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163 stories · page 5 of 9
Shoplifter recalled to prison after stealing £72 of Buzzballz in City of London
Policing—17 Aug 2026, 14:463 min readA man has been sent back to prison after pleading guilty to stealing approximately £72 worth of alcoholic drinks from a City of London shop. Staff identified him when he returned the next day, leading to his arrest by City of London Police and a recall to custody.Read more
Facial recognition trial at London stations yields no matches in six monthsPolicing—17 Aug 2026, 13:065 min readA six-month trial of live facial recognition (LFR) cameras at London railway stations, including Victoria Underground, has produced no confirmed matches, British Transport Police (BTP) has said. The trial, which will run until November, has sparked concerns over privacy, accuracy and public consultation, with 72% of Londoners wanting a say in its use.
Jason Rennox charged after Brixton police officer assaulted during weapon searchPolicing—17 Aug 2026, 13:064 min readJason Rennox, of Wenlock Street, Hackney, has been charged with assaulting a police officer in Brixton on 13 August. The incident occurred when officers attempted to detain a boy for a weapon search, leading to additional police support being called.
Met Police failed trafficking victims linked to Mohamed Al Fayed, survivors say
Policing—17 Aug 2026, 08:056 min readFour 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.
Met Police seize record 2,367 illegal e-bikes in London crackdown
Policing—17 Aug 2026, 06:465 min readMetropolitan Police seized 2,367 illegal e-bikes in the year to 19 May 2026, the highest total of any UK force. New laws now let officers remove unregistered machines that can exceed 70 mph, linked to thefts, fires and fatal collisions across London.
Stop and search finds evidence in 36% of London searches, Met reports
Policing—17 Aug 2026, 00:255 min readThe Metropolitan Police recorded its highest-ever stop and search detection rate in July, with officers finding weapons, drugs or other evidence in 36% of searches. The force says reforms, including virtual reality training and community oversight, are improving both effectiveness and public trust in Barnet and beyond.
Met Inspector cleared of sexual assault after judge criticises investigation
Policing—15 Aug 2026, 19:074 min readInspector Dave Newman was acquitted of three sexual assault charges at Southwark Crown Court. Judge Bartle criticised the Met Police investigation, calling delays in witness statements 'baffling'. The force defended the probe, citing the jury's unanimous not-guilty verdicts.
Met Police expose 143 Al Fayed victims' emails in data breach
Policing—15 Aug 2026, 13:255 min readThe Metropolitan Police accidentally revealed the email addresses of 143 victims of Mohamed Al Fayed in a group update. The force apologised and launched an internal investigation after the breach, which occurred while informing victims about interviews under Operation Cornpoppy.
Jason Arday dies in Battersea after media harassment, family say
Policing—14 Aug 2026, 23:055 min readProfessor Jason Arday, 41, was found unresponsive at a property on Daley Thompson Way on 14 August. His family blamed a "campaign of misinformation" for his death. The Met confirmed the death is not being treated as suspicious, while public figures including the Education Secretary expressed shock.
Arsenal store on Drayton Park raided in early-hours break-in
Policing—14 Aug 2026, 18:063 min readArsenal’s official merchandise store on Drayton Park, Highbury, was targeted in a raid between 03:30 and 04:30 on 14 August 2026. Police are investigating what was stolen and have called for witnesses or doorbell and dashcam footage.
Man sought after upskirting incident at West Ham station escalator
Policing—14 Aug 2026, 17:264 min readPolice are appealing for witnesses after a woman was upskirted on an escalator at West Ham station during the morning rush hour. A suspect, described as a young man in workwear, boarded a Jubilee line train to Stratford and remains unidentified.
Arsenal Highbury store break‑in near Emirates Stadium prompts police search
Policing—14 Aug 2026, 17:303 min readA break‑in at the Arsenal Highbury store on Drayton Park in Islington early on 14 August 2026 led to an 11‑hour police cordon. No arrests have been made, and officers are analysing CCTV footage to identify the suspects.
Metropolitan Police investigate damage at Emirates Stadium Arsenal shop
Policing—14 Aug 2026, 13:064 min readThe Metropolitan Police cordoned off the Arsenal shop at Emirates Stadium on 14 August 2026 following damage to its doors and shutters. Forensic activity was observed, but the force has not confirmed the nature of the incident. Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area while investigations continue.
Police cordon Emirates Stadium shop after forensic teams arrive
Policing—14 Aug 2026, 13:063 min readA shop inside Emirates Stadium was sealed by police on 14 August 2026 after forensic teams arrived. Officers from Islington borough remain at the scene, though the nature of the incident has not been disclosed. No arrests have been reported.
£20,000 reward offered for information on missing Islington teenager Alex Sloley
Policing—14 Aug 2026, 08:054 min readThe Metropolitan Police have increased the reward to £20,000 for information leading to Alex Sloley, who vanished from Islington in August 2008 aged 16. Detectives believe he was exploited by gangs and urge anyone with information to come forward, stressing no one will face trouble for speaking up.
Human bones found in Biggin Hill garden trigger Met Police inquiry
Policing—13 Aug 2026, 16:253 min readThe Metropolitan Police have launched an investigation after human bones were found in the garden of a bungalow in Biggin Hill on 8 August. The area was cordoned off for six days while forensic examinations took place, and tests are now being conducted to establish the circumstances.
Met Police chief admits failures in Simon Levy case as IOPC investigates
Policing—13 Aug 2026, 12:466 min readThe Metropolitan Police has admitted errors in handling Simon Levy, who murdered Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo and Sheryl Wilkins in 2025 while on bail. Sir Mark Rowley criticised systemic failures, including delayed CPS referrals and downgraded offender monitoring. The IOPC is investigating police management of Levy from 2021 to 2025.Met Police downgraded double murderer Simon Levy to medium-risk before killings
Policing—13 Aug 2026, 12:465 min readThe Metropolitan Police reduced convicted sex offender Simon Levy’s risk classification months before he murdered two women in 2025. The force apologised but defended its investigation, while the IOPC examines its management of Levy from 2021 to 2025. Victims’ families demand systemic change.Clapham bus driver Auguste-Marie Bile-aka Amoa shot dead on Willington Road
Policing—12 Aug 2026, 18:064 min readA 25-year-old bus driver was pronounced dead after a shooting on Willington Road in Clapham on 10 August. Police have named the victim as Auguste-Marie Bile-aka Amoa. A 22-year-old man was arrested the following day and remains in hospital under police guard.