Author: Blake Foster

The 35-year-old avoided prison “by the skin of his teeth” on Thursday, July 17, as a judge said the victim could have been killed.  The Old Bailey heard that Tchikou, of Shelley Way in Colliers Wood, was driving a SEAT Leon on the evening of September 27 last year when he was involved in a minor collision with a motorcycle.  Tchikou said he “saw red” as the biker did not stop to swap details.  A lengthy chase ensued in which Tchikou pulled off highly dangerous manoeuvres, tried to crash into the motorcyclist and collided with street furniture.  The biker sustained…

Police believed he may have fallen from a nearby roof, but despite clues being left behind he remains unidentified to this day.  Locate International, a charity dedicated to locating and identifying missing or unnamed people, is appealing for help in solving the mystery.  (Image: Locate International) CEO Mark Greenhalgh said: “Secker Street Man’s true identity has remained a mystery for 55 years now, but we are confident he can still be identified.  “This might be the last chance to do so, however – had he lived, he would be possibly close to 80-years-old.  “Those who knew him may be around…

Ernestas Juska, 21, attacked the 39-year-old woman multiple times with a large kitchen knife while she was in bed at 6.40am on August 17 last year. He was arrested later in the morning after approaching someone in Wordsworth Way and telling them to call police because he killed someone. At the time, he told officers the victim was a family friend and had been staying overnight. He said he killed her as he wanted to “lash out” and it was important she wasn’t someone close to him. Juska explained that in the evening prior to the attack he had consumed…

The plan would break a pledge to have a counter staffed 24/7 in each of the capital’s 32 boroughs.  A Met Police spokesman said: “Just five per cent of crimes were reported using front counters last year, with the vast majority of Londoners doing it over the phone, online, or in person with officers elsewhere.  “Given the Met’s budget shortfall and shrinking size, it is no longer sustainable to keep all front counters open.  “That’s why we have taken the tough choice to pursue some closures and a reduction in hours – allowing us to focus resources relentlessly on tackling crime and…

The ruling could have far-reaching implications for who bears the costs of building safety-related costs in the future, with judges ruling that parts of the Building Safety Act 2022 (BSA) can be applied retrospectively, favouring leaseholders and residents. Specifically, this means a paragraph that states building owners can’t charge leaseholders for such work can be applied to fire safety defects that were discovered before the act came into force. What were the two cases? The court decisions relate to disputes concerning Hippersley Point in Abbey Wood, right on the border of Greenwich and Bexley, and to five residential blocks in…

Emergency services were called to reports of a disturbance at the busy south London Road just before 10.30pm on Thursday (July 17). Three men in their 20s and two men in their 30s were found with significant injuries. They were treated at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital shortly after. Their injuries have not been deemed life-changing or life-threatening. A London Ambulance Service spokesperson has called this an “assault”. After a crime scene was set up, several weapons were found in the area and seized. No arrests have been made at this stage but investigations continue. A Metropolitan…

The four commissioners will be given sweeping powers over the council’s leadership, governance, financial management and senior appointments, effectively allowing them to override key decisions if necessary. The announcement follows growing concern in Whitehall over Croydon’s financial stability. Last month, Minister for Local Government Jim McMahon warned that the borough’s financial position was “deteriorating rapidly” and that a “short, sharp reset” was required. Today, Mr McMahon confirmed that commissioners will be empowered to oversee, challenge and directly intervene in the council’s key functions. “I have concluded that it is both necessary and expedient for me to exercise powers in the…

The disagreement at Monday’s Full Council meeting (July 14) comes as Sutton grapples with a deepening housing shortage, with some residents facing waits of up to ten years for a home. The debate was triggered by a Conservative motion, introduced by opposition leader Councillor Neil Garratt, calling for firmer protections for Sutton’s 616 hectares of green belt. Most of this land lies in the Little Woodcote and Cuddington areas and includes farmland, woodland, golf courses, and parts of Sutton’s iconic lavender fields. Conservative councillors argued the borough must take a clear stand against possible government and mayoral reforms that could…

Miro Brasserie & Lounge has been teasing its opening in Station Road, promising prospective diners that “something unforgettable is just around the corner”.  The restaurant and bar will replace the former Ace Creams & Tapas that once served customers from 3-5 Station Road.  According to Google, the dessert parlour is now permanently closed. Once launched, Miro will be one of the latest new business openings in Upminster this year.  Ahead of its opening, an application has been made to Havering Council seeking a premises licence to permit the sale of alcohol from the venue.  If granted, the eatery will serve…

A new 12,000 sq ft Marks & Spencer food store in High Road, Leytonstone welcomed its first customers on Thursday (July 17).  More than 50 new staff members – plus the M&S mascot Percy Pig – gathered outside the foodhall at 9am to make the launch official with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.  The store is market style (Image: M&S) Photos taken inside show the market style of the store, with open-plan sections such as the flower shop and bakery. READ MORE: Bespoke cake maker and school feature in latest food hygiene ratings The dedicated flower shop (Image: M&S) Alongside the bakery is a…