“Cundick showed little remorse throughout the trial and his refusal to admit his crimes meant that his victims had to appear in court and I would like to commend them for their bravery in giving evidence.

“This was a complex and lengthy investigation and I hope that today’s court result will will go some way to providing the victims with the strength to put these incidents behind them and move on with their lives.”

“I would urge any victims or anyone who has concerns about potential sexual abuse, current or historic, to contact us so that the matter can be investigated.”

“This is a very sad and trying time for the family. Keith was a much loved member of the family. He will be sadly missed not just by his family but very close friends that he had both in Padiham and Burnley and further afield. Wherever Keith went he made friends.

May the family express a big thank you to the police for their support. It has helped the family enormously.

Also we would like to take this opportunity to thank all the people who have contacted the family and passing on condolences. It is very heart warming to know there are so many people out there who care. Thank you.”

Police are appealing for information following an attack on a man in Govanhill, Glasgow, on Wednesday 14 January 2015.

Around 1635 hours yesterday evening, a 22 year old man was walking along Calder St near to South Annandale Street, Govanhill, Glasgow, when he was attacked by a man he had just walked passed and was verbally abused by.

He sustained a number of stab wounds and was taken to the Victoria Infirmary where he has since been treated and then released.

The suspect is described as white, 40s, approximately 6 ft in height, of slim build, gaunt appearance and had short grey hair.  He was wearing a black jacket with puffy sleeves but thin material on the body.

Detective Constable Peter McFarlane, Cathcart CID, said today:

“The injured man was waiting to meet a friend when this man walked by him and for whatever reason took umbrage and lunged at him.  He tried to push him off, however, the suspect stabbed him and then ran off towards Cathcart Road.

“We are checking CCTV and speaking to people in the area but we know that at least two people stopped to intervene in the attack and then to assist the man.  I am very keen to speak to them as they may have information that will assist our enquiry.

“Calder St is very busy and we can see that from CCTV.  It’s possible that people have seen the suspect round and about or may indeed have been approached by him.”

Information can be passed to Cathcart CID via the non emergency number 101 or in confidence to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A replica handgun hidden under a bush has been recovered in Sale.

At about 12.30pm on Thursday 15 January 2015 police were called to Moor Noor Park on Norris Road after a member of the public walking their dog reported that they had seen a gun.

Police attended and found a black replica gun hidden under a bush.

Detective Inspector Carl Gilbert of Trafford division said: “I want to reassure the public that this was a replica gun, and is not an illegal firearm, but it has the appearance of a real gun. We are keen to find out why this gun was put there and what it was going to be used for.

“I would encourage anyone who has information about this replica gun or knows how it got there to come forward.

“I would also urge people to be vigilant and report any concerns they have about guns or weapons.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7686 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

​

A search is under way in Durham for a university student who has not been seen since the early hours of Thursday morning (January 15).

Euan Coulthard, who is 19, and a law student at St Mary’s College, was reported missing yesterday afternoon by a friend who was concerned when he could not make contact with him.

Euan, who is from Nottingham, left his home in the city on Wednesday 14th January and later went for a meal at the Spaghettata restaurant in Saddler Street to celebrate a 21st birthday with friends.

He was last seen just after midnight leaving the Loveshack club, in the Walkergate area of the city, alone.

Euan has failed to respond to texts, emails and messages on Facebook that friends have sent him and they say this is completely out of character.

He is described as  5` 9” tall and of average build with light brown hair, which is short on the sides and longer on the top.  When he was last seen he was wearing black skinny jeans, a denim jacket and a beige patterned shirt.

Insp Dave Coxon said: “We have serious concerns for Euan’s welfare as there has been no trace of him since the early hours of Thursday morning. He hasn’t responded to any attempts to contact him and his phone has not been traced.

“If anyone has seen him since then, or if they saw a young man matching his description in Durham on last night, I would ask them to contact us as soon as possible on 101.”

A man who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a Meldreth man has been jailed for seven years.

Ian Catley, 40, of Metcalfe Way, Melbourn, appeared at Southwark Crown Court today (Friday) to receive his sentence for the manslaughter of his close friend, Philip Harper, 46, of High Street, Meldreth.

Mr Harper suffered fatal gunshot wounds following an incident on farmland south of Melbourn, near Black Peak Farm, on June 29 last year.

