more on this below (spoiler, we won).

During the case, we were able to see SWP documents that revealed that anyone could be on the watch list, whether they were wanted in connection with a crime or not. It also became clear that the images on the watch list could come from anywhere. The police could even take them from our social media accounts.

What’s the problem with police facial recognition?

The ‘maps’ that facial recognition makes of your face is unique to you. Much like a fingerprint, it is identifiable biometric data.

With ‘live’ police facial recognition, cameras scan everyone in sight, so this data is likely being snatched from you without your knowledge or consent. And this is certainly the case with ‘retroactive’ police use.

This is gross violation of your human rights.

Police officers have previously admitted to us that they just deploy live facial recognition in crowded areas to scan as many people as possible.

Retroactive facial recognition also turns every photo or video available to the police – including any you upload to social media – into a possible surveillance tool.

Does it work?

Lots has been said about the inaccuracies of the tech and how incorrect matches with the watch list have led to harmful police interactions.

Studies show that it particularly struggles to tell Black people apart, and has difficulty with women of any ethnicity.

But the idea that more accurate tech would lessen the problems with facial recognition is false. History shows that surveillance technology will always be used to monitor and harass people of colour. More accurate tech would only make this easier and discriminatory policing worse.

Is it lawful?

No.

When Liberty and campaigner Ed Bridges took South Wales Police to court for its use of live facial recognition, the Court said the force’s use of the tech was unlawful because it violated everyone’s human rights.

The Court also said that SWP hadn’t adequately taken account of the discriminatory impact of the tech – failing to meet its obligations under equality laws.

And by processing people’s unique biometric data, SWP also breached data protection laws.

You can read more about our legal victory here.

The Met Police has pushed ahead and continues to use live facial recognition after our win against SWP, but the Met’s use must also violate human rights, equality and data protection laws – and is therefore unlawful.

We also believe that retroactive facial recognition is similarly unlawful.

What should happen?

Especially after our court victory, there have been calls for Parliament to create laws governing police use of facial recognition.

However, there is no way of creating a law that solves the human rights or data protection issues, let alone discriminatory policing.

The safest thing to do is ban police from using dangerous facial recognition surveillance technology. More than 80,000 people have signed our petition. Add your name today.

 

Brent Council to call for full implementation 'without delay' of Casey Review's recommendations on the MET plus additional measures

Cllr Liz Dixon is to move a motion at Monday's Brent Council backbencher's debate calling for the Metropolitan Police to implement all the Casey Review's recommendations and take additional measures:

 

The Council therefore resolve:

 

That the Cabinet Member for Safer Communities & Public Protection should write to the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police to confirm Brent Council’s support of the Casey Review, requesting that the Metropolitan Police make concrete efforts to rebuild the trust lost by adopting and implementing without delay, all 16 recommendations of the Casey Review.

 

This includes:

 

o Adopting a new, independent, multidisciplinary team of police officers and staff who will reform how the Metropolitan Police deals with misconduct cases, with a particular focus on how it handles sexual misconduct, domestic abuse and discrimination.

o Overhauling the recruitment and vetting system to ensure that new recruits are not drawn to the job for the wrong reasons; and revoking special qualifications where officers’ standards fall short of public expectations.

o Providing the Police Commissioner new powers that ensure that they can take strong and decisive action when the sanctions and consequences for misconduct are inadequate.

o A dedicated Women’s Protection Service with specialist units who focus on rape and serious and sexual offences and the creation of a children's strategy to focus resources on safeguarding and child protection.

 

(2) To call upon the Metropolitan Police to build an improved borough-based approach that will rebuild trust in policing across communities by investing in frontline policing - including safer communities and public protection - and ensuring victims of crimes such as domestic violence and sexual assault have appropriate, compassionate, and effective support and resources.

 

(3) To call upon the Metropolitan Police to commit to an overhaul of stop and search powers and accountability for the use of force in our communities.

 

(4) To call upon the Metropolitan Police to further their partnership working with London local government as part of boosting local accountability and scrutiny of police powers, including working closely with those communities most impacted by police activity and communities and individuals subject to the disproportionality highlighted in the Casey report.

 

Councillor Liz Dixon

Dollis Hill ward

 

 FULL MOTION

 

Man arrested after stabbings at Central Middlesex Hospital

 From Brent Police

Armed officers were among those responding after calls at 13:18hrs on Wednesday, 21 June to reports that two people had been stabbed at Central Middlesex Hospital.

Officers found two people with stab injuries.

The first victim has injuries that are being treated as life-threatening.

The second victim's injuries are not being treated as life-threatening.

Police arrested a man outside the hospital. He has also been conveyed to hospital having received injuries that are believed to be self-inflicted. His condition is being treated as life-threatening.

Officers will remain in the hospital as further searches are conducted but at this time they are satisfied that no one else is sought.

Police are working to establish the circumstances. At this time the incident is not being treated as terror-related.

The hospital was temporarily locked down but has now re-opened and will be operating services as normal. There is a heightened police presence at the hospital while we investigate.

On Twitter Cllr Ketan Sheth, Chair of Scrutiny Committee said:

Shocked and saddened to hear of a stabbing incident at Central Middlesex Hospital… My immediate thoughts are with the patients and the wonderful staff at the hospital. I’m pleased that the incident was swiftly dealt with by the emergency services.

UPDATE: Man arrested in Harrow at 6pm tonight. (Police appeal for help to trace suspect after double stabbing in Wembley this morning - one fatality)

 

 

 From Brent MPS

 UPDATE

 

 

Detectives investigating a fatal stabbing at a residential address in Wembley are appealing for help from the public to trace a man they wish to speak with.

Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais, 23, who is from Wembley, is wanted for questioning in relation to the murder.

Anyone who sees De Morais or who knows where he is should dial 999.

Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley said: “Keven Antonio Lourenco De Morais is a Brazilian National with links across London.

“If you think you have seen him or know where he is please call police on 999 immediately – it is important that you don’t attempt to approach him.”

Police were called by London Ambulance Service [LAS] at 09:59hrs on Tuesday, 13 June to reports of a stabbing at Neeld Crescent, Wembley.

Officers, LAS and London’s Air Ambulance attended. At the scene  two women, aged 27 and 28, were  found with knife injuries.

The 27-year-old woman died at the scene despite best efforts of emergency services.

The 28-year-old woman was taken by LAS to a north London hospital where her injuries are not life threatening.

A male, and a female, no further details, were arrested on suspicion of murder. They were taken to north London police stations where they remain at this time.

Enquiries are underway to inform the victim’s next of kin. A post mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

A crime scene remains in place.

A murder investigation has been launched by detectives from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command led by Detective Chief Inspector Linda Bradley.

Anyone who witnessed this incident but has not yet spoken with police should call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 2380/13JUN.

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

Good Law Project to sue the Metropolitan Police over failure to properly investigate the Prime Minister over Partygate.

 From the Good Law Project

 

Good Law Project is today issuing formal proceedings against the Metropolitan Police - a day after the force was placed into special measures - for its continued failure to properly investigate the Prime Minister’s attendance at Partygate gatherings and its refusal to answer legitimate questions about how these decisions were reached. 

 

It was only after the not-for-profit campaign organisation issued proceedings against the Met in January 2022 that it agreed to investigate at all. The Prime Minister was eventually fined for attending a lockdown gathering in June 2020. 

 

The Good Law Project case asks why the Met apparently failed to issue questionnaires to the Prime Minister about three other lockdown gatherings - in November and December 2020 and January 2021 - when some civil servants who attended received a questionnaire and, subsequently, a fixed penalty notice.

 

Good Law Project is bringing the case because it believes the public has a right to know the truth about the Partygate investigation. The Met’s actions have raised grave concerns about the deferential way in which it is policing those in power compared to how it policed ordinary people during lockdown.

 

Good Law Project has given the Met multiple opportunities to explain its position.  On 15 June, Good Law Project wrote to the Met for a final time asking it to fulfil its duty to be honest and upfront with the public.  It chose not to respond to the substantive issues raised in the case, and instead responded by denying Good Law Project had the right to bring the legal action (known as ‘standing’). When asked who would have standing to bring the challenge, it refused to answer.  

 

Good Law Project, along with our co-claimant former senior Met Officer Lord Paddick, strongly believe we have standing to represent the public interest on this matter. Due to the Met’s failure to engage with our questions, we have no option but to sue for a second time to seek the truth about the Prime Minister’s conduct during lockdown. 

 

Lord Paddick said:

"Members of the public will have seen Boris Johnson raising a glass at a party which he apparently hasn't been questioned about.  I thought, 'If that had been me, I would have been fined.'  We are determined that the Prime Minister should be held to the same standard as the rest of us." 

 

Jo Maugham, Director of Good Law Project said:

“It's appalling that the UK's biggest police force has been placed under special measures because of a litany of failures. We need the Met to be transparent about its actions and this challenge is grounded in a single, simple idea: for the law to have any meaning, it must apply equally to us all. The Met must explain their seeming lack of action regarding this matter. We won’t stop until the full story is uncovered.”

 

The public’s faith in the Met has been severely compromised this year - it has failed to hold the Prime Minister and those around him to account for their lockdown breaches, and there have also been shocking reports of institutional misogyny, discrimination and sexual harassment. This is its moment to finally begin repairing the damage created by the Met’s inaction and restore the public’s trust.

 

The Met has until 22nd July to respond.  

