The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Subject
Leicester Square
London Crime News has published 6 stories involving Leicester Square, from August 2026 to October 2026. Each one is scored for how well the original reporting stood up, and lists the reports it was written from.
- Policing · Westminster
Leicester Square Cordoned Off After Overnight Police Incident
Leicester Square was cordoned off by police following an overnight incident. The cordon remained in place into the morning, with authorities continuing their investigations into the circumstances of the event.
Westminster1 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 61 - Courts · Westminster
Westminster Nail Salons Face Closure Over Safety Concerns
Two central London nail salons, The Nail Garden in Soho and Leicester Square, are at risk of closure. Inspectors reported a dirty waxing room, trip hazards, and potentially untrained staff, leading to a licensing committee review.
Westminster3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 65 · Hype 45 
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
Violent Crime · WestminsterMan taken to major trauma centre after Leicester Square incident
A man has been taken to a major trauma centre following an incident in Leicester Square on Sunday, August 30. The London Ambulance Service attended the scene after being called at 6.03am.
Westminster2 min readTrust 30 · Craft 50 · Hype 45- Policing · Southwark
Met Inspector Michael Richards convicted of sexual assault in central London pub
Inspector Michael Richards was found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman at a pub near Leicester Square in September 2024. A jury convicted him of one count of sexual assault on 10 August 2026, while acquitting him of a second charge. He faces sentencing and an accelerated misconduct hearing.
Southwark4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 70 · Hype 12 
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