On June 28, Mr Harper had bought what he believed to be a bullet proof vest from a surplus store.

On the afternoon of the killing, Catley and Mr Harper went shooting rabbits and pigeons on farmland south of Melbourn.

Shortly before 6pm that evening, Catley arrived at Melbourn Ambulance Station, in Whiting Way, with Mr Harper seriously injured in the back of his Landrover Discovery. Paramedics were told by Catley that Mr Harper had been shot.

A paramedic treated Mr Harper, however he died at the scene as a result of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Catley was arrested on the same day on suspicion of murder and charged the day after. In a statement to police, Catley said he shot at his friend only in response to his request to test the protective vest.

He pleaded guilty to manslaughter at Southwark Crown Court on November 13.

Detective Inspector Ian Simmons said: “This is a particularly sad case, where a foolish incident ended in tragedy.

“These second-hand protective vests should not be relied on whatsoever to protect you from gunshot and I’m urging people to take this as a warning.

“Our deepest sympathies are with Mr Harper’s family and friends at this time.”

Two men who savagely beat a homeless man who later died have been jailed.

Carl Stockwell, 26, and Daniel McRedmond, 19, attacked 50-year-old Zbignew Pawalec after breaking into a derelict cinema in Luton Town Centre in the early hours of Saturday, 14 June.

They accused him of stealing a bottle of alcohol they had left in the area earlier before punching and kicking him.

The assault was filmed on a mobile phone and both men were seen to stamp on the victim’s head.

Mr Pawalec was seen stumbling out of the cinema the following afternoon and was later found unconscious in a car park off George Street West at around 4pm.

He was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital but died on June 17.

Stockwell, of Dallow Road, Luton, and Redmond, of Shirley Road, Luton, were initially arrested and charged with murder. However a pathologist report was unable to establish a link between the assault and the injuries which led to Mr Pawalec’s death.

Both pleaded guilty to attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent.

McRedmond was jailed for nine years at Luton Crown Court today (Friday), while Stockwell was sentenced to eight years.

Detective Inspector Jon McAdam, of the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “This was a sickening, unprovoked attack on a vulnerable, defenceless man who was sleeping rough.

“While we cannot be certain how Mr Pawalec received the injuries which caused his death, the footage of the assaults by Stockwell and McRedmond clearly show the intent to cause him serious harm.

“There can be no justification for such a cowardly attack and we are pleased they have now been brought to justice.”

A rare British Bulldog puppy that was stolen in October has been reunited with its owner following an appeal by Surrey Police.

The lilac puppy worth £16,000, named Lila, was taken from her home in Tadworth on October 17 last year, but following a re-appeal for help in finding her on Wednesday, she was found yesterday evening (Thursday 15 January) in the Oxford area.

Officers were told that a man attended the owner’s address having expressed an interest in buying the puppy, but after being given it to hold he ran out of the property, allegedly assaulting a relative of the dog breeder on his way.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Eloise Lock said: “This story proves just how much a part the public, the media and social media can help with our investigations as without it we may not have found her. For that we cannot thank the public enough.

“We had a number of calls with information about where Lila might be after the coverage the story got in regional and national media. As a direct result of the appeal we attended an address in the Wantage area of Oxfordshire where we found her and thankfully reunited her with her owner that night.

“Although Lila has now been found I would still ask anyone who has any more information about this case to contact us with anything they think would help with the investigation.”

A 29-year-old woman from the Wantage area has been arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. She has been released on bail until a later date.

Five men – two 25-year-olds, and others aged 24 and 26 who were arrested on November 28, and a 27-year-old, arrested on December 23, have been released on bail until February 19 and 20.

If anyone has any further information relating to this investigation contact Surrey Police by calling 101 (999 in an emergency), or report it online at www.surrey.police.uk quoting the reference number 45140087824.

Deputy Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, said: “It is now nearly three years since the death of Anthony Grainger during an armed policing operation by Greater Manchester Police Officers investigating individuals suspected of being involved in serious criminality. The family of Mr Grainger deserve to understand the events that led to Anthony’s death on that Saturday evening in 2012.

“The Coronial process is still to conclude and as such Greater Manchester Police are unable to comment any further on Mr Grainger’s death. The Force recognises that will be frustrating for many people, but it is important to respect the integrity of the Coronial process so that the full facts can be established without any prejudice.

