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CCTV issued of man sought following Covent Garden assaults

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Detectives have released a second CCTV image of a man wanted over two assaults in Covent Garden – one of which left a victim in his 70s with serious injuries.

The attacks occurred within moments of each other on the evening of October 12, 2024.

At around 10.33pm, an off-duty police officer reported being punched in the back of the head close to the Royal Opera House. The officer was not injured.

The assailant then approached a second man, aged in his 70s, in nearby King Street. He asked him for directions, before pushing him over.

This victim suffered a bleed on his brain. He temporarily lost consciousness, and required 15 stitches to the back of the head. He is no longer in hospital but continues to suffer the effects of the assault.

The two victims were not known to each other, and the attacks appear to have been random, with no known motive.

The suspect is described as white, around 5ft 9in tall, of medium build, and wearing a black jacket. He was last seen fleeing towards Bedford Street.

Police have made a renewed appeal for information, and have released a new CCTV image of the suspect. This shows the man shortly before the assaults, wearing the exact clothing he had on at the time.

Detective constable Greg Atkins said: “This incident took place in and around Covent Garden on a busy evening. We are making a renewed appeal for anybody with information to come forward. Do you recognise the suspect featured in the CCTV images?

“Multiple people witnessed the assaults and I would ask anyone who can assist in identifying the person responsible to get in contact.”

Anyone with information that could assist police should call 101, quoting CAD reference 7846/12OCT. To make an anonymous report, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Four men jailed for murder of Kacey Boothe

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Four men have been jailed for the murder of Kacey Boothe in Walthamstow.

Ka’mani Brightly-Donaldson (main picture), Kammar Henry-Richards, Joao Pateco-te and Jeffrey Gyimah were found guilty at the Old Bailey on Monday, December 11 and Tuesday, December 12, following a trial lasting ten weeks.

They were also convicted of conspiracy to murder another man and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.

A sentencing hearing was held at the Old Bailey yesterday, following an investigation by Met Police detectives.

  • Ka’mani Brightly-Donaldson (25) of High Street, Ponders End was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 38 years.
  • Kammar Henry-Richards (26) of Cambrian Road, E10 and Joao Pateco-te (28) of Chelmer Road, Hackney, were jailed for a minimum of 37 years.
  • Jeffrey Gyimah (23) of Queensbridge Road, Hackney, will serve a minimum of 35 years.

A fifth man, Roody Thomas (27) of Berger Road, E9, was sentenced to five years behind bars after admitting possession of a firearm.

Kacey (25) was shot dead in Forest Rise on August 13, 2022 as he left a children’s birthday party at the Peterhouse Community Centre.

Police arrived at around 9.20pm to find Kacey had already been taken to hospital, where he died.

Homicide detectives from the Specialist Crime Command began an investigation which involved trawling hours of CCTV footage to identify the suspects.

It was through this extensive work and witness accounts that detectives identified the shooter had left the scene in a stolen car.

These enquiries resulted in warrants being executed at addresses in north London with a total of six arrests being made.

Officers discovered that Kacey and the defendants were linked to rival gangs in north London and had already been involved in a number of violent incidents. After the shooting, one of the defendants, Henry-Richards wrote drill music lyrics boasting about the attack.

However, it is believed that Kacey was not the intended target of the shooting, and the killers had instead been aiming to kill another man.

Detective chief inspector Larry Smith, whose team carried out the investigation, said: “I am pleased to see these men held responsible for their actions and hope today’s long sentences serve as a warning to others who involve themselves in gang-related violence.

“I would like to commend my team for their tenacious and dedicated investigation, trawling through hours of CCTV, analysing mobile phones and speaking with a number of witnesses to piece together the exact movements of these individuals prior to this deadly attack.

“Ultimately, a family have lost their loved one and for this my thoughts remain with Kacey’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

etag donates wellbeing bench to Buckinghamshire School

As part of its ongoing support for local community projects, specialist building supplies distributor etag has donated a wellbeing bench to Long Crendon School in Buckinghamshire.

The donation was inspired by the primary school’s desire to create a meaningful space where pupils could take time out of the busy playground environment and find extra support when needed.

