UPDATED with resident's comment. Action Plan and progress meeting promised after Willesden Green public meeting on recent violence

 

Below is a personal summary by Cllr Saqlain Choudry, written a few minutes after Friday’s meeting at Willesden Green Library on recent violent incidents. Officers were taking detailed notes and these will be shared with attendees in due course. These notes include an action plan and a commitment to a meeting by end of January/February to review progress on action plans. Given the widespread interest, he summarised at a high level some of the discussion points.

 

This evening, over 120 people gathered at Willesden Green library to discuss community safety in the locality. Organised by Brent Council and the Met Police, the agenda consisted of the recent tragic murder in Willesden alongside other anti-social behaviour & local crime issues.

 

Members of the community were joined by representatives of the Met Police team and Brent Council’s community safety team including Director of Communities.

 

The leader of the Council (Cllr Muhammed Butt), lead member (Cllr Harbi Farah), local MP (Dawn Butler) and local Councillors (Cllr Saqlain Choudry, Cllr Janice Long and Cllr Tom Miller) were also present.

 

At the start of the meeting, Dawn Butler MP led a one minute silence in memory of the victim who sadly lost their life. Our thoughts and condolences with the victim’s family and all those affected by this awful and tragic murder.

 

Throughout the meeting, detailed notes were being taken and an action plan being devised which was shared in person and will be shared with members of the public afterwards too.

 

Members of the community safety team as well as Met Police representatives were also noting the passionate concerns being expressed, key local intelligence, local hotspots and the common areas causing grief and worry for local residents.

 

Residents are reminded to continue to report crime and ASB through the appropriate forums and channels. For instance, if drug dealing and drug consumption is happening in real time, that constitutes a 999 call.

 

In instances where there have been many crime reports and crime reference numbers obtained, please send this across to local MP Dawn Butler MP, Cllr Muhammed Butt (Leader of Council) and local ward Councillors so these can be followed up with the Borough Commander and relevant authorities in the Met Police.

 

There will be instances where the police and council can only share limited information due to legal or operational constraints. Example: an ongoing court investigation or sensitive operational intelligence that needs to be confined to specific personnel. There will be other instances where the local police and local council will need the involvement of local residents to satisfy the evidence in court eg closure orders.

 

This has been successful in the past and there are specific locations/addresses already in motion where Willesden Green SNT have been working with locals to bring about closure orders.

 

Organisers of the meeting assured the community that communication will continue and a follow-up meeting organised in due course to hold the relevant authorities to account over the agreed action plans. Members of the public were also encouraged to join and participate in local safer neighbourhood team panel meetings which shape local priorities and hold the local police to account.

The council and the Met reassured residents that this meeting and previous meetings organised are not organised in vain but the sentiments of the room were recognised and this is why a follow up meeting with targeted actions will be organised in due course.

 

The above is not an official council or Met Police summary but given the widespread interest and concern, a personal summary and especially for those who were unable to attend.

 

Once again, thanks to members of the public who joined at short notice, shared their real concerns and gave up their Friday evening to express their opinions and feedback.

 

Further comment by local resident who atttended the meeting:

All of us residents in attendance at the above meeting were deeply saddened at the violent loss of a young life within our community.  However, we also wanted the council and the police to listen to our growing concerns about the systemic and escalating neglect of our community. When a community begins to be neglected, it undoubtedly attracts more anti-social behaviours. 

 

We do not want yet another talking shop meeting.  We would like to see action, which will mean the council, the police and residents working together on short and longer terms plans for improving general safety in the area.  

 

Policing cannot just be done remotely.  I personally believe that consideration should be given to re-opening the little police station on the high road. It would inject confidence back into the community. We understand that there are cut backs, however neglecting residents safety will eventually cost more in the long run.

 

As for Brent council, their neglect of the immediate Willesden Green area is plain to see and again, will only cost more to fix in the long run.

 

It would be good to see the local authority give some attention to the following:

 

-The rise in drug-related anti-social behaviours in the area.

-Fly typing in the area

- Household rubbish being dumped on pavements.  It's always the same houses.  

 

-Pavement repairs following major building works.

