The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Subject
Metropolitan Police
London Crime News has published 13 stories involving Metropolitan Police, from July 2026 to July 2026. Each one is scored for how well the original reporting stood up, and lists the reports it was written from.
Policing · LondonMet-Palantir AI contract blocked by London policing office over procurement breach
The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (Mopac) blocked a £50m contract between the Metropolitan Police and Palantir in May 2026, citing a 'clear and serious breach' of procurement rules. Palantir is suing, alleging the decision was based on ethics rather than procedure. A High Court hearing is set for January 2027.
London5 min readTrust 55 · Craft 65 · Hype 30
Policing · LewishamMet Police Seize £4m in Catford Drug Raid Linked to Stop-and-Search
Metropolitan Police discovered £4 million in cash and a kilogram of cocaine during searches in Catford, south London. The seizure, one of the largest in London, followed a stop-and-search operation targeting a suspicious vehicle. A 54-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property.
Lewisham4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70
Violent Crime · EalingMan fighting for life after Hanwell town centre stabbing
A 40-year-old man remains in critical condition after being stabbed in Hanwell town centre in the early hours. Police have closed Boston Road between Uxbridge Road and Lower Boston Road while investigations continue, with no arrests made so far.
Ealing4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 65
LatestMet Police officer charged with eight child sex offences in Surrey
A Metropolitan Police officer has been charged with eight sexual offences against a girl aged 13 to 15. The alleged crimes took place in Surrey, with PC Benjamin Jackson bailed to appear at Guildford Magistrates' Court on 4 August 2024.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
Violent Crime · BrentMan stabbed on Preston Road shopping parade in Wembley
A 40-year-old man was stabbed on a Wembley shopping parade shortly before 8pm on 30 July. Police confirmed no arrests have been made and the victim’s injuries are not life-threatening. Witnesses are urged to contact officers with information.
Brent4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 50
Community Safety · LewishamHouse of Flavourz retains licence with new conditions after Forest Hill review
A Caribbean restaurant in Forest Hill will remain open after a licensing review heard 28 messages of support and 21 objections. Lewisham Council added conditions including an event management plan and a dispersal policy, but did not reduce opening hours or revoke the licence.
Lewisham5 min readTrust 55 · Craft 65 · Hype 35
Policing · EalingPolice cordon off Boston Road in Hanwell after early-morning stabbing
A man was taken to a major trauma centre after being stabbed on Boston Road, Hanwell, in the early hours of 19 August. Police have sealed off the road between Uxbridge Road and Lower Boston Road, diverting bus routes 195 and E8. The cordon remains in place as investigations continue.
Ealing4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 55- Policing · Islington
Islington Man Charged Under National Security Act for RAF Akrotiri Surveillance
A 44-year-old Islington resident has been charged under the National Security Act for allegedly conducting hostile surveillance at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus between May and June 2025. Rashad Sultanov is accused of sharing information with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps. Extradition proceedings are underway.
Islington4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15 - Policing · Lewisham
Met Police seize £4m in cash and cocaine after Catford car stop
Metropolitan Police officers found £4 million in cash and 1 kilogram of cocaine during a search of a home in Catford after stopping a car in July 2026. The driver, a 54-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property.
Lewisham4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70 - Courts · Richmond upon Thames
Three jailed for Richmond jewellery shop smash-and-grab robbery
Three men were sentenced at Kingston Crown Court on 30 July 2026 for a smash-and-grab robbery at a Richmond jewellery shop in January. The men stole jewels worth £225,000 and were arrested in Essex between March and April. Neighbourhood offences in London fell by 14% in the year to June 2026.
Richmond upon Thames5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 35 - Violent Crime · Islington
Man charged with murder of Ahmed Jama in Islington
A 23-year-old man has been charged with murder after Ahmed Jama died from head injuries sustained in an assault on Hungerford Road, Islington, on 10 July 2026. Two women remain on bail for grievous bodily harm, while a 24-year-old man was released on bail.
Islington4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15 - 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 - Policing · London
Met Police close probe into guillotine t-shirt image shared online
The Metropolitan Police have concluded their investigation into the sharing of an image showing a man wearing a t-shirt with a guillotine design. The force determined no offence was committed by the 130 accounts that shared the post, but a separate crime report has been passed to Avon and Somerset Police.
London4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 15