London’s police force for Greater London, enforcing law and safety
Two cases of police misconduct and grooming by church figures have led to prison sentences or suspensions. A former Cambridgeshire officer has been jailed for misconduct in public office and encouraging a toxic WhatsApp culture, while a ex-church leader was convicted of sexual offences against vulnerable youths, with sentencing set to follow.
A large fire at the Grand Burstin Hotel on Folkestone’s Marine Parade has led to the evacuation of about 280 guests. Emergency services believe the blaze started in the basement. A welfare centre has been set up as investigations continue and residents are being relocated.
YouGov polling shows a sharp drop in Reform UK leader Nigel Farage’s favourability, with 69% unfavourable and 24% favourable, leaving a net rating of -45. The results come amid donations scandals, a Channel 4 sting, and police investigations surrounding key aides and donors.
A Stockport man in his 60s has admitted 60 offences against his wife at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court, including rape and administering a substance to stun her. The victim cannot be named. Sentencing will follow the conclusion of the trial, with other defendants denying the charges.
A wave of illegal e-bikes and dockless bikes is prompting authorities to intensify enforcement and licensing rules across London and other cities. Seizures have risen, and officials say safety and pavement access are at the heart of the crackdown. Meanwhile, operators face tighter regulation and potential penalties.
The Metropolitan Police have sacked a further officer after Panorama’s undercover film at Charing Cross, with two more dismissals confirming a wider drive to purge misconduct. The IOPC investigation continues as more officers face fast-tracked disciplinary proceedings.
Nicholas Brandram, 44, a former HSBC private banker and descendant of Queen Victoria, has been found dead at his Chiswick home. He had been arrested in June in connection with the 2017 Putney Bridge incident and was released under investigation. Police say the death is unexpected but not believed to be suspicious. A coroner will review the case.
Palantir has appointed Lord Tom Watson as UK senior vice-president, expanding its UK leadership as it seeks to deepen public-sector work, including NHS and policing contracts. The move follows controversy over Palantir’s role in UK public services and amid ongoing legal and political scrutiny.
BBC and Guardian reports converge on the long-awaited Dockers Derby as Millwall hosts West Ham at The Den for the first time in nearly 15 years. The match underscores London football’s fierce rivalry, the emotional pull for fans, and the policing measures expected around a high-stakes clash.
The Crown Prosecution Service has charged Dr. Vincent Brown, a 65-year-old doctor formerly known as Vincent Bajinya, with conduct ancillary to genocide and six counts of murder as a crime against humanity. He is the first person in Britain to face such charges for the 1994 Rwanda genocide. Proceedings have moved to the Old Bailey, with a next appearance scheduled for October 9.
A fire in a semi‑detached house in Bootle has killed four people inside and another two were injured, as investigations indicate an electrical event related to lithium‑ion batteries used in e‑bikes/e‑scooters. Authorities urge safe battery use and adherence to manufacturer guidance.
Counter-terrorism police have disrupted an alleged plot to target the Jewish community in Manchester during Yom Kippur. Two men in their 30s have been arrested, with searches in Salford and Liverpool. Police say the investigation is ongoing and heightened security is in place for the High Holy Days.
The 24-year-old batsman, named in reports as Robin Das, has been charged with two counts of rape following an incident investigated by police. He is currently suspended by Essex County Cricket Club while legal proceedings continue.
Dogan was bailed to a north London flat near a playground despite police objections and victim protests. He has been jailed for two years and four months for child sexual exploitation and use of AI to create explicit images. Police and victims call for a cross‑agency review as officials defend bail decisions.
Police have arrested five men after residents reported three suspicious vehicles moving toward RAF Fairford overnight. Bomb-disposal teams are examining the vehicles under a 400-metre cordon; about 85 households were evacuated. Counter Terrorism Policing and Gloucestershire police have opened an investigation and the men remain in custody on terrorism-related suspicions.
Prosecutors have received a full evidence file from the Met on 54 individuals and 20 organisations connected with Grenfell Tower, with charging decisions expected before the 10th anniversary of the disaster in June 2027. The process involves possible corporate manslaughter, health and safety offences, fraud and misconduct in public office, following a nine-year police inquiry that examined tens of thousands of documents and statements.
A First-Tier Tribunal has allowed Naomi Campbell to appeal her five-year ban from acting as a charity trustee for Fashion for Relief. The ruling acknowledges serious misconduct and mismanagement by a co-trustee, Bianka Hellmich, which was concealed from Campbell. Campbell is not held responsible for the misuse of funds, though she shared some accountability for failing to keep minutes and file accounts on time.
Two Iranian nationals have been charged in Manchester with preparing to commit or assisting another to commit an act of terrorism. They were arrested ahead of Yom Kippur and are believed to have been in contact with an overseas third party; authorities say there is no ongoing public threat.
Reform UK has published an internal inquiry finding no laws were broken over alleged foreign donations and polling arrangements. Police investigations are ongoing, with critics branding the report a whitewash. The party has suspended two officials and says it will tighten donor procedures while pursuing legal action against undercover reporting.
Ivan Toney has pleaded not guilty to assault and will face a crown court trial after allegedly head-butting and punching a man at a Soho nightclub on December 6 last year. The case, heard at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, has moved to a crown court where a judge and jury will determine the claim.
Counter-terror police have arrested two Latvian nationals after military police found an abandoned vehicle and a small breach in the perimeter fence at RAF Molesworth early on 8 October. The men have been bailed with strict conditions while officers search two Peterborough addresses and continue to investigate possible motives. Authorities say there is nothing so far linking the arrests to the recent incident at RAF Fairford.
Demonstrations across London and European cities commemorate three years since Gaza’s crisis began. Protesters call for an immediate arms embargo on Israel and stronger sanctions, while police enforce a zero-tolerance approach to hate crime amid counter-demonstrations. The protests come as sanctions and international pressure continue to shape the political response to the conflict.
The Championship match between Millwall and Swansea City was halted for about seven minutes after alleged racist abuse aimed at Swansea substitute Ji-sung Eom is reported. Police are investigating with clubs and authorities following the protocol. Swansea leads the table after a 1-0 win.
A 19-year-old Norwegian, Johannes Kongsnes Natland, has been sentenced after a jury convicted him in July of conspiracy to murder. Police arrested him in March 2025 at a Huddersfield hotel with two firearms, ammunition and cash after he travelled from Norway to the UK to carry out a killing for €25,000. He had been recruited online by Sweden-based Foxtrot Network.
Sarah Helm’s X post praising Palestine Action is being assessed by the Metropolitan Police after publishers faced backlash over Sally Rooney’s UK sales. Officials say the post did not meet the criminal threshold and no action is planned. Palestine Action remains proscribed under UK law.
Meghan has issued a deeply distressed response to allegations that her father, Thomas Markle Sr., kept child sexual abuse images at his home. Police have confirmed a 2019 letter outlining troubling allegations was shared with Meghan and her husband, but not with other agencies. The Met is reviewing its handling of the matter amid rising scrutiny.
A four-year-old girl has died after falling from height at an address on St Paul’s Road, Barking. Police say the incident is not believed to be suspicious. Ambulance crews treated the child at the scene before she was taken to a London major trauma centre, where she later died.