“Greater Manchester Police wishes to extend its sympathy to Anthony Grainger’s family who will no doubt be hugely disappointed with the events of today. Today’s decision only reinforces the necessity for a different and more timely process of enquiry into these types of incidents.”

Officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) Cyber Crime Unit, supported by Titan ROCU (North West Regional Organised Crime Unit), have arrested a man as part of an investigation into ‘swatting’ and computer hacking offences.

SEROCU, supported by the National Cyber Crime Unit (NCCU), worked closely with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on the operation which focused on the denial of service attack of Sony Playstation and Xbox systems in 2014 and ‘swatting’ offences.

‘Swatting’ is a term used to describe criminal activity by an individual or group who knowingly provides false information to law enforcement agencies in the USA, suggesting that a threat exists at a particular location so that police respond with tactical units. Making false threats drains law enforcement resources and can cause significant distress or physical injury to first responders or victims.

An 18-year-old man was arrested this morning (16/1) in Boundary Street, Southport on suspicion of unauthorised access to computer material contrary to section 1 of Computer Misuse Act 1990, unauthorised access with intent to commit further offences contrary to section 2 of Computer Misuse Act 1990 and threats to kill contrary to Section 16 of Offences against the person Act 1861.

A number of electronic and digital devices were seized to be examined by SEROCU’s Cyber Crime Forensic and eForensics Unit.

Craig Jones, Head of the Cyber Crime Unit at SEROCU, said: “This investigation is a good example of joint law enforcement cooperation in relation to a type of criminality that is not restricted by any geographical boundaries.

“We are still at the early stages of the investigation and there is still much work to be done. We will continue to work closely with the FBI to identify those to who commit offences and hold them to account.

“Offences referred to as ‘swatting’ involve law enforcement forces in the United States receiving hoax calls via Skype for a major incident in which SWAT teams were dispatched.

“We are pursuing cyber criminals using the latest technology and working with businesses and academia to further develop specialist investigative capabilities to protect and reduce the risk to the public.

“Cyber crime is an issue which has no boundaries and affects people on a local, regional and global level.

“I would like to urge everyone to check their home and business computer security and follow the advice available on sites such as cyberstreetwise.com and getsafeonline.org.

“Finally I would ask anyone who has information in regards to cyber offences to report them to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or anonymously calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.”

DCC Peter Goodman, National Policing Lead for Cyber Security at the Association of Police Officers (ACPO), said: “”This is a significant arrest by the South East regional Cyber Crime Unit, supported by North West policing colleagues, of a UK citizen suspected of engaging in serious and organised cyber crime on the national and international stage. The cyber crime investigative capability I am overseeing across the Regional Organised Crime Units increasingly allows policing to undertake such complex investigations as a networked specialist resource, and in collaboration with international law enforcement partners, as in this case the FBI. This arrest demonstrates that we will pursue those who commit crime with the false perception they are protected within their own homes or hiding behind anonymous online personas.

“As we continue to build capability and develop skills across wider policing, we still need industry, communities and individuals to protect themselves by implementing basic security measures whilst taking full advantage and enjoyment the opportunities the world wide web provides.”

Two Coventry men linked to organised crime in the city have been handed long jail terms after a covert West Midlands Police operation linked them to a machete robbery at a popular children’s farm.

Craig Covington and Steven McInulty held up three female staff members at Hatton Country World, Warwickshire, on 23 July last year and threatened to cut their hands off unless they opened safes.

Covington, from Cross Road in Foleshill, and ice axe wielding McInulty made off with a till float and cash bags from one safe but were thwarted in their attempts to access another which was controlled by an outside security firm.

But within two hours the pair had been arrested by West Midlands Police officers who were keeping tabs on them as part of enquiries into a series of shop raids across Coventry.

Detectives were alerted to the 6.50pm Hatton World raid and, suspecting they may have been involved, lay in wait at 27-year-old McInulty’s home address in Bathurst Road, Radford.

And at around 8.15pm they moved in having watched them arrive in McInulty’s Renault Megane and unload cash bags from the boot.

A machete and ice axe were also found in the Megane, whilst a bundle of £5 notes and Hatton World cash bags were found alongside 30-year-old Covington when police arrested him nearby in his Audi A3.