It is ridiculous that no one has responsibility for this.

 

-Broken pavements and mountains of wet leaves are dangerous, particularly to elders.  Myself and neighbours have mostly solely cleared pavements and block drains outside our homes again this winter.  Brent needs to do better.

 

-Speeding lorries in Brondesbury Park. Maybe huge 20mph signs should be painted on the road.

 

-Brondesbury Park street repair. The stretch of road from the lights at the intersection of Sidmouth road to where Brondesbury Park meets Staverton Road. The very same craters pop every time there is rain and I'm sure the amateur repairs are costing the councils thousands of pounds each time. 

 

The above are just some areas of concern which I know are shared by many residents.

 

-Address business licencing in Willesden High Road and Walm Lane.  How many of these businesses are really legitimate concerns?

 

And why so many betting shops?

 

The size of Friday's meeting is clear indication that residents want better accountability from both our local council and the police.

 

Warmly,

 

Yvonne Bailey-Smith

Willesden Resident  

 

 

Police Public Meeting on recent Willesden Green violence. Friday January 3rd 6pm-8pm Willesden Green Library

 

Police Public Meeting. Friday 3rd January 6pm-8pm, Willesden Green Library. To discuss the recent serious incidents in Willesden Green. An opportunity to share views and concerns with Police and Council representatives. They will give information on how they are working to reduce violence.

Met police launch murder investigation following a stabbing in Willesden Green

 From Metropolitan Police

A murder investigation is under way following a stabbing in Willesden Green, North West London.

At approximately 04:16hrs on Saturday, 28 December police were called to reports of a stabbing in Linacre Road, NW2.

Officers and London Ambulance and Air Ambulance paramedics attended the scene.

A man was found suffering serious stab injuries – despite the best efforts of the emergency services he was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital.

While formal identification has yet to take place, officers are confident the victim was a male in his 30s. Officers are working to identify his next of kin and they will be supported by specialist officers.

Road closures remain in place around the scene as work continues to gather evidence.

There have been no arrests and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information that could assist police is asked to call 101 or message @MetCC on X giving the reference 1013/28DEC.

Information can also be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Murder investigation after Olympic Way fatal stabbing late yesterday. Witnesses sought by Met

 

From the Metropolitan Police

Detectives are appealing for witnesses and information following a murder in north London.
Police were called just after 23.00hrs on Sunday, 24 September to Olympic Way, Wembley to reports of a stabbing.

Officers attended the location where they discovered a man – aged in his mid-20s - with stab injuries. They immediately commenced CPR ahead of the arrival, a short time later, of colleagues from the London Ambulance Service, who continued to treat the victim. He was taken by ambulance to a north London hospital, but was sadly pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
 

The victim’s next of kin have been informed, however we await formal identification at this time. A post mortem examination will be held in due course.
 

Detectives from Specialist Crime North have launched an investigation and are carrying out various lines of inquiry as they attempt to identify those responsible.

No arrests have been made at this time.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Rogers said: 

"My team are working at pace to establish what has led to this tragic incident, and as we continue to carry out numerous inquiries to trace and speak to witnesses, as well as analysing CCTV footage, we are appealing to the public to help us.

"We understand the victim was chased and attacked by a group of suspects. Were you in the area at the time? Did you see anything suspicious? Any detail – no matter how small – could assist us with our investigation so please do come forward and speak to police. Information can also be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

Chief Superintendent Dan Knowles, who is in charge of policing in Brent, said:
 

“My thoughts, and those of all my officers, are with the family and friends of this young man who has very tragically lost his life far too soon. I know that this incident will raise serious concern and worry in the community, and want to assure the all those affected that our colleagues from the Specialist Crime Command are working tirelessly to find those responsible, and local officers are assisting them in every way possible.

"The public can help us in this endeavour by speaking to officers if they have any information which could be relevant to the investigation. There will be more officers in and around the area in the coming days to provide reassurance. Please do speak to them with any concerns you have or information you would like to pass on."
 

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation team is asked
to call the incident room on 0208 345 3715 or 101 - quoting CAD7764/24Sep. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555  111

Arrest made after Wembley Asda stabbing

 From the Brent Metropolitan Police Service

Detectives investigating at stabbing in Wembley have made an arrest as they continue to appeal for information and footage of the incident.

A 33-year-old man was arrested on Wednesday, 30 March on suspicion of grievous bodily harm [GBH] with intent. He was taken to a north London police station where he was later bailed to return on a date in late April.

Detectives are appealing for information as a man in his 20s remains in hospital following the attack.

Detective Constable Dawid Ratajczak, from Wembley CID is leading the investigation, he said: “Firstly I want to thank all the people who have come forward so far to speak to us about this shocking incident. Despite today’s arrest I am still keen to hear from anyone who has information or footage.”

Police were called at 17:29hrs on Thursday, 24 March to reports of a stabbing at a supermarket on Forty Lane in Wembley.

Officers attended along with the London Ambulance Service and found a man, aged in his 20s, with stab injuries. He was taken to hospital where his condition was assessed as not life threatening. His family are aware.

DC Ratajczak continued: “The victim’s injuries are not life threatening, however they were serious and he remains in hospital receiving treatment.

“We are aware that this violent incident will send shockwaves through the local community and residents can expect to see a continued increased police presence in area while we continue with our enquiries.”

A crime scene remains in place and enquiries are ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting CAD 5453/24Mar or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

UPDATE: Man charged with murder after fatal stabbing of Michael Fadayomi in Willesden High Road

 From Metropolitan Police

UPDATE SUNDAY

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Michael Fadayomi in Willesden earlier this week.

Police were called to High Road, NW10 at 17:11hrs on Thursday, 29 April following reports that a man had been stabbed.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service. 40-year-old Michael was found with serious injuries.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, he was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.

A post-mortem examination has since found that the cause of his death was incised wounds to the neck.

Marcus Griffiths, 42 (02.04.79), of Hoveden Road, NW2 was arrested later the same day.

On Saturday, 1 May, he appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court charged with Michael’s murder. He is also charged with being in possession of a bladed article.

He was remanded in custody to appear at the Crown Court on a date to be determined.

 

SATURDAY'S POST

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a fatal stabbing in Willesden, Brent.

Police were called by London Ambulance Service at 17:11hrs on Thursday, 29 April to a report of a man suffering from stab wounds on High Road, NW10. Officers attended.

Despite the best efforts of the emergency services, the victim, aged 40, was pronounced dead at the scene shortly afterwards. His next of kin are aware.

Formal identification awaits. A post-mortem examination will be scheduled in due course.

A 42-year-old man was arrested following the incident at his home address in Willesden. He remains in custody. Police are not searching for anyone else in connection with this incident.

A crime scene remains in place and the public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area.

While enquiries continue, the incident is being treated as isolated and is not thought to be gang-related. The victim and suspect are not thought to have been known to each other.

Detectives from Specialist Crime are leading the investigation, led by DCI Claire Hine.

She said: 

 "Foremost in our thoughts are the victim and his family, who are coming to terms with his very sudden and violent loss. My specialist officers are providing them with support at this very sad time.

"At this early stage in our investigation we believe the incident started on a Route 260 bus. It continued out onto the High Road and into a fast food shop in front of a number of horrified onlookers in the street, and on the bus.

"I know there are videos circulating on social media that feature some incredibly distressing images and I ask that people please refrain from sharing these to avoid causing the victim's family any more trauma.

"We've spoken to a number of people who have told us what they saw, but there are others who have yet to make contact. I would ask those witnesses to call us, so that we can fully establish the chain of events that has led to a man losing his life in such a horrific way.

"I'd also like to acknowledge that this incident would no doubt have caused incredible panic and alarm to the people who saw it. There are resources available via Victim Support (https://www.victimsupport.org.uk) that can help you if you need to speak to someone."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD 5109/29Apr. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Further Police Appeal for help after Preston Road murder

Ford Mondeo at the scene

 

Detectives investigating the murder of a teenage boy in Brent are appealing for assistance from the public and in particular want information about a car connected to the killing.

