Author: Blake Foster

Thomas Hawkes, 23 from Essex, was an officer in City of London Police – but will now have to report to police for five years as a sex offender. Police chiefs have since described his crimes as “appalling” and “abhorrent”. On September 14, 2023, Hawkes was arrested and his mobile phone searched. This revealed messages sent using the social media platform Snapchat between October 31, 2018 and April 26, 2022. The Snapchat messages began when Hawkes was 16 asking her how old she was. She replied that she was 12 years old and Hawkes gave his correct age. He then…

National Express welcomed the army of festive folk with the same name on a service from London Victoria Coach Station. IDs were checked before boarding to make sure each Carol and Noel was legitimate, and the dress code was simply ‘festive fun’, with many opting for novelty Christmas jumpers. With some notable names among the passengers, including TOWIE’s Carol Wright – mum of Mark – and even Noel Fielding (or at least their lookalike). They were encouraged to sing Christmas songs for the entire journey to get into the festive spirit. It comes as the UK’s largest coach operator is…

Andrew Clark, 43, sustained fatal head injuries when Demeish Williams, 30, hit him with an open palm outside the shop on Upper Elmers End Road, Beckenham, at around 8.30pm on March 16.     Bus driver Williams had become aggressive inside the shop when Andrew told him he couldn’t cut in front of him and his wife to pay.    Williams then put on a facemask and waited outside for Andrew, hitting him in the side of the head as he walked out the door.  Prosecutor Alistair Richardson said Andrew was knocked out by the blow and fell without breaking his fall,…

An online auction of photographs of the much-loved actor is raising funds for The Helen McCrory award, run by Kentish Town charity HvH Arts. She was an enthusiastic patron ever since it was founded in 2013 to provide five to 18-year-olds with inspiring spaces to develop their talents – whether in acting, music, photography or fashion. An image of Helen McCrory by Charlie Gray which is part of the online auction in aid of HvH Arts. (Image: Charlie Gray) The award was created following her death in 2021 at the age of 52 and is handed out to gifted but…

This is due to engineering work and will affect trains on Sunday (December 14) only. Trains will run as normal on Saturday (December 13). We have broken down the details for you to plan ahead.   Sunday (December 14): Engineering work is taking place between London Cannon Street, London Bridge and Greenwich, and some of the lines through New Cross used by services to and from London Cannon Street, closing some lines. London Cannon Street, Deptford, Greenwich, Maze Hill, Westcombe Park, St Johns and New Cross will be closed all day. Trains between London Cannon Street and Slade Green via Greenwich…

Police were called to The Wheatsheaf pub on Kingston Road at around 3.30pm on Tuesday (December 9) after a man was found stabbed in a nearby alleyway. Officers arrived with paramedics but a man in his 20s died at the scene. Three males – aged 15, 17 and 20 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody. An investigation into the incident is ongoing and officers continue to appeal to the public for information. A Surrey Police spokesperson said: “We are particularly keen to speak to anyone who stopped or saw an altercation on Kingston…

JD Wetherspoon will open its latest venue, Coombe Lodge, in Croydon on Wednesday, December 17, paying tribute to the history of the local area and bringing new life to a former restaurant site. With areas of Croydon retaining much of its rural character and old grand houses, the pub’s name refers to Coombe Lodge, a mid-18th-century house originally part of the Coombe Estate. The pub features two ground-floor bars, and will offer a selection of real ales, traditional ciders, craft and world beers, including bottled and draught options from local and regional brewers. Customers will also be able to enjoy historical photos, displays and…

Emily Jackson, 31, endured a torrent of physical and verbal abuse while on duty in London after responding to an emergency call at a pub one December. The incident occurred when a man became aggressive after regaining consciousness. New campaign “All we want for Christmas is… RESPECT” launched by LAS (Image: London Ambulance Service) Ms Jackson said: “It was this time of year – when people are out drinking or partying. “Our patient was unconscious on the floor and I was really worried about him. “He was struggling to breathe and I worried he was going to stop breathing and…

A poll of 2,000 adults found reducing red tape (41 per cent), simplifying the tax code (35 per cent) and lowering National Insurance contributions (34 per cent) are other ways people think would help small businesses and their high streets.   Almost half (46 per cent) of those polled feel small businesses deserve additional funding – and 88 per cent think they’re important to a vibrant local community.   The research, which comes against the backdrop of last month’s Budget, found overwhelming support for small businesses at a time of economic uncertainty when they are facing multiple financial pressures. A handful of…

Recalls have been issued on products for a variety of reasons, including some items that may contain pieces of glass, some with incorrect use by dates, and others that may contain pieces of plastic. We have rounded up the ongoing product recalls you should be aware of. If you have bought any of the items mentioned below, you need to be aware of these possible health risks. Tesco Recall Tesco has apologised to shoppers after they were forced to issue a recall on one of their food products due to a potential health risk. The supermarket giant has recalled its…