Margaret Davis

Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Kevin Southworth warns that a rising number of registered sex offenders is placing significant pressure on policing and the wider criminal justice system. The Met is monitoring more than 10,000 offenders, with increases attributed partly to online child sexual abuse and more rape and domestic abuse cases resulting in charges. Southworth says Simon Levy only became identifiable as an exceptionally dangerous offender after his alleged offending escalated in 2025, despite earlier rape and sexual-assault allegations. He also links sexual and domestic violence to misogynistic material online and calls for strategies modeled on counter-terrorism and gang-crime efforts to address online harms.

Metropolitan Police officer Martyn Blake will not face disciplinary proceedings over the fatal 2022 shooting of Chris Kaba in Streatham. The Independent Office for Police Conduct withdrew the proceedings after government regulatory changes raised the threshold for police misconduct cases to the criminal-law standard, while considering representations from the Kaba family and Blake. Blake was previously acquitted of murder, and a coroner will decide whether an inquest into Kaba’s death should be held.

Armed officer Martyn Blake, who was acquitted of murdering Chris Kaba after shooting him in Streatham in 2022, will no longer face police disciplinary proceedings. The Independent Office for Police Conduct withdrew the case after government changes raised the misconduct threshold for police use-of-force incidents to the criminal-law standard. The decision was welcomed by the Metropolitan Police Federation and Commissioner Mark Rowley, while a coroner will determine whether an inquest into Kaba’s death will take place.

Twelve people were arrested in connection with an alleged extreme right-wing terrorist threat against the UK Ijtima Islamic event at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk. Police advised organisers to end the event early after assessing the threat as credible. Three men were arrested in Surrey on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, a woman was arrested in east London for allegedly assisting an offender, and eight other men were detained under Section 41 of the Terrorism Act across several locations. Counter Terrorism Policing London confirmed the operation, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood condemned the threat and called for unity.

Police arrested 12 people across the UK over an alleged extreme right-wing terror threat targeting the UK Ijtima Islamic event at Shrubland Hall in Suffolk. Three men were arrested in Surrey on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, while nine others were detained under terrorism legislation or on suspicion of assisting an offender. The event ended early but passed safely, and police warned that the UK’s severe terror threat level requires continued public vigilance.

Counter Terrorism Policing South East has taken the lead in the investigation into the reported death of Ann Widdecombe at her Haytor residence. A 28-year-old man from Rotherham was re-arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offences after initially being arrested on suspicion of murder, while specialist counter-terrorism officers continue working with Devon and Cornwall Police to establish the circumstances.

A mother and her two children were found dead at a home on Carnoustie Drive in Great Denham, Bedfordshire, after police forced entry following reports that the family had not been seen for several days. Bedfordshire Police have launched a murder investigation and identified a suspect known to the victims who is believed to have left the country. Police say there is no wider risk to the public but will increase their presence locally while appealing for information about suspicious activity.

Police discovered a mother and her two children dead in a home in Great Denham after concerns were raised when they had not been seen for several days. A murder investigation has been launched, and a suspect known to the victims is believed to have left the country. Assistant Chief Constable John Murphy said specialist teams and increased patrols are being deployed, stressing that there is no wider risk to the public. Police urge anyone with information or who noticed suspicious activity in the area to come forward.

Detectives in London are using familial DNA techniques to identify potential relatives of a suspect linked to two rapes committed in 2020 and 2024 in Thamesmead and Abbey Wood. The Metropolitan Police released new CCTV images and renewed appeals for public information after previous efforts failed to identify the man. Crimestoppers announced a £10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction, urging anyone with knowledge to come forward anonymously to support the investigation and help protect other women and girls.

Metropolitan Police detectives are using familial DNA analysis to identify relatives of a suspect linked to two daylight rapes in Thamesmead in 2020 and Abbey Wood in 2024. CCTV images of a man they want to speak to have been released, and Crimestoppers is offering a £10,000 reward for information leading to a conviction. Police urge the public to provide any relevant information anonymously if needed.

Maria Pearson, 70, is set to be released after nearly four decades in prison for the 1986 stabbing death of 23-year-old Janet Newton. Pearson received a life sentence in 1987 and completed her 12-year minimum term in 1998, but remained incarcerated after repeated parole reviews and concerns about her behaviour. The Parole Board concluded that she no longer poses a risk to the public. Her release will include strict conditions, including residence at an approved address, a year of electronically monitored curfew, and restrictions preventing contact with Newton’s family.