Both men admitted robbery and at Warwick Crown Court today (Fri 16 Jan) McInulty was jailed for six years and eight months − and must serve an extended four-year licence period upon his eventual release − whilst Covington was handed a five year two month sentence.

Charges were dropped against a third man arrested at the time − a 29-year-old from the Stoke in Coventry − when a court deemed there was insufficient evidence.

It’s the latest in a series of police strikes against organised crime in Coventry.

Before Christmas three men were arrested and charged on suspicion of plotting a shop raid in Finham − and are being investigated in connection with 10 more robberies − whilst Coventry men Clark McAulay and James Miller were both jailed for 14 years in December for a series of hammer raids on convenience stores.

Investigating officer, Sergeant Gareth Mitchell from Force CID, said: “This was a barbaric robbery in which three women, including a crèche assistant, were subjected to threats of extreme violence.

“At one stage they were fearful that threats to chop their hands off would be carried out when one of the men raised the machete and swung it downwards…this despite hearing pleas that the women didn’t have the code to open a second safe.

“We were looking at Covington and McInulty on suspicion of being involved in a series of shop raids in Coventry and Warwickshire. It meant we were able to move in and make swift arrests, whilst recovering vital evidence.”

The staff members were rounding off their shift at Hatton World’s on-site shop − not long after the last visitors had left − when three masked men ran in and forced them into a back office.

At one stage one of the women bravely challenged Covington shouting “do it…cut my hands off then. I can’t open the safe…I don’t have the number”.

They fled with takings and a handbag but 90 minutes later officers watched them transfer the cash from McInulty’s Megane into Covington’s Audi.

Superintendent Nick Walton from Coventry Police welcomed the sentence and vowed the force would keep up the pressure on organised crime in the city.

He said: “We’ve scored some notable successes in recent months with known criminals put behind bars for many years and others in prison awaiting trial having been arrested.

“We’re working with partner agencies across the city looking at innovative ways of tackling people linked to organised crime, including revoking tenancy agreements where we can identify breaches and removing troublesome families from our communities.”

Robbery is down in Coventry with 23 fewer victims since last April compared to the same period 12-months ago − a reduction of around six per cent.

Police are urging people to report attacks on guide dogs after the creation of a new offence.

Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, it is now an offence to allow a dog to attack an assistance dog. The offence carries a maximum sentence of up to three years in prison.

Suffolk Constabulary has formed a service level agreement with Guide Dogs for the Blind to show its commitment to properly investigating such attacks and bringing those responsible to justice.

Deputy Chief Constable Gareth Wilson said: “Attacks on assistance dogs have terrible consequences for both the dog and its owner. It’s important that such attacks are reported to us so that we can investigate them and prevent any similar incidents from happening.”

On average, 10 guide dogs are attacked by other dogs every month in the UK.

Chief executive of Guide Dogs, Richard Leaman, said: “When a guide or assistance dog is attacked, the consequences for its owner are devastating. Our guide dog owners rely on their guide dogs to get around and if a dog can’t work, their owner can be left housebound. But once the physical wounds have healed, a dog attack can also have a dramatic effect on both a guide dog and its owner’s confidence.”

Two teenagers who murdered a Yarmouth man during a birthday party have been jailed.

Connor, 20, was stabbed to death in a joint attack by Jesse Quaye, 18, and a 15-year-old Ayo Bile when he intervened in a dispute at a friend’s birthday celebrations in Hemsby in May last year.

Quaye, 18, of College Court, Crittens Road, Cobholm, and Bile, of Howard Street North, Yarmouth, were found guilty of murder following a four-week trial in November.

A third man, Anthony McLean, 41 and of Gatacre Road, Yarmouth, convicted of assisting an offender, and also appeared at Norwich Crown Court today for sentencing (Friday 16 January).

Quaye and Bile were sentenced to a minimum of 15 years in prison while McLean was jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Durham said: “The actions of Connor’s attackers on that night were completely inexcusable and these sentences reflect the severity of this incident.

“This senseless and tragic murder sent shockwaves through the local community who were very supportive during the police investigation and I’m sure their assistance has helped put his attackers behind bars and provide some degree of comfort to Connor’s family.”

DCI Durham added: “The sentence for McLean demonstrates that if you choose to involve yourself in crime and take actions assist an offender to help them evade capture you deserve to face the full weight of the law.”

The incident happened on Saturday 10 May when police were called to reports of a disturbance at a 21st birthday party at The Glebe, at which Connor had  been the unofficial DJ and the offenders had attended as part of a large group having seen details of the family event posted on social media.

On arrival, officers found Connor in the front garden with serious injuries to his chest and back. He was taken to the James Paget University Hospital for treatment but was sadly pronounced dead a short while later.

Post mortem results showed Connor, of Abyssinia Road, Yarmouth, had received four stab wounds but died as a result of a single stab wound to the chest which had pierced his lung.

A murder investigation was launched by the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team which, at its peak, involved more than 50 detectives, officers and staff.

Within days, enquiries revealed Quaye and his accomplice had both been seen in possession of knives at the event before becoming involved in an altercation with one of Connor’s friends.

In an attempt to defend his friend, Connor confronted the defendants and tried to talk to them but which led to a violent altercation and in Connor received multiple stab wounds.

After fleeing the scene, the younger of the two was heard by witnesses confessing to the crime. Forensic examinations would later find Connor’s DNA under his fingernails and his blood on the waistband of the youth’s hooded top.

Quaye was picked up from the scene by McLean and taken to the McLean home address. The following morning McLean drove him to an address in London, despite being a disqualified driver and knowing that Quaye had been involved in the stabbing. Returning from London and wanted by police, Quaye handed himself in to police in Great Yarmouth on Monday 12 May having made attempts to rid himself of any forensic evidence linking him to the crime.

Bile pleaded guilty, and Quaye was found guilty, of possessing offensive weapons namely knives. Both were also found guilty of actual bodily harm to Ricky Halliday, a fellow party goer.

Seven people have been jailed for their part in a smuggling ring responsible for importing £860,000 worth of heroin into Greater Manchester.

Abu Baker Khan (05/12/87) of Cotton Mill Crescent, Mohammed Hakim (28/01/95) of Links Way, Oldham, Shahidul Hoque (17/05/96) of Garforth Street, Oldham, Sabbiur Rahman (02/02/96) of Hythe Walk Oldham, Behzad Ali (23/01/86) of Belverdere Road, Burnley, Kamran Khan (13/08/95) of Laxey Close, Oldham and Lesley Anne Ball (14/01/92) of Higher House Close, Oldham all pleaded guilty to a mixture of importation, supply and possession with intent to supply of Class A drugs charges at Minshull Crown Court between September and October 2014.

Today, Friday 9th January 2015, they were jailed for a total of 41 years.

Abu Baker Khan pleaded guilty to importing Class A drugs and was jailed for 11 years 8 months and was subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order.

Mohammed Hakim pleaded guilty to the importation and supply of Class A drugs and was jailed for 9 years and was subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order.

Shahidul Hoque pleaded guilty to the supply and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for 3 years.

Sabbiur Rahman pleaded guilty to importation and conspiracy with intent to supply Class A drugs and was jailed for 3 years.

Behzad Ali pleaded guilty to the importation and supply of Class A drugs and was jailed for 8 years and was subject to a Serious Crime Prevention Order.

Kamran Khan pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs was jailed for 6 years and 6 months.

The successful convictions are a result of Operation Alamos, set up by officers from Oldham’s Operation Caminada Organised Crime Unit as a response to community concerns that drug dealing was a problem in the area.

This operation forms part of Operation Challenger, which is the Force’s strategy for tackling organised crime groups across Greater Manchester.

The convictions come after months of investigations by officers from the Oldham Organised Crime Unit into the importation distribution of heroin.

A lengthy and complex covert investigation discovered that the gang were taking delivery of packages of heroin from Pakistan totalling 5kg over the course of a year between April 2013 to April 2014.

These packages would arrive looking, for all intents and purposes, like they were filled with innocuous items such as clothes, restaurant menus and other items.
On closer inspection from customs officials however, these packages were found to contain heroin of a purity ranging from 50-60%.

The gang had these packages delivered to an array of addresses in Burnley and Oldham and used a number of aliases and couriers in an attempt to cover their tracks.

When one of these parcels was interrupted by Borders Agency staff in April 2013, GMP officers began an investigation into the gang, and have subsequently prevented the importation and supply of heroin, crack cocaine and cannabis to the people of Greater Manchester.

Detective Constable Gary Lamont said: “This is a fantastic result for us and for the communities of Manchester, because it means we have prevented hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of heroin and crack cocaine from making it onto the streets and causing misery.

“It was a sophisticated and complex importation case and these jail sentences are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our officers on the ground.

“Today’s result reflects our commitment to rid Greater Manchester of drugs and make our communities a safer place, and I hope this sends the strong message that we will catch drug dealers.

“If anyone has information about those concerned in the sale or supply of drugs I would encourage them to call us in confidence.”

Detective Chief Superintendent Andrew Rowell was today [16 January] dismissed without notice from the Metropolitan Police Service.

The panel, consisting of two senior officers and one lay member, carefully considered all of the evidence put before them and found the case of gross misconduct proven.

In total the panel heard evidence in relation to six allegations. Of the six allegations the case was found proven in four and not proven in two .

The case of gross misconduct against DCS Rowell was found proved, that his behaviour lacked honesty and integrity, that he had abused his position and his behaviour could have brought discredit on the police service. The panel heard evidence that DCS Rowell kept a copy of a statement, which included sensitive details from a serious crime investigation. He then allowed a journalist to see it and photograph it.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Fiona Taylor, of the Directorate of Professional Standards said “Andy Rowell had a long and successful career, rising to the rank of Detective Chief Superintendent, he was respected by staff across the organisation as well as the community he worked with. He let all of those people down when he took the decision to leak police information in a significant and sensitive case – going against everything that he knew would have been the correct thing to do. His actions lacked the integrity required to be a police officer.”

Three people have been convicted at the Old Bailey in connection with the importation of semi-automatic machine pistols and ammunition from Germany.

[A] Alexander Mullings, 23 yrs; [B] Emily Ciantar, 20 yrs; and [C] Spencer Inglis, 24 yrs were all found guilty today, Friday 16 January, of firearms offences following a four-week trial. Sentencing has been adjourned until 26 February.

On 12 April 2014, acting on intelligence received, armed police conducted a search warrant at the home address of defendant, Spencer Inglis. Inside the property, officers found cash, drugs, and a bag containing a Skorpion sub-machine gun (SMG) and ammunition. Inglis was arrested and taken into custody.

As part of inquiries into this investigation, on 15 May officers seized a second Skorpion after it was discovered within a package being delivered by a courier company to an address in north London.

A third Skorpion was subsequently intercepted on 19 June on its arrival at a delivery depot in Coventry. It was destined for another north London address.

Officers from the Trident Gang Command were able to link the three firearms to Alexander Mullings, who had orchestrated their importation into the UK from his cell at Wandsworth Prison using concealed smart phones.

The court heard how he communicated by text and email in order to arrange delivery of the firearms in the post and also carried out Google searches researching firearms.

Phone records and other evidence linked Mullings to Ciantar and Inglis, who were responsible for taking delivery of the firearms and moving them between locations. Evidence showed that the first Skorpion recovered by police on 12 April was delivered to the location by Ciantar in a minicab from North London. Phone evidence showed that Ciantar also travelled to Reading to collect a Zoraki 925 handgun, which she took photos of to send to Mullings.

Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Reeves of Trident said, “These Skorpion sub-machine guns are some of the most dangerous weapons I have ever seen reach the hands of UK criminals. They are relatively small and easy to conceal, but they can fire semi-automatic rounds. What’s more, the group had managed to find a supplier who was willing to sell them high quality ammunition.

“Alex Mullings dominated this group and even convinced the others to present a string of lies in court to protect him.

“Police acted quickly to investigate the links between the members of this group and recover the firearms. I have no doubt this has prevented shootings that would otherwise have taken place. Since the defendants were arrested, we have continued to investigate in order to track down any remaining weapons that this group may have brought into the country. Police have since recovered two similar Skorpion weapons at other locations in London. These are subject to ongoing investigations.

Gun crime in London remains at a low level and has fallen again slightly this year. In 2014-15 financial year to date, there have been 44 fewer incidents of gun crime in London – a fall of 4 percent.

Trident will continue to conduct proactive intelligence-led operations targeting the organised criminals who seek to supply firearms to gangs in London.

In 2014-15 financial year to date, 108 firearms have been recovered as a result of Trident investigations. In addition to this, Trident ran a pan-London firearms surrender in November resulting in the recovery of 357 firearms – of which 222 were ‘live-firing’ – and over 12,000 rounds of ammunition.

Counter terrorism officers arrest an 18-year-old woman on suspicion of terrorism offences at Stansted airport.

At approximately 16:00hrs on Friday, 16 January Counter Terrorism Officers (SO15) arrested an 18-year-old woman on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2006 and membership of a proscribed organisation contrary to Section 11(1) of the Terrorism Act 2000 after she arrived on a flight at Stansted airport.

She has been taken to a central London police station where she remains in custody.

The arrest was made under Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE).

As part of the investigation a 21-year-old man was arrested in Hackney on Wednesday, 29 October on suspicion of assisting another to commit acts of terrorism, or to engage in any conduct for the committing of such acts, by facilitating another to travel abroad (contrary to s.5(1)(b) of the Terrorism Act 2006).

He was taken to a south London police station, where he was later bailed to return to on a date in late December 2014. He has since been rebailed to a date in January.

A search at the residential address in Hackney was also carried out.

Police investigating the death of 15-year-old Rio Andrew in Croydon in June, 2014, have arrested a 41-year-old man.

Officers from the Metropolitan Police executed search warrants at two addresses in Birmingham and Wolverhampton on Thursday, 15 January.

A 41-year-old man [C1] was arrested at the address in Birmingham on suspicion of money laundering, fraud and corporate manslaughter. He has subsequently been bailed to return to a south London police station in early April, pending further enquiries.

The warrants and arrest are in connection with the investigation into the death of Rio Andrew, who died following an illegal rave at a disused sorting office in East Croydon on 14 June, 2014. Rio collapsed at the event and was taken to hospital, but died two days later on 16 June.

Detectives from Croydon CID continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rio’s death. An inquest is due to be opened by the Croydon Coroner, although a date for this is still to be confirmed.

A 54-year-old Erith man has been jailed for stabbing a man in a wheelchair.

Michael Connor, 54 (19.8.60) of Betsham Road, Erith DA8 was jailed for nine years at the Inner London Crown Court today, 16 January, after being found guilty of grievous bodily harm (GBH) with intent.

Police were called to reports of a disturbance in Maynard Close, Erith at 19:50hrs on 1 April.

Upon arrival, officers found a 51-year-old man suffering from stab wounds to his arm and hip. He was taken to a south London hospital, where he received treatment to his injuries for a number of days.

Connor, who was known to the victim, was arrested at the scene. He required hospital treatment for facial injuries received during the fight.

Connor had waited outside the victim’s home address armed with a knife and as the victim and his girlfriend were returned home they were confronted by Connor, with a fight taking place and Connor stabbing the wheelchair bound victim.

Connor denied the offence throughout but the jury found him guilty of GBH with intent to endanger life after less than an hour’s deliberations.

Investigating Officer – Detective Nadeem Zia from Bexleyheath CID said, “This was a vicious assault on a vulnerable victim and I hope that the sentence sends out a strong message that violence related offences will not be tolerated.

I am very grateful for the local residents who came forward and assisted us with this investigation. A violent offender is behind bars and the local area is definitely safer as a result”.

A man who stabbed an 18-year old at the Notting Hill Carnival has been sentenced to a total of four and a half years’ imprisonment.

Libra Charles, 20 (19.11.94) of Churchill Gardens Estate, SW1, pleaded guilty to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of an offensive weapon on 2 December 2014. He was sentenced at Isleworth Crown Court. yesterday, Thursday, 15 January.

The attack took place on Golborne Road, W10, on the August Bank Holiday, 25 August 2014.

Charles and three other youths who are yet be identified, chased the 18-year old victim, who tried to escape by running into a shop. When he was unable to enter the shop, the group assaulted him, by hitting him on the head with a bottle and dragging him across the street where they kicked and stabbed repeatedly in his arm and thigh.

The suspects then ran off but Charles was detained by a police officer near to the scene.

The victim has since made a full recovery.

Detective Constable Ryan Wilkinson, Notting Hill Carnival Post Investigations Team, said: “This was a violent crime in which a young man was stabbed seven times and beaten on the head with a bottle, causing serious injuries.

“Our investigation to identify and arrest the outstanding attackers continues and I would appeal to who has information about this incident or the perpetrators to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”