REMINDER: Tuesday June 7th March on the Met from Fryent Country Park to remember Bibaa Henry & Nicole Smallman

 

From Women's Equality Party

It’s now nearly two years since Nicole and Bibaa were tragically murdered, since the police utterly failed to respond when they went missing officers charged guarding them took ‘selfies’ with their bodies. Since then more then more than two hundred women have lost their lives to male violence, tens of thousands more have experienced rape or sexual assault. Meanwhile politicians and the police have made empty apologies and fought about which of them carries the most blame

Enough is enough. These past two years have seen a groundswell of support for real, lasting change to the institutions that are meant to protect us. 

On Tuesday June 7th we are marching to honour Nicole and Bibaa, and all the women we have lost their lives to male violence. March with us for every woman who has to live in fear, and for every black woman who is forced to live the double jeopardy of malignant racism and misogyny. 

The full march will be ten miles, from the park where Nicole and Bibaa were tragically murdered to the doors of New Scotland Yard - laying the responsibility for racist, misogynist policing firmly at their doors. 

 

The meeting point at Barn Hill Pond, Fryent Country Park (a walk from Wembley Park station)

 

Alternative transport will be available if you are unable to walk or roll the full distance, or you can join us for the final mile from 6pm, or at the final rally outside New Scotland Yard.

Sign up to the full ten mile march below.

WHEN

June 07, 2022 at 12:30pm - 5pm

WHERE

Barn Hill Pond, Fryent Country Park
Wembley
London HA9 9LN
United Kingdom
Google map and directions

 

LINK TO SIGN UP 

Met warn people thinking of buying or gifting an e-scooter for Christmas of the restrictions on use

 

https://www.met.police.uk/e-scooters

E-scooters are controversial in Brent and have even been the subject of a Conservative Group motion at a Full Council meeting.

Some see them as dangerous to pedestrians, particularly the young and the elderly, when used on the pavement, and a menace to driver safety when used on the road.

Others cite their potential in reducing car use, particularly the single driver taking up a lot of space on the road, and in reducing the pollution and fossil fuel use that would otherwise be caused if the scooter rider was driving a vehicle.

The police have taken the opportunity, ahead of Christmas purchases, to remind the public of their legal status and the Fixed Penalty Notices applicable for misuse.

As always, given limited police resources, there is the question of enforcement.

Police officers who shared picture of the bodies of Nicole and Bibaa at Fryent Country Park crime scene jailed

 From the Metropolitan Police

Two former Metropolitan Police officers have both been jailed for two years and nine months after taking inappropriate photographs at the scene of a double murder in Wembley.

Deniz Jaffer, 47, and Jamie Lewis, 33 – previously both PCs at the North East Basic Command Unit – were sentenced at the Old Bailey on Monday, 6 December having previously pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office.

Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball, Professionalism, said: "Our thoughts are once more with the family and friends of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman. I am so sorry that during the most difficult time in their lives the actions of these two officers caused them so much additional pain and distress.

“Today former PCs Jaffer and Lewis have been punished for their actions which were utterly unprofessional, disrespectful and deeply insensitive.

“All of us in the Met and wider policing are horrified by their shameful behaviour."

An accelerated misconduct hearing was held for the officers on Wednesday, 24 November.

The hearing was to determine allegations their actions breached the Standards of Professional Behaviour in relation to discreditable conduct, honesty and integrity, equality and diversity, authority, respect and courtesy, duties and responsibilities, confidentiality and challenging and reporting improper conduct.

The allegations were all found proven. PC Lewis was dismissed without notice and it was determined that former PC Jaffer, who had resigned, would have been dismissed without notice had he still been a serving officer.

Both former officers have been added to the Barred List held by the College of Policing. Those appearing on the list cannot be employed by police, local policing bodies (PCCs), the Independent Office for Police Conduct or Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.

On 17 June 2020 the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards was informed of allegations anonymously reported that non-official and inappropriate photographs had been taken by police at the crime scene in Fryent Country Park, Wembley, in relation to the murders of Bibaa and Nicole. The sisters were killed in the early hours of Saturday, 6 June 2020 with their bodies found the following day.

During the early hours of 8 June 2020, PC Jaffer and PC Lewis were placed on the cordon to protect the crime scene. They left their posts to take pictures on their mobile phones of the victims and the crime scene.

PCs Jaffer and Lewis shared images with other officers via WhatsApp. PC Jaffer also shared images with members of the public, including pictures of the victims.

PC Lewis created an image on his phone in which he superimposed his own face in a ‘selfie’ pose in front of the bodies. He shared this image with PC Jaffer.

Both officers belonged to one WhatsApp group called the ‘A Team’ which had 41 officers as members. Images were shared to that group of the crime scene, but not of the victims.

PCs Jaffer and Lewis both used the disrespectful and derogatory term “dead birds” to describe the victims while sharing the images.

