Essex News & Investigations

A MOTHER who was charged with the murder of her baby who fell to her death from a property in Westminster has today, March 16 2026, appeared in court. Zahira Byjaouane, 43 (26.05.82), of Horseferry Road, Westminster, was charged yesterday following the death of the 18-day-old. She appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court, but was not asked to enter a plea, because the case was transferered to a hearing at the Old Bailey on Wednesday. She spoke only to confirm her name, date

POLICE computer systems across the country crashed this morning leading to fears it could affect response times to crimes, something the Home Office quickly denied. Forces affected included the country's biggest, the Met Police. Security firm sources said they feared it could affect response times if police assistance was needed at incidents. A police source said: "No one could log in. We were unable to do anything." Chief Constable Rob Carden, National Police Chiefs’ Council

More than 150 alleged victims have come forward to the Met Police investigation into claims of sex abuse by former Harrods boss the late Mohamed Al Fayed. The case relating to Mohamed Al Fayed is being progressed across three strands - the original investigation into Al Fayed, a forward looking investigation into any potential facilitators or enablers, and enquiries to establish whether any misconduct or corruption occurred. All reported offences are being considered. Special

Four men arrested as part of a Counter Terrorism Policing investigation into suspected National Security Act offences against the Jewish community in support of Iran can be held for a week without charges. Detectives from Counter Terrorism Policing London have secured warrants of further detention for the four men so they can be held in custody until Friday, 13 March, 2026. The four men are a 40-year-old man and a 55 year-old man who were arrested at addresses in the Barnet a

A MAN has been charged with the manslaughter of a woman who killed herself six years ago in a rare prosecution. Gillian Morand from Bexley passed away in March 2020, aged 36. A subsequent inquest determined she had died by suicide. Following this, information came to light around allegations of domestic abuse that Gillian had previously suffered. This led to the Met undertaking further enquiries, and an investigation was launched by detectives. On Thursday, 5 March 2026, offi

A FAR right extremist who set up a gun and explosives workshop on Britain 's biggest travelling showmen's site, as reported by UK News and Investigations last month, has been jailed for 16 years. A sentencing hearing at Kingston Crown Court concluded today, February 12 2026 at Kingston Crown Court. The court heard Thomas McKenna, 60, (above) was converting blank-firing Ceonic pistols imported from Turkey into deadly firearms and making expanding ammunition, for sale to organ

A Met officer has appeared in court charged with sexual assault. PC Jason Capery, based on the Central West Command, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday, 4 February 2026 where he pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault. The offence took place during a social event in Westminster on 24 January 2025 when PC Capery was off-duty. He grabbed the bottom of a woman known to him. PC Capery was charged via postal requisition. He is due to be sentenced on Frida

A MAN has been charged with multiple counts of serious sexual offences against women and children spanning over 17 years. Adebayo Adeyemi, 58, from Dartford, Kent, was charged with 33 offences on Friday, 9 January 2026. The offences are alleged to have taken place in the south London area between 2002 and 2019. The charges include: • 6 counts of rape • 1 count of attempted rape • 1 count of assault by penetration • 21 counts of sexual assault • 4 counts of indecent assault Th

A SENIOR Met Police firearms officer is facing allegations he promoted a mobile pizza business while on long-term sick leave from the force. PS Matt Skelt, of the Met's MO19 Specialist Firearms Command Unit, known as the 'Trojans', is accused of spending time on the family business across Essex. It is part of a Met Police apparent crackdown on officers allegedly carrying out other jobs while on sick leave or suspension. A public notice published ahead of a misconduct hearing

DETECTIVES investigating the death of a woman in Willesden on Saturday have charged a man with murder. Najiib Raytaan, 25 (08.04.00) of Harlesden Road, NW10, was charged on Monday, 2 February 2026 and appeared at Willesden Magistrates’ Court this morning. He has been remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, 4 February. Police were called at around 4pm on Saturday, 31 January, to reports of a stabbing on Pound Lane, Willesden. Officers attended alongside c