Tag: Metropolitan Police

The press release issued by the Met Police on 1 December 2022.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley and Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist were among representatives of UK policing at a roundtable hosted at No.10 Downing Street today.

Following the meeting, Assistant Commissioner Twist, who leads on public order policing, said:

“The actions of activists Just Stop Oil continue to take up valuable officer time that could be better used in local communities and dealing with priority crime.

“Whilst this week we have seen low level of activity by them, we still have to ensure we have officers on standby right across London to respond to any spontaneous action they may take, given we have no prior engagement. That meant yesterday we had 180 officers taken away from their day to day duties.

“Indeed, since they started their campaign on 2 October, there have been 46 days of action which have taken over 12,500 dedicated officer shifts to police, equating to more than £5.5 million.

“Each day they come out, we have to be ready to respond to what their actions are based on, their behaviour, size of the group and if they have broken any law. We know it has been frustrating for Londoners this week seeing them walking slowly in the roads in central London, but as they have been small in number, and keep moving with traffic being able to move around them or easily divert, we are less likely to be able to arrest and prosecute them for unlawful obstruction.

“Everyone has the right to protest but some of their activity is not protest, it has been simple criminality – intent on disrupting London. When we see crime we will deal with it quickly. We have arrested 755 people to date, and have so far charged 182 for a range of offences from obstruction of the highway to conspiracy to intentionally or recklessly cause public nuisance. We are determined to work with the CPS to charge everyone who has brought misery to the public through their unlawful actions.

“They have made their intent clear, to carry out further protest, and we will continue to act and ensure Londoners can go about their daily business.”

The press release issued by the Met Police on 15 November 2022.

The Metropolitan Police Service has reached a legal agreement with Liberty after proceedings were brought in relation to the Gangs Violence Matrix (GVM).

Tackling violence is one of the Met’s highest priorities and the use of data and intelligence sits at the heart of that mission.

Tools such as the GVM are essential in protecting the public but we also acknowledge that earning and maintaining the trust of the communities we police is just as important.

In recent years we have worked closely with the Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) to improve the working of the GVM.

The focus of that work has been on reducing – or ideally eliminating – disproportionality in the GVM while ensuring that the processes around its use are transparent. These are similar themes to those raised by Liberty in their judicial challenge.

While we have made progress in these areas, the most recent review by MOPAC published on 31 October showed that disproportionality remained.

As a result, we took the decision to remove more than 1,100 people from the lowest (green) category of the GVM. This has already been completed.

Moving forward we have committed to the complete redesign of the matrix, informed by academic research and engagement with partners and communities over the coming months.

As a result of these actions, a settlement was able to be reached between the Met and Liberty.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “To effectively confront gang-related violence and protect those in our communities at risk of exploitation by criminal groups, we must make the best use of intelligence and data.

“It’s crucial that we hold, use and share that information in a responsible way that meets our legal requirements and maintains the confidence of communities.

“The GVM has been in use since 2012 and it has been an effective tool during that time, playing a part in results that have had a genuine impact on protecting the public.

“But we acknowledge that it does not have the full confidence of the public and that there have been improvements in statistical methods and technologies since its introduction. To keep pace with those changes and to ensure we maintain the trust of Londoners, the GVM needs to be redesigned.

“The redesign will be achieved in collaboration with partners and community groups, informed by the most relevant and leading academic research.

“This work will take time but we are not waiting for it to be completed before taking action.

“Having reflected on MOPAC’s most recent review and on the continuing disproportionality that it highlighted, we have already removed more than 1,100 of the lowest risk individuals, representing 65 per cent of those on the GVM.”

The press release issued by the Met Police on 14 November 2022.

Detectives investigating the fatal shooting of Saydi Abu Sheikh and Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed in Ilford have charged two men with murder.

[A] Ayaani Ali Adan, 19 (24.02.03), of East Street, Barking, and [B] Ayman Abasheikh, 18 (07.07.04), of Stratton Road, Romford, were arrested on Friday, 11 November and were each charged in the early hours of this morning (Monday, 14 November) with:

– Two counts of murder;
– One count of attempted murder;
– Possession with intent to supply a Class B drug;
– Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life;
– Possession of a knife in public;
– Possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.

Both men appeared at Bexley Magistrates’ Court this morning and were remanded to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 16 November.

Police were called at 00:16hrs on Tuesday, 25 October, by the London Ambulance Service to reports of a shooting inside a house in Henley Road.

Armed officers attended along with local officers and paramedics. Three men were found with gunshot injuries.

Saydi Abu Sheikh, aged 23 and Zakariya Jeilani Mohamed, 32, who were both from Ilford, died at the scene.

A 30-year-old man was taken to hospital with gunshot wounds. He remains there in a serious but stable condition.

The families of all three men continue to be supported by specialist officers.

The investigation is ongoing and police remain keen to hear from anyone with information, video or images that could assist them.

Anyone that can help is asked to call 101 or Tweet @MetCC quoting CAD 99/25Oct.

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

The press release issued by the Met Police on 14 November 2022.

The press release issued by the Met Police on 8 November 2022.

Officers from the Met and neighbouring forces have arrested 16 activists as part of an ongoing proactive operation to tackle efforts to seriously disrupt the M25.

At 08:00hrs on Tuesday, a man climbed onto the overhead gantry at junction 14 of the M25. This reckless action led to the road being closed, interrupting traffic and causing significant disruption around Heathrow.

Officers responded quickly, arriving on the scene at 08:10hrs.

By 08:30hrs, the man was removed and arrested. He was taken into custody at a south London police station. By 08:46hrs, the road was reopened and traffic was moving.

A total of 16 activists were arrested on Tuesday as part of the joint operation with neighbouring forces including Essex Police, Surrey Police and Kent Police.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “The Met, in a joint operation with neighbouring police forces, has again responded swiftly and robustly to today’s attempts by Just Stop Oil activists to disrupt the M25.

“We are all absolutely committed to providing a quick and effective response to those activists who continue to significantly disrupt people’s daily lives.

“Operations like these come at a cost. Since the start of October we have used more than 11,000 officer shifts to police Just Stop Oil protests. These are officers who would otherwise be dealing with issues that matter to local communities such as knife crime, safeguarding and responding to burglaries.

“We are determined to bring to justice all those who conspire to cause significant and unreasonable disruption to London and the motorway network and we’ll work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and the courts to make sure this happens.”

22 people have already been charged as part of this ongoing operation.

The press release issued by the Met Police on 6 November 2022.

The Met has launched a significant proactive policing operation to identify and arrest people we have strong reason to believe are intent on causing reckless and serious disruption to the public.

We have worked with surrounding forces and the National Police Coordination Centre (NPoCC) to ensure that there is a joined up response to this clear threat.

Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said: “Acting on intelligence, this operation is fast-moving and will continue this evening and overnight with multiple arrest enquiries underway. So far this evening we have made three arrests linked to this activity.

“This is an evolving situation and we suspect the intent of these individuals is disproportionate to any legitimate right to protest and clearly crosses the line into unlawful activity.

“Our investigation has strong reason to suspect the Just Stop Oil group intend to disrupt major motorway road networks which would risk serious harm to the public, with reckless action to obstruct the public on a large scale.

“All those arrested are suspected of engaging in conspiracy to cause public nuisance contrary to Section 78 Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.

“There remains a possibility outstanding suspects are still intent on causing unlawful disruption to the public. The Met has mobilised specialist teams and drawn police officers from across the capital to respond.

“We are calling on the public to assist us. Remain vigilant – if you see something suspicious or witness an attempt to cause disruption call 999 immediately.

“Operations like these come at a cost. Since the start of October we have used more than 10,000 officer shifts to police Just Stop Oil protests. These are officers who would otherwise be dealing with issues that matter to local communities, such as knife crime, safeguarding and responding to burglaries.

“We are determined to bring to justice all of those who conspire to cause significant and unreasonable disruption to London, or cause damage to buildings, property or valuables. It’s what the public expects, and we’ll work closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and Courts to make sure this happens.”

The press release issued by the Metropolitan Police on 31 October 2022.

Six people have been arrested on suspicion of criminal damage following protest activity on Monday, 31 October.

At around 08:20hrs, Thames House in Millbank was sprayed with paint. Officers responded and made one arrest for criminal damage at 08:45hrs.

At around 08:29hrs, the News UK building in London Bridge Street was sprayed with paint. Officers responded and made one arrest for criminal damage at 08:46hrs.

At around 08:39hrs, two people sprayed the Home Office in Marsham Street with paint. They were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage by Met officers at 08:41hrs.

All those arrested have been taken into custody at a central London police station.

City of London Police officers have arrested a further two people who sprayed the Bank of England in Threadneedle Street at around 08:30hrs.

The press release issued by the Met Police on 31 October 2022.

The press release issued by the Metropolitan Police on 12 September 2022.

Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley took his oath and swore allegiance to His Majesty The King at an early-morning ceremony at New Scotland Yard today (Monday, 12 September).

Sir Mark was formally appointed to the post of Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service in July by Her late Majesty the Queen following a recommendation by the Home Secretary.

He was joined by Deputy Commissioner Dame Lynne Owens who also took her oath and swore allegiance to His Majesty the King.

Under UK law, all serving police officers must take the oath, also known as an attestation, in which they swear to “well and truly serve the King in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people.”

Speaking after his attestation, Sir Mark said:

“I join the nation in sorrow at the death of Her late Majesty The Queen and share my condolences with His Majesty The King and The Royal Family. Her late Majesty’s unstinting public service, stoicism in times of turbulence and dedication to the people she served has shaped our nation immensely.

“As your new Commissioner, I have sworn an oath to serve with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality.

“In the next two weeks, I have two priorities. I will lead a Met that enables Londoners and visitors from all over the world to safely pay their respects to Her late Majesty The Queen.

“Second, as we continue to police local communities, we will begin the journey of reform to renew policing by consent.

“Through my leadership, I am determined to bring more trust, less crime and high standards, and build trust and confidence in our police service once more.”

The press release issued by the Metropolitan Police on 12 September 2022.

Assistant Commissioner Amanda Pearson said: “Following the death of Chris Kaba, the firearms officer involved has been suspended from duty.

“This decision has been reached following careful consideration of a number of factors, including the significant impact on public confidence, and in light of the Independent Office for Police Conduct announcing a homicide investigation.

“Our thoughts and sympathies remain with Mr Kaba’s family and friends. We understand how concerned communities are, particularly Black communities, and thank those who are working closely with our local officers.

“We are actively supporting the IOPC investigation and would ask those with information that could be useful in establishing what happened to contact the IOPC directly to maintain the independence of their investigation.

“The decision to suspend the officer does not determine the outcome of the IOPC investigation. Firearms officers serve to protect the public and know that on the rare occasions when they discharge their weapons, they will face intense scrutiny. I know this development will have a significant impact on the officer and colleagues.”

Mr Kaba died after his vehicle was stopped by specialist firearms officers on the evening of Monday, 5 September in Streatham Hill. The vehicle was stopped following the activation of an automatic number plate recognition camera which indicated the car had been linked to a firearms offence in the previous days.