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 3 of 7.
Public records for Westminster. Explore the Home Office street-level crime figures for this area.
Reported from Westminster
Community Safety · WestminsterGem House tenants face eviction after £12.6m sale to private landlord
Sixteen families in Marylebone must apply for homelessness rehousing after their flats were sold to a private landlord, who has demanded rents up to eight times higher. Westminster Council’s legal challenge failed, leaving tenants uncertain about their future before evictions begin at the end of August.
Westminster5 min readTrust 45 · Craft 55 · Hype 50
Violent Crime · WestminsterTwo charged with sexual assaults in Mayfair after women report attacks
A 57-year-old man and a 41-year-old woman have been charged following two women reporting sexual assaults at a Brick Street property in Mayfair. Both defendants appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 13 August and were remanded in custody.
Westminster4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
Transport Crime · WestminsterVictoria Line racial abuse: Police seek woman from Oxford Circus CCTV
British Transport Police have released CCTV footage of a woman they want to speak to after passengers were racially abused on a Victoria Line train between Victoria and Oxford Circus on 30 July 2025. The public are asked to contact police with any information.
Westminster3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 65
Violent Crime · WestminsterMistress of Mayfair licence suspended after throat-slashing attack
Westminster City Council suspended the licence of the Mistress of Mayfair on 17 August 2026 after a man’s throat was slashed at the St James’s Street venue. Police said the club failed to scan IDs, hindering the investigation. The suspect, Lucci Guthrie, faces attempted murder charges and appears at the Old Bailey on 9 September.
Westminster5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 95 · Hype 32
Courts · WestminsterMariam El-Sobky disbarred after WhatsApp slurs and court recordings
A Lincoln’s Inn barrister has been disbarred and ordered to pay £7,226 in costs after making offensive WhatsApp remarks about a former colleague’s mental health and secretly recording Family Court hearings. She must now prove her mental fitness before returning to practice.
Westminster4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 50
Crime Data · WestminsterWestminster tops London for phone thefts with 20,700 offences in 2025
Westminster recorded 20,700 mobile phone thefts and robberies in 2025, the highest of any London borough. London saw a 13% fall in offences, but still accounted for 87% of England and Wales’s total. Police and tech firms are now working to block stolen devices.
Westminster4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 87 · Hype 55
Policing · WestminsterMet Police failed trafficking victims linked to Mohamed Al Fayed, survivors say
Four survivors of trafficking linked to the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed say the Metropolitan Police did not refer them to the National Referral Mechanism when they reported abuse. The Home Office has confirmed at least five survivors, but police only began offering referrals in April 2026.
Westminster6 min readTrust 56 · Craft 87 · Hype 35
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council moves to close Charing Cross soup kitchen over safety fears
Westminster Council has threatened to shut down a weekly soup kitchen in Charing Cross, citing noise, litter, and public safety concerns. The charity running the service says council demands, including a costly waste disposal licence, are making it 'impossible' to continue supporting homeless residents. Residents have complained about antisocial behaviour linked to the gatherings.
Westminster4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 83 · Hype 21
Community Safety · WestminsterPaddington rooftop bar approved after Met Police drops crime concerns
Westminster City Council has granted a premises licence to Torino, an Italian restaurant and rooftop bar in Paddington Square, after the Met Police withdrew its objection. The decision follows agreements on conditions to prevent crime and public nuisance, including waiter-only alcohol service and noise restrictions.
Westminster4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 67 · Hype 20- Violent Crime · Westminster
Two men injured in Marble Arch assault, no arrests made
A 21-year-old man was taken to hospital with head injuries after an assault near Marble Arch in Westminster. A second man was treated at the scene. Police have not confirmed if a weapon was used and are asking for information.
Westminster3 min readTrust 54 · Craft 75 · Hype 15 
Violent Crime · WestminsterMan attacked with bottle near Marble Arch, taken to trauma centre
A man was assaulted with a bottle near Marble Arch in Westminster on 12 August 2026 and taken to a major trauma centre. Police cordoned the scene after three attackers fled. The London Ambulance Service arrived within four minutes.
Westminster4 min readTrust 62 · Craft 62 · Hype 15
Violent Crime · WestminsterCroydon man charged with attempted murder after Mayfair nightclub attack
A Croydon man has been charged with attempting to murder a man in a Mayfair nightclub after an alleged altercation. Sajeev Kumar suffered an 8cm neck wound and other injuries. The defendant, Lucci Guthrie, will appear at the Old Bailey on 14 August.
Westminster4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70
Policing · WestminsterOxford Street to get permanent facial recognition cameras
Live facial recognition cameras will be installed on Oxford Street, scanning faces of passers-by against a watchlist of wanted suspects. The Metropolitan Police and Mayor Sadiq Khan support the move, citing crime reduction, while human rights groups warn of increased surveillance without legal safeguards.
Westminster5 min readTrust 64 · Craft 95 · Hype 68
Courts · WestminsterGabrielle Carrington murder trial set for January after legal deadline
Gabrielle Carrington, 29, accused of murdering Klaudia Zakrzewska, 32, by running her over outside a Soho nightclub, has until 17 August to secure legal representation. Her trial is scheduled for 5 January 2027 at the Old Bailey.
Westminster4 min readTrust 48 · Craft 85 · Hype 15- Policing · Westminster
Met detective jailed for stalking receives 12-month community order
A Metropolitan Police detective has been sentenced to a 12-month community order and 150 hours of unpaid work after being convicted of stalking. Tim Fory, attached to the force’s professional standards unit, will face an accelerated misconduct hearing following his conviction at City of London Magistrates’ Court.
Westminster4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 80 · Hype 15 - Policing · Westminster
Live facial recognition cameras start at Victoria Underground on 11 August
British Transport Police will deploy live facial recognition technology at Victoria Underground station from 11 August as part of a trial extending to November 2026. The system will scan passengers and compare them to a watchlist of people wanted by police or courts, with alternative routes offered to those who opt out.
Westminster4 min readTrust 56 · Craft 80 · Hype 12 
Courts · WestminsterMet detective convicted of stalking ex-partner Stephanie Lane
A Metropolitan Police detective has been convicted of stalking his former partner, also a detective, for eight weeks after their breakup. Timothy Fory was sentenced to a 12-month community order, 150 hours of unpaid work, and a five-year restraining order. He remains suspended on full pay pending a misconduct hearing.
Westminster5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 95 · Hype 25
Policing · WestminsterMet Police officer drives seized £3.7m Ferrari through Mayfair in convoy
A Metropolitan Police officer drove a seized Ferrari Monza SP2, valued at £3.7 million, through Mayfair accompanied by a police convoy. The car was confiscated at a supercar meet near Hyde Park Corner on Saturday. The Met seized 70 supercars worth £7 million in a single weekend last year, many uninsured or linked to anti-social driving.
Westminster4 min readTrust 36 · Craft 79 · Hype 68
Policing · WestminsterMet PC Akbar Arabi dismissed after driving BMW uninsured in Fitzrovia
PC Akbar Arabi was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police and barred from future policing roles after being stopped driving a BMW without a licence, insurance or ID in Fitzrovia. A disciplinary hearing ruled his conduct breached professional standards.
Westminster4 min readTrust 56 · Craft 67 · Hype 35
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council prioritises table-service venues in new licensing policy
Westminster City Council’s draft licensing policy will favour establishments offering table service over traditional bars. Pubs like The Globe near Baker Street have faced repeated reviews after complaints about noise, while Greggs was blocked from selling hot food overnight due to police concerns about crime and disorder.
Westminster5 min readTrust 56 · Craft 69 · Hype 48
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