There is no need for a 'Battle of Orgreave' inquiry

A National Union of Mineworkers' striker inspecting a line of police officers outside the Orgreave coking plant near Rotherham, nearly 30 years ago Photo: PA

View the Original article

Murder inquiry launched after body found in well

By Patrick Sawer

6:02PM GMT 16 Nov 2013

Follow

Police are investigating a murder after a body was found dumped at the bottom of a garden well.

Two gardeners made the grisly discovery while working in the grounds of a house in Warlingham, near Croydon, on Friday.

Seven men have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The body was recovered with the help of police divers after a protracted operation.

It has been removed from the scene and a post mortem is to be held on Sunday at East Surrey Hospital.

Related Articles

Murder inquiry launched after two teenage girls hit by car

03 Nov 2013

Spy in a bag: Flaws in investigating death of MI6 spy Gareth Williams

13 Nov 2013

'Murderer' in Downing Street will be investigated

06 Nov 2013

The body was recovered with the help of police divers after a protracted operation

Scotland Yard said the two workmen found the body as they were clearing the front garden of the large property in Audley Drive, which stands in an acre of grounds in the commuter town.

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons said: "It is a murder investigation. As far as I am concerned, when a body is found in a well it either fell in there or was placed in there, and the evidence is apparent that the body was placed in there."

He said it was not possible to be sure of the body's gender, but, judging by the size, it was most likely to be an adult, not a child. The person was white.

He added: "It's not been there for an extended period of time; it will be a matter of weeks at the most."

Police were not prepared to discuss who lived in the house, or a suggestion that the body was wrapped in a carpet.

Asked about claims by local residents that there had been trouble at the house in the past couple of years, and that police had been called on numerous occasions, DCI Lyons said: "The residents have expressed concern, there is intelligence to support that notion, yes."

Neighbours said the house where the body was found is owned by a Greek Cypriot family who run a garage nearby and use it to house casual workers from Eastern Europe.

Jean Summers, 81, said: "There are always different people coming and going from there. They work in a garage round the corner. But it sounds like some of them fell out and there's been some sort of trouble."

One retired policeman, who lives on the street, said the area was relatively crime free and the discovery of the body had come as a shock to residents.

He said: "It's a very quiet area, but I'm afraid the transient workers who live in that house have caused a few problems, throwing empty drink bottles in the street, arguing loudly, that sort of thing."

Those arrested were held on Saturday night, and are aged between 21 and 27.

Police have appealed for anyone who had concerns about a person who has gone missing, especially if they had connections to that area, to come forward.

Anyone with information is urged to call police on 020 8721 4961 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

 CrimeNews »UK News »Patrick Sawer »Law and Order »

In politics

View the Original article

Plebgate: new inquiry as report exposes police failings

"Andrew Mitchell, the former chief whip, was forced to resign from government after he swore at police on duty in Downing Street and allegedly called them 'plebs' - an incendiary term he denies having used" itemprop

View the Original article

Murder inquiry launched after two teenage girls hit by car

Olivia Lewry and Jasmine Allsop Photo: FACEBOOK By Rosa Silverman and agencies

5:15PM GMT 03 Nov 2013

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after two teenage girls were hit by a car and killed in the early hours of the morning.

The best friends, Jasmine Allsop, 14, and Olivia Lewry, 16, are believed to have known their alleged killer.

It is understood the pair had been to a party and were heading back home when the incident happened outside Jasmine's house in Ann's Hill Road in Gosport, Hants.

Jasmine died at the scene, while Olivia was taken to hospital with serious injuries and died there.

The man, who is from the Gosport area, was initially arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

Related Articles

Police chase ends in dramatic crash

31 Oct 2013

Father arrested after death of girl, 6

30 Oct 2013

How wild rumour led mob to murder innocent man

03 Nov 2013

Hampshire Constabulary later said it had launched a murder inquiry and was holding the man in custody.

Officers attended the scene, near the junction between Ann's Hill Road and Brougham Street, at about 4.15am, after receiving a call from a member of the public.

Olivia was treated at nearby Queen Alexandra Hospital before she was pronounced dead.

Neighbours laid flowers at the scene this afternoon and spoke of their shock, while Jasmine's older brother Reece was comforted by friends who had gathered there too.

Damien Bannon, 19, a painter and decorator, said: "I've known Jaz and Olivia for several years. They were the best of friends and always so cheerful and easy to get along with.

"They were knocked down outside Jaz's home. I spoke to her brother this morning and he is distraught and angry.

"He was very fond and protective of his little sister.

"I believe the girls had been to a party and were standing outside the house talking when the car hit them. The driver was a friend of theirs.

"My mum woke me to tell me the news. I still can't believe it. It's such a tragedy."

School friends described the girls as "bubbly, outgoing and extremely popular."

One, who did not wish to be named, said: "They loved being the centre of attention and were very sociable. They were always listening to popular chart music or dubstep."

Arron O'Sullivan, 28, a demolition worker, said: "This is such a tragic waste of young lives, especially so close to Christmas.

"Their families must be heartbroken. It really is not the sort of news you want to wake up to on a Sunday morning.

"I'm still shaking because of the shock."

Friends and family also paid tribute to the popular teenagers on social networking sites.

Chelsea-lee Evans wrote: "Doesn't feel real at all...I can't imagine how hard it is for all of your family and friends. I love you both and R.I.P my angels."

Tara Hebberd wrote: "2 beautiful girls have lost their lives. R.I.P Jas and Olivia sleep tight."

Detective Superintendent Dick Pearson said: "This is an extremely tragic incident which has resulted in the death of two young girls.

"I currently have a team of detectives and other officers, including expert road collision investigators, working on this case to fully investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths of these two teenage girls.

"I would appeal to anyone who knows anything which could help this investigation to contact my team as soon as possible."

Witnesses who may have seen the collision or seen the vehicle, a green Honda Civic, before the incident, were asked to come forward.

Sergeant Andy Lynch said: "We are working to piece together exactly what happened and any information from members of the public could be very helpful to our investigation."

Motorists were advised to avoid the area while the Road Death Investigation Team examined the scene.

 CrimeNews »UK News »Rosa Silverman »

In politics

View the Original article

Fraud inquiry into security firms overcharging the state

Serious Fraud Office begins criminal investigation after it is claimed G4S and Serco overcharged the Ministry of Justice for electronically monitoring offenders

View the Original article