Author: Blake Foster

Zachariah Orefuwa, from Romford, was born on October 26 and died less than a week later from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy – brain damage believed to have been sustained during his birth.   His mother attended the maternity unit “in a lot of pain,” she told coroner Nadia Persaud. But the staff member she spoke to when she first arrived allegedly responded: “Well, that’s not what you’ve come in for.” “It was at that first point that my pain was dismissed,” Zachariah’s mum told East London Coroner’s Court. He is one of three babies whose inquests have been opened since late 2024…

The London Fire Brigade confirmed that eight fire engines and around 60 firefighters responded to the incident on Heron Crescent, which began shortly after 1.30pm today (July 24). Crews from Orpington, Bromley, Lee Green and nearby stations were mobilised after the first of eight emergency calls was received at 1.31pm. The fire, which broke out in the roof of a two-storey vacant building, was brought under control by 3.48pm. Despite this progress, firefighters will remain on site into the evening to fully extinguish the blaze and carry out dampening down operations to prevent any flare-ups. A 32-metre turntable ladder from…

Veronica Marion Morrow, 39, was born in the USA but lived in Jacks Farm Way, Chingford, coroner’s officer Jean Smyth told East London Coroner’s Court on Wednesday (July 23). However, on July 8, the London Ambulance Service was called to the Yotelpad hotel in Broadway, Stratford. Paramedics then called the Metropolitan Police to the hotel, explaining that they had “found a female unresponsive in bed”. Mrs Morrow “was identified by the police using her driving licence, which was found at the scene,” said Mrs Smyth. The Met Police deemed Mrs Morrow’s death non-suspicious and referred it to the court for…

Property developer The Hill Group and housing association Poplar Harca want to demolish the Teviot Estate and replace it with a new development of up to 1,928 homes. Councillors on the planning committee approved the scheme earlier this month, with eight in favour and one abstaining. Resident Sheila Snoddy said she was worried about the increased size and number of homes on the new estate. She said: “We did not want high-rise buildings, we did not want high density. The size of our area cannot support 1,928 new homes. Where will these people go to travel to work? How will…

Touseeq Haider, 26, was visiting IKEA in Croydon with his family on Monday (July 21). As he arrived around 5:45pm, Touseeq spotted four youths quickly working to break multiple locks on a white scooter parked outside the furniture store. Within minutes, he says, two of the thieves began cutting through the scooter’s locks with an angle grinder while a third kept watch. Despite Touseeq shouting at nearby security to intervene, the gang carried on undeterred. Touseeq, who lives in Sutton, South London, said: “They looked so professional.  “There were four boys. One was on the bike, two were stealing and the…

Burger King, in Croydon, officially reopened on July 22 after closing for refurbishment. The company is promising “an enhanced dining experience” at the transformed location, which now features table service and a refreshed menu. To celebrate the grand reopening, the restaurant treated 1,000 customers to a free Whopper or Chicken Royale on opening day. Ali Ajil, restaurant manager at Burger King UK, said: “The team and I are thrilled to be back in Croydon, welcoming our community to the refreshed space. “We’re looking forward to seeing both familiar and new faces enjoying everything the remodelled restaurant has to offer.” The…

Emergency services were called to Abbey Road at around 12.41pm today (July 24). London Ambulance Service sent several teams to the scene, including ambulance crews, paramedics in fast response cars and a clinical team manager. The two patients were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital. Their condition is not yet known. Gilbert Road was partially blocked in both directions at St Augustines Road following the crash. A detour was in place for Bus Route 229, but the road has since reopened. Source link

Highgate resident, Fast Show, Gone Fishing and Harry & Paul star and Spurs fan Paul Whitehouse was joined by ex-footballer Gary Mabbutt at the opening of The Ghost of White Hart Lane. The monologue, which runs at Jacksons Lane Theatre until Sunday (July 27) explores a father and son relationship alongside themes of grief and loss. Rob White with former Spurs star Gary Mabbutt. Rob’s book The Ghost of White Hart Lane about his late father John was the inspiration for the one man play. (Image: Supplied) Scotsman John White was one of the 1960s’ top footballers, whose skills for passing and ball control – and habit of turning…

Sentences ranged from community orders and driving bans to an immediate eight-week jail term, as defendants from Eltham, Greenwich, Lewisham, and Southwark faced the bench. Joe Curry, 19, of Camrose Street, Eltham, London, appeared on July 17, 2025, and must pay £199 in costs and a surcharge. He pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A drug, crack cocaine, on January 14, 2024, at Abbey Wood, Greenwich. He was given a community order running until July 16, 2026, that requires up to 10 rehabilitation activity days and 40 hours of unpaid work, and the crack cocaine will be forfeited and destroyed.…

The shop, which opened today (July 24) at the Brewery shopping centre, has created eight new jobs. It is the biggest of Romford’s four Greggs stores and is located opposite PureGym. The shop features indoor and outdoor seating and will be the bakery chain’s fourth store in the town centre. Shop manager Merry Francis said: “We can’t wait to welcome both Greggs fans and new customers to our brand new shop.” Gillian Long, retail operations director for Greggs, added: “Our new shop in Romford has brought eight new jobs to the local area, as well as providing customers with a modern,…