Author: Blake Foster

VItor Dias, 21, had his home raided on May 17, 2022, as part of an investigation into indecent images of children being posted online. He was not arrested at the time, but two mobile phones were seized so that they could be analysed. Police found extreme right-wing terrorist material on the devices, including how to make explosives, firearms and ammunition. He was arrested on September 8 that year and charged on October 3, 2023, with four counts of possessing a document containing information useful for terrorist purposes. Dias then pleaded guilty to the charges at the Old Bailey on August…

Robert Price, 76, was pronounced dead shortly before 6pm on July 27 at his home in Oval Road North, Dagenham.  Nathan Otitodilchukwu, 18, previously of Crow Lane in Romford, pleaded guilty to manslaughter.  A 16-year-old, who cannot be identified due to his age, has also admitted manslaughter.  Otitodilchukwu is not said to have thrown the firework himself but is said to have been part of the group who started the fire, the Old Bailey was told at a previous hearing.  The pair were due to be sentenced on Friday, April 25, but the hearing was pushed back to May.  East…

A main set of 10 stamps will honour men and women who made contributions during the Second World War, while a mini-sheet of stamps has images of Dame Vera Lynn from different aspects of her wartime career. People featured include George Arthur Roberts, who was the first black man to join the London Auxiliary Fire Service in 1938 and Mary Morris whose diaries describe how she nursed troops returning wet and wounded from Dunkirk. A stamp will also honour John Harrison who served in the Royal Navy on the destroyer HMS Belfast and was responsible for maintaining “A” and “B”…

With a fresh fit-out, warm service, and bold flavours, this new spot already feels like a welcome addition to the area. We had to try the new Hot Honey Glaze – a sweet, sticky sauce with just the right amount of heat. (Image: Poppy Huggett) If you like a balance of sugar and spice, it hits the spot. I went for the Full Flavour Fix Boneless Bundle, which includes eight boneless wings, three tenders, seasoned fries, and dips – all for £14.50. The all-new hot honey boneless wings (Image: Poppy Huggett) It’s a serious feast, and the portions are so generous that…

Multiple emergency vehicles were spotted in High Street near Surrey Road at around 8pm today (April 17). A picture, obtained by the News Shopper, shows multiple cordons in place as the incident is being dealt with.  The nature of the incident is unknown at this stage. Bus routes 119 and 194 are currently on diversion.  We have contacted Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade for further information. The full AA statement says: “Road closed due to police incident on A232 High Street both ways between Surrey Road and Manor Park Road. “Detour in operation – for bus…

The Romford Roars Dinosaur Trail, organised by Romford BID, is free for visitors and will run from March 29 to April 22. The models, made from hundreds of thousands of toy bricks, have been placed at key locations throughout the town. The free family trail features triceratops, stegosaurus, and baby dinos (Image: SANDRA ROWSE) The trail will feature iconic dinosaurs, including a towering triceratops, a gigantic iguanodon, and a majestic stegosaurus. Young explorers can also discover a herd of baby dinosaurs and learn facts about these ancient creatures. Visitors can win prizes by completing Romford’s dinosaur adventure (Image: SANDRA ROWSE)…

Coolings Garden Centre has called on its customers to help “Keep Coolings Blooming” this spring. Essential gas works are set to restrict access to the centre during its busiest time of year. The roadworks along Rushmore Hill, the main access route, have posed a significant challenge to trading during the peak spring months, when most of Coolings’ annual income is made. Despite this, Coolings remains fully open, and the team is urging customers not to be deterred by the diversion signs. Dwayne Ross, managing director, said: “We’ve weathered many storms over the years—from the oil crisis to COVID—but this spring’s…

Roxy Ball Room has opened its doors on St Mary Axe, opposite the Gherkin, offering a variety of activities including duck pin bowling, ice-free curling, and tech darts. The venue, which follows the brand’s ‘Booze and Ball Games’ mantra, also features American pool, basketball, ping pong, and a virtual shooting range experience called Sharp-Shooter. New St Mary Axe venue offers beer pong, karaoke, and crazy pool (Image: ROXY BALL ROOM) Joel Mitchell, marketing director at Professionals at Play, said: “We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve now opened our doors to the city of London, right in the heart of St…

So far it’s taken me to self-catering apartments and an upmarket holiday park, which have both been enjoyable in their own right. But if I’m honest I’ve been avoiding the big question – is it possible to enjoy the grandeur of a top class hotel when you have your 18-month-old to worry about? Well, the time has come to find out and to do that we’re heading to Cambridge and the University Arms. Cambridge is roughly a 90-minute drive from London or 50 minutes on the train from King’s Cross, so it’s an easy journey for a weekend away. The…

The works will affect services on Saturday and Sunday (April 12 and April 13). We have broken down the details for you to plan your journey this weekend.   Saturday (April 12): London Waterloo to Reading services will be diverted between Barnes and Feltham and will call additionally at Barnes. London Waterloo to Windsor services will be revised. These services will be diverted between Barnes and Feltham and will make additional stops. Buses will run between Barnes and Feltham via Richmond. London Waterloo to London Waterloo via Richmond and Wimbledon services will start from Twickenham. Buses will run between Barnes…