Maria Pearson, Britain’s longest‑serving female prisoner, will be released after the Parole Board ruled she no longer poses a public risk. Convicted of murdering Janet Newton in 1986, she served a minimum term of 12 years but remained in custody for decades due to behaviour concerns. The latest review concluded she now presents only minimal risk. Her release will include strict conditions such as a designated residence, a year‑long tagged curfew, and a ban on contact with the victim’s family.

A 14-year-old girl known as Lilly was found dead in Duffryn Park, Blaina, after being reported missing. Gwent Police arrested a 14-year-old boy from the Blaenau Gwent area on suspicion of murder and urged the public not to speculate while the investigation continues. The case was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, while local representatives, the church and community members offered condolences and support to Lilly’s family.

A 14-year-old girl identified as Lilly was found dead in Duffryn Park, Blaina, after being reported missing. A 14-year-old boy from the Blaenau Gwent area was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. Gwent Police are investigating, with the incident referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, while authorities urge the public not to speculate online.

Abdulmanon Aliev, a 50-year-old man from Tajikistan living in Peckham, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for sexually assaulting a vulnerable 13-year-old girl on a train from Southend to London. He followed, blocked and assaulted her before she escaped at London Fenchurch Street. British Transport Police arrested him 11 days later, and he was subsequently convicted of attempted rape, two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault. He will serve an additional two years on licence and remain on the sex offenders’ register for life.

Abdulmanon Aliev, a 50-year-old man from Tajikistan, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, followed by two years on licence, for sexually assaulting a vulnerable 13-year-old girl on a train from Southend to London. He was convicted of attempted rape, two counts of assault by penetration and three counts of sexual assault. The victim escaped at London Fenchurch Street and reported the attack, enabling British Transport Police to investigate and arrest Aliev 11 days later. He will remain on the sex offenders register for life.

Police in Blaina, south Wales, have launched a murder investigation after the body of 14‑year‑old Lilly, reported missing since 20 June, was found in Duffryn Park. Officers have established a strong presence in the area and are appealing for public information to assist their inquiries.

London’s Metropolitan Police will expand its live facial recognition camera network to the West End and Soho after a pilot in Croydon yielded 173 arrests and reported reductions in crime, including violence against women and girls. Commissioner Mark Rowley called the technology a major policing advance and cited strong public support. The force plans further rollout next year following more than 2,000 arrests linked to the system since early 2024.

London’s Metropolitan Police plans to expand static live facial recognition cameras to the West End and Soho after a Croydon pilot that the force says produced 173 arrests, reduced crime and violence against women and girls, and generated only one false alert among hundreds of thousands of people scanned. Commissioner Mark Rowley strongly supports the technology, which he says has public backing and helps officers target wanted criminals and registered sex offenders without replacing police decision-making. The Met says more than 2,000 arrests have resulted from live facial recognition since early 2024, with further deployments planned across London.

Metropolitan Police figures show that 104 repeat offenders committed 4,389 shoplifting offences and more than 1,000 additional crimes in London over two financial years, with each offender committing at least 31 offences before imprisonment. Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist said most continued offending after being charged. The Met, British Retail Consortium and Retail Trust are urging the Home Office and Ministry of Justice to establish fast-track courts so repeat shoplifters can appear within 72 hours, citing serious effects on retail workers and businesses.

The first eight closed grooming gang cases reviewed under Operation Beaconport have been returned to police forces for fresh investigations. The National Crime Agency is examining 1,273 cases from 23 forces involving multiple suspects and victims, with 236 prioritized because they include rape allegations. Early reviews identified possible human error, including unpursued lines of inquiry, inadequately recorded victim accounts and insufficient suspect interviews. The NCA says the nationwide review is intended to identify missed opportunities and seek justice for victims and survivors.

Solicitor general Ellie Reeves has referred Vickrum Digwa’s life sentence, with a 21-year minimum term for murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak, to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient sentence scheme. Digwa stabbed Nowak with a ceremonial knife in Southampton in December 2025; he claimed self-defence after an alleged racial insult, while prosecutors said he lied to police. The case also prompted criticism of the police response, anti-immigration protests and a political dispute. Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged politicians and the public not to use the tragedy to fuel unrest, while the Court of Appeal will determine whether Digwa’s sentence should be increased.

