Author: Blake Foster

Woodford Green Primary School in Sunset Avenue was visited by the education watchdog in June and the findings were published on July 9. The school was labelled ‘outstanding’ in all five categories of assessment: quality of education, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, leadership and management and early years provision. The report described the school as “nurturing and inclusive” and found pupils and staff to be “happy and very proud” to be part of the community. Inspectors found that the school has “high expectations” for all pupils and has an “aspirational and well-constructed curriculum which is skilfully delivered across the school”. Inspectors described the…

On Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, Southern and London Overground services will be severely affected. Southern trains between East Croydon, Clapham Junction, and Watford Junction will not run from 8pm on Saturday and all day on Sunday. London Overground trains will also not run between Clapham Junction and Willesden Junction or Stratford on Sunday. Southern passengers can use London Overground trains at no extra cost between Clapham Junction and Willesden Junction on Saturday evening. On Sunday, passengers can use Southern trains between Clapham Junction and London Victoria and London Underground services between London Victoria and London Euston. London…

After the “frenzied” attack, Williams, from the Isle of Dogs, went on the run for a month, the court heard. He was finally detained at Notting Hill Carnival last August 26, having avoided police in a car chase last August 3. Her Honour Judge Angela Rafferty KC told Williams that he had targeted Mr Thomas for “revenge because of your own fury”, adding that the attack involved “savage violence”. Derek Thomas (Image: Met Police) Giving her sentencing remarks, Judge Rafferty said: “I am sure that you intended to kill Derek Thomas. This was a merciless and determined attack. “You killed him…

The Romford Drum and Trumpet Corps – a youth band open to those aged eight and over – has been chosen to perform at celebrations for the 250th anniversary of American Independence next July in Philadelphia. They are reportedly the only UK band to be invited to the events, which include taking part in America’s longest running 4th of July parade and competing in the World Association of Marching Show Bands concert and display competitions. Samantha Barrand, band director, called the invitation a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity and said members were “absolutely buzzing” when they found out. The band performing at London…

The funding, part of the Mayor of London’s £600,000 High Street Place Labs programme, will help Newham Council develop improvement plans for High Street, East Ham. The planned upgrades aim to make it more attractive and pedestrian-friendly, while providing new opportunities for young people. Rokhsana Fiaz OBE, Mayor of Newham, said: “Our high streets are the lifeblood of our communities, and this support from the Mayor of London fast forwards our ambitious plans to revive East Ham High Street as the vibrant, accessible, and welcoming town centre it is. “We’re focused on creating neighbourhoods with thriving high streets that drive economic…

In March a retrospective planning application was submitted to install an extractor flue and canopy connection “for the proposed conversion of the ground floor to restaurant” at 121 Mawney Road. According to an odour impact assessment document, the property had wished to operate as an “Asian takeaway (Indian food etc)”. This came only weeks after similar initial plans were withdrawn. Last Friday (July 11), Havering Council confirmed it had refused the most recent application. Plans were refused on July 11 (Image: Nat Nollid) It said the use of the ground floor as a restaurant past 6pm “would result in an unsatisfactory relationship by way of…

Caleb Garuba, from Newham, initially aspired to become a cardiothoracic surgeon until he witnessed the tragic incident. It caused him to change the direction of his life. He has shared his story to mark International Paramedics Day and urged Londoners to consider a career at the London Ambulance Service. Caleb said: “Everything changed on a fateful day while I was at my aunt’s shop. “I heard a frantic shout from outside. Alarmed, I rushed outside to see what had happened, and my heart sank as I realised that a motorbike had struck a child. “The chaos that ensued was overwhelming,…

Police were called soon after midnight on July 15 to Kingsland High Street, and allegedly found a 30-year-old woman holding a knife. She was arrested on suspicion of possession of a weapon and then released on bail. A man, 24, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and a woman, 19, were also arrested at the scene. 24-year-old Rouzi Teurhong has now been charged with grievous bodily harm and possession of a bladed article. He will next appear at Wood Green Crown Court on August 19. The woman was released with no further action. A 27-year-old man took himself to…

The man was arrested yesterday after by officers on patrol yesterday evening following an assault reported on Sunday evening (July 13). Dean Walters, 65, from Corner Meadow in Harlow, has been charged with affray. He’s been released on bail with strict conditions and will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on September 24. Man, 38, denies trying to kiss 14-year-old girl in Epping Forest The assault comes alongside protests in the town on Thursday evening (July 17) after people gathered outside The Bell Hotel, which is currently housing asylum seekers. Officers were attacked and vehicles damaged during protests. Essex Police, supported…

The warning is in place from 4am until 11am on Saturday, July 19 and covers all of London. It also follows the previous yellow weather warning in place for thunderstorms and rain from 9pm to midnight tonight (July 18). The Met Office has warned that rain could lead to some “significant surface water flooding during Saturday morning.” You can see the full weather forecast via the Met Office. Thunderstorm warnings have been issued for the weekend, but will you catch one?Find out more in the weekend weather forecast with Alex Deakin pic.twitter.com/Wuaa03Trab — Met Office (@metoffice) July 17, 2025 An amber…