Man and Woman Arrested After 34 Bodies Removed from Funeral Directors
A man and a woman have been arrested in connection with an investigation into a funeral director in Hull, following reports of concern regarding the care of the deceased. The arrests come after 34 bodies were removed by police from Legacy Independent Funeral Directors on Hessle Road and transported to the mortuary in Hull. A […]
Bromley Aggravated Burglary: Police Seek Public’s Help in Investigation
Police have released an e-fit of a man after an aggravated burglary in Bromley.
Police were called to reports of a burglary on West Street on Monday, February 5, between the hours of 5.10am and 5.30am.
Two suspects entered a house, stole various items such as jewellery, and then threatened the female occupant.
CCTV showed two men dressed in dark clothing running past East Street in the direction of Widmore Street/Market Square at 5.30am.
A 23-year-old man has already been arrested by police in relation to the offence and he has been bailed pending further enquiries to a date in mid-May.
The e-fit suspect is described as of stocky build, 5ft, 8 tall and was wearing a blue hoodie – he also had dark facial hair.
PC Emma Frost, who is leading the investigation, said: “I want to reassure the community that we are doing everything in our power to find this man. As the search for him continues, we have placed more officers in the area to help deter any further burglaries.
“I hope that the e-fit image helps to jog someone’s memory. If you know or recognise this man, please come forward to police stating CAD 900/05FEB.”
Information Commissioner Blocks Release of ULEZ Camera Repair Costs
Transport for London (TfL) can cover up the huge cost of sabotaged ULEZ cameras because disclosing the sums might incite encourage ‘blade runner’ vandals, a government body has ruled.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has blocked the release of each London borough’s repair bill, saying it would encourage “competition” to destroy even more cameras.
Since the controversial charge was expanded to Greater London, which City Hall said was to reduce deadly air pollution, masked vandals calling themselves “blade runners” have been destroying the cameras.
They have even chopped down traffic lights, potentially creating serious danger on the roads, where ULEZ cameras were affixed.
In October, we used the Freedom of Information Act to find out the number of sabotaged cameras in each borough, and the public cost of fixing them all.
TfL refused to answer, claiming it would “adversely affect the course of justice”.
It said “significant opposition” to ULEZ, from “a vociferous minority”, had sparked “a significant and sustained campaign of criminal damage”.
“To minimise the threat and reduce the damage to our camera network, which has been and continues to be under repeat attack, we have been refusing to disclose information relating to these ULEZ enforcement cameras,” it said.
ULEZ was extended to greater London in summer 2023, after which masked vandals calling themselves ‘blade runners’ started sabotaging the cameras (Image: PA)
We reported in January how TfL had cited sabotaged ULEZ cameras as a justification for “greatly limiting” transparency over its entire “enforcement and infrastructure” operations.
The Campaign for Freedom of Information called TfL’s position “highly questionable”, particularly in an election year.
We asked the ICO – the official information watchdog – to investigate TfL’s secrecy over ULEZ.
TfL told the watchdog that public databases were being compiled online of ULEZ camera locations, so answering our questions “would lead to further requests being made for the same information, across cumulative time periods, that would help build up a wider picture of disruption”.
This, it claimed, “would be utilised by those either committing the damage or supporting the damage to publicise their activities and embolden others to carry out attacks of their own”.
TfL’s argument, summarised by the ICO, was that the public spending information “would confirm which London boroughs have been most targeted, in terms of ULEZ camera damage, and cost, and increase ‘competition’ with other boroughs.
“It would also provide the online databases with information they need to verify how accurate their own online tracking is. This will make the online databases more reliable and allow more targeted action to be taken against the ULEZ cameras.”
‘Blade runner’ vandals have also targeted vans used by ULEZ enforcement teams (Image: Contributor)
We had not asked for the locations of any damaged cameras or the specific costs of any repairs.
We had only asked for a total number of cameras sabotaged in each borough to date, and a total repair bill for each borough.
But the ICO has sided with TfL.
“The commissioner considers it highly significant that online databases exist to facilitate and encourage individuals to gather and verify as much information about the ULEZ cameras as possible,” it wrote.
“The public authority has pointed the commissioner to one online database in question. Whilst the commissioner notes the database doesn’t condone ‘any vandalism to public property’, it’s likely such databases are invaluable tools for those who intend on vandalising ULEZ cameras.
“The commissioner understands that the Met [Police] has dedicated significant resources to ULEZ camera crime.
“The commissioner is satisfied that any information that aids and assists current and future offenders, would inhibit the police’s ability to investigate and prosecute offenders, therefore adversely affecting the course of justice.”
Outspoken ULEZ critic Keith Prince, London Assembly member for Redbridge and Havering, rejected the suggestion that releasing public spending data could incite crimes.
“I find that hard to believe and certainly would not condone such actions,” he said.
“Recently an attempt to damage a ULEZ camera resulted in major road disruption because the signals were damaged too.
“TfL are hiding behind bureaucracy to mask the amount of resources and money being wasted on this punitive tax.”
Silvertown Tunnel: London’s Newest River Crossing Project
A brand new tunnel is coming to London in the form of one of Transport for London’s (TfL) biggest projects, the Silvertown Tunnel.
The tunnel will go under the River Thames and connect the Greenwich Peninsula with East London.
TfL has previously shared that Silvertown aims to help reduce “chronic congestion” at Blackwall Tunnel while allowing better public transport links.
Silvertown will comprise of a 1.4km twin-bore road tunnel and marks the newest of its kind in more than 30 years.
Unlike the Victorian Blackwall Tunnel, TfL hopes Silvertown will offer a modern friendly alternative with wider roads and the potential for walking and cycling facilities in the tunnel.
TfL also aims for Silvertown to offer quicker journeys than Blackwall by at least 20 minutes faster and reducing the impact that traffic congestion has on some of London’s most polluted roads.
When will Silvertown Tunnel open?
According to TfL, they expect the Silvertown Tunnel will be completed and open to the public in 2025.
However, an exact open date has not yet been confirmed.
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How much is it costing to build the Silvertown Tunnel?
The Silvertown Tunnel has a budget of £2.2 billion, with the construction of around £1 billion and another £1.2 billion to be paid over 25 years in annual payments.
The project was signed by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan who described the tunnel as being a vital link from the Thames to East London.
TfL has shared that tolls will be instated in the summer of 2025 to help control traffic on both the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels.
Although not confirmed yet, reports have suggested that it could cost between £3 and £5 to drive through the tunnel each way.
A murder investigation has been launched after a man was shot in Lewisham
Police were called at around 4.30m to Catford Broadway SE6 to reports of a shooting. Officers attended the scene along with LAS and discovered a man – believed to be in his 30s – with a gunshot wound. He was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Police are in the process of informing next of […]
Investigation Launched Following Death of Burnley Man
Authorities have initiated an investigation following the tragic death of a man from Burnley, whose passing is being treated as a potential homicide. The incident unfolded when Police responded to a distress call at an address on Harley Street in Burnley around 3:20 PM on Saturday, March 2. Upon arrival, they discovered a man with […]
Teletubbies Sun Baby Reveals Name of First Child
The Teletubbies baby has revealed the name of her first child and made a huge nod to her past role on the popular kids TV show.
Jess Smith, who starred in the programme when she was nine months old, has now gone on to have her own child.
Previously, the star, who played the role of Sun Baby between 1997 and 2001, welcomed her child to the world but did not reveal her name or gender.
Teletubbies baby Jess Smith shares the name of her first child
Jess has now revealed that her baby girl’s name is Poppy Rae Latham. The name ‘Rae’ is a nod to her past role as the iconic Sun Baby.
Taking to Instagram, she and her partner Ricky shared: “12 days in our lives, 7 days at home, 2 very lucky parents.
“Please welcome Poppy Rae Latham.”
Discussing how she entered the world of show business at such as young age, she told the BBC: “I was being weighed at the hospital. My mum took me and it just happened to be the same time that the producer of the old series had come in and wanted the hospital to get in contact with them if they’d seen any smiley babies.”
She then explained that her dad would stand behind the camera holding toys to make her giggle and laugh for the programme.
Until 2015, Jess kept her role as the Sun Baby a secret, saying: “I used to hide it but after a lot of encouragement from my friends at university, I’ve gained the confidence to come out with it.
“I am the sun from the Teletubbies. Everyone says they can see the likeness between my face now and me as a baby. I still have a baby face. I haven’t changed much either. I am still giggly.”
Police Launch Murder Investigation After Fatal Shooting Incident in Catford
Police have initiated a murder investigation following a tragic incident that claimed the life of an individual in Catford. The area near Lewisham Town Hall has been cordoned off as officers from the Met Police work diligently to gather evidence and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. Emergency services were summoned to the scene at […]
Theresa May Announces Retirement from Parliament after 27 Years
Former Prime Minister Theresa May will step down as an MP at the next general election after 27 years in Parliament.
The 67-year-old was the leader of the Conservative Party from 2016 to 2019 and previously served as Home Secretary from 2010 to 2016.
Mrs May revealed her decision to stand down as MP for Maidenhead on Friday (March 8), saying she would focus on championing causes including the fight against modern slavery.
In a statement to her local newspaper, the Maidenhead Advertiser, she said: “Since stepping down as prime minister I have enjoyed being a backbencher again and having more time to work for my constituents and champion causes close to my heart including most recently launching a Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
“These causes have been taking an increasing amount of my time.
“Because of this, after much careful thought and consideration, I have realised that, looking ahead, I would no longer be able to do my job as an MP in the way I believe is right and my constituents deserve.”
Mrs May said it had been “an honour and a privilege” to serve as Maidenhead’s MP and vowed to continue working for her constituents until the general election, which is expected in the second half of this year.
In her statement, she added: “As I pass the baton on I will be working with my successor to secure a Conservative victory in Maidenhead. I remain committed to supporting Rishi Sunak and the Government and believe that the Conservatives can win the election.
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“I would like to thank all those who chose me to represent them as their Member of Parliament.”
Mrs May entered the doors of Downing Street after David Cameron resigned when the country voted to leave the European Union, which he had campaigned against.
But the Maidenhead MP since 1997 who was also a “Remainer”, left her job as Prime Minister three years later after a snap election in 2017 because she was unable to get her Brexit deal through parliament.
Since being elected MP for Maidenhead, Mrs May went on to hold several shadow positions, according to GOV.UK, including:
Shadow Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1999 to 2001)
Shadow Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions (2001 to 2002)
Shadow Secretary of State for the Family (2004 to 2005)
Shadow Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (2005)
Shadow Leader of the House of Commons (2005 to 2009)
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Women and Equalities (2010 to 2012)
Outside of her political career, the website adds: “After starting her career at the Bank of England, Theresa went on to the Association for Payment Clearing Services, firstly as Head of the European affairs unit from 1989 to 1996 and then as Senior Adviser on international affairs from 1996 to 1997.”
Orpington Man Charged After Violent Robbery Leads to Kidnapping Incident in Northfleet
An Orpington man has been charged after a violent robbery ended in a kidnapping incident as the victim was forced into a car in Northfleet.
Officers were called to York Road in Northfleet on Monday, March 5, after reports of a man entering a home.
Once the man was inside at around 11.30pm, it was alleged that he threatened the victim and demanded money.
The victim was also reportedly assaulted, and their home was damaged.
The offender then allegedly forced the victim into a car to take them to a nearby cash point, but the driver crashed into a stationary car and fled the scene.
Following the incident officers launched an investigation and on Wednesday, March 6, a man was arrested.
Billy Friend, 43, of Star Lane, Orpington, has been charged with robbery, criminal damage, kidnap, aggravated vehicle taking and injury caused by accident and causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
He is due to appear at Medway Magistrates’ Court on Friday, March 8.