Solicitor general Ellie Reeves has referred Vickrum Digwa’s life sentence for murdering 18-year-old Henry Nowak to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient sentence scheme. Digwa was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years after fatally stabbing Nowak with a Sikh ceremonial knife in Southampton. The Court of Appeal will assess whether the minimum term should be increased; the case has prompted nationwide protests.

Britain’s Metropolitan Police is urging the government to require phone companies to make stolen devices unusable in order to curb phone theft. Commissioner Mark Rowley said data-sharing with Apple is already helping track whether stolen phones are reactivated or broken down for resale, contributing to fewer thefts. Apple has introduced default stolen‑device protection, while Samsung says it is also cooperating on security efforts. The Met is asking for legislation mandating transparency on stolen-device data and stricter anti‑theft measures as London continues to face high rates of phone-related crime, with only a small fraction of stolen devices recovered.

A 19-year-old woman was found fatally shot at a home in Finchley, prompting a murder investigation by the Metropolitan Police. Detectives appealed for information, including doorbell or dashcam footage, and increased patrols were announced to reassure local residents.

A 19-year-old woman died after gunshots were reported at a house on Dale Grove in Finchley, north London, shortly after midnight on Monday. Police and paramedics found her dead at the scene. The Metropolitan Police has launched a murder investigation, with a post-mortem examination planned, and is seeking doorbell or dashcam footage from the public.

UK security officials warn that Chinese military intelligence agents are posing as recruiters on major job platforms to obtain non‑public information from government and military personnel. The Five Eyes alliance reports aggressive online approaches using fake analyst roles, and MI5 notes that unauthorised disclosures could lead to prosecution.

MI5 and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance warn that Chinese military intelligence services are using LinkedIn, Indeed, Upwork and other job platforms to target UK and allied government, military and security personnel. Suspected agents pose as recruiters from consultancies or think tanks, solicit applicants’ expertise through trial reports and interviews, and then pressure them to disclose non-public information, sometimes offering payment through online financial services or cryptocurrency. The warning says people with direct, indirect or peripheral access to sensitive information may be targeted and could face prosecution if they disclose it without authorization.

The UK government has backed calls to remove or revise police anti-racism guidance that it considers wrongly worded, particularly its advice that officers should respond to people according to their specific needs and should not be “colour blind.” The guidance was created under the national Police Race Action Plan to improve policing and trust among Black communities. National Police Chiefs’ Council chair Gavin Stephens said the document would be reviewed to address concerns about its phrasing while preserving its broader anti-racism aims.

A government minister acknowledged that wording in the police anti-racism commitment was inappropriate, prompting the National Police Chiefs' Council to review the document following concerns heightened by the murder of Henry Nowak. Officials, including the prime minister’s spokesperson, supported revising ambiguous language while maintaining that the commitment aims to address longstanding mistrust between police and Black communities. Police leadership stressed the need to preserve the intent of improving policing quality as they consider changes.

Six stabbings and 24 arrests followed Arsenal’s victory parade in London, prompting a major police response. One victim was critically injured but later stabilised, while most others sustained minor injuries. Authorities cited isolated antisocial and gang-related behaviour, reported damage to police vans, and noted that firefighters rescued dozens from elevated spots as crowds dispersed.

GCHQ has announced plans for a national AI cyber defence system that could become operational within five years and use autonomous AI agents to detect threats across critical infrastructure, airlines, telecommunications companies and other major businesses. Director Anne Keast-Butler said the UK must harness increasingly autonomous AI responsibly while urgently strengthening cyber resilience. She warned that Russia is intensifying hybrid activity against the UK and Europe, targeting infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust, while China is expanding its technological and military capabilities. National Cyber Security Centre head Richard Horne said hostile states including China, Iran and Russia conduct most nationally significant cyberattacks against Britain, with businesses needing to prepare for attacks at scale without relying on ransom payments.

A man received a prison sentence, extended licence period and lifelong inclusion on the sex offenders register after admitting multiple sexual assaults against women sleeping on London Night Tube services. A police tip-off in 2024 enabled investigators to link him to previously unsolved cases, and he was already serving time for a similar offence.

Salman Yousaf, 46, was sentenced after admitting eight sexual assaults and one count of outraging public decency against women on London Night Tube services between 2017 and 2021. British Transport Police linked him to the offences after a Metropolitan Police tip-off and a review of cold cases. He will remain imprisoned beyond 2030, serve four additional years on licence, remain on the sexual offenders register for life and be subject to a sexual harm prevention order.