The idea was brought to etag’s attention by Aisling Kenny, the company’s HR director and a member of the school’s board of governors. Recognising the value of the project to the school and its students, etag sourced a high-quality bench for Long Crendon that would serve the pupils for years to come.

The bench, painted white by the school caretaker, was later transformed by the pupils into a vibrant and meaningful part of their playground. Members of the school’s Wellbeing Committee, which includes two pupils from each year group, decided how the bench would be used and decorated it with positive affirmations. The messages aim to uplift any child feeling sad, lonely, or needing quiet reflection. It also encourages a culture of support at the school, as older pupils and teachers can easily spot a child using the bench who might need extra care and connection.

“The wellbeing bench has become a cherished part of our playground,” said Bilal Aziz, deputy headteacher at Long Crendon School. “It’s not just a place for quiet moments; it’s a symbol of kindness and community. We are grateful to etag for their generous donation, which has helped us create this special space for our pupils.”

Speaking about the donation, Tony Taylor, CEO of etag, added: “Every project matters to our business —whether it’s a skyscraper or a local initiative. Supporting Long Crendon’s vision to create a space for connection and positivity reflects our values of teamwork and growing together, and it’s an honour to help them create this for students.”

Shivo Towers: A Sustainable Luxury Development in Zanzibar

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Construction has begun on Shivo Towers, a luxury apartment complex in Paje, Zanzibar, marking a new milestone in eco-friendly property development. Spread across a 9,740 sqm plot, the project features two towers, offering 162 premium apartments and four opulent penthouses. Amenities include a pool, spa, gym, restaurant/bar, and meticulously designed gardens.

In partnership with Muchmore Architectural Design and Christian Bonu, the project aims to set a precedent for sustainable development on the island. Apartments range from studio suites to penthouses with private infinity pools, priced between $116,000 and $1.4 million. The complex is expected to be completed by 2027.

Early milestones for Shivo Towers include environmental studies and ground investigations. The project has been awarded an investment certificate by the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA), highlighting its contribution to the island’s economic development.

Richard Ashby, the entrepreneur leading the development, said, “Zanzibar is really elevating itself as a luxury travel destination, and we have received plenty of interest in these apartments from people living overseas such as the US and Dubai.”

Ashby further noted, “Zanzibar has become a true gem for international investors. The improved infrastructure and growing flight connections have made it incredibly accessible, but it’s the unique blend of natural beauty and rich culture that really seals the deal. We’re seeing buyers from all over the world who recognise this isn’t just another beach destination – it’s a rare investment opportunity in a truly special place and emerging market.”

The rising demand for luxury properties in Zanzibar is being driven by a booming tourism sector. Ashby explained, “If you consider the cost of building and purchasing a similar type of property in resorts like Barbados or the Maldives, Zanzibar is a very attractive proposition for investors.”

He added, “There has been a lot of investment in air and road infrastructure on the island, and it is a rapidly surging market in terms of luxury tourism, so the demand is there for these properties making them an ideal investment. Returns on investments from rentals and reselling through value appreciation on property are massively expanding on the island, meaning there has never been a better time to consider investing in property here.”

For more information, visit Shivo’s website at www.byshivo.com and follow their journey on Instagram @shivo_tanzania.

Sekura.id Welcomes Harmeen Mehta as Mobile Identity Advisor

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Sekura.id, a leader in global mobile identity verification and a GSMA Open Gateway Channel Partner, is proud to welcome Harmeen Mehta, a globally renowned technology strategist and innovator, as its latest Advisor.

Harmeen brings a wealth of experience, having worked across aviation, investment banking, and telecommunications industries in more than 40 countries. Her career has been dedicated to harnessing advanced technologies to resolve complex business issues and deliver innovative solutions.

Prior to her role at BT, Harmeen held the position of Group CIO and Head of Cloud & Security Business at Bharti Airtel, where she led engineering, IT, and digital transformation initiatives. She also played a pivotal role in developing new business opportunities. Her senior roles at institutions such as Bank of America Merrill Lynch, BBVA, and HSBC further underscore her expertise. Recognised for her work in Neural Networks and AI, Harmeen has received honours including the Women of the Decade in Innovation & Leadership Award from the Women Economic Forum and the MIT Sloan CIO Leadership Award.

Harmeen’s appointment comes as Sekura.id focuses on advancing its Open Gateway initiatives, driving the transformation of telecom providers into tech-centric businesses. She is committed to empowering organisations with cutting-edge technologies in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

“In today’s world of ever more rapid technological advancements, establishing true identity is the cornerstone for individuals and organisations to harness innovation safely and securely while protecting customer rights,” Harmeen commented. “I am deeply passionate about the transformative power of identity and Sekura.id’s pivotal role in this space. My focus will include expanding Open Gateway APIs as a vital new revenue stream for telcos, while also ensuring mobile identity solutions reach a broader audience, empowering businesses to thrive in the digital age.”

Mark Harvey, CEO of Sekura.id, remarked, “Harmeen is a highly esteemed technologist, and I have held her in the highest regard since our first meeting at Bharti Airtel. Her unparalleled global expertise and passion for mobile identity made her an obvious choice as a strategic advisor for Sekura.id. I can think of no one with greater drive, enthusiasm, and commitment to advancing the mobile identity industry as a whole.”

With Harmeen Mehta’s appointment, Sekura.id reaffirms its position at the forefront of mobile identity innovation. Her expertise will be instrumental in developing secure, scalable identity solutions that deliver value to businesses, telecom providers, and consumers worldwide.

Victim named following fatal stabbing in Woolwich

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A teenage boy who was stabbed to death on a bus in Woolwich, has been named.

Police were called at 2.28pm to reports of a stabbing on a Route 472 bus on Woolwich Church Street, near the junction with the A205 South Circular Road.

Officers attended, along with London Ambulance Service and London’s Air Ambulance. Paramedics treated a 14-year-old boy at the scene who had received stab wound injuries, but he died shortly after medics arrived.

While formal identification has yet to place his next of kin have been informed and officers are confident the victim is 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa (pictured).

“Following Kelyan’s tragic death, specialist officers are now leading the investigation which is progressing at pace.

Detective chief inspector Martin Thorpe said: “If anyone saw this horrific attack or was in the area then I urge them to come forward and speak to officers. We’re particularly interested in any mobile phone footage that captured this incident or any dash cam or doorbell footage from around the surrounding area at the time of this incident.

“I know this is an incredibly worrying time for those in Woolwich, and there will continue to be an enhanced police presence in the area.

“Our thoughts remains with Kelyan’s family, who are being supported by specialist officers at this difficult time.”

There has been no arrests and enquiries continue.

If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may help, they are urged to call police on 101 with ref 3795/07JAN25 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Appeal after woman dies following collapse on Finchley bus

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Police are appealing for witnesses to an incident where a woman died after collapsing on a bus in Finchley.

At around 12.35pm on Saturday, December 28, a 78-year-old woman was taken ill following a cardiac arrest on board a route 13 bus at Finchley Road.

The woman had just boarded the bus prior to the incident.

Officers and London Ambulance Service attended and the woman was taken to hospital. She died there on January 4.

The woman’s family are being supported by a specially trained officer while officers investigate the circumstances that led to the woman’s death.

The driver of the bus is assisting police with enquiries and there has been no arrest.

Anyone who was on board the bus at the time of the incident but left prior to the arrival of police, and who could assist police is asked to call 101 or ‘X’ @MetCC and quote CAD2686/28Dec.

European Rice Showcased at Prestigious London Event

Central London played host to an exclusive PR event by the EU Rice Campaign, celebrating the exceptional quality and sustainability of European rice. Media representatives, influencers, and food industry professionals gathered to experience the unique story of EU-grown rice.

The event featured immersive activities, including live cooking demonstrations, tastings of innovative dishes, and storytelling that emphasised European rice’s sustainable cultivation and its adaptability to global culinary traditions.

Attendees gained a renewed appreciation for the premium qualities of European rice and its ability to complement diverse cuisines, sparking fresh interest and collaboration opportunities within the UK food market.

For more details, visit www.europeanrice.eu.

About the EU Rice Campaign
The EU Rice Campaign is co-funded by the European Union and aims to promote the production, quality, and sustainability of European rice. By connecting with global markets, the campaign seeks to showcase European rice as a premium choice for consumers and industry professionals alike.

Disclaimer
This material is funded by the European Union. The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or the European Research Executive Agency (REA).

