The morning case file
London Crime Briefing
Significant incidents, hearings, outcomes and public-data changes across the capital.
Topic
southlondon
8 stories, newest first.
- Policing · London
Police cordon St Matthew's Church in Brixton
Police have cordoned off St Matthew's Church in Brixton, south London, as an incident is being dealt with. The area around the church has been secured by officers.
London1 min readTrust 30 · Craft 45 · Hype 61 - Courts · London
Woman on trial for murder after partner found dead at Elephant and Castle home
A woman is on trial at the Old Bailey accused of murdering her Citibank banker partner. Joanna Cierpka, 51, admits killing Henrik Slotsaa, 52, at their Elephant and Castle home on March 15, 2026, but claims diminished responsibility due to severe depression.
London4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 77 · Hype 45 
Community Safety · LondonSouth London caves: Fact and folklore beneath the streets
Hidden caves beneath South London have long been the subject of local folklore, with stories of smugglers and secret routes. While some tales persist, geological evidence and historical records suggest a more mundane origin for the underground network.
London3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 65 · Hype 48
Community Safety · CroydonCroydon residents frustrated by persistent water leaks
Persistent water leaks have been flowing onto pavements and roads in South Croydon throughout the summer, leading to frustration among residents over slip risks and odours, despite assurances from Thames Water.
Croydon4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 68 · Hype 45
Courts · CroydonMedical emergency halts Old Bailey hearing for two brothers
A hearing at the Old Bailey for two brothers charged with the attempted murder of an adult male was interrupted on Thursday. One of the boys, aged 12 or 14, became distressed and required first aid during the court session.
Croydon2 min readTrust 56 · Craft 85 · Hype 15
Policing · LondonCounter-terrorism police link Barnet murder suspect to Farage arson probe
Counter Terrorism Policing London has reopened its inquiry into an alleged arson attempt at Nigel Farage’s home in early 2025 after identifying a potential link to Joshua Kerry, who was charged last month with the murder of former MP Ann Widdecombe. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating a CTP London staff member for failing to pursue the line of inquiry earlier.
London5 min readTrust 66 · Craft 77 · Hype 45
Policing · LondonCounter-terrorism probe into Farage firebomb attack reopened after IOPC referral
Counter-terrorism officers have reopened an investigation into an alleged firebomb attack on Nigel Farage’s home after admitting errors in the original probe. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is now examining the conduct of a Counter-Terrorism Policing London staff member following a referral by the Met.
London4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 70 · Hype 30
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