Followed the reported allegations, the MPS made a referral to the IOPC, which launched an independent investigation. PC Jaffer and PC Lewis were arrested on Monday, 22 June 2020 by the IOPC on suspicion of misconduct in public office and subsequently released under investigation.

A file was referred by the IOPC to the CPS and both officers were charged on Wednesday, 28 April 2021. They pleaded guilty to the offence on Tuesday, 2 November 2021.

Following their arrest, the officers were suspended from duty. Former PC Jaffer resigned and left the Met on Wednesday, 18 August 2020. Under the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2020, serving officers are allowed to resign or retire without requiring permission but still face misconduct matters as appropriate.

As soon as this matter came to light, the MPS took action on the North East Command to remind officers of their responsibilities in using WhatsApp and other social media channels. Local senior management spoke to officers on the command to outline what is expected of them in terms of their behaviour as well as encouraging anyone who has a concern about a colleague’s behaviour to come forward. This has subsequently been repeated across the whole Met.

The IOPC investigation made two fast-time learning recommendations to the MPS. The first was to ensure all officers within a single police station in the North East Command conform to the expectations of their behaviour under the Code of Ethics, whilst on and off duty, and are aware that failure to do so could severely damage the public’s confidence in policing.

The second was for the MPS to review whether supervisors and senior management at that police station are taking personal responsibility to identify and eliminate patterns of inappropriate behaviour, whilst simultaneously promoting a safe and open culture which makes clear to officers and staff that they are duty bound to challenge and report behaviour that does not align with the Code of Ethics.

These recommendations, which were received on Monday, 16 November 2020, have been implemented, not just within the single police station but across the entire North East Command.

In addition, across the MPS, all officers have been reminded that the standards they are expected to uphold apply at all times, including when they are off duty and when they are communicating on social media and using messaging apps.

Senior officers will continue work to ensure these recommendations are fully implemented throughout the organisation. This is being overseen by the DPS’s prevention and learning team.

+ We're working hard to raise standards in the Met and have commissioned an independent review by Baroness Louise Casey to examine our culture and standards of behaviour. 

The behaviour of Lewis and Jaffer initially came to light because someone had concerns and anonymously reported them. We encourage all our officers and staff, and members of the public, to report wrong-doing and we will act on those reports.

Cressida Dick: Response on Nicole and Bibaa was 'below standard' and 'compounded the distress' of family and friends

 

 

Statement from Metropolitan Police

The Metropolitan Police Service will apologise to the family of Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry for the way we responded when the sisters were reported missing.

We agree with the findings of a report by the Independent Office for Police Conduct that found the level of service provided over the weekend when they went missing in June 2020 was below the standard that it should have been.

No misconduct was found for an officer and two members of police staff but there will be action taken over their performance, which was found to be inadequate. There was no suggestion racial bias played any part in how the missing persons reports were dealt with.

Commissioner Cressida Dick said:

 My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family and friends of Nicole and Bibaa for their tragic losses.

The way we responded to information that Nicole and Bibaa were missing that weekend was below the standard we should have achieved and compounded the distress felt by their loved ones.

While we know that very sadly Nicola and Bibaa had been murdered in the early hours of Saturday, 6 June 2020, before they were reported missing, if we had responded better we may have saved their friends and family immeasurable pain.

I am very sorry that the level of service we provided fell short. We have contacted the family to ask if they will allow me or, if they prefer, another senior officer to visit them at a time that is right to apologise in person.

 

The MPS made a mandatory referral to the IOPC around how we responded when the sisters were reported missing. The IOPC then launched an independent investigation.

As a result of the findings an inspector, from the North West Command, and a member of police staff, a communications supervisor attached to Met Command and Control at Lambeth, must undertake ‘unsatisfactory performance procedures’. They will both attend formal meetings to discuss their performance and appropriate action going forward.

A second member of police staff, a call handler based at Met Command and Control at Hendon, will receive ‘management action’. This means they will have a performance discussion with their line manager around what they can learn from this matter and how they can improve.

Following calls on the evening of 6 June to report the sisters missing, a police log was created and a missing persons investigation opened for Nicole, and then the following day for Bibaa.

The IOPC investigation found that the inspector closed the police logs after receiving information about the sisters’ possible whereabouts from a family member. This information suggested she was not overly concerned about them and would call back in the morning if needed. The inspector believed the information provided was a justifiable explanation for the sisters’ disappearance.

However, this information had been inaccurately recorded on the police log by the communications supervisor.

The closure of the police logs did not close the missing persons report at that time created for Nicole, but did prevent the deployment of officers to Nicole’s home. The inspector subsequently did not properly progress missing persons enquiries for Nicola or Bibaa.

The inspector told the investigation that this had been one of the most challenging shifts of his career with 16 missing persons reports open and the North West Command Unit under capacity by almost 50 per cent during the Covid pandemic.

A call handler, also a member of police staff, based at Met Command and Control at Hendon, will receive ‘management action’ for the conversation they had and their “dismissive” response when a friend of one of the sisters called police. This means they will have a performance discussion with their line manager around the learning from this matter.

The IOPC investigation considered whether the police response was affected by the sisters’ ethnicity. After a comprehensive examination of police records, no evidence was found of stereotyping or biased assumptions based on the sisters’ race or where they lived.

The IOPC also recommended we review the processes and separate computer systems used by different call handlers, and consider whether further training should be provided to ensure all fully understand how systems operate that they might not use as frequently.

We have already addressed this recommendation by producing an enhanced training information pack for all call operators.

We understand the IOPC are considering further recommendations; these considerations are ongoing.

 

 In an interview with Channel 4 News, Mina Smallman, the victims' mother rejected the statement and said said that she fel there was still a racist element in how the case was managed. See LINK

FA's Independent Review of July 11th Euro2020 welcomed by Brent's Scrutiny chairs

The chairs of both Brent Scrutiny Committee have welcomed the Football Associations decision to set up an independently review of events at the July 11th Euro2020 Final at Wembley Stadium,

 Cllr Roxanne Mashari, chair of the Resources and Public Health Scrutiny Committee, tweeted:

Promising to see the FA announce an independently chaired review of security breaches at Wembley Stadium. Essential that this review includes Brent Council who have yet to commit to reviewing their own actions and producing a report on lessons learned.

Cllr Ketan Sheth, chair of the Community and Wellbeing Scrutiny Committee also tweeted:

Good to see Baroness Casey will lead the Football Association review of security breaches with depth, integrity to ensure the facts and the circumstances are reported, understood and are 'never able to be repeated'.

I was expecting the Brent Council Cabinet today to receive and discuss the recommendation from the Scrutiny Committee that they set up an independent review  of events on the Euro2020 Final at Wembley Stadium on July 11th.

It was not included on the Agenda itself or under Other Urgent Business and the incidents were not referred to by Council Leader  Muhammed Butt, who chairs the Cabinet.

This means it will not be discussed until the next Cabinet meeting on August 16th.  One would  think that riotous and potentially dangerous behavour threatening residents safety and wellbeing would merit some attention from the local council, partially responsible for overseeing the event, when UEFA, Metropolitan Police and now the FA have all reacted.

 

 

Two men arrested over Euro2020 Final theft

 From Metropolitan Police

Two men have been arrested on suspicion of theft following allegations that they took items and shared them, for the purpose of allowing people to have unauthorised access to Wembley stadium during the Euro 2020 final.

An 18-year-old man from Ilford, London and an 18-year-old man from Newham, London have both been released under police investigation while enquiries continue.

The action comes following a commitment by the Met to investigate offences during the Euro 2020 final, which resulted in a breach of security at Wembley stadium.

Police activity continues following disappearance of Agnes Akom

 Police statement

A number of searches have been undertaken throughout the course of the investigation into the disappearance of Agnes Akom who was reported missing on Tuesday, 11 May.

An initial search was conducted at a commercial premises in North Acton Road, Ealing, which detectives believe to the principal scene of the investigation.

Police and forensic colleagues are expected to remain at a secondary location in Neasden Recreation Park, Brent, for some days to come as they maintain the scene and complete site examinations following the discovery of human remains on Monday, 14 June.

We understand the concern caused to local residents by heightened police activity and urge anyone with concerns to approach patrolling officers, contact their local Neighbourhoods Policing Team or call police by dialling 101.

We extend our thanks to local communities for their patience and support as we continue with our enquiries.

+ Neculai Paizan, 63 (11.11.57) was arrested on Tuesday, 18 May in connection with Agnes’ disappearance. On the evening of Sunday, 23 May, he was charged with murder and remains in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Friday, 6 August.

 

 

How to spot a Covid or Vaccination Scam - advice from the Metropolitan Police

 

Preston Road stabbing victim, aged 16, died this morning - police statement and appeal

 

The Crime Scene

From the Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation has been launched after a fatal stabbing in north London.

Police were called to Preston Road, shortly after 23:30hrs on Thursday, 18 February by the London Ambulance Service to a report of a 16-year-old boy with stab injuries.

He was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died shortly before 09:00hrs on Friday, 19 February.

Next of kin have been informed. A post-mortem examination will take place in due course

A crime scene has been put in place on Preston Road, between the junctions of Logan Road and The Avenue, affecting local bus routes.

Homicide detectives from Specialist Crime have been informed and are leading the investigation. No arrests have been made.

Enquiries continue.

Chief Superintendent Sara Leach, in charge of policing in Brent, said: 

"It is another tragedy that a boy of just 16 years old has died as the result of a knife crime.

"My thoughts are with his family at this time and my officers, alongside homicide detectives, are doing everything they can to identify and arrest those responsible.

"There will be enhanced reassurance patrols in the Preston Road area as I know the local community will have been deeply affected by the death of a teenager.

"I would urge anyone who witnessed any of the events leading up to the stabbing, or knows anything about who did it, to contact police immediately."

Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 8167/18Feb, or information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Investigators' update on allegations of police officers' inappropriate photographing of bodies in Fryent murder case

 
An update on what we have been doing 

It is important to us that the local community know what work we have been doing and how we can help you. Please share this update via email or in newsletters with anyone interested in our work and what we have been doing. 

Update on Wembley investigations 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct is continuing to make good progress in its criminal investigation into allegations that inappropriate photographs were taken at a homicide crime scene in Wembley in June.

Two Metropolitan Police constables were arrested by IOPC investigators on Monday 22 June and have been released under investigation to a later date pending further enquiries.

Separately, the IOPC is also making good progress with its investigation into the police response to a number of calls made to them by the family and friends of Nicole Smallman and Bibaa Henry.
Both investigations are also examining whether the officers’ actions were motivated or influenced by race discrimination.

IOPC Director for London Sal Naseem said:

I want to reassure the community that we are doing everything we can to progress this investigation. Our team is working hard to deliver a thorough and robust investigation of these deeply upsetting allegations.

Our thoughts remain with Nicole and Bibaa’s family and friends, and anyone else who may have been affected by their tragic deaths in such horrific circumstances. We continue to keep their family updated as our investigation progresses.

As this is an ongoing criminal investigation, linked to an ongoing police homicide investigation, we cannot provide further information at this time. However, we will publish further updates as soon as we can. 

Frequently asked questions 

What progress have you made with the investigation?
Both investigations are progressing well, and we are assessing a great deal of evidence. However , as it is a sensitive investigation, we cannot give further details.

How long do you think the investigation will take?
Our priority is to ensure this is a thorough, robust and independent investigation. It is not possible to put a timeframe on this.

How did the IOPC become aware of the photos?
We initially received a referral from the Metropolitan Police Service.

What type of evidence will you look at?
Unfortunately, we cannot comment on what evidence is being looked at. However, our investigations will look at lines of enquiry including police records, witness statements, evidence from the scene and other available evidence which may help.

Can you confirm there were selfies taken by the officers? Do you know who the officers sent the photos to?
Due to the ongoing investigation we cannot comment or provide any details as to the nature of the photos.

What has happened to the police officers concerned?
Two Metropolitan Police constables were arrested by IOPC investigators on Monday 22 June and have been released under investigation to a later date pending further enquiries. The MPS have suspended them from their positions.

Are the officers suspended on full pay? Can the IOPC sack a police officer?
These are both matters for the MPS as the employers of the police officers involved.

Will the officers be charged?
When the IOPC have concluded the investigation, we will decide whether to refer the evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The CPS will then decide whether to bring charges against the officers.

How are you keeping communities informed?
We have held three update meetings with key stakeholders from Brent and expect to meet with them again soon. These key stakeholders will be requested to share this information with relevant contacts and networks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Together with other community and council members, Gill Close Chair of Brent Safer Neighbourhood Board has been attending online meetings with the IOPC Director for London and the IOPC lead officer for the investigations where we have been able to hear updates on IOPC activities, convey community concerns and ask questions.

Councillor Tom Miller, the cabinet lead for community safety, has also attended these meetings. Two other safer neighbourhood board members, Roy Croasdaile and Khalid Afrah, also attended the first meeting

BREAKING: Arrest made in Fryent double murder investigation

From the Metropolitan Police


Detectives investigating the murders of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman in Wembley have arrested a man overnight.

The 18-year-old was arrested at an address in south London on suspicion of both murders. He was taken into custody where he remains.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding, who is leading the investigation at Specialist Crime, said:

“This investigation into the awful death of two sisters is of course a priority for the MPS and my officers have been working around the clock to identify the person responsible.

“Given the significance of this development, we visited the family in person today to inform them of the arrest. Our thoughts remain with them at this very difficult time.

“A team of forensic officers have been a constant presence at the park over the last few weeks carrying out meticulous fingertip searches at what is a vast and complex crime scene. Whilst that work has now concluded, smaller searches in outer areas of the park will continue. To date officers have recovered more than 1,000 exhibits – including property belonging to both Nicole and Bibaa, collected hours of CCTV and visited hundreds of homes and businesses. And those enquiries remain ongoing.

“I would continue to appeal to the public to come forward with any information they feel may be relevant to our investigation.”

Statement ends 

The statement was released just 2 hours before an open air memorial service is due to take place on Gotfords Hill, Fryent Country Park (1pm)

Fryent Murders: Official statement from Metropolitan Police on 'inappropriate' photographs & Met's response to missing persons reports

Press Release from the Metropolitan Police Service

 
On Wednesday, 17 June the MPS’s Directorate of Professional Standards was informed of allegations that non-official and inappropriate photographs had been taken by police at the crime scene in place in Fryent Gardens, Wembley in relation to the murders of Bibaa Henry and Nicole Smallman.

