The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Topic
metpolice
138 stories, newest first · page 7 of 7.
- Policing · Lewisham
PC Adam Sahel convicted of assault after spraying colleague with PAVA at Catford station
PC Adam Sahel, 34, was found guilty of common assault at Southwark Crown Court on 5 August 2026 after spraying a junior colleague with PAVA spray at Catford police station in August 2023. He had previously been charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Lewisham5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 80 · Hype 15 
Policing · LambethMet Police arrest Brixton man on stolen moped with Class A drugs and crowbar
A 28-year-old man was arrested in Brixton after police found MDMA, cocaine, cannabis, and £1,500 in cash on him during a stop. The arrest is part of a wider Met Police operation targeting gang violence, which has seen 238 charges and 38 weapons seized in a week.
Lambeth5 min readTrust 64 · Craft 95 · Hype 55
Policing · LondonMet Police closed harassment case against journalist probing Cambridge professor Jason Arday
The Metropolitan Police investigated journalist Jack Grove for harassment after he questioned Professor Jason Arday’s academic record and charity claims. The case was closed in February 2026. Cambridge University is conducting a separate inquiry into Arday’s qualifications and honorary appointments.
London5 min readTrust 78 · Craft 87 · Hype 68
Policing · SouthwarkMet Officer Cleared of Misconduct in Chris Kaba Shooting, Commissioner Welcomes Decision
A Metropolitan Police officer who shot Chris Kaba in Streatham in 2022 will not face misconduct proceedings, the IOPC confirmed. Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley called the decision a milestone but warned the accountability system remains unbalanced for officers and the public.
Southwark5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 30- Violent Crime · Islington
Four charged with attempted murder after Arsenal parade violence in Islington
Four people have been charged with attempted murder following violent incidents at Arsenal’s Premier League victory parade in Islington. Six people were stabbed, two police officers injured, and nine men are still sought by the Met, which deployed over 500 officers to manage the event.
Islington5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70 - Violent Crime · Islington
Twelve charged after violent incidents mar Arsenal victory parade in Islington
Twelve people have been charged with offences including attempted murder and sexual assault following 29 arrests during Arsenal’s victory parade on 31 May. Police confirmed a racially aggravated assault and a late-night attack at the Kings Head pub left two men seriously injured.
Islington4 min readTrust 74 · Craft 80 · Hype 12 
Policing · LondonMet Police expand shoplifting evidence platform to eight more London boroughs
The Metropolitan Police are extending a digital evidence platform to eight additional boroughs after a pilot in six areas saw the proportion of cases leading to cautions or charges rise from 7.3% to 29.4%. Retailers including Boots and Greggs can now upload footage and statements without delay.
London4 min readTrust 58 · Craft 95 · Hype 30- Policing · London
Met Police tech quadruples shoplifter prosecutions in Barnet and London
A new Metropolitan Police system has increased the proportion of shoplifting cases with a positive outcome from 7.3% to 29.4%. Barnet retailers will join the scheme on 3 August 2026, allowing faster evidence submission and arrests.
London5 min readTrust 55 · Craft 50 · Hype 65 
Policing · Richmond upon ThamesFour men sought after Teddington ATM theft on Kingston Road
Police are searching for four men after an ATM was ripped from its pavement mounting outside a Londis in Teddington early on 29 July 2026. A blue car was used to drag the machine away, leaving debris on Kingston Road.
Richmond upon Thames4 min readTrust 66 · Craft 85 · Hype 55
Policing · LewishamTwo arrested after Catford robbery and knife discarded on Rushey Green
Met Police arrested two suspects in their 40s after a robbery on Rushey Green, Catford. A man discarded a knife during a foot chase. Both face charges for robbery, offensive weapon possession, and drugs. The incident occurred on 1 August 2026.
Lewisham3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 50- Violent Crime · London
London knife crime statistics: what the figures count and what they leave out
How to interpret London knife crime data: knife-enabled classifications, borough totals, police recording, comparison periods and why one headline number cannot describe personal risk.
London7 min read - Policing · London
Stop and search in London: your rights and what the officer must explain
A plain-English guide to Metropolitan Police stop and search: what an officer should explain, what can be searched, how to get a record and where to raise a concern.
London6 min read 
Crime Data · LondonHow to read London crime statistics without drawing the wrong conclusion
A guide to London crime data from the Met, MOPAC and Home Office: what recorded crime counts, why street points are approximate and how to compare boroughs or months responsibly.
London7 min read
Community Safety · LondonHow to report a crime in London: 999, 101, online and on public transport
A practical guide to reporting crime in London: when to call 999, how to make a non-emergency Met Police report, when British Transport Police is responsible and what details to preserve.
London6 min read
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 · LewishamJonas Amogbokpa sentenced to 14 years for predatory rape of drunk student in Deptford
Jonas Amogbokpa was sentenced to 14 years in prison plus a 4-year extended licence for raping a drunk student in Deptford High Street on 30 August 2024. Police believe more victims may exist and are appealing for information.
Lewisham5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 70- 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