Author: Blake Foster

Terry McMillan, 58, and Brendan McMillan, 27, of Chislehurst, died after the alleged incident at their family business in Long Lane, Bermondsey, on July 28. Hassan Cevik, 31, appeared at the Old Bailey via video link on Wednesday charged with two counts of murder. Cevik, of Mount Pleasant Lane in Hackney, is also charged with grievous bodily harm relating to a 47-year-old man and possession of an offensive weapon. The Metropolitan Police were called to the commercial property in the Southwark district on July 28 after reports of multiple stabbings. Two other men were treated for stab wounds by emergency services…

We asked Croydon Guardian readers to tell us what they consider the town’s biggest eyesore and the response was fierce. Hundreds of comments poured in, many tinged with nostalgia, frustration, or sheer disbelief at how the town has been allowed to change. For some, it was the boarded-up Whitgift Centre that drew the strongest reactions. For others, it was the explosion of high-rise blocks or the impact of stalled regeneration projects. There were also complaints about rubbish-strewn streets, rundown public buildings, and a sense that Croydon’s identity has slowly eroded. Below is a breakdown of what locals say is letting…

The ambulance service was called to the junction of Upton Lane and Skelton Road around 2pm yesterday (August 12). A crew from the air ambulance was also sent in a car and a man was treated at the scene. He was then taken to hospital “as a priority”. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson said: “We were called at 2.06pm on Tuesday 12 August to reports of a road traffic collision at the junction of Upton Lane and Skelton Road, Forest Gate. “We sent resources to the scene, including an ambulance crew, an incident response officer and a paramedic in a…

From Thursday August 14, Cumberland Avenue will be closed to traffic at its junctions with both Buckingham Avenue and Northumberland Avenue. Buckingham Avenue will also be shut from outside No. 30 to The Green. Parking and loading will be banned on both sides of Cumberland Avenue between Northumberland Avenue and Buckingham Avenue, and on Buckingham Avenue from No. 30 to The Green. The disruption is to allow JDT Utilities, working for Southern Gas Networks, to carry out gas mains replacement works. The legal order allows for closures up to 18 months, but the work is expected to take six weeks.…

Mohammed Sharwarq, a Syrian national staying at the Bell Hotel, has been charged with two counts of common assault, four counts of assault by beating, and one count of sexual assault on a male. It is alleged that the offences took place between July 25 and August 12. The 32-year-old has been remanded in custody and was due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today (August 13). Essex Police says it is not looking for any other suspects. Protests have been taking place near the Bell Hotel and other places across the UK over immigration. It followed since 38-year-old asylum…

Fat Panda, in New Road, was told its food hygiene standards needed “major improvement” at its Food Standards Agency (FSA) inspection on June 30.  The takeaway has since permanently closed and was not formally shut down as a result of its poor food hygiene rating, a Havering Council spokesperson has confirmed.  This paper was also informed by the council’s environmental health team that the business said it was “likely to cease trading soon” at the June 30 inspection. READ MORE: Romford Burger King restaurant shuts unexpectedly A Freedom of Information (FOI) request by the Recorder has now uncovered the full food hygiene report…

Brent Council approved a huge 885-home development in Alperton, despite concerns about its impact on local infrastructure and a lack of affordable housing numbers. Harrow Council approved the first phase of a major regeneration project, which will ultimately deliver around 800 new homes. Construction works have already begun on many of the residential and commercial developments that were approved last year. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has taken a look back at some of the most notable applications that have been approved across the two boroughs so far this year, which residents can expect to see taking shape over…

Pictures taken by shocked onlookers show the bright orange flames rise from the HGV between Romford and Dartford. The lorry carrying a large amount of tyres burst into flames around 1pm today (August 13).(Image: ECFRS) Firefighters are on the scene with police reporting there have been no injuries. While the inferno burned in the anticlockwise carriageway, drivers in the opposite direction took videos of the huge blaze.(Image: ECFRS/Adam Foskett) Others have captured pictures of the large pillar of smoke rising into the air from miles away. The anticlockwise carriageway is completely closed to traffic but the road has reopened clockwise.…

Luke and Eddy have graduated from a study programme with work experience at the hospital, set up by an autism charity.  A similar hospital internship was started two years ago in east London when 12 youngsters, including some with learning disabilities or autism, were taken on by the Havering and Redbridge NHS trust. Luke and Eddy have graduated from ‘supported’ internships at The Whittington in Archway for ages 16 to 25 for those with education and health plans who need support to get jobs.   The Ambitious About Autism national charity, based in Muswell Hill, has been working with the hospital…

Minimaspace Architecture, on behalf of applicant Hilltop Motors Ltd, has put forward proposals for a new car dealership on the land to the north west of Manor Way, Rainham.  This site would include the display of vehicles for sale, a portable reception or canteen cabin and a covered car wash near the railway.  An empty office building on the site is proposed to be kept for administrative use. READ MORE: Decision made on plans for prayer services at Elm Park tuition centre According to the planning statement, the dealership functions “primarily online”, with vehicles stored onsite but sold via digital platforms.  The proposed site would therefore…