Author: Blake Foster

Jake Reeves, 23, helped recruit others from Croydon and nearby to cause around £1million of damage to supplies set for Ukraine that were being stored in Leyton. He was in turn recruited by Dylan Earl, 21, who made contact with the Wagner Group – a private military organisation that acts on behalf of the Russian state. Five men in total have been convicted for their involvement in the fires on March 20, 2024. Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said it was a “clear example of an organisation linked to the Russian state using proxies” to…

The works began on Monday (July 7) and are expected to last until October 31. A temporary traffic order has been put in place by Barking and Dagenham Council. The project involves reinforcing a gas main to support redevelopment works and is divided into nine phases. READ MORE: College makes significant improvements – but ‘too many apprentices falling behind’ The order, however, will remain in force for 18 months to be re-introduced should further works be required. Throughout the duration of the project, waiting and loading are prohibited on certain sections of West Bank and Hertford Road during all phases. Phase 1,…

Mr Brooks, a 33-year-old account manager from Romford, subsequently brought a £74,000 insurance claim made up of £63,435 for damage to the Porsche, £5,000 for personal injury, £2,400 for medical treatment and £3,374 for loss of earnings.  He alleged that he was seated in the £81,000 car at the time of the impact and had suffered injuries as a result.  However, dashcam footage from the lorry revealed that Mr Brooks was standing in the bushes at the side of the road at the time of the crash.  Damian Rourke, partner at law firm Clyde & Co, said: “Mr Brooks claimed…

The lab at Mandeville Primary School in Lower Clapton is one of the first of its kind in the country and blends traditional teaching with 21st-century digital technology. It has 20 state-of-the-art digital pianos donated by the Lang Lang International Music Foundation. Each child uses a digital piano with headphones and their own screen to monitor their progress, with practice tracks, video tutorials and even cartoon characters. The first lesson was a demonstration with a performance by the foundation’s ‘young ambassadors’ Louis and Sofia Pan and Zara Antonia on June 17. “It’s an extraordinary complete ‘game changer’ for us,” Mandeville’s music director James Moriarty said. “These are…

William Shakespeare wrote A Midsummer Night’s Dream five centuries ago in the late 1590s, telling the story of a fae-induced love triangle and two spatting fairy rulers set in ancient Athens. The story tells of a fae-induced love triangle and two spatting fairy rulers set in ancient Athens. (Image: Manuel Harlan) But Nicholas Hytner’s new production at The Bridge brings it into the 20th century, with subtle modern-day references and characters taking audience’s phones to look up calendars and take a cheeky selfie. Nicholas Hytner’s new production at The Bridge brings the story into the 20th century. (Image: Manuel Harlan) The Bridge…

Havering Council’s strategic planning committee are expected to grant planning permission for a battery energy storage facility on green belt land near St Marys Lane. The proposals – put forward by renewable energy firm Clearstone Energy – would see battery containers built across around 11 hectares of farmland for a “temporary” period of 40 years. A council report published ahead of a committee meeting on Thursday (July 10) reveals that the plans are recommended for approval – despite their potential to have a “significant impact” on the green belt land. READ MORE: Veolia landfill site in Rainham set to continue running…

The offences took place during the 2024/2025 financial year and involved individuals unlawfully occupying or attempting to purchase council-owned homes. In one case, a person tried to buy a council property they were renting out, despite already owning another home in the UK that they intended to sell. Further investigation revealed significant financial activity, including private school fees and property purchases in the United States. A judge awarded £14,000 in compensation to the council and ordered the return of the property. Councillor Ray Morgon, leader of Havering Council, said: “We remain committed to maintaining an honest and fair housing programme…

A 16-year-old boy was wounded in the leg during an attack in Manor Road, Chigwell, shortly before 8.55pm on Saturday, July 5. Essex Police believe a large group may have been involved. A separate incident took place the same evening at Chigwell tube station, where another 16-year-old boy was robbed by three masked men who stole his phone and money. Chief Inspector Terry Fisher, district commander for Epping Forest, said: “I know these incidents will cause concern among our community but I have a team of detectives working to identify those involved and to establish if there is a link between…

The incident happened in Joel Street, Northwood Hills just after 1pm yesterday (July 7).  Officers and London Ambulance Service crews attended and found three teens who had been stabbed.  They were treated at the scene before being taken to hospital.  One victim, 19, has been discharged from hospital – his injuries were not deemed life-changing or life-threatening. He was arrested on suspicion of affray and remains in police custody. The other two victims remain in hospital. The injuries of one, aged 18, have not been deemed life-changing or life-threatening.  The condition of the 17-year-old victim is currently unknown.  They have also…

A huge emergency response was called around 8.30pm, including the air ambulance. The driver was rushed to hospital where he died of his injuries on Saturday (July 5). His next of kin have been informed.(Image: Jamshaid Sarwar Gujjar) The silver car crashed with a bollard, billboard and tree, through a fence and finally overturned between the road and Beckton District Park. Despite serious injuries, the driver managed to escape the car before the fire department arrived. The A13 was closed for 12 hours towards London, reopening around 8.30am the following day. A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious…