Author: Blake Foster

A children’s social worker helped run a large-scale drug and weapons network while working with a convicted criminal from Lewisham serving time for firearms offences. Chloe Scott and Miles Addy were sentenced following a Met Police investigation that began after a 15-year-old boy was found with drugs at Tower Hill Underground Station in December 2022. The youngster’s phone revealed that he was working for social worker Scott, who was instructing him to sell and transport drugs. Further inquiries led to armed Met officers stopping Scott’s car on Seven Sisters Road, Islington, on June 3, 2023. Inside the vehicle, officers found…

The death of ten-year-old Isaac Mansfield, from Stratford, was attributed to natural causes until his GP, reviewing the records, spotted a hospital urine test had been positive for a metabolite of the Class A drug. But by the time police and senior east London coroner Graeme Irvine began investigating, Isaac’s body had already been cremated. A Metropolitan Police investigation failed to find evidence strong enough to criminally convict anybody. “What that effectively leaves me in the invidious position of having to do is to hold what is ostensibly a surrogate criminal investigation,” Mr Irvine told East London Coroner’s Court yesterday (June 12). …

Aveley Lake Holdings Limited has submitted a retrospective planning application to change the use of Whitepost Farm, in Ockendon Road, to a car sales site. The application also includes the extension and recladding of buildings currently on the site, the laying of a gravel hardstanding and the installation of lighting columns and a security barrier. Used car dealership London Motor Company (LMC) has been operating from the farm without planning permission since last year, changing its office address to the site on November 4, according to Companies House. READ MORE: Enforcement notice among refusal reasons for flats above Rainham shops plan However, planning…

London’s 21st annual World Naked Bike Ride will take place tomorrow. The clothing-optional event, part of a global initiative, will see participants cycle across the city to protest against car culture and oil dependency, and to celebrate body positivity. The event, held annually since 2004, except for a pandemic-related cancellation in 2020, is expected to attract more than 1,000 riders this year. The forecast is looking perfect for it – sunny and warm, with temperatures expected to reach around 25°C. Riders are encouraged to be “bare as you dare,” although whacky costumes and decorations are also welcomed. The event is…

Lefke, a Turkish restaurant in Corbets Tey Road, submitted a planning application to Havering Council for external alterations including an improved al fresco seating area, a new automatic canopy, raised flowerbeds and a new lick of paint. According to a planning document submitted by agent Dr Umut Kilic of Narch Design and Build, the proposals aim to improve the “visual quality of the premises, provide greater comfort for outdoor seating and contribute to local greening initiatives”. Dr Kilic sent the Recorder some computer generated images (CGIs) depicting how the proposed new outdoor seating area could look if plans are approved. How the outdoor…

Police are concerned for the welfare of a missing teenage girl from Dartford. Maria Boima was last seen in the Sinclair Way area at 8.30am on Thursday, June 12. The 15-year-old is described as black and of slim build, with dark braided hair and brown eyes. It’s thought she may be wearing a black beanie hat with a white print, a black jacket, a long-sleeved black jumper, ripped blue jeans and black socks over grey sliders. Maria is known to have links to Southwark in London. Anyone who has seen Maria is asked to call police on 999 quoting the…

Earlier this year, Santander announced it would be closing 95 of its 444 high street branches nationwide from June 2025, putting 750 jobs at risk. 10 of these Santander branches are in London, with five of them being in south London.  The Croydon branch on 128 North End will be the first of Santander’s south London locations to close, shutting its doors on Monday (June 16). In addition to these closures, Santander also confirmed that it would be cutting hours for 36 more branches nationwide, along with changes to 18 of its branches to be counter-free to “better serve the changing…

British Transport Police officers were called to Turnpike Lane Underground station at around 9.45am this morning (June 13).  The call alerted alleged that there was a man with a knife.  A man was arrested on suspicion of possessing an offensive weapon.  Transport for London reported the station’s closure at 9.45am, stating on X: “This station is closed while we respond to a customer incident. Tickets are being accepted on London Buses via reasonable routes.” READ MORE: Two men convicted of murder after ‘senseless’ stabbing at Seven Sisters station Just five minutes later, they shared an update confirming that Turnpike Lane station…

The Liberty has more than 90 shops in its portfolio, ranging from big brand names such as Flannels, Primark and Next to independent shops like Jennie Jane.  There are also new additions set to be welcomed, including toy and stationery store Miniso which will open on June 13, and jewellery store Lovisa later this year.  The site earmarked for Lovisa inside The Liberty (Image: Newsquest) Pandora has just reopened to shoppers in The Liberty after undergoing a refit to modernise the store.  However, the Stewards Walk wing of the shopping centre was looking noticeably quieter on our most recent visit, with…

The homes are primarily one, two and three-bedroom flats contained within the housing developments of Royal Arsenal, Kidbrooke Village and Greenwich Millennium Village. Money to purchase the flats will come from the near £400 million of funding assigned to phase two of the council’s house-building project, Greenwich Builds. Cllr Majid Rahman, who presented the proposal to Greenwich Council’s cabinet at a meeting on Wednesday (June 11), said: “What we are proposing here is an opportunity for us. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate what Greenwich Builds has already achieved in phase one with having over 750 council homes in progress.” Cllr…