The MPS made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct which has launched an independent investigation.

Two MPS officers were arrested on Monday, 22 June by the IOPC on suspicion of misconduct in public office. They have since been bailed to return pending further enquiries.
Both officers – who are based on the North East Command – have been suspended from duty.

These are very serious allegations and the MPS has been and will continue to provide every possible support to the IOPC investigation team as they work to establish the facts.

Commander Paul Brogden said:

 “I am horrified and disgusted by the nature of these allegations; a sentiment which will be shared by colleagues throughout the organisation. If true, these actions are morally reprehensible and anyone involved will be robustly dealt with. I am limited in terms of being able to comment further about the matter at this time in order not to compromise the IOPC investigation.

“Senior representatives from the MPS and the IOPC visited the parents of Bibaa and Nicole to inform them of these serious allegations and confirm that it is now subject to an independent investigation with full co-operation from the MPS. This deeply disturbing information will no doubt have created additional trauma for a family who are already grieving the devastating loss of two loved ones. I can only start to imagine the impact of this; and I’d like to sincerely apologise to them for this further burden.

“I know that the wider community will share our shock and repulsion at these allegations and whilst our focus remains with Bibaa and Nicole’s family we are also listening to the concerns our communities and key stakeholders will want to raise about these allegations.”

Detectives investigating the murders believe that Bibaa and Nicole were killed in the early hours of Saturday 6 June. Later that day, they were reported as missing to police when they did not return home. Their bodies were discovered on Sunday 7 June.

As a result of their murder, a mandatory referral was made to the IOPC by officers from the DPS to consider the actions of police between the time a number of reports were made to police by family and friends that Bibaa and Nicole were missing and the time they were found. The IOPC have taken the decision to independently investigate, and the MPS is providing full support to that investigation.

Police issue new appeal and photographs in Nicole and Bibaa Fryent Country Park murder investigation

The sisters waving fairy lights at the park in the early hours of Saturday June 6th

Nicole Smallman (left) and Bibaa Henry (right)

Nicole (left) and Bibaa (right)

 From the Metropolitan Police

The heartbroken family of two sisters stabbed to death by a stranger in Wembley have spoken of their devastation and made a plea to the public to help police catch their killer.

The parents of 46-year-old Bibaa Henry and 27-year-old Nicole Smallman have made the following statement: 

"The greatest fear of any parent is that they will outlive their children. What makes our situation unique is that two adored sisters were murdered together on the same night. The grief we feel is palpable, our beautiful and talented daughters gone. Although there was a large age gap between them they shared a lot of the same interests. They were both very much interested in the Arts. Bibaa a hardworking professional was an exceptional Senior Social Worker and a passionate advocate for safeguarding vulnerable children and families. Before qualifying, and to earn some extra cash, she would transport disabled children to their activities. At her side in a car seat she would have our granddaughter who was only a couple of months old. Her passengers loved them both, she knew all their names and Bibaa would have them singing as they drove along.

"Bibaa loved her family and she was proud of her parents’ gifts and talents. Bibaa’s father, Herman having been a former ABA Featherweight Champion and Business Man setting up his own Building Contracting Company. As her mother, she admired my moving from office agency work to training to be a teacher and then to train later for the Priesthood. Bibaa was just barely five foot but she had the heart of a lion and a smile that would put Blackpool illuminations to shame.

"Nicole being the youngest of three sisters was a joy from the moment she entered this world. Nicole saw beauty in everything; she had a very calm and positive attitude towards most things in life. She was a strong advocate for Humanitarian causes and saving our planet. Her father Christopher and I would laugh together agreeing Nicole was a child of the 60s. She was an amazing Photographer, Actor and Singer. Her speaking voice was silky smooth. Her voice teacher at school had said she should do radio or TV presenting. Friends and family all agree she was beautiful both inside and out. Nicole was incredibly laidback and very approachable. Nowadays we would be referred to as a ‘Blended Family’ but that is not how we see ourselves. It is not something we would be happy to be said of us. Bibaa and Nicole were sisters whose untimely deaths we will spend the rest of our lives trying to come to terms with.

"The tributes for our girls keep flooding in; it has been comforting, heart-breaking and at times overwhelming. Faith and prayer is keeping us going. I’m not sure how we’d get through this without it. 'The bond that links your true family is not one blood, but of respect and joy in each other’s life.’ Richard Bach.

"The pain we feel as a family is so deep no words can express how we are feeling. This has had a devastating impact on our lives and each day gets worse to think our daughters, Bibaa and Nicole, are not with us and that they have been brutally killed by someone.

"We are appealing to anyone who may have seen, heard, or know something to please contact the police who are investigating what has happened to our daughters, Bibaa and Nicole.”

