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 4 of 7.
Public records for Westminster. Explore the Home Office street-level crime figures for this area.
Reported from Westminster
Policing · WestminsterEleventh Met officer dismissed after Charing Cross misconduct findings
A Metropolitan Police officer has been dismissed and barred from rejoining the force after a misconduct hearing found he breached standards on authority, respect, and conduct. PC Richard Marus’s actions were captured in unaired footage from a BBC Panorama investigation into Charing Cross police station.
Westminster4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 50
Courts · WestminsterIslington man jailed for trying to steal £250,000 watch in Jermyn Street
A 29-year-old man from Islington has been sentenced to two years and four months in prison after attempting to steal a £250,000 Richard Mille watch on Jermyn Street. Plain-clothes Metropolitan Police officers arrested Brahim Keddad within minutes of the attempted robbery on 7 August 2026.
Westminster4 min readTrust 48 · Craft 52 · Hype 68- Policing · Westminster
PC Richard Marus dismissed after misconduct hearing over force and victim comments
PC Richard Marus was dismissed without notice on 4 August after a gross misconduct hearing found he made inappropriate comments about use of force and victims of crime. The Metropolitan Police confirmed he is the eleventh officer dismissed from Charing Cross for unacceptable conduct.
Westminster4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 80 · Hype 15 - Courts · Westminster
Brahim Keddad sentenced for £250,000 Mayfair watch robbery attempt
Brahim Keddad, 29, was sentenced to two years and four months at Southwark Crown Court for attempting to steal a £250,000 Richard Mille watch in Mayfair. The arrest followed a targeted Metropolitan Police patrol, part of a wider reduction in theft offences across London.
Westminster5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 72 · Hype 32 
Violent Crime · WestminsterIvan Toney charged with assault in Soho, court date set
England footballer Ivan Toney has been charged with assault following an incident at a nightclub on Wardour Street in Soho on 6 December. The 30-year-old is due to appear in court next month, as reported by the BBC.
Westminster3 min readTrust 36 · Craft 60 · Hype 15
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council proposes curbs on standing drinkers in Soho and West End pubs
Westminster Council has proposed new licensing rules encouraging pubs in Soho and the West End to reduce standing customers, sparking criticism from Downing Street, the Mayor of London, and local business owners. The draft policy is open for consultation until 20 September 2024.
Westminster5 min readTrust 74 · Craft 83 · Hype 41
Community Safety · WestminsterWestminster Council’s standing-drinker policy sparks Soho pub closures warning
Westminster City Council’s draft licensing policy proposes reducing standing capacity in Soho and West End pubs to ease pavement crowding. Pub owners warn of closures and job losses, while Mayor Sadiq Khan and Downing Street criticise the plans. The consultation closes on 9 August.
Westminster6 min readTrust 74 · Craft 83 · Hype 21
Courts · WestminsterAlex Jenkinson faces stalking order over Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor incident near Sandringham
Alex Jenkinson, 39, is charged with threatening behaviour towards Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor in Norfolk on 6 May. Suffolk Police are seeking a civil Stalking Protection Order, with a pre-trial hearing set for 22 January at Loughborough Magistrates’ Court.
Westminster5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 85 · Hype 45- Violent Crime · Westminster
Stella Gollovena charged with four counts of wounding after Covent Garden stabbings
A woman has been charged with wounding four men in a daytime stabbing on Endell Street, Covent Garden. The victims, aged 34 to 56, were treated and discharged from hospital. The Metropolitan Police confirmed the charges and remanded the suspect in custody.
Westminster4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 50 
Community Safety · WestminsterGrosvenor Gardens rough sleeping surge costs businesses thousands
Shop owners near Victoria station say rough sleepers in Grosvenor Gardens are causing thefts, property damage and anti-social behaviour. Westminster Council confirms £8 million annual spending on homelessness support but calls for Home Office action to address criminal activity linked to rough sleeping.
Westminster5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 87 · Hype 48
Policing · WestminsterMet PC Akbar Arabi dismissed after uninsured BMW drive in Westminster
PC Akbar Arabi was dismissed from the Metropolitan Police after an accelerated misconduct hearing found he drove a BMW without insurance and performed dangerous manoeuvres in Westminster. Commander Katie Lilburn ruled his actions criminal and damaging to public trust.
Westminster5 min readTrust 56 · Craft 42 · Hype 48
Violent Crime · WestminsterFour men stabbed in Covent Garden, 47-year-old woman arrested
Four men aged 34 to 52 were taken to a major trauma centre after being stabbed on Endell Street, Covent Garden. A 47-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and assault. Police continue to appeal for witnesses.
Westminster5 min readTrust 40 · Craft 55 · Hype 65
Violent Crime · WestminsterFour hospitalised after stabbing on Endell Street, Covent Garden
Four people were taken to hospital following a stabbing on Endell Street, Covent Garden, on 15 October 2024. Police have not named suspects or released victim details. The area remains cordoned off while investigations continue.
Westminster4 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 65
Transport Crime · WestminsterBritish Transport Police seek man after Bond Street Tube sexual assault
British Transport Police have released images of a man wanted for questioning after a sexual assault at Bond Street Tube station during rush hour. The attack occurred in the tunnel connecting the Elizabeth Line and Central Line on 15 June 2026.
Westminster3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70
Courts · WestminsterMet Police inspector denies groping three colleagues in Soho bar
A Metropolitan Police inspector is accused of sexually assaulting three female colleagues during a night out in Soho. The trial heard allegations of unwanted touching on a dancefloor. Newman denies all charges and the case continues.
Westminster4 min readTrust 56 · Craft 85 · Hype 25
Courts · WestminsterGabrielle Carrington denies murder of Klaudia Zakrzewska in Soho
Gabrielle Carrington, 29, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link to deny murdering Klaudia Zakrzewska, 30s, after allegedly striking her with a car outside a Soho nightclub. Security guard Anoush Chyche suffered life-changing injuries in the same incident.
Westminster4 min readTrust 56 · Craft 75 · Hype 48
Violent Crime · WestminsterFive Al Fayed survivors confirmed as trafficking victims by Home Office
The Home Office has confirmed five survivors of Mohamed Al Fayed’s abuse as victims of human trafficking, including four former Harrods employees. Decisions issued between May and July 2026 follow referrals by charity Unseen UK, with survivors describing systemic exploitation across Al Fayed’s businesses and properties.
Westminster6 min readTrust 64 · Craft 87 · Hype 30- Policing · Westminster
Met Police to arrest Palestine Action supporters at Westminster protest
Metropolitan Police will deploy officers outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 30 July 2026 to arrest supporters of Palestine Action, a group proscribed in 2025. No related court hearings are scheduled, but police say verbal or visible support for the group is illegal and will lead to charges.
Westminster4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
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