They are also appealing for a van driver who stopped briefly near to the scene to come forward as a potentially vital witness.

Police were called to a boy with stab injuries in Preston Road, Brent shortly after 23:30hrs on Thursday, 18 February. The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Drekwon Patterson from the Wembley area.

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.

Specialist officers are supporting Drekwon’s family. A post-mortem examination will be held in due course.

Homicide detectives from Specialist Crime are investigating, led by Detectives Chief Inspector Richard Leonard.

DCI Leonard said:  

We have been working intensively since Drekwon’s killing to establish what happened on Thursday night and to find the people responsible.

Our investigation has included detailed forensic analysis and an intensive search for, and of, relevant CCTV material. These and other lines of enquiry are continuing, and I can assure Drekwon’s family and the local community of our total commitment to bringing those responsible to justice.

We have been well supported by the public in and around Preston Road and further afield, and I am appealing for their help today. I need to hear from any witnesses or anyone with information about this tragic murder – if you know anything that may be significant, please get in touch.

In particular, I need to find out more information about a car – a black Ford Mondeo, using registration number YR54 NHN – which was seen on CCTV driving away from the scene and found burnt out in Silver Jubilee Park, NW9 on Friday 19 February.

I believe this car was used in an initial attempt to injure Drekwon in a collision on Preston Road. After the Mondeo had been driven at him, Drekwon ran away and was chased by four suspects who had got out of the car, before being caught and fatally stabbed.

We have to yet to establish who was using this Mondeo in the days leading up to the murder, and I am appealing for anyone who may have seen it to get in touch. This is a fairly large vehicle and quite old, so it would have been noticed. It is possible that the car appeared suspicious and wasn’t familiar to local residents in the area where it was parked, or maybe people using the car were seen behaving suspiciously.

This car is clearly a key line of inquiry, and I am asking everyone – in particular people in north-west London – to think carefully about whether they have seen this Ford Mondeo and who may have been using it.

I also want to trace the driver of a van, which was seen on CCCTV to stop briefly near to the scene, who might have witnessed a crucial part of the incident. I am appealing for that driver to please come forward as a witness.

Officers are releasing images of the Ford Mondeo captured on CCTV near to the scene in addition to a stock image of a similar black Mondeo. They are also releasing a CCTV image of the van near to the scene.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4622 or call police on 101 quoting CAD 8167/18Feb. Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

There has been no arrest at this stage.

Officers from the Met’s North West Command Unit continue to conduct additional patrols in the area. Local residents are urged to speak with these officers if they have any information or concerns.

Police name Preston Road murder victim as Drekwon Patterson

 

Police this evening named the victim of the fatal Preston Road stabbing as 16 year old Drekwon Patterson from the Wembley area.

Police said next of kin have been informed and a  post-mortem examination will take place in due course

They said that homicide detectives from Specialist Crime are leading the investigation and as yet no arrests have been made with enquiries continuing.

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.

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.

Police appeal for information and witnesses after fatal Neasden stabbing

 Leon Street

Detectives investigating a fatal stabbing in Brent are appealing for information and witnesses

The victim has been identified as 48-year-old Leon Street of Neasden Road North. He lived near to the murder scene with his fiancée. Mr Street was a father and step-grandfather and he worked as a delivery driver.

Police were called to Neasden Lane North, NW10 shortly after 21.30hrs on Monday, 11 January to reports of a man stabbed near the junction with Hazelwood Court.

Officers attended along with paramedics from London Ambulance Service (LAS) and London’s Air Ambulance and found Mr Street suffering stab injuries. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he died at the scene.

Police Appeal

Sadly, we have had a murder in Brent and two stabbings nearby. They were in Neasden, near to Dollis Hill Ward. Please pass on this information to your contacts. Local officers have increased patrols in the area, which will continue.

 

Just after 21:30 on Monday 11 January, Leon Street, a delivery driver aged 48 was stabbed in the chest and died outside the shops on Neasden Lane North near the junction with Hazelwood Court. The location is a short distance north of the Neasden junction on the A406, North Circular Road. Mr Street was a delivery driver who lived nearby, also in Neasden Lane North.