GCHQ director Anne Keast-Butler is expected to warn that Russia is relentlessly targeting critical infrastructure, democratic processes, supply chains and public trust across the UK and Europe. She will urge governments, businesses and the public to make cybersecurity far more urgent, including by adopting passkeys and strengthening technology supply chains. The lecture is also expected to highlight China’s advancing technological and cyber capabilities, while National Cyber Security Centre head Richard Horne warns that hostile states including China, Iran and Russia are conducting several nationally significant attacks on Britain each week and that businesses must prepare to withstand attacks without relying on ransom payments.

The criminal investigation into the Post Office Horizon scandal could be delayed by up to five years unless it receives an additional £16.5 million. Police chiefs say the investigative team must expand from 111 to 210 officers to submit charging decisions by late 2027 or early 2028, while the review of eight million documents demonstrates the case’s complexity. A recent £2.8 million Home Office grant has not closed the projected funding gap, raising concerns about further delays for victims who have already waited 24 years for justice.

Police leading the investigation into the Post Office Horizon scandal warn that without major additional funding, the process of preparing charging decisions could be delayed by up to five years. Commander Stephen Clayman says the inquiry requires nearly doubling its team to handle millions of documents and meet a late‑2027 or early‑2028 timeline. Despite a £2.8 million Home Office grant, a £16.5 million funding gap remains. Victims, many affected for more than two decades, were briefed on progress and challenges. The government reaffirms its commitment to compensation and oversight while the police inquiry into potential criminality continues.

A teenage boy was found fatally stabbed in Hackney after reports of a machete fight at a house party. Police and ambulance services responded, but the victim died at the scene. Detectives are working to identify him and support his family while urging witnesses and anyone with footage to come forward. Increased patrols have been deployed as enquiries continue to determine the events leading to the attack.

Police forces in England and Wales made a record 7,088 referrals to the Independent Office for Police Conduct in 2025–2026. The watchdog opened 316 independent investigations, including cases involving alleged misconduct, deaths or serious injuries after police contact, and public complaints, while completing 245 investigations. It also received 3,051 requests to review police complaint outcomes and completed 3,500 reviews. The IOPC reported faster referral processing and improved completion rates, but said it would need additional resources to take on more investigations and improve timeliness.

The Metropolitan Police plans to refer evidence concerning 57 individuals and 20 organisations to the Crown Prosecution Service over the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire, which killed 72 people. Potential charges include corporate gross negligence manslaughter, fraud and health and safety offences. The investigation has collected 165 million electronic files and 14,400 statements, with evidence expected by September 2026 and charging decisions anticipated before June 2027. Survivors and bereaved relatives, represented by Grenfell United, welcomed progress but warned against further delays.

London will deploy about 4,000 police officers, including reinforcements from other forces, for an unprecedented operation covering the Unite the Kingdom and Nakba Day marches and the FA Cup final. Authorities have imposed routes and rally locations to reduce the risk of clashes, will use live facial recognition for the first time in a protest operation, and warn that organisers or speakers who break the law may be prosecuted. Police estimate roughly 50,000 people could attend the Tommy Robinson-linked rally and 30,000 the Nakba Day march, with the operation expected to cost £4.5 million.

Simon Dutton, a 49-year-old British fugitive wanted over alleged large-scale cocaine importation and money laundering, was arrested in La Nucia near Benidorm shortly after being named in a new appeal. The appeal was launched by UK law-enforcement agencies, including the National Crime Agency and Crimestoppers, as part of Operation Captura, which has resulted in 98 arrests from 111 wanted offenders and suspects identified through public appeals in Spain. Authorities warned that criminals may hide within British expatriate communities and urged the public to provide anonymous information.

Simon Dutton, a 49-year-old convicted of organising cocaine imports and money laundering, was arrested in La Nucia near Benidorm hours after the UK’s National Crime Agency, Spanish police and Crimestoppers published a list of 12 wanted fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain. The Operation Captura campaign has helped arrest 98 of 111 suspects identified through previous appeals, while 56 criminals were extradited from Spain to the UK in the past year. Authorities warned that fugitives may hide within large British expatriate communities and urged the public to submit anonymous information without approaching suspects.

The UK National Crime Agency, Spanish police and Crimestoppers have appealed for information to help locate 12 wanted UK fugitives believed to be hiding in Spain. The appeal forms part of Operation Captura, which has helped authorities capture 98 of 111 offenders and suspects previously sought in Spain. Those newly named include sanctions-evasion suspect Alexsandr Vladimirovich Kuksov and murder suspects Kevin Thomas Parle and Derek McGraw Ferguson. Authorities say fugitives exploit Spain’s large British expatriate communities to conceal themselves and urge the public to submit anonymous information.

A six-month live facial-recognition trial using static cameras in Croydon led to 173 arrests for serious offences, including kidnapping, rape and sexual assault. Police reported a 10.5% reduction in local crime and a 21% decrease in violence against women and girls during the trial. The Metropolitan Police plans to continue deploying the cameras after the High Court rejected a legal challenge from youth worker Shaun Thompson and Big Brother Watch, ruling that the policy was lawful and compatible with human rights.

A Metropolitan Police live facial recognition pilot using static cameras in Croydon resulted in 173 arrests during a six-month trial, including a woman wanted since 2004 for failing to appear in court over an assault. Police said crime fell by 10.5% and violence against women and girls by 21%, while one false alert was recorded among more than 470,000 passers-by. The scheme will continue in Croydon. The report also outlines concerns from previously misidentified youth worker Shaun Thompson and Big Brother Watch campaigner Silkie Carlo, who argued that facial recognition could be arbitrary, discriminatory and intrusive. A High Court dismissed their challenge, ruling that the Metropolitan Police policy was sufficiently clear and did not breach their human rights.

Moses Edwards, 45, from Wanstead, has been charged with arson with intent to endanger life after an alleged early-morning attack on the former East London Central Synagogue in Whitechapel. The building is being sold to a Muslim organisation planning to convert it into a mosque and community centre. The incident caused minor damage to the gates and front-door lock, with no injuries reported. A 52-year-old woman arrested in connection with the investigation was released on bail.

Counter Terrorism Policing London is investigating a deliberate fire at a former synagogue on Nelson Street in Whitechapel, east London. The blaze caused minor damage to gates and a lock, with no injuries reported. Police are examining possible links to a wider series of arson and attempted-arson attacks targeting Jewish communities across London, amid a raised severe threat level. The incident follows a stabbing in Golders Green being treated as terrorism, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer is convening senior public figures to address antisemitism.

Counter-terrorism police are investigating a deliberately set fire at a former synagogue in Tower Hamlets, east London. The blaze caused minor damage to the building’s gates and lock, with no injuries reported. Commander Helen Flanagan is leading the inquiry, which will examine possible links to other arson and attempted-arson incidents targeting Jewish community sites in London. Police have increased patrols and are appealing for CCTV footage and information.

Around 150 people marched along Golders Green Road in London after two Jewish men were stabbed. The Stop The Hate protest took place near the attack site and a memorial wall targeted in an attempted arson attack. Reform UK figures Richard Tice, Laila Cunningham and Chris Philp addressed demonstrators. The victims were named as Nachman Moshe ben Chaya Sarah and Moshe Ben Baila, while authorities declared the incident terrorism-related and arrested a 45-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

Counter Terrorism Policing is investigating a suspected arson attack near a memorial wall in Golders Green, north London, although police are not treating the incident as terrorism. The wall was not damaged, but the incident has heightened concerns following the destruction of four Jewish community ambulances in March and other attacks on Jewish, Israeli and Iranian sites. A group calling itself Hayi has claimed responsibility for several incidents, while police say an associated drone claim involving hazardous substances was false. Two men arrested under terrorism laws over the drone incident have been released or bailed, and the Metropolitan Police says 26 people have been arrested across related investigations, with eight charged and one convicted.

Counterterrorism officers are investigating a suspected arson attack at a memorial wall in Golders Green after police responded to a fire that caused no damage. The incident follows a previous arson attack in March that destroyed four Jewish community ambulances. Keir Starmer condemned the antisemitic incidents as authorities continue inquiries.

Commercial websites distributing child sexual abuse imagery doubled to more than 15,000 in 2025, according to the Internet Watch Foundation, which also identified and tagged more than 317,000 abuse images. The organisation warns that many sites are disguised and urges mandatory financial-sector reporting of payment links and stronger safety measures from encrypted platforms. Reports of child sextortion more than doubled. UK Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips condemned the findings and highlighted forthcoming legal measures targeting operators of such sites.

The Internet Watch Foundation identified 15,031 commercial websites trafficking child sexual abuse images in 2025, more than double the 7,028 found in 2024, and digitally marked 317,101 abusive images. Around 16% of the sites were disguised or dormant platforms concealing access to the material. Reported sextortion cases also more than doubled to 397. The IWF is calling for financial services to detect and report payment links used to sell abuse material and for end-to-end encrypted services to adopt safety tools. The NSPCC urged Ofcom and technology companies to disrupt perpetrators and prevent the creation and circulation of nude images, while safeguarding minister Jess Phillips backed tougher prison sentences under the Crime and Policing Bill and promised a major crackdown on child abuse.

The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre is expected to warn that China, Iran and Russia are responsible for most nationally significant cyber attacks targeting Britain. NCSC chief Richard Horne says the agency is handling about four such incidents each week and cautions that attacks could occur at scale if the UK became involved in an international conflict. He will urge businesses to strengthen their cyber defences, avoid paying ransoms and prepare for emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

The head of the UK National Cyber Security Centre, Richard Horne, is expected to warn that China, Iran and Russia are responsible for most nationally significant cyber incidents affecting Britain. He will urge businesses to strengthen cyber defences without relying on ransom payments, particularly because a future international conflict could trigger large-scale attacks with no guaranteed recovery option. The warning also highlights China’s sophisticated state-backed operations, Iran’s alleged cyber-enabled repression of British-based opponents, Russia’s hybrid activity across the UK and Europe, and the need for Britain to adopt artificial intelligence rapidly while preparing for quantum computers capable of breaking current encryption.

Joel Bodmer, Shila Bodmer, Carole Bonner and Gabriel Leroy have been charged over allegations that a Labour Party database was manipulated during the selection of a candidate for Croydon East in the 2024 general election. The alleged changes to phone numbers and email addresses were intended to hinder rival candidates. Bodmer also faces an allegation of perverting the course of justice by altering phone records. All four have been suspended by Labour, which referred the case to police, and are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 19 May.

Protests in Epsom turned violent as eggs and beer cans were thrown at police during unrest over a disputed rape investigation. Four people were arrested, marking the second demonstration since a woman reported being raped on 11 April. Police and crime commissioner Lisa Townsend criticised the disorder and said some participants travelled to the area to cause trouble. Anger partly stemmed from police not releasing suspect ethnicity, though the force denied any link to immigrants or asylum seekers. Authorities cited online misinformation as a driver of the unrest and urged outsiders intent on causing disruption to stay away.

A 21-year-old man, Dino Donaldson, was convicted of murdering accounting student Anojan Gnaneswaran during a dispute over a £50 MDMA deal at Strawberry Hill station in London. Donaldson chased the victim onto the railway tracks and stabbed him multiple times before later boasting about the attack on camera. He was arrested days later with large quantities of drugs in his home. The judge remanded him in custody pending sentencing. British Transport Police condemned his actions, while the victim’s family paid tribute to him as a dedicated student and talented athlete.

Two separate double stabbings in Shadwell and Primrose Hill left two men dead and two injured. Police and paramedics responded to both scenes, and detectives are seeking information and footage from the public. Investigations are ongoing as officers work to identify the victims’ families and determine the circumstances of each incident.

Two double stabbings hours apart in Shadwell and Primrose Hill left two men dead and two injured. Police appealed for witnesses and video footage as investigations continue.

Metropolitan Police detective Pervaz Malik was dismissed after a disciplinary panel found that he had arranged sex workers, used and helped obtain Class A drugs during overseas trips between 2016 and August 2023, and refused to provide his phone access code during a later criminal investigation. Although the Crown Prosecution Service took no further action after his arrest on suspicion of conspiracy to supply controlled drugs, the misconduct panel deemed his behavior gross misconduct. Malik will be placed on the barred list and cannot work for policing-related organizations.

UK policing has established a national specialist team to investigate potential crimes against women and girls in Britain linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The National Police Chiefs’ Council is coordinating a review of millions of documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice, while the Metropolitan Police, Thames Valley Police and Norfolk Constabulary pursue local investigations. Police are contacting Epstein survivors who have spoken publicly, and Assistant Chief Constable Claire Bell cautioned that assessing the extensive files will take time.

UK police have contacted Epstein survivors who spoke publicly, inviting them to share information if they feel comfortable. The National Police Chiefs’ Council has launched a specialist national team, working with the National Crime Agency and several local forces, to assess potential violence-against-women-and-girls offences in the UK-related Epstein files released by the US Department of Justice. Police say the review will be extensive and methodical, with victims’ safety and wellbeing prioritized; the Metropolitan Police is also seeking access to unredacted documents.

The Metropolitan Police will resume arresting people who display signs supporting Palestine Action because the group remains proscribed under the Terrorism Act while the government appeals a High Court ruling that found the ban unlawful. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said officers must enforce the law currently in force. More than 2,700 people have reportedly been arrested since the ban, while trials involving hundreds of protesters remain on hold pending the appeal.

The Metropolitan Police will resume arresting people who display signs supporting Palestine Action because the High Court’s ruling that the group’s proscription was unlawful is not yet in effect. Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said such support remains a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act while the government’s appeal is pending. More than 2,700 people have been arrested since the ban was imposed, and many trials remain on hold until the appeal is resolved.

Police are re-examining the theft of Morgan McSweeney’s government phone after it emerged he did not disclose his role or provide accurate details when reporting the incident, leading officers to review the wrong CCTV and close the case prematurely. Concerns centre on potentially lost messages between McSweeney and Lord Mandelson relevant to a parliamentary inquiry into Mandelson’s US ambassador appointment and his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Wes Streeting characterised the situation as an administrative error, while attention has turned to official guidance on backing up government communications.

Morgan McSweeney failed to disclose his role as Keir Starmer’s chief of staff when reporting a stolen government phone containing messages with Peter Mandelson, prompting a Metropolitan Police review after officers recorded the wrong location and pursued incorrect CCTV. The loss of messages comes as the government is compelled to release documents related to Mandelson’s US ambassador appointment and his links to Jeffrey Epstein. Ministers insist the situation reflects procedural mistakes rather than deliberate concealment, while concerns grow over compliance with government data‑handling rules and the absence of phone backups.

Four Jewish community Hatzola ambulances were destroyed in an antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green, London. Police are treating the incident as a hate crime rather than terrorism while investigating an online claim of responsibility by an Islamist group with possible Iranian state links. CCTV reportedly shows three people using accelerant before the vehicles caught fire and gas canisters exploded. Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley warned of increasing Iranian state threats against Britain’s Jewish community. The government has promised funding for replacement ambulances, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer and community leaders have condemned the attack.

Four Hatzola ambulances were destroyed or damaged in an antisemitic arson attack in Golders Green, with no injuries reported but nearby residents evacuated after gas canisters exploded. The Metropolitan Police are investigating three suspects and an online claim by an Islamist group with possible Iranian links, but Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley says it is too early to attribute the attack to Iran. Counter Terrorism Police are pursuing all lines of inquiry, while officials and Jewish leaders have condemned the attack and the government has pledged funding to replace the ambulances and provide immediate health support.

Police in England and Wales are arresting about 1,000 suspected paedophiles and safeguarding more than 1,200 children each month, according to reported figures. The Lucy Faithfull Foundation said access to its Stop It Now helpline rose 20 per cent to 330,610 people in 2025. Police leaders and the charity stressed that enforcement alone cannot address the scale of child sexual abuse and urged people concerned about their own or someone else’s online behaviour to seek confidential help early.

Police in England and Wales are arresting about 1,000 suspected child sexual abuse offenders and safeguarding more than 1,200 children each month, according to national policing lead Becky Riggs. The figures were released alongside data from the Lucy Faithfull Foundation showing that 330,610 people accessed its services in 2025, a roughly 20% increase from 2024. The foundation says its Stop It Now helpline offers confidential support to people concerned about their own or someone else’s online sexual behaviour involving children. Its data indicates that callers are not confined to a single demographic, with many being under 25, in relationships or parents. Police and the foundation argue that enforcement must be combined with early intervention to prevent online behaviour from escalating into abuse.

Black people face vastly higher rates of stop and search in several affluent London wards, with new research showing disparities reaching up to 48 times those of white residents. Analysis of 152,000 Metropolitan Police stop records found less specific justifications used for searches involving Black individuals and high overall levels of searches yielding no further action. Researchers called for evidence‑based reforms, while London mayor Sadiq Khan announced measures to increase transparency and accountability in the use of stop and search to rebuild trust and promote fairer policing.

Joey Barton and Gary O’Grady have been charged with section 18 wounding with intent after a man was seriously injured near Huyton and Prescot Golf Club. Both men, listed as golf club members, are due to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court. A High Court hearing related to a separate libel claim revealed Barton had been arrested and was in custody. Barton is a former Premier League midfielder and current podcast host.