Co-funded by the European Union
The views expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the EU or the European Research Executive Agency (REA).

CoMoTo Brings Electric Motorcycle Ridesharing to London

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Contigo Mobility (CoMo), a leader in Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle (EV) mobility industry, has officially entered the UK market with the launch of CoMoTo, an electric motorcycle ridesharing service in London. This initiative marks the company’s first foray into Europe, highlighting its commitment to expanding the reach of innovative EV technologies.

The soft launch of CoMoTo took place on Boxing Day, providing Londoners with an early glimpse of the service. During this introductory phase, a select group of users were able to test the service, experiencing the efficiency and sustainability of CoMoTo’s advanced electric motorcycles. The enthusiastic response has paved the way for a full rollout, scheduled to take place by the end of January 2025.

“Our expansion to London reflects our commitment to creating greener cities through sustainable mobility solutions,” said Zuhri Yusof, CEO of Contigo Technology Group. “We’re thrilled to introduce CoMoTo to one of the world’s most vibrant and dynamic urban landscapes. This launch is a testament to our vision of a connected, eco-friendly future for urban transportation.”

CoMoTo is poised to redefine urban transport for Londoners, offering an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional ridesharing options. Built around zero-emission travel, CoMoTo’s electric motorcycles are designed to ease traffic congestion while significantly reducing carbon emissions. The service will be accessed through an intuitive mobile app, enabling users to easily find, book, and ride electric motorcycles.

Key features of CoMoTo include:

  • Sustainable Transport: Zero-emission, fully electric motorcycles.
  • Simplified Access: A user-friendly app offering convenient booking and real-time tracking.
  • Cost-Effective Rides: Affordable pricing to ensure eco-friendly travel is within everyone’s reach.

The launch in London marks the beginning of Contigo Mobility’s ambitious plan to expand its operations across Europe. By supporting the UK’s ambition of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, CoMoTo is set to play a vital role in advancing sustainable mobility in the region.

For more information or to download the app, visit https://comoto.co.uk.

NYC Influencer and TV Star Lisa Ramos Expands Her Reach in the UK

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Lisa Ramos, a celebrated influencer with a passion for fashion and beauty, is now dividing her time between New York City and the UK. This dual presence allows her to establish a significant footprint in the UK’s fashion, beauty, and lifestyle industries. As she embraces life in her new part-time residence, Lisa is poised to captivate UK audiences and collaborate with brands and publications eager to tap into her international influence.

“I’m thrilled to be in the UK! I’m so excited to explore the fashion and beauty scene and collaborate with amazing brands to introduce my audience to new perspectives and trends,” Lisa Ramos shares.

Lisa’s move to the UK aligns with her husband, Christian Wade, returning to the Gallagher Premiership with Gloucester Rugby, marking his comeback after his time in the NFL. This transition offers a unique opportunity for brands to engage with Lisa’s international and culturally diverse audience. With her in-depth understanding of both British and American cultures, Lisa is the perfect partner for brands seeking to connect with consumers across these markets. Her audience of women aged 25-40, who value her expertise and style, represents a highly desirable demographic.

Lisa first captured the public’s attention in 2009 as a contestant on America’s Next Top Model, where her personality and story left a lasting impression. In 2011, she showcased her versatility and humour as part of MTV’s hit series Guy Code, further solidifying her presence in the entertainment world.

As a digital media pioneer, Lisa has built a substantial online platform, particularly on Instagram, where she engages with over 317,000 followers globally. Her relatable and genuine content, focusing on beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, has made her a trusted authority in these fields.

Lisa’s growing presence in the UK has already led to collaborations with leading British beauty brands, further cementing her influence in shaping industry trends. Partnering with prestigious names such as Charlotte Tilbury, Augustinus Bader, and Elemis, Lisa provides far more than product showcases; she crafts meaningful narratives that blend expert insights with personal experiences, resonating deeply with her followers.

Brands and publications are invited to work with Lisa Ramos to reach her engaged and international audience. Her authentic storytelling and cultural versatility make her an invaluable asset for creating impactful, cross-market campaigns.

Lisa Ramos is available for interviews and exclusive insights. Editors interested in expanding on this story are encouraged to get in touch. For further information, please contact: