The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Area
Westminster crime
128 stories from and about Westminster, mostly courts, policing, violent crime. The most recent ran on 14 September 2026. Page 1 of 7.
Public records for Westminster. Explore the Home Office street-level crime figures for this area.
Reported from Westminster
Community Safety · WestminsterDown's syndrome project promotes black visibility in Westminster
The Black Child Down Syndrome Project, co-founded by four mothers, aims to increase representation for black children with Down's syndrome. Their Reflecting Radiance exhibition, featuring photography by Misan Harriman, was displayed in Westminster and included a takeover of Piccadilly Lights.
Westminster3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 70 · Hype 20
Violent Crime · WestminsterTeenager pleads guilty to Westminster murder
An 18-year-old has pleaded guilty to the murder of Farmanullah Sherzad in Westminster. CCTV footage showed Tajzai chasing and stabbing Mr Sherzad on Abbey Orchard Street in March 2024. He is due to be sentenced in September 2026.
Westminster2 min readTrust 66 · Craft 70 · Hype 45
Courts · WestminsterMan jailed for strangling woman at West End show
Malcolm Potier, 75, has been jailed for two years after strangling a woman during a performance of 'We Will Rock You' at the London Coliseum. The judge highlighted a pattern of dominance and control in his actions.
Westminster3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 75 · Hype 45- Policing · Westminster
Westminster E-bike Operation Leads to 187 Arrests
A major police operation in Westminster targeting thieves using e-bikes and mopeds has resulted in 187 arrests and 157 vehicles seized. The operation, which ran from February to July, also saw a 22 per cent drop in e-bike related crime in areas like Lambeth and Southwark.
Westminster3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 75 · Hype 40 
Courts · WestminsterLister Hospital anticoagulation failure contributed to Lady Joan Branson's death, inquest finds
An inquest has concluded that a failure by the Lister Hospital in Chelsea to provide preventative medication contributed to the death of Lady Joan Branson, 80. She died on November 24 after suffering a cardiac arrest following a pulmonary embolism.
Westminster2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 58 · Hype 45
Courts · WestminsterSoho club Trisha's wins later hours despite police objections
The New Evaristo Club, known as Trisha's, has been granted permission to extend its opening hours to 2am. The decision by Westminster council came despite objections from the Metropolitan Police over concerns of crime and disorder.
Westminster3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Courts · WestminsterMistress of Mayfair restaurant can stay open after stabbing
The Mistress of Mayfair restaurant in Mayfair has been permitted to continue operating after its licence was reviewed by Westminster City Council. New conditions have been placed on the venue following an incident on August 10th.
Westminster3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 75 · Hype 45
Courts · WestminsterMayfair restaurant can reopen with new conditions after alleged slashing
The Mistress of Mayfair in Mayfair has been allowed to continue operating after a licensing hearing on September 7. The venue's licence was temporarily suspended following an incident on August 10 where a man allegedly had his throat slashed.
Westminster3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Courts · WestminsterTeenager travelled 150 miles to London to stab man, court told
An 18-year-old from Leeds is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of travelling to Westminster, London, with a kitchen knife to fatally stab a man his family had accused of stalking. Sulaiman Tajzai denies murder.
Westminster4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
Courts · WestminsterMan denies stealing £100,000 watch from actor
Rachid Bouchibane has denied robbing actor Alexander Johnson of a Patek Philippe watch valued at £100,000. The trial is scheduled for January 2029, and Bouchibane has been released on bail.
Westminster2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 65 · Hype 25
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council revises licensing policy after 'vertical drinking' row
Westminster City Council has published a revised licensing policy following a debate over 'vertical drinking'. The council clarified it does not plan to ban people from standing while drinking, despite initial draft proposals encouraging more seating.
Westminster3 min readTrust 70 · Craft 75 · Hype 45
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council Urges Mayor Khan for More Police and Transport
Westminster Council has formally requested that Mayor Sadiq Khan enhance public transport and increase police presence in the West End. The council's consultation revealed significant worries from residents and businesses regarding crime and the impact of transport cuts on the area's nightlife.
Westminster4 min readTrust 50 · Craft 72 · Hype 30
Courts · WestminsterPharmacist Ajith Kumar Mupparapu faces extradition to India over murder plot charges
Westminster Magistrates' Court has ruled that pharmacist Ajith Kumar Mupparapu can be extradited to India. The 46-year-old faces charges including murder and conspiracy to murder in connection with alleged plots against his estranged wife's family in Hyderabad.
Westminster2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Policing · WestminsterMet Police officer injured in Oxford Street motorcycle crash
A Metropolitan Police officer was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after their motorcycle was involved in a collision with a van on Oxford Street. The incident occurred on Thursday, September 3, while the officer was responding to another call.
Westminster2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Violent Crime · WestminsterMayfair stabbing victim recovering after attempted robbery
A man is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries after being stabbed in Mayfair on the evening of September 3. A 58-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted robbery and grievous bodily harm.
Westminster2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 55 · Hype 45- Violent Crime · Westminster
Woman Raped in Westminster Doorway; Police Release CCTV
A woman in her 20s was raped in a doorway on Macklin Street in the early hours of Saturday, 22 August. Detectives have released further CCTV footage as part of their ongoing investigation and are urging anyone with information to come forward.
Westminster3 min readTrust 66 · Craft 80 · Hype 15 
Policing · WestminsterIOPC probes police contact before man's canal death
The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating police contact with Karnell Kelly, 25, who died after running from officers and entering the Grand Union Canal near Harrow Road. The investigation is ongoing.
Westminster3 min readTrust 62 · Craft 71 · Hype 20
Violent Crime · WestminsterMan stabbed in Mayfair's Berkeley Square
A man was taken to a major trauma centre after being stabbed in Berkeley Square, Mayfair. Emergency services were called to the scene on the evening of September 3.
Westminster1 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 61- Policing · Westminster
Detective Sergeant Charged with Five Counts of Sexual Assault
Metropolitan Police Detective Sergeant Prakash Patel faces five charges of sexual assault. He was arrested in April 2025 and suspended from duty, with the case referred to the Crown Prosecution Service.
Westminster2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15 
Violent Crime · WestminsterTwo jailed for Mayfair robbery of £137,000 watch from designer
Two men have been convicted of robbing fashion designer Catalin Botezatu of a £137,000 Richard Mille watch in Mayfair on 28 January 2026. The victim, who feared for his life, was restrained and injured during the attack outside Amazonico restaurant near Berkeley Square.
Westminster4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 65 · Hype 30
Also affecting Westminster
Borough-wide and national stories that name Westminster or bear directly on it.
- Crime Data · London
Westminster has highest murder rate in England and Wales
More than 500 murders were recorded by the Metropolitan Police in London over the past five years. Westminster has the highest murder rate per 100,000 people in England and Wales, while Lambeth recorded the highest number of killings in London.
London3 min readTrust 48 · Craft 65 · Hype 68 
Courts · Waltham ForestTfL faces prosecution over bus station death
Transport for London is facing criminal prosecution over alleged safety failures at Walthamstow bus station. The charges follow the death of 74-year-old Grace Mecaley in December 2023. The Health and Safety Executive is bringing the case, with the first hearing set for September 25.
Waltham Forest2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 59 · Hype 41- Courts · London
Leeds man convicted of Westminster murder
Suliaman Tajzai, 18, has been convicted of murder and possessing a bladed article after stabbing Farmanullah Sherzad to death on Abbey Orchard Street, Westminster. Tajzai will be sentenced on 18 September.
London2 min readTrust 66 · Craft 80 · Hype 35 - Crime Data · London
Barnet sees 11 non-surgical cosmetic procedure complaints
Barnet borough councils recorded 11 complaints regarding non-surgical cosmetic procedures between January 2021 and May 2026. This data, gathered through Freedom of Information requests, highlights a wider trend of patient concerns across London, including allegations of injury and infection.
London3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45 
Community Safety · LambethLambeth Council Approves £2bn Vauxhall Tower Development
Lambeth Council has approved a £2 billion development in Vauxhall, featuring a 230m tower and seven new buildings. The decision follows concerns raised by councillors, architects, and neighbouring councils regarding reduced affordable housing and significant carbon emissions.
Lambeth4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 75 · Hype 45
Community Safety · HackneyHackney nursery ordered to vacate church premises by September 11
St Michael's Nurseries in Lower Clapton must leave its Church of St Jude premises by September 11, 2026, following a court order. The nursery, operating as a tenant at will since 2015, is seeking a new site with Hackney Council's support.
Hackney4 min readTrust 70 · Craft 77 · Hype 45
Fraud & Cybercrime · City of LondonPremier League's £10m frozen amid Sorare fraud probe
More than £10 million of Premier League funds remain frozen as the National Crime Agency and Luxembourg authorities investigate its former fantasy football partner, Sorare.com, for alleged criminal conduct. The Premier League continued to receive funds until June 2025.
City of London3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 67 · Hype 41
Community Safety · GreenwichGrandfather, 68, graduates with first-class social work degree
Chris Osagbaekhoe, a 68-year-old grandfather from Thamesmead, has achieved a first-class BA in social work from Goldsmiths, University of London. Inspired by a desire to help vulnerable people, he plans to launch a community project for young people and seek employment as a qualified social worker.
Greenwich3 min readTrust 30 · Craft 65 · Hype 15- Violent Crime · Lambeth
Man charged with murder in Lambeth
Leroy Heffron, 38, has been charged with the murder of Thomas Carey, 39, who was found with severe head injuries on Poynders Road, SW4. Two other individuals were arrested in connection with the incident.
Lambeth3 min readTrust 66 · Craft 80 · Hype 15 
Courts · City of LondonMan charged with assisting Russian intelligence
A 31-year-old man, Joshua Cammidge, has been charged under the National Security Act with assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparatory conduct. He was arrested in Swindon and is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
City of London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 20- Courts · London
Man Charged with National Security Act Offences
Joshua Cammidge, 31, has been charged with offences under the National Security Act, including assisting a foreign intelligence service and preparatory conduct. The investigation was led by Counter Terrorism Policing London.
London2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 53 · Hype 20 - Latest
Noel Clarke charged with sexual offences
Actor Noel Clarke has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, three counts of voyeurism, and one count of exposure. The alleged offences involve five women and occurred between 2007 and 2016. Clarke is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 20 
Community Safety · LondonLondon rough sleeping figures fall but Westminster sees highest numbers
Official figures show a decrease in rough sleeping across London in 2025/26, though Westminster recorded the highest number of individuals. A new government initiative pledges significant funding to combat homelessness, as charities like People In Need Today continue to provide vital aid.
London3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45
LatestMan who harassed MP Stella Creasy on Tube avoids jail
Clifford Wilby has been given a suspended prison sentence and a restraining order after harassing Labour MP Stella Creasy on a Victoria Line train. The court heard Ms Creasy felt 'powerless' and 'like a human punch bag' during the incident.
3 min readTrust 68 · Craft 77 · Hype 48
Courts · LondonMP Stella Creasy harassed on Victoria Line train
Labour MP Stella Creasy was subjected to harassment on a Victoria Line train by Clifford Wilby, who blocked her exit and filmed her. Wilby received a suspended prison sentence and a five-year restraining order.
London3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 77 · Hype 45
Community Safety · LondonGrandfather, 68, graduates with first-class social work degree
Chris Osagbaekhoe, a 68-year-old grandfather of 12 from Thamesmead, has achieved a first-class honours degree in social work from Goldsmiths, University of London. He plans to use his qualification to support young people and vulnerable individuals.
London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 67 · Hype 25
Community Safety · Hammersmith and FulhamHammersmith and Fulham trials A-board ban on Uxbridge Road
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is to temporarily ban advertising A-boards along Uxbridge Road for 12 months from October. The move follows resident complaints about pavement obstructions and clutter, and will inform a wider consultation on a potential borough-wide ban.
Hammersmith and Fulham3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 75 · Hype 40
Policing · City of LondonChristopher Forrester jailed for 24 weeks after Cheapside bike theft
Christopher Forrester was sentenced to 24 weeks in prison after stealing a £1,800 bike on Cheapside on 16 June 2026. Police pursued him with help from a bystander, and the stolen bike was returned to its owner. Forrester also breached a Criminal Behaviour Order.
City of London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 65
Violent Crime · LewishamMan charged after 8 injured in Hither Green station attack
British Transport Police are seeking four additional victims and witnesses after a man allegedly attacked eight people at Hither Green station on August 20, 2020. Myles Miller has been charged with possession of a bladed article.
Lewisham2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 65
Courts · Kensington and ChelseaGary Glitter denies eight sexual abuse charges
Gary Glitter, real name Paul Gadd, pleaded not guilty to eight charges of sexual abuse against a child in Kensington and Chelsea between 1978 and 1981. He appeared via videolink from HMP Channing Wood at Southwark Crown Court.
Kensington and Chelsea3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 35