Detectives have today released two photographs taken by the victims prior to the murders which they believe could assist with appeals; as their determined efforts to identify the attacker – now confirmed to be male - continue."

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Harding, who is leading the investigation, said:

 “Following our most recent appeal we received over 100 calls from members of the public who provided information which my officers are now in the process of going through. We are very thankful for this response, and want it to continue. Extensive searches are ongoing at the scene and we are discovering more evidence all the time. Any motive for the murders remains unknown, and we are exploring all possibilities.

“The meticulous work carried out by our specialist search teams has led to the recovery of a number of items belonging to both Nicole and Bibaa. This includes both of their mobile phones, which were found in a pond some distance from where they were discovered.

“We already knew that Nicole and Bibaa had been alone in the park from about 00:30hrs on Saturday, 6 June. I can now confirm that the last contact they are believed to have had with family and friends was at 01:05hrs. They were in good spirits and taking selfie pictures, listening to music and dancing with fairy lights until at least 01:13hrs. Those lights created a distinctive pattern, as the two images we are releasing today show. This in itself may have been noticeable to local residents and other users of the park. Did you see the lights at the time and if so can you remember where you were and whether you saw anything suspicious? Calls to the victims at around 02:30hrs went unanswered.”

“We have seized a considerable amount of CCTV from around the perimeter of the park and in surrounding roads, however if you have CCTV or dash cam footage and live locally or were out in the area and have not been contacted I urge you to get in touch.”

The existing key points stand, as detectives continue to appeal to the public for assistance with the following:

- The suspect received a significant injury/injuries during the incident. Have you noticed a loved one, neighbour, colleague, friend or acquaintance with a significant unexplained injury, to their hands in particular?
- It is believed the suspect left the park via the Valley Drive entrance. Did you see anyone acting suspiciously in that vicinity during the evening of Friday into early hours of Saturday? You may even have noticed someone who was injured.
- It’s possible members of the public may have stumbled upon items of property, but not realised the significance of them. If you did, you may well have information that could assist us hugely. No matter how insignificant it may seem, please contact us.

DCI Harding continued:

“The victims were much loved sisters who were very close despite their age gap. They were surrounded by friends and family and it’s unimaginable what they are going through. For their sake and the sake of the wider community we need to identify and apprehend the suspect as soon as possible. And we need help from the public to do that. So please do contact us with any information you may have which could assist, no matter how small. Someone out there knows something. I would ask them to look into their conscience and question their protection of an individual who has robbed a family of two beloved women.”

Police were called to Fryent Country Park off Slough Lane at 13:08hrs on Sunday, 7 June to a report of two women found unresponsive.

Officers and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene and they were pronounced dead at the scene. They were sisters, Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, who lived in Harrow and Brent respectively. Their bodies were discovered next to each other in a treeline.

A post-mortem examination conducted on Tuesday, 9 June gave the cause of death for both women as stab wounds.

Nicole and Bibaa were in a group of people who congregated in the park from around 19:40hrs on Friday, 5 June to celebrate Bibaa’s birthday.

Gradually people are believed to have left throughout the evening; by around 00:30hrs only Nicole and Bibaa remained. Officers believe they were murdered within the next couple of hours.
Both Nicole and Bibaa were reported as missing to police late on Saturday, 6 June when they did not return home; before they were discovered on Sunday.

Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command (Homicide) are investigating, with the assistance of officers from the North West Command Unit.

North West Borough commander Roy Smith, said:

“My thoughts are with the family who have lost two loved ones in the most tragic of circumstances.

“I know the experienced investigation team are working around the clock to identify whoever is responsible as swiftly as possible and ensure they are brought to justice. We will leave no stone unturned. Extra resources have been brought in to help from across the Met including additional detectives.

“I understand how alarmed and concerned residents will be about this incident given the circumstances.

“I want to reassure them that officers have been carrying out extra patrols in the area since Nicole and Bibaa were discovered and local residents can expect to see this continue over coming days, but of course it’s timely to remind people to be vigilant, particularly after dark in parks and opens areas and report anything suspicious to us immediately.”

+ On Wednesday, 10 June a 36-year-old man was arrested in south London on suspicion of murder.

He was taken into custody but subsequently released no further action with regards the murder.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4205, via 101 or tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 3160/7Jun. Alternatively information can be provided online via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/01MPS19Z02-PO1. We also have access to interpreters who can assist if English is not your first language.

Information can be provided with 100 per cent anonymity to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tributes to Nicole and Bibaa at the park gate in Fryent Way

People are being urged  via social media postings, to put a candle in their window tonight, 2 weeks after the birthday party in the park:

Tonight I am going to put a light or a candle in my front window. It is a symbol of peace and acknowledgement of the tragic event in Fryent Country Park two weeks ago. Please join me if you can.