 

Ten minutes earlier, near the bus stop on Neasden Lane North close to Press Road, a man aged 47 was stabbed by a lone male who ran away. The victim has now been discharged from hospital.

 

At 09:50 on Sunday 17 January a man believed to be in his thirties was stabbed near the location of Monday’s fatal stabbing. He was taken to hospital.

 

The links to the police press releases are below. The first one includes a photo of Leon Street.

https://news.met.police.uk/.../further-appeal-as-neasden...

https://news.met.police.uk/news/stabbing-in-neasden-419091

 

Police believe the two attacks on Monday were committed by the same lone male. They believe that the suspect lives locally. Police are appealing for information if anyone:

• saw a man running near Neasden Lane North between 9pm and 10pm on Monday 11 January
• has seen a man hanging around the area in recent weeks
• knows anyone who has been acting suspiciously on Monday or since then
• know anyone who has been disposing of clothes
• knows anyone who seems agitated for no apparent reason.

Anyone with information about the murder and stabbing on Monday evening should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 6783/11Jan.

 

Anyone with information about the stabbing on Sunday morning should call police on 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting 1943/17Jan.

 

To remain anonymous, anyone can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers_uk.org

Detectives investigating Northwick Park murder renew appeal for information as they name the teenage victim.

From the Metropolitan Police

Police were called at 15:50hrs on Thursday, 12 November to Northwick Park in Harrow, following reports of a stabbing close to the underpass leading to Northwick Park Underground Station.

Officers attended, and a 17-year-old was found suffering from stab injuries. He was given first aid at the scene by officers prior to the arrival of the London Ambulance Service. 

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he was pronounced dead at 16:31hrs.

He has been named as Jamalie Maleek Deacon Matthew, from the Harrow area. His next of kin have been informed.

Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command (Homicide) are investigating.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Topping, said:  

I am urging anyone who witnessed the moments leading up to Jamalie’s murder, or the stabbing itself, to come forward and speak with us. A young man has lost his life in the most tragic and needless of circumstances. His, and his family’s future, has been taken from them. 

I need to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time; I am certain that someone has that piece of information that will help us to trace the person responsible. Please do the right thing, and come forward.

Jamalie’s family, said: 

The whole family is deeply saddened and utterly devastated about the passing of Jamalie. We all knew of his ambition to study Law, and coming to terms with the tragedy that has unfolded still feels so surreal. We are pleading with the public to share any piece of information regarding this incident.

There have been no arrests made at this time and enquiries continue.

Anyone who has information, video / images that could assist police is asked to call the incident room on 020 8358 0100 or via 101 quoting reference Cad 4735/12Nov.

If you don’t want to speak to the police, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Floral tributes to Chalkhill murder victim

Floral tributes to Arron Payne outside Chalkhill Medical Centres

Police Appeal in nearby Wembley  ASDA's window

Chalkhill Estate remains fairly tense and wary beneath the  surface calm following the stabbing and subsequent death of Arron Payne. Floral tributes have become a shrine to his memory outside the Medical Centre where he was stabbed.

Dean Gabay has been charged with Arron's murder and was due to appear at the Old Bailey today.

Detective Police Inspector Andy Manning appealed for information and was particularly keen to speak to a woman with a pushchair who was seen nearby.

He said. "Arron was young man with a steady job, from a good family and was in a committed relationship with his girlfriend. He had his whole life to look forward to."

Kingsbury stabbing an 'isolated incident in a safe area'

After the stabbing of four policemen this morning in Kingsbury, the community police liaison officer for Queensbury Ward  has issued the following statement to the community: BBC Report HERE

This morning at approximately 8 o'clock there was a incident in Kingsbury High Road. Police officers were dealing with an individual who became violent.  Three police officers were hurt during this.

The individual has been arrested.

The officers who were involved are from Harrow Borough, the officers are receiving medical attention and the injuries are not life threatening.

I would like to reassure you that this was an isolated incident, Kingsbury is a safe area and I would encourage you to pass this message into our community.

Officers will be carrying out further patrols to reassure the shop keepers and local business in the area as well as the community of Queensbury and Kingsbury.