Protect Yourself

North Yorkshire knife killer James Brabbs sentenced to life for Khan killing

Posted on May 21, 2013 by Peter Nunn Posted in Murder Leave a comment

An Easingwold killer has been jailed for life after committing an atrocious murder of an innocent van driver, by cutting his throat. Murderer James Brabbs will spend much of the rest of his life behind bars after admitting that he killed the van driver, whom he had known personally.

He appeared to show some remorse, but that was not enough to avoid a significant jail term of almost 30 years. James Brabbs showed during his free life that he was a monster, and a danger to members of the public. The murder was a culmination of many years of violent and anti social behavior.

The cold blooded killer was jailed yesterday 20/05/2013 for life. Even his barrister did not seem to support him, after describing his actions as the “atrocious murder of a van driver”. It emerged during the trial that that James Brabbs had been on bail for carrying weapons at the time he stabbed to death innocent Mohammed Saleem Khan.

Brabbs was well known to the police, and had been arrested with a seven-inch kitchen knife and a knuckle duster, following a search, just three weeks before the killing in September. Previously the knife fiend had been jailed for four years in 2009 for two robberies, at least one of which involved a blade.

This is the type of man who shows no concern for others safety, and if you were to cross him in a darkened alley, it may not have a positive outcome. At least for now he will not be free to kill, rob, and murder for quite some time.

During one of the previous robberies for which he received the 4 year sentence, he had shamelessly held a knife to the throat of a young male car driver, demanding money, mobile telephone and car keys in July 2008. Police believe he may be responsible for a long list of violent crimes across Teeside.

A month before the car jacking and knife robbery he had been one of three rejects of society, who carried out a brutal street mugging in which a couple were robbed punched and kicked in the city of York.

James Brabbs

On the 22/09/2012, he had befriended victim Mr Khan, 36, helping Mr Khan to delivered shower products around North Yorkshire in a hire van. Mr Khan gave him the job partly out of pity to what he thought was a reformed criminal.

Deciding Mr Khan would make a good robbery target, Brabbs armed himself with a kitchen knife to rob family man Khan, originally from Luton. He believed that Khan had money and a stash of cannabis. This belief has never been proven, and no drugs or cash were recovered, despite police searches of Khans home and business.

Khan, in the drivers seat of a hire van, resisted a request by Brabbs to take him to his money and drug stash, 27-year-old Brabbs then proceeded to get angry and stabbed him in the throat, causing massive bleeding and loss of life. Brabbs fled, leaving Khan to bleed to death. Teesside Crown Court heard that Brabbs, from Easingwold, but of no fixed abode, was a danger to society. He will have to serve a minimum term of 29 years before he will even be considered for release.

Initially Brabbs had denied the murder, and he had been three days into his trial when he decided to change his plea. It is thought that this resulted after pressure from his legal team, who believed he would get a reduced sentence, but they were wrong.

Barrister, Tim Roberts, QC, has said in a statement that Brabbs had decided over the weekend, after taking time to think in his cell, that he would not continue with his “sham” defence. There have been suggestions of undue pressure being places on Brabbs from his legal team.

Perhaps in a concerted attempt to reduce sentence, or perhaps Brabbs does have a heart, the Judge, Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, was told that Brabbs did not want to go into the witness box and tell lies about what happened, and that Brabbs was ready to admit guilt. Roberts made a concerted effort to get the sentence reduced, but the judge was having none of it.

Brabbs, in a shameless act of self preservation, and an attempt to avoid full justice, offered apologies to Khans family in the public gallery. His apology to the family of Mohammed Khan for the atrocious act that he committed may or may not be accepted by the family, though to me it is a hollow act of a condemned man.

Before setting sentence the court heard that Brabbs has previous convictions for many crimes such as arson, burglary, assault and carrying weapons going back to his schooldays, a career criminal and danger to the public.

Judge Bourne-Arton summed up the evidence well and told Brabbs: “I have concluded, in short, that you are a thoroughly dangerous individual.”

Margaret McDonough murder investigation starts after Premier Inn stabbing

Posted on May 12, 2013 by Peter Nunn Posted in Murder Leave a comment

It is now being dubbed the Greenock hotel horror and the Premier Inn stabbing, where a Lib Dem mother was killed, most probably by her daughter. Initial thoughts were that this was the result of a third party attack from a mentally ill individual, though Police appear at this time to believe that both women had been fighting. A knife would suggest premeditated murder, as there appeared no reason for either of the women to be carrying a knife.

Police will now be scouring CCTV, and be keen to speak with critically injured Nicola McDonough when she awakes following the double stabbing murder. The stab attack was discovered following residents awaking on the morning of 10/05/2013 at the Premier Inn in Greenock, to find blood splattered walls and floors.

Police arrived early in the morning to a macabre scene, both women were taken to hospital, Margaret was dead on arrival, although unconcious Nicola still had a pulse and was operated on. Former Lib Dem council candidate Margaret McDonough is confirmed dead and her daughter Nicola is still critically injured.

A police officer is now standing guard outside Room 25 in the Greenock Travel inn, since yesterday where Margaret McDonough was found fatally injured.

Police are still doing all they can to establish the motives behind the Greenock stabbing, beyond doubt, and whether anyone else was involved in the violence. Initial reports of a foreign national with mental health problems, do not seem as likely now. Sources suggest that the injuries are consistent to an altercation between the two women, and that a knife was found at the scene.

Nicola, who is a 23-year-old social work graduate, remains in seriously critical condition. She was taken to Inverclyde Royal Hospital last night 11/05/2012 for life saving surgery.

She had been found in the corridor, outside the Greenock hotel’s Room 25 early on Friday morning 10/05/2013, by a night porter.

The brutal killing of the two women, members of the McDonough family, from Paisley, is shocking. The hotel does have a good CCTV network, and this will be vital in establishing who has carried out this attack. Margaret was a foster carer, and a former Lib Dem council candidate. She had booked into the hotel which is 15 miles from the family home, late on Thursday afternoon – 09/05/2013. This is strange, staying in a hotel just 15 miles from home. An alternative theory now is that she lured her daughter to the hotel, to carry out a murder. After booking in she left, and did not return until the early hours of Friday 10/05/2013. Access to the hotel is restricted, and after midnight there is a control card system to deter intruders.

Detective Inspector David Wagstaff has said:

“We are currently trying to piece together the movements of Margaret and Nicola. There have been several sightings of Margaret in the Paisley area on Thursday morning until about 10am. She and Nicola were also seen that day in a red Suzuki Swift car, registration SL56 CBF. I’d like to speak to anyone who may have seen this vehicle or anyone who may have seen Margaret or Nicola since 9am on Thursday.”

Detectives have taken DNA samples from the guests at the hotel who were there within the hours of Margaret being found. Guests complained that they were not allowed to leave until they had been swabbed and questioned by police.

Officers who were investigating the incident also took forced guests to have their photographs taken, after locking down the hotel and gathering guests together during breakfast in the Brewers Fayre pub next to the hotel.

A number of guests were at the hotel for a wedding, and a number of guests were reported to police for breach of the peace the night before.

Margaret also had three sons, Kevin, 43, Michael, 31, and Matthew, 20, she most recently worked as a foster carer for Renfrewshire Council. She was a popular women and had stood as the Lib Dem candidate for Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch, in local elections last May.

Nicola is a former pupil of Paisley’s St Andrew’s Academy, she had graduated just last month from the University of the West of Scotland with a BA (Hons) in social work. She worked with the charity Cosgrove Care.

Neighbour Scott Brown, 61, has stated that he saw Margaret leave her home on Thursday and she seemed perfectly normal. “I waved to her in her car and she waved back. She had gone into the house a few minutes earlier and had gone straight out. Margaret seemed fine and I did not detect any anxiety. I was in the front garden at the time. She was a great friend and neighbour. Nicola was also a lovely girl. There are also three sons and they are just a lovely family. Michael was the oldest and he is in the RAF. Nicola had just graduated and was talking about going into nursing or social work. You really could not have met a nicer woman than Margaret or a nicer family. I really am in deep shock.”

Nicola’s dad, 56-year-old Thomas McDonough, of Blairgowrie, Perthshire is Margaret’s ex-husband. He is keeping vigil at his daughter’s hospital bedside. Two policewomen arrived at Margaret’s home yesterday 11/05/2013 around 16:00 hrs, they were met by a female relative and left around 45 minutes later carrying boxes, presumably containing possible evidence.

Councillor Eileen McCartin, leader of the Lib Dems in Paisley has said “My sympathies go out to all her family and to Nicola especially, in the hope that she will recover from this terrible tragedy. I have known Margaret for many years. She was a strong woman, very committed to all she did, both personally and within politics, and her death is a tragic loss to us all.”

Chief Superintendent Alan Speir has said: “We are appealing for information after the two women were found with serious injuries at the Premier Inn hotel in Greenock. We are unable at this time to establish whether there are any suspicious circumstances. I would appeal to anyone who saw these two women in their vehicle to come forward to police. We have been unable as yet to speak to Margaret’s daughter due to her ill health, and I really need anyone who can help us put together their last known movements to come forward due to the seriousness of the incident.”

Premier Inn owners Whitbread have released only one statement: “We are helping police with their inquiries.”

GCHQ Gareth Williams murder mystery

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Peter Nunn Posted in Murder Leave a comment

A young man was found dead and since then the case has been surrounded by mystery, conspiracy theory, and doubt. Personally I get the feeling that a foreign spy service may have been to blame for the death. You would think things like this should not happen, and that international spy games of murder, mystery and danger should not happen any more, or at least not result in death. The sickening thought that a foreign, possibly allied government or nation could be responsible for the death of a UK citizen is disgusting, and steps should be taken long term to stop spy related deaths like this.

The Gareth Williams murder case has not been shrouded in secrecy as you would expect, and police it appears have been free to investigate the murder. I call it a murder because there is a good chance that it was as such. The inquest into his death heard that traces of another persons DNA were found on the zipper and lock of a sports bag that contained the body of the UK codebreaker. We call him a code breaker though of course the exact details of his employment would not be known. The fact that the bag was locked, and technically (though granted not impossibly, Gareth Williams could not of got in the bag and locked it himself, without a degree of skill. The theory that it was an elaborate suicide attempt cannot be ruled out, nor can theories that the intelligent man had climbed into the bag himself as part of a sex game, though what kind of game would require such a feat is anyones guess.

Gareth Williams GCHQ

CCTV footage of the victim is available, and it shows him with a worried look on his face prior to the killing, though this in itself is not enough to say that he was in fear or worried about something. Gareth Williams had worked for Britain’s secret eavesdropping service GCHQ and had been attached to the country’s MI6 overseas spy agency, presumably assisting in top secret work, when he was found in the bathtub (within the locked sports bag) of his central London home in August 2010.

Evidence so far suggests there were no signs of struggle, and no drugs or poison were found after tests on Williams’ body. To further deepen the mystery of his death, which has all the hallmarks of a murder mystery film, found beside his body were a woman’s orange wig, lipstick and a newspaper cutting entitled “Top Five Regrets of the Dying”.

His family have claimed that they believe British spy agencies may have been involved in the death. The ongoing Gareth Williams murder inquest into his death is investigating whether Williams could have climbed inside the sports bag and locked it from the inside. The new DNA evidence has deepened the mystery of how he died, technically, that DNA must belong to someone, though police do not have a DNA match on the database..

Detective Chief Inspector Jackie Sebire told the inquest that “two minor components” of DNA not matching Williams’ had been found on the zip and padlock of the North Face sports bag containing his body. It is the Opinion of the Inspector after investigating the scene that a third party must have been involved in the death. Either the third party just put the dead body in the bag, or was in-fact complicit in the killing. Inspector Sebire has said that she would have expected to find Williams’ fingerprints on the floor tiles of the bathroom, where the bag was found. It also appeared that the spy had not damaged the bag or injured his hands, which suggests no attempt was made to get out of the bag, suggesting he was either dead or not able to function due to an untraced drug in his system.

The lifeless body had been found in the fetal position inside the bulging bag. The man had been muscular, and trained regularly. It seems incomprehensible that he would of voluntarily curled up inside the bag. Inspector Sebire believes that there is now limited scope of discovering more forensic evidence. The investigation suffered a setback after detectives spent 18 months investigating a DNA sample found on Williams’ hand that had actually come from a forensic scientist involved in the case, which meant that many man hours were wasted, though has probably not hindered the case in a major way.

In Britain, death inquests must be held when someone dies unexpectedly, violently or from unknown causes. It is good that the Gareth Williams murders being properly investigated, I hope the truth comes out. Possibly he set the death up himself, to look like murder, as an elaborate suicide. My current belief is that he was either murdered by rival security services, or by someone he was having relations with. There may be American, Russian, or Chinese involvement in his death. He may of died from natural causes, that also cannot be ruled out. He may also of been drugged.

I really think on this occasion the public should know who killed him, we need to be aware of the dangers out there, things are not all rose tinted.

Brazil cannibalism deaths in Garanhuns city investigated

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Peter Nunn Posted in Cannibalism Leave a comment

Three people are being held over the cannibalism claims which are being investigated by police in north-eastern Brazil. Police have confirmed that they have arrested three people who are alleged to of killed at least two women, then proceeded to eat parts of their bodies. They also are said to of used the flesh to make stuffed pastries known as empadas which they then sold to unsuspecting member of the public. The three were arrested on Wednesday.

Inspector Wesley Fernandes of the Garanhuns city police department has said that a man, his wife and also his mistress have all confessed to killing and eating a number of people. Most likely homeless people who were lured to their deaths. There are fears that cannibalism in Brazil could be more widespread than previously believed. Fernandes believed the three belong to a sect that preaches “the purification of the world and the reduction of its population”. They carry out their aim through killing and eating people, though the number of sect members is unknown. Police, investigating a number of disappearances and reports of cannibals were able to trace the three killers after one of the women used a credit card which belonged to one of the victims who had disappeared last month. It seems likely that this could be a case of mass murder.

Cannibalism is very rare throughout the world, though is still probably practiced by small isolated tribes. Sects which carry out these kinds of actions are not widely reported on, though they do exist. There is little you can do to protect yourself from cannibals, though it seems likely these kinds of people would be seriously deranged, and thankfully there have been few reports of cannibalism in the UK, though there have been reports of this kind of thing on a regular basis throughout the years.

Farnborough murder fight death of Ray Dibbs at the Old Courthouse pub

Posted on April 17, 2012 by Peter Nunn Posted in Murder Leave a comment

A murder investigation is under way after after a man was found injured in Farnborough road, Farnborough. The police have begun the murder inquiry after the man who was discovered in a Hampshire road with a head injury died. The 36-year-old had been found collapsed near the Old Courthouse pub in Cove Road, Farnborough, at around 18:29 hrs on Saturday 14/04/2012, according to a spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary. Officers believe that the man was attacked, and are seeking to speak to those who may of witnessed the attacked. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead. Detectives from Aldershot CID are now investigating, the post-mortem examination is due to be held shortly.

Ray Dibbs

The murder of Ray Dibbs is another case of street violence that leads to death, often aggravated by alcohol or drugs. The murder probe has already led to a man arrested at a police station in the town, it is thought he handed himself in to police. It is likely that Mr Dibbs had some part to play in his death, and hopefully the full facts will be made known. It seems likely he engaged in an argument with another drinker, which led to a confrontation. If this was started by Dibbs then there would be a reasonable case for self defence, though of course it could be a random, unprovoked act of violence.

Ray Dibbs had been found with a serious head injury near the Old Courthouse pub. Often with these kinds of instances the major injury can come through banging ones head on the pavement, after sustaining a punch or kick. The murder probe now under way should uncover the exact circumstances surrounding his death, and the fact that a man has handed himself in to police is encouraging. Credit should be given to the man for handing himself in, and this action suggests the man may not be a thug or criminal, but a regular member of the public who perhaps lost his temper, or was acting in self defence. Ray Dibbs was a Hampshire businessman. Ray Dibbs, 36, from West Heath Road, Farnborough, was found collapsed with a head injury outside a the Old Courthouse pub on Saturday 14/04/2012. Hampshire Police have confirmed that he was found near the Old Courthouse Pub in Cove Road at around 18:29 hrs on the 14th. He sadly died later in hospital.

The 37-year-old man who caused his injuries was arrested when he voluntarily attended Aldershot Police Station, though it is unclear if he went there off his own back, or had a lift with the police, who may of asked him in for questioning. Mr Dibbs had been living with his partner Rachel Dibbs and their two children young Harley, aged three, and Lily, aged 10. Rachel also has another son Zack, 17. All will be without a father now, and people should learn the lesson that it is unwise to get into violent confrontations.

Mr Dibbs parents, Roland and Sophia have made press statements saying how devastated they are, and have said that Dibbs was not a violent person. Det Ch Insp Tim Rowlandson, from Hampshire Police, described the attack as a tragedy, suggesting that there may of been a fight between Dibbs and another man. He is working towards ascertaining if a criminal offence has taken place.

Should US Soldier Staff Sergeant Robert Bales be executed?

Posted on March 17, 2012 by Peter Nunn Posted in Mass Murder 2 Comments

My personal view is no, he should not be executed for the reasons I make here. A very sad story of 17 apparently innocent civilians (9 children, 8 adults) killed by soldier Staff Sergeant Robert Bales emerged recently. On closer inspection, the man had done a number of tours of duty, and suffered serious wounds in the past. Mentally he must of cracked, and should he die for that, no. He has a family, let him go home to be with them. Sending a man to war means you have a responsibility for their welfare, and in this instance there may have been a failure. For Obama and the U.S to retain any moral ground in this affair would be to let the man go home. He was there helping the people of Afghanistan, working under their authority, and he suffered mentally. Killing the mentally ill is not right, we have known this for a long time.

Of course there is the point of view an eye for an eye. give the Afghans their sacrificial lamb. I would say they are in no position to want revenge, or act in anger. For war is war, and these things happen. Nothing can bring back the dead, and they were savagely murdered, though not by a man in the right state of mind. I could be wrong on this, but it does appear Mr Bales was mentally unwell, therefore cannot be executed. Even an extended Jail term seems unreasonable. It is perhaps the moment to revise the penalties associated with actions carried out whilst in service.

Robert Bales

Overall, 100 goats should make everyone happy, surely. Of course this is not a good joke to make, as people have died, but a decision needs to be made by the Afghan government to make the final push towards taking control of their fine nation. It is a fine nation, and deserves more than many to achieve its dreams of becoming a thriving state which can really make a difference to the world, through education reform and willing.

People will have their own views on Staff Sergeant Robert Bales, many will say he should be executed, I suspect most will say he should. You have to also feel for his family, who will now be very concerned as to the welfare of Robert. Still this pales in comparison to the villagers who lost so many of their own, on a night of madness, that is beyond the comprehension of myself. I do not quite understand the motives behind the massacre which was carried out, though surely there will be reasons, which will come out over the coming months. The army is great for many, though forces conscription will always be a bad things, and soldiers need the right to be able to say no, and stay at home.

Is Gemma McCluskies killer a stalker or random killer?

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Peter Nunn Posted in Murder 1 Comment

The regent’s Canal body disposal CCTV footage of Gemma McCluskies body being dumped in the canal is being studied. There is evidence that she attended the opening of the new £650 million Royal London Hospital, in Whitechapel, east London, last Thursday 01/03/2012 and may of left on foot from the event.

The murder of 29-year-old Gemma McCluskie in London on the 1st March 2012 is a worry for residents of the great city. The situation merging in London is a concern to locals. A seriously dangerous killer remains at large, something member of the public should certainly be aware of. People should possibly think about their route to work etc, and ensure if possible to walk with others when out, especially if you are a woman.

The young lady murdered, probably in Bethnal Green.

Pictures and CCTV images showing that the former EastEnders actress was alive, just hours before it appears she was brutally murdered, it what has all the hallmarks of a random attack, which is very rare when murders are concerned. Generally someone knows their attacker, or there has been some kind of confrontation. Neither of these seem likely in a case where a woman has been murdered and her body chopped into bits.

One theory suggesting that the 29-year-old was attacked by a person who attended a hospital opening ceremony with her, just hours before she disappeared. Following alerts from members of the public her dismembered and rotting torso, like something out of a horror film was recovered from a canal days a number of days later. There was no head, or limbs, which also suggests that it may have been an organised hit.

This theory can not be discounted, though seems quite unlikely. A random attack is possibly the best theory at this time. If it was random, the killer may want more blood, so residents of the area should be concerned, though the killer may quite possibly move on to other areas. A wierd stalker theory also seems like a reasonable guess as to the motivation behind the sick mind of a woman killer. Extensive CCTV evidence has been recovered which has shown victim Gemma McCluskie at a hospital opening ceremony shortly before she disappeared.

Gemma McCluskies naked and headless torso was found in the Regents canal on Tuesday 06/03/2012. Police were able to formally identify her, and the corpse is undergoing tests to determine the cause of death. The actress who was murdered had many friends, and fears amongst celebrities about stalker killers is set to raise awareness of the need for well known celebrities to have adequate private security and armour protection. Self defence lessons, and other measures should be taken by those who are rich and famous. Regent’s Canal has been quieter than usual over the past days, and there is a definite tension in the air, especially amongst celebrities and women.

Thornbury vicar murder link to Bewdley stabbing

Posted on February 22, 2012 by Peter Nunn Posted in Murder Leave a comment

The Thornbury vicar murder link to the Bewdley stabbing of old lady Betty Yates seems quite strong, and police are looking carefully at the evidence.The ongoing murder investigations into the deaths of Vicar John Suddards and ex teacher Betty Yates have shown that the same man, Stephen Farrow was probably the murderer in both cases. Despite initial thoughts that the Vicar had been attacked by someone he know, is now seems most likely that he was attacked, and savagely murdered either for pleasure or profit.

Stephen Farrow stands charged with burglary and murder. A very dangerous man who kills old ladies and Vicars is hopefully guilty, and can be locked up where he can harm no others. The sick man has now been charged with murdering the vicar John Suddards in Thornbury, the quiet South Gloucestershire town where crime is generally low.Betty Yates was killed at her home following a break in, the retired teacher lives not a great distance away in Worcestershire.

Stephen Farrow, 47, is thought to of stabbed to death the Reverend John Suddards, 59, at his vicarage in Thornbury on February 14th 2012. Betty Yates, 77, had been found at her cottage near Bewdley She was also stabbed to death, on January 4th. This case shows that there are dangerous people out there, and people do need to be aware of home security, and the importance of protecting yourself through improving security within budget. We know from previous cases that you may defend your property if you are threatened, though not in some act of cruel unjust violence. Each situation is different.

Mr Farrow, who police had been searching the country for, was finally tracked down and arrested in Folkestone, Kent, on Sunday 19/02/2011 after a member of the public reported seeing him. He is due to appear before magistrates in North Avon on Thursday 23/02/2012, and will most probably be remanded in custody and sent to the crown court.

It is believed that he may be responsible for a number of burglaries throughout the South West. One property in Thornbury had been burgled prior to the vicars murder. Let us hope that the truth is found out, and if there are any more victims that have not yet been found, Farrow reveals exactly what he has been up to.

Farrows history is quite unknown at this time, and it is now clear if he is a career criminal, a drug user, or has mental issues. All is possible yet nothing confirmed at this time. Please if you have any information of views on these events make a comment below.

Clerkenwell man shot dead in Portpool lane murder

Posted on January 1, 2012 by Peter Nunn Posted in Murder Leave a comment

A man has been arrested after a fatal shooting in Clerkenwell, London, which has sparked yet another UK gun murder probe. With shootings becoming increasing common throughout 2011, the first reported shooting of 2012 shows the challenge ahead to combat the gun menace on UK streets. The past few weeks has seen a number of fatal and non fatal shootings across the UK, and experts are suggesting that there has been an increase in the circulation of illegal firearms amongst criminals, and they are being used more often to settle disputes, or carry out criminal acts.

It appears people are not being deterred by the punishments laid down by the courts for illegal firearms offences. Illegal gun use is something which needs to be ruthlessly pursued by the police, as they are doing. The UK has long been known as one of the safest places to be when it comes to gun crime, we have to hope it can be that way again.

Police confirmed that they have arrested a man on suspicion of murder. Following the shooting a major investigating was started to track down the killer who showed a disregard for human life when shooting his 22-year-old target during the early hours of this morning, new years day. 01/01/2012. The victim was still alive when he was found, but bleeding heavily from from gunshot wounds to the torso. The incident in Clerkenwell, London, is thought to of happened around 04:00 hrs and the victim was pronounced dead at around 05:00 hrs.

Scotland Yard has launched a murder investigation and the suspect is now in custody at an undisclosed north London police station. Police officers and emergency ambulance staff received a call at around 4.10am to reports of a man injured in Portpool Lane, Clerkenwell. The suspect, according to witnesses, fled in the direction of Leather Lane, and was apprehended by police who locked down the surrounding area and conducted a search.

Trident, which specialises in investigating gun-related murders within the black community will be working on this investigation, suggesting the victim may be a gang member. The most common type of illegal firearm remains the hand-gun, mainly due to the fact they are easy to dispose of, and low in cost. In the UK a firearm can be purchased for less than £100, and remain a popular weapon amongst gangs.

Police stop and search tactics did allot to reduce gun crime, taking many guns and illegal weapons off the streets, though led to riots and many civil court actions, and there are suggestions that stop and searches without legitimate reason will be stopping during 2012, to be replaced with alternative and highly effective methods of gun and knife detection equipment. Police are already starting to carry portable hand-held scanners and will be equipped with many exciting and effective mechanical and electrical devices to aid them in their work over the coming years.

Seydou Footlocker gang stabbing murder on Oxford Street

Posted on December 26, 2011 by Peter Nunn Posted in Murder 3 Comments

A young man called Seydou, nickname “Nutz”, was stabbed to death in or outside of a busy Oxford Street trainer shop during Boxing Day sales. The Oxford street Footlocker stabbing murder the Muslim youth appears to of sparked a gang war as two groups of youths confronted each other after the stabbing, leading to another stabbing, in the leg, though non fatal. Eleven men have now been arrested over the murder incident, and three other men following a later gang confrontation near Oxford Circus, where a large scale confrontation was disrupted by the police.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KrkXeCx4gM

Seydou was stabbed in the left side of his belly, piercing his heart, which failed as a result. The Metropolitan Police have said that the dead man, full name Seydou Diarrassouba, from Mitcham, south-west London, had died after being stabbed following a fight in the Oxford street Foot Locker shop on Monday afternoon.

A number of weapons were recovered from the scene of the murder. Police have not confirmed they have the murder weapon, though a blood stained lock-knife was pictured at the scene.

The police set up cordon on Oxford Street leading to the closure of some nearby shops. After the stabbing police were quick to control the crime scene, and proceeded to collect forensic evidence, as well as studying the CCTV evidence. The 18 year-old, named online as Seydou, was attacked with a lock knife at a branch of the popular trainer store Foot Locker, following an argument with another shopper.

There were high tensions of the scene as members of his family, and friends, attempted to break through the police cordon. One person, who has not be named was tasered after he tried to break through the cordon.

Armed policemen were the first to the scene, and tried to revive him. Paramedics were seen attending to the victim on the pavement outside the shop, just by Bond Street Underground station. The victim was pronounced dead at 14:30 hrs 26/12/2011. This death is the 15th young person to be killed on London’s streets this year, which although not as bad as previous years, a very worrying statistic.

Seydou

Pictures have shown a lock knife on the ground, and the pool of blood where the man died. Members of the victim’s family soon arrived at the scene, to see where he died.

Police believe there was a fight in the shoe shop leading to the knife attack. Something as simple as a pair of trainers could well of led to the boys death. Tourists and bargain hunters seems un-alarmed and approached the cordon to take photographs and find out what had happened.

The Devout Muslim youth called Seydou, from Mitcham in south London, had the nickname “Nutz” and the stabbing is thought to be gang related. A second stabbing took place within a short period of time close to the junction of Oxford Street and Regent Street, where two rival gangs clashed. It is not known if both gangs were Muslim gangs, in-fact little is known. Police reported two groups of youths and a confrontation, and then another stabbing, this time not fatal and in the leg.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7ovkgSizlk&feature=related

There are concerns that this could see the outbreak of gang wars throughout London, where every day there is gang related violence. Over the Christmas season there have been a number of shootings, stabbings, violent assaults and accidents throughout the UK, and police will now be getting ready for New Years eve, and hopefully continue to make progress on tackling serious crime issues around the UK in 2012.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHK_6ugRvo8

Oxford street technically should be one of the safest streets in the capital, being one of the most popular shopping destinations police are always around, and CCTV coverage is extensive. There is no reason to stop going somewhere because of a stabbing, though it does highlight the need to avoid confrontation with others, and as it really is not worth getting stabbed over a pair of trainers.