Author: Blake Foster

The operation was carried out by both the Royal Borough of Greenwich and the Metropolitan Police on Saturday, June 21. They were acting in response to reports of retailers selling counterfeit cigarettes and tobacco products. The operation saw test purchasers attend two premises in Woolwich and one in Greenwich with the help of a specialist tobacco detection dog. One of the premises, located on Trafalgar Road, was found to have a sophisticated concealment system involving electronically operated magnetic locks. A “significant quantity” of illegal tobacco products was found and seized. An even more elaborate set-up was discovered at the property…

A 67-year-old woman suffered life-changing injuries in the crash.  An inquest opened at Croydon Coroner’s Court on Wednesday, July 2, heard that police are in the “early stages of the investigation” into the crash.  Detective Sergeant Kayleigh Perry said enquiries so far suggest the driver lost control at the junction and collided with two pedestrians. Both Mike and the woman who was hit were on the pavement at the time, DS Perry said.  A man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, the court heard.  Mike was a passionate sportsman and had been a member of…

The press and public will be banned from even looking at officers linked to the death of 40-year-old Lithuanian man Giedrius Vasiljevas. Mr Vasiljevas was shot dead at his home in Weston Green, Dagenham, on November 23, 2023. Described by his family as suffering from long-term mental health issues, he reportedly called police, told them he was suicidal and claimed to have two loaded guns. He was an intermittent patient of the local mental health trust and known to drug and alcohol dependency service Change Grow Live. Officers claimed that when they confronted Mr Vasiljevas on his doorstep, he brandished…

A casualty on tracks was reported at Chafford Hundred Railway Station at around 2.25pm today (July 2).  Officers and paramedics attended and a person was taken to hospital for further treatment.  Their condition is unknown at this stage.  All lines between Upminster and Grays is currently closed as the incident is being dealt with.  Disruption is expected until 5pm. We have contacted East London Ambulance Service for further information.  A spokesperson for British Transport Police said: “Officers were called to a report of a casualty on the tracks at around 2.25pm today (2 July) near Chafford Hundred Railway Station “Officers and…

The incident happened at the junction of Ley Street and Myrtle Road at around 4.30pm yesterday (July 1).  Officers attended along with London Ambulance Service and the junction was closed to traffic. The man was rushed to hospital with a serious head injury where he later died. Police are treating the death as “unexpected” and are investigating the circumstances of the death. A Met spokesperson said: “Around 16:30hrs on Tuesday, 1 July, police were called to the junction of Ley Street and Myrtle Road, Ilford, following reports that a person had fallen from a height. “Officers attended with the London…

Havering Council has advised that businesses impacted by the closure of the roundabout and flyover can apply for a business rates reduction. Affected businesses should contact the Valuation Office Agency, a spokesperson said, as this is not dealt with by the council. A council spokesperson said: “As the closure of Gallows Corner is a Transport for London (TfL) project, TfL are supporting local businesses during the works. “We always knew there would be some short-term disruption during the closure as the Gallows Corner junction is a major artery used by residents, businesses and those travelling in and out of London. “But…

Rushey Green was cordoned off yesterday (July 1) at 1.43pm after reports of the knife attack. Two men in their 30s were found with stab injuries and were taken to hospital. In an update today, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson said the two remain in hospital, but in a stable condition. A man, whose age has not been shared by the Met, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and affray. According to a woman who was at the scene as the incident unfolded, the incident occurred on a 54 bus. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call…

Below is a snapshot of the cases heard on June 20 and 25, 2025. Herry Fred Barros Cabral, 24, of Walthamstow, appeared on June 20, 2025, and must pay £151.00 in a fine, costs, and a surcharge. He pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug – cannabis – in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 on May 12, 2025. Taylor Maffia, 24, of Romford, appeared on June 20, 2025, and must pay £165.00 in a fine, costs, and a surcharge. He pleaded guilty to possessing a Class B drug – cannabis – contrary to the Misuse of…

It is no ordinary school setting, rather a place where vulnerable youngsters excluded from mainstream education come for a fresh start — for some, it is their last chance. Staff are taken on if they’ve been in the ring themselves because that gives pupils the skills of training and having to deal with whatever life throws at them. And The Boxing Academy is now over-subscribed each year and rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted. Principal Anna Cain is at the centre of it all. Step inside her academy at Monteagle Way in Lower Clapton and it doesn’t feel like a traditional school. “It…

Taking place on the last Saturday in June, Armed Forces Day acknowledges the dedication and efforts of the brave men and women who serve – and served – in the British Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Haringey’s Mayor Cllr Ahmed Mahbub and Deputy Mayor Cll Michelle Simmons-Safo attended the service at tGeorge Meehan House in Wood Green, along with the council’s cabinet member for communities, Cllr Ajda Ovat. “All of us are grateful to everyone who serves in the Armed Forces,” the deputy mayor said. “Our thoughts are with the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.”…