A managing director has today, Wednesday 21 January, been sentenced for manslaughter after one of his workers was crushed to death by heavy machinery.

Mohammad Babamiri, 59 (27.5.55), of Poplar Grove, London, N11 had also been found guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Tuesday, 2 December of breaching Health and Safety legislation following the death of 37-year-old Shenol Shevka-Ahmed.

He was today given an 18-month sentence, suspended for two years.

David Hawkins, 31 (18.7.83) of Little Brays, Harlow, Essex, was acquitted of manslaughter but found guilty of Health and Safety offences. He today received a six-month sentence, also suspended for two years.

Babimiri’s firm RK Metalworks and Hastingwood Securities Ltd were also found guilty of breaching Health and Safety legislation.

RK Metalworks was fined a total of £150,000. Sentencing for Hastingwood Securities was adjourned until a later date.

Investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Dave Whellams, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: “This is a tragic case, the victim had only worked at the company for a matter of weeks and was overjoyed at having secured a job.

“If the management that employed him had followed simple guidelines and used some common sense, then this incident would never have arisen. The accident itself was totally avoidable and has cost a man his life.”

The victim, who lived in Gloucester Road, Edmonton, but had a wife and two young boys back in Bulgaria, had been working at RK Metalworks. The company operated from a unit at The Hastingwood Trading Estate (owned by Hastingwood Securities Ltd) in Harbut Road, Edmonton N18 and produced items such as metal gates and fences.

On Friday, 11 January 2013 the company was relocating to a smaller unit on the estate. A number of large items of machinery were due to be moved, with the help of the victim and other staff members.

At around 14:05hrs as they tried to move a large metal cutting machine it tipped over, trapping Mr Shevka-Ahmed, underneath.

The police, London Ambulance Service, London Air Ambulance and the London Fire Bridge all attended. A car jack was used to raise the machinery so the victim could be pulled out and treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal London Hospital. He died two hours later from crush injuries.

At the scene Babamiri told investigating officers he had been driving a forklift trick and trying to move the metal cutting machine. He admitted he did not have a licence to drive the forklift.

CCTV showed Hawkins, who worked for the Hastingwood Trading Estate and was assisting RK Metalworks’ move, had also been driving a forklift to try to manoeuvre the machinery. He had already left by the time police and the Health and Safety Executive arrived to start a joint investigation.

Babamiri was arrested that evening and Hawkins the following morning once he was traced.

HSE inspector Kevin Smith, who supported the joint HSE and police investigation, said: “The circumstances surrounding Shenol’s tragic death are barely comprehensible. How anyone could have considered moving the guillotine with such inadequate equipment and an apparent absence of any planning as a safe and acceptable practice frankly beggars belief.

“Doing so was fraught with risk and it was entirely foreseeable that should the heavy machinery topple or slip it could have devastating consequences – as proved the case.

“The three parties sentenced today, chiefly Mohammed Babamiri, are culpable for the health and safety failings and I hope their convictions serve as a clear reminder to others that lifting operations of this nature must be properly planned, managed and executed by competent, trained personnel.”

A father and mother, who neglected their one-year-old daughter, Amani Mohamed prior to her death, have today been sentenced following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court.

The parents – Shidane Omar Mohamed,  44 (01.1.71) and Kafiyu Dahir Tabarak,  36 (16.7.78) were found guilty on Friday, 28 November 2014 of child neglect, contrary to section 1 of the Children and Young Persons Act 1933.

They were sentenced today at the same venue where the victim’s farther, Shidane Omar Mohamed was jailed for two and half years and her mother, Kafiyu Dahir Tabarak received a two year suspended sentence and a curfew between the hours of 2100hrs and 0600hrs.

During the trial the court had heard how the London Ambulance Service was called to an address in Bracondale Road, SE2 at approximately 13:20hrs on 5 February 2013 by the girl’s father.

Amani, aged 13 months, was not responsive and was transported to a south London hospital but pronounced dead there at 13:47hrs.

A post-mortem examination was carried out at Great Ormond Street Hospital and revealed that the child suffered 70 separate fractures on her body. A doctor examining the young child found injuries to her ribs, legs, arms and shoulder.

Both parents were arrested but refused to answer any questions about their child’s injuries during interview.

Subsequent enquiries revealed that the mother had taken the child to see a doctor but had never mentioned the injuries. This was despite speaking to friends about the child suffering from pain when she tried to move her arm or shoulder.

The man and woman were charged on 6 January 2014.

The incident was investigated by officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, who led the investigation said: “This has been a very distressing investigation for all concerned. Thirteen month old Amani would have looked to her parents for love and care; instead they abused the privilege of being parents to this little girl by inflicting seventy separate injuries over a period of two to four weeks. The level of abuse suffered by this toddler was incomprehensible; even more so given that the abuse was inflicted by either one or both of her parents.”

Detectives in Lambeth are investigating three separate reports of a man or men approaching school children and suggesting the children go with them.

The first incident occurred on Thursday, 15 January at around 17:00hrs in Sancraft Street, SE11, where a 10-year-old girl was approached by a man.

The second incident took place on Tuesday, 20 January at around 07:20hrs in Kennington Lane, SE11. On this occasion an 11-year-old girl was approached by two men who were believed to be driving a white car.

The third incident occurred today, Wednesday, 21 January at around 08:30hrs also in Kennington Lane, SE11, where a 16-year-old girl was approached by a man.

Detectives are linking the incidents based on the similarities of all three but at this stage do not have a definitive description of the man/men or the vehicle involved.

Officers are actively engaging with local schools and are asking and parents/carers to remain vigilant and to report any concerns to the police.

Patrols in the local area have been increased both before and after school whilst enquiries continue.

Chief Inspector Nick Collins from Lambeth Borough said “Officers from Lambeth are currently investigating the incidents and are still trying to determine whether the same man or men were involved in all three.

“Whilst we do not wish to cause alarm I would ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.

“I understand that the community will be concerned about these recent incidents and I want to reassure parents and carers that we are treating this extremely seriously.

“Officers are working hard to identify the suspect/s wanted and enquiries into these incidents continue.

“As a precaution we have increased patrols in the area and are talking to local schools. I would also ask parents and carers to take the opportunity to remind their children how to stay safe and not to go with strangers”

This morning (Wednesday 21 January), shortly after 8am, we were called to reports of an aggravated burglary at a property in Dunwear Lane, near Bridgwater.

The two occupants of the house were threatened and the man left the house shortly afterwards.

We believe the middle-aged man was wearing a grey hoodie, with the hood up, and a fluorescent jacket.

We are concerned that a similar incident may occur again.  Local house to house enquiries have been underway since this afternoon and local officers are in the area to reassure local communities. We are anxious to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time of the incident who may have information to help us with our investigation.  Members of the public should call 101 with any information they think may help us.

A man who raped a pensioner in her own home has been convicted of the attack.

Robert Lashley, 32 (15.02.82) of Blythe Road, W14 was found guilty of rape at Isleworth Crown Court on Monday, 19 January, following a trial.

The court heard that Lashley had targeted his 80-year-old victim last year in Shepherd’s Bush as she left her home to go to a newsagents at 07:30hsr on 16 August 2014.

CCTV showed Lashley loitering outside the victim’s block of flats where she lives on her own. As she came back he followed into the communal entrance and then forced his way into her flat. He then raped her.

The victim reported the assault to police.

Lashley was arrested on 17 August 2014 as a result of images obtained from CCTV, from which he was identified by police officers. He was charged later the same day

The victim was able to give evidence against him in court which led to a successful conviction.

The court also heard that Lashley had received an eight-year sentence in 2004 for a similar rape on a 59-year-old woman.

He was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on Friday, 6 March.

Officers believe that Lashley may have targeted other women and are appealing for other possible victims to come forward.

Detective Constable Victoria Kilburn said: “Robert Lashley is a sexual predator who, on 16 August 2014, targeted one of the most vulnerable members of our community and subjected her to an horrific sexual assault. This was all the more distressing as the offence occurred in her home, where she should have felt safe. I hope that the sentence today reflects how seriously the police and courts view this type of vile offending.

“I also hope that this sentence will encourage more victims of sexual offending to approach police, in the knowledge you will be believed no matter what age you are, and that the police will seek prosecutions for sexual offences.

“I would like to pay tribute to the victim of this offence. She is a spirited lady who showed great courage and determination, not only during the offence, but also in attending court and giving evidence against Lashley. She has found this experience extremely traumatic and I hope she can recover from this to enjoy her retirement in peace.

“Police are taking the step of releasing Lashley’s image today. If you think you have been a victim of Robert Lashley, I would ask you to come forward and speak to police.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police non-emergency line on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Friends of missing student Euan Coulthard met up late last night in Durham City in the hope of jogging memories a week after he disappeared.

They marked the anniversary by speaking to the public and handing them posters close to the Loveshack nightclub in the Walkergate area, where Euan was last seen on Wednesday, January 14.

Despite extensive searches of the city, the riverside and the river itself no trace has been found of 19-year-old Euan, from St Mary’s College.

CCTV footage shows a man, believed to be Euan, leaving Loveshack at around 11.50pm last Wednesday. He made his way towards Claypath and from there through the market place and down Silver Street where he crossed Framwellgate Bridge.

The footage then shows him heading down the steps adjacent to the Bishop Langley Pub towards the river.  This is the last potential sighting of him.

Earlier in the evening Euan, who originates from a village near Nottingham, had a meal with friends at La Spaghettata on Saddler Street, before going to the nightclub.

Almost 30 of Euan’s university friends met at about 11pm last night, supported by PCSO Rebecca Carey, police university liaison officer, and Professor Simon Hackett and Catherine Paine, principal and vice principal, respectively, of St Mary’s College.

PCSO Carey said: “Euan is a much-loved young man with many friends who are missing him and are keen to do everything they can to find him. While acknowledging that as time passes the chance of someone remembering something significant about Euan’s whereabouts is slim, they did not want to miss an opportunity to highlight that it is a week since he disappeared.

“Hopefully their presence and contact with members of the public close to where he was last seen will have jogged the memories of people who were also out and about in that area last Wednesday and result in information coming in.”

Prof Hackett said: “Euan’s friends have shown tremendous courage by coming out and talking to the public one week after Euan went missing. The whole college community has been profoundly affected by Euan’s disappearance and we are keen to support the police in any way we can with their enquiries.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101.

A fraudster has been foiled in his attempt to obtain expensive cars from dealerships in Bolton and Manchester.

Between 8 January 2015 and 16 January 2015 a person purporting to be the managing director of a legitimate business contacted an Audi dealership in Bolton and ordered seven cars.

All relevant paperwork was signed and it wasn’t until the day of the delivery that it was established a driving licence used was fake.

No cars were taken but the dealership suffered a financial loss due to the depreciation in value of the cars that were ordered.

Between 16 and 20 January 2015, a man using the same details requested seven BMWs from a dealership in Manchester.

The order was placed but concerns were raised from their fraud department and following checks with the organisation the man purported to be from, the order was cancelled.

Detective Inspector Charlotte Cadden, said: “Without question these two incidents are linked.

“When efforts to obtain seven Audi vehicles were foiled, similar attempts were made with a BMW dealership.

“In both cases the offender used the same name and purported to be from the same business, which is a legitimate business based in Greater Manchester.

“Had either attempt been successful then the dealership in question would have lost tens of thousands of pounds. Thankfully due diligence has prevailed and they have prevented the offender getting hold of any cars.

“We will now be making enquiries to identify the person or persons involved but I want to highlight these offences so other car dealerships can be alert to them.

“Additionally, if any other organisation has experienced something similar I would encourage them to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A man arrested over a stabbing at a restaurant in Chessington has been charged.

Aziz Miah, 53 (03.07.61), a chef of Clayton Road, Chessington appears in custody at Wimbledon Magistrates’ Court charged with the attempted murder of a 61-year-old man at the Red Rose restaurant in Hook Road, Chessington on Tuesday, 20 January and possession of an offensive weapon (a knife).

A second man arrested, aged 38 [B], has been bailed to return to a south London police station in late March pending further enquiries.

It happened at about 6.30pm Wednesday 21 January 2015, when two men wearing hooded tops with their faces covered walked up to a bookmakers of Copson Street.

One of the offenders walked into the shop and raised a silver handgun from his waist and ran towards the counter.

He reached the counter and pushed a white plastic bag through the gap in the security screen and told the two cashiers to put the money in the bag.

He raised the gun and pointed it at one of the cashiers.  The other member of staff left the area with the bag and put some money in it and walked out of sight.

The thief got suspicious and demanded the security door be opened and threatened to shoot if it wasn’t.

The door was unlocked and he walked through the rear of the counter and demanded more money which was taken out of the tills and then he ran out of the shop.

The main offender is described as white, in his late 20s to early 30s, about 6ft tall, of medium to stocky build.  He had light brown eyebrows which were raised at each end.

He was wearing a dark blue hooded jacket with the hood up and his face covered with either a snood or a neck warmer in dark blue or black, dark trousers and dark trainers with a white trim and sole.  He spoke with a deep mancunian accent.

Detective Constable Joanne Walton from South Manchester division, said: “The staff must have be terrified when this man walked into their place of work and threatened them with a gun.

“The bookmakers is on a busy road and there must have been people around the area who saw one of the offenders waiting outside or the two men running from the shop.

“I want anyone who saw what happened to come forward but I am also urging the local community to pull together and help us trace these two.

“If you have heard someone talking about this at any point or think you know who is responsible please call us, any information you provide will be treated in strict confidence.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 4408, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Three men who carried out a series of burglaries on Bradford homes have been sentenced to more than 10 years in jail.

Stefan Grogan, 23, of Leeds Road, Windhill, Shipley was sentenced to four and a half years, and Matthew Crooks, 24, of Back Lane, Wilsden was given three years and four months, after they pleaded guilty to nine burglaries last summer. Nathan Stapleton, 19, of Back Dale Street, Shipley was given two years and six months.

A fourth man, Joshua Clayton, 23, of Albert Street, Wilsden, will be sentenced at a later date after also pleading guilty.

During the spree, which lasted between 9 and 27 August last year, the men stole more than £20,000 of cash and jewellery, as well as laptops, designer watches and other items of sentimental value.

Detective Constable Richard Oxley, of the Western Area Burglary Team, said:  

“Bringing these men to justice is a fantastic result and I am delighted the court has recognised the seriousness of their offending by punishing them in this way.

“None of them cared about the consequences of their actions – the houses they targeted were empty, with occupants either out (usually at work) or on holiday had to return to the devastation left behind.

“These men now have time in jail to consider the consequences of their actions.”

The men would break into sheds and take garden tools, which they used to force open rear doors and windows to enter the property. 

“It is important that, wherever possible, householders secure their sheds and garages. As has been shown by this case, thieves will use tools inside to then break into the house, added DC Oxley.

A 19-year-old man has been jailed after admitting child abduction and drug possession.

Rukhon Uddin of Ratcliffe Road, Loughborough pleaded guilty to three charges of possession with intent to supply and child abduction at a hearing last month.

He appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Friday where he was sentenced to a total of three years and nine months.

Uddin was also handed a five year Sex Offenders Prevention Order and a five year restraining order.

Police were contacted by the parent of a teenage girl who suspected that their daughter was with Uddin in a hotel room.

An investigation begun and in January 2014 Uddin was issued with a child abduction warning notice preventing him from having any other contact with the child.

Further concerns were raised that Uddin was still having daily contact with the young girl and officers commenced gathering evidence. He was arrested in May last year and in September when he was further interviewed by police he was charged with child abduction and remanded into custody.

He was also charged with the offences of possession with intent to supply after large quantities of class B drugs were found at his home address on the two occasions it was searched by officers.

Detective Constable Lisa Wood, the investigating officer, said: “Thankfully in this case, the girl’s parents took an active interest in what their child was doing socially and made contact with police with their concerns.

“Uddin used his street cred as a drug dealer to entice this young girl and gain her trust. He repeatedly ignored the conditions of the warning notice given by police to not make contact with the girl and as a result of this and his drug offences, he is now serving a prison sentence.”

Officers leading a murder investigation following the death of 35-year-old Jon Casey in Northampton on Friday, January 16, have said they are making good progress in the case.

The father-of-two from Ecton Brook, was found with stab wounds shortly before 5.30pm on January 16, close to the Lazeez restaurant in Barrack Road.

He was taken to Northampton General Hospital but died a short time later.

Detective Inspector Mark Brayfield, from the East Midlands Specialist Operations Unit Major Crime Team, said: “We are continuing our investigations and are working on some good leads which we believe may identify the offenders.

“We are also continuing to search the Barrack Road and Semilong areas of Northampton in our work to locate the murder weapon.

“Despite this progress, I would appeal to people who were in the Barrack Road area when Jon Casey was killed to come forward.

“This was a busy time of day with many people on their way home from work, so we know there are a lot of people who will have seen what happened.

“I would urge them to come forward because any piece of information they have, no matter how small, could be vital to solving this case.”

It is believed Mr Casey may had been involved in an altercation with two black men before he was found in Barrack Road.

As the altercation spilled out onto the road, it is believed a number of cars had to swerve out of the way close to the old Royal Mail sorting office.

Officers would also like to speak to anyone who saw Mr Casey in the Semilong area at around 5pm on the day.

Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man has been sentenced for sexually assaulting and raping a woman in Manchester city centre.

Stephen Johnson (06/05/1985) of Gurner Avenue, Salford has today, Thursday 22 January 2015 been sentenced to 12 years in prison.

He has also been given a sex offender prevention order and has been ordered to sign the sex offenders register for life.

He was found guilty of rape and sexual assault at an earlier hearing.

On 12 June 2013, a 20-year-old woman who was visiting the UK on holiday went into Manchester city centre that evening.

She had walked towards some benches in Piccadilly gardens when she was approached by Johnson who asked her for a cigarette.

They sat down together and talked for a while, a short time later the woman got up from the bench and was going to leave.  It was clear the victim was drunk; Johnson took advantage of this and led her away.

He started to touch her inappropriately and she said she felt scared and very uncomfortable.

Johnson pulled her into an alleyway where he pushed her to the floor and raped her.  A car came along so he hid out of sight.

The woman tried to walk away but he followed her and again forced her to the floor where he raped her again.

Johnson was very forceful and the woman began to feel faint, but he continued to sexually assault her.

The victim managed to flee to where two refuse collectors were working nearby. They contacted the police and Johnson was arrested at the scene.

Detective Constable Emma Cyprien from GMP’s Serious Sexual Offences Unit, said: “Johnson could clearly see the victim was in no state to consent to any sexual activity and is a reflection of his character that he took advantage of her, raped and sexually assaulted her.

“She has had relive her ordeal in court and I must credit her for standing up to Johnson and helping ensure justice has been done.

“I would like to commend the two refuse collectors for assisting the victim and alerting the police. Their action meant that Johnson was identified and prevented the victim from sustaining further attack”

Anyone who has been a victim of rape or sexual assault can contact Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. GMP has specially trained officers in place to provide a first class response to victims and help support them through the criminal justice process.

St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester, can also be contacted on 0161 276 6515. This provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Poli

Detectives investigating three separate reports of a man or men approaching schoolchildren in Lambeth and suggesting the children go with them have today, 22 January arrested a 24-year-old man [A] on suspicion of attempted abduction.

He has been taken into custody at a south London police station.

The first incident occurred on Thursday, 15 January at around 17:00hrs in Sancroft Street, SE11 where a 10-year-old girl was approached by a man.

The second incident took place on Tuesday, 20 January at around 07:20hrs in Kennington Lane, SE11. On this occasion an 11-year-old girl was approached by two men who were believed to be driving a white car.

The third incident occurred today, Wednesday, 21 January at around 08:30hrs also in Kennington Lane, SE11, where a 16-year-old girl was approached by a man.

Detectives are linking the incidents based on the similarities of all three but at this stage do not have a definitive description of the man/men or the vehicle involved.

Officers are actively engaging with local schools and are asking and parents/carers to remain vigilant and to report any concerns to the police.

Patrols in the local area have been increased both before and after school whilst enquiries continue.

Chief Inspector Nick Collins from Lambeth Borough said “Officers from Lambeth are currently investigating the incidents and are still trying to determine whether the same man or men were involved in all three.

“Whilst we do not wish to cause alarm I would ask the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to us.

“I understand that the community will be concerned about these recent incidents and I want to reassure parents and carers that we are treating this extremely seriously.

“Officers are working hard to identify the suspect/s wanted and enquiries into these incidents continue.

“As a precaution we have increased patrols in the area and are talking to local schools. I would also ask parents and carers to take the opportunity to remind their children how to stay safe and not to go with strangers.”

Fifteen people were arrested yesterday, 21 January, as part of a police operation in Southwark targeting drug and gang-related crime in the Bermondsey and Walworth areas.

Thirteen people have been charged and two have been given adult cautions for possession of class B drugs.

A 16-year-old girl [A] was charged with supply of class B drugs and has been bailed to appear at Camberwell Green Youth Court on 4 February.

Terry Dearsley, 20 (05.10.1994) of Lucey Way, was charged with supply of class B drugs. He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court today, 22 January.

Mark Powell, 27 (23.07.1987) of Perryn House, SE16, was charged with supply of class B drugs and possession of class B drugs. He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court today, 22 January.

David Easterling, 48 (23.04.1966) of Coleridge Road, Weston-Super-Mare, was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (Taser). He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court today, 22 January.

A 13-year-old boy [E] was charged with supply of class B drugs and has been bailed to appear at Camberwell Green Youth Court on 4 February.

A 17-year-old boy [H] was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon (CS spray), possession with intent to supply class A drugs, possession with intent to supply class B drugs, and supply of class B drugs. He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Youth Court today, 22 January.

A 17-year-old boy [I] was charged with possession with intent to supply class B drugs and possession of criminal property. He was bailed to appear at Camberwell Green Youth Court on 4 February.

Alfie Taylor, 20 (01.04.1994), of Mason Close, SE16, was charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and with breach of ASBO. He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court today, 22 January.

A 16-year-old boy [K] was charged with supply of class B drugs and was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Youth Court today, 22 January.

Michael Traynor, 55 (13.03.1959) of Verney Road, SE16, was charged with possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession of criminal property. He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court today, 22 January.

[M] Lewis Jones, 18 (22.8.1996), of Rotherhithe Street was charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and possession of class B drugs. He was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court today, 22 January.

A 17-year-old boy [N] was charged with being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Youth Court today, 22 January.

A 16-year-old boy [O] was charged with supply of class B drugs and attempting to supply class A drugs and was remanded in custody to appear at Camberwell Green Youth Court today, 22 January.

A 25-year-old man [F] was given an adult caution for possession of cannabis.

A 39-year-old woman [G] was given an adult caution for possession of cannabis.

The following statement is issued in response to a volume of media queries relating to a historic rape investigation commenced by the Metropolitan Police Service in 2012:

In late 2012, a woman alleged to the Metropolitan Police Service that she was raped by a man in 1967 at an address in London.

The woman was over the age of 18 at the time of the incident.

An investigation was commenced by officers from the Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

Advice was sought from the CPS, and both police and the CPS agreed at that time that there was insufficient evidence to proceed.

A subsequent review of the case was carried out and further lines of inquiry were conducted.

This included in June 2014, a man aged in his 70s being interviewed under caution by appointment at a central London location in connection with the allegation. He was not arrested.

After further consultation with the CPS, it was confirmed that those additional inquiries had not strengthened the original evidence; but police have subsequently been carrying out a further review of the case which remains ongoing.