Tower Hamlets Crime Watch

24/08/2026

NEWS - 24 AUGUST 2026
Man charged with murder following fatal fire in Hounslow
A man has been charged with murder following a fire in Hounslow on Wednesday, 19 August.

Pawel Kupla, 34 (29.06.92), of no fixed address, was charged on Monday, 24 August, with:

One count of murder
Eight counts of attempted murder
One count of arson with intent to endanger life
Kupla has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 25 August.

Police were called to an address on Berkeley Avenue, Hounslow at 01:14hrs on Wednesday, 19 August following reports of a fire.

Officers attended the scene alongside the London Fire Brigade and London Ambulance Service before. Nine people were taken to hospital as a result of their injuries.

Despite best efforts of medical staff, a 50-year-old woman sadly died in hospital. She has since been named as Anna Kowalska. Her next-of-kin have been informed and continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

Another woman, aged 40, remains in hospital in a life-threatening condition. The remaining seven people - six men and one woman – have since been discharged after receiving treatment for minor injuries.

Our investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information, or footage that may assist the investigation, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 359/19Aug.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at crimestoppers-uk.org.

24/08/2026

SECTION 35 DISPERSAL ORDER Hackney Wick
A Section 35 Dispersal Order has been authorised by Insp Ulusoy following incidents of mass disorder in the area.

⏰ In force from 2015hrs today until 2015hrs tomorrow

📍 Area covered:

• South: A12
• North: Carpenters Road
• East: Hackney Wick
• West: River Lea

The dispersal order gives police additional powers to direct individuals to leave the area where their behaviour is contributing, or is likely to contribute, to anti-social behaviour, crime, disorder, or related nuisance.

Officers will be patrolling throughout the affected area and taking appropriate action where necessary to prevent further disorder and keep the community safe.

If you witness any offences or anti-social behaviour, please report it to police via 101 or 999 in an emergency.

CAD 6576/24AUG26

24/08/2026

The September 2026 newsletter is now available online for those who have not subscribed to our mailing list can read it there. See link in comments.
There is a 3hr Met Engage event hosted by Bow East on 25/9/26, to which all from Tower Hamlets are welcome. Check the event calendar for details.

24/08/2026

where is the security for the car park?

Did you see the fire?

🔥 140 CARS DESTROYED IN HUGE GATWICK-AREA FIRE

Dozens of travellers returning from their holidays are facing a nightmare after a huge fire ripped through a car parking site regularly used by people flying from Gatwick Airport.

The blaze broke out at Caldyne Business Park in Rowfant, near Crawley, just after 9pm on Saturday, sending huge flames and thick smoke into the night sky.

Around 140 vehicles were destroyed in the fire.

🚨 A 67-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and has since been bailed pending further enquiries.

The fire also damaged high-voltage equipment, leaving more than 2,000 homes without power. Electricity has since been restored.

Eight fire engines and two water carriers attended the blaze, while crews remained at the scene to deal with hotspots.

Thankfully, no casualties have been reported.

West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service has advised anyone whose vehicle was damaged to contact their parking operator directly.

📍 Rowfant, West Sussex | Gatwick Airport

This is a developing story.

What would you do if you came back from holiday and found your car had been destroyed? 👇

Follow Surrey Extra for more local news, incidents and updates across Surrey and the surrounding area.

24/08/2026

News - 24 August 2026
Man arrested following death of woman in Finsbury Park
Detectives investigating the death of a 75-year-old woman in Tollington Park, have arrested a man.

A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and aggravated burglary on Friday, 21 August and remains in police custody.

An investigation was launched after police were called at around 21:20hrs on Tuesday, 11 August to reports of a burglary in Tollington Park, Finsbury Park.

Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service. A 75-year-old woman was assessed at the scene by paramedics and taken to hospital. She sadly died the following day at 21:39hrs.

She has since been named as Rose Smith.

Rose’s family said: “This is the most devastating loss our family could ever have imagined. Rose was a truly wonderful, outgoing woman who was loved by so many people.

“She loved bingo, going to cafés with her friends and, above all, spending time with her family. She treasured the time she spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchild.

“She was the life and soul of every party. She had a wonderful personality, a big heart and a way of bringing laughter and happiness wherever she went. We want people to remember Rose for the person she truly was — loving, fun, kind, sociable and full of life.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Massink, who is leading the investigation, said: "Our thoughts remain with Rose’s family and friends, they continue to be supported by specialist officers during this difficult time and have been informed of this update in our investigation.

“While we have made an arrest, I know this incident has caused significant concern in the local community. An increased police presence has remained in Tollington Park and I am grateful to those who supported our appeal for more information.

“We thank those who have already come forward to provide witness accounts and continue to appeal for anyone with information or doorbell footage to come forward. No detail is too small.”

An 81-year-old man was also treated at the scene for injuries and taken to hospital. He was discharged the following day.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting CAD 7757/12AUG, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

24/08/2026

Car crashed into house in Bethnal Green this morning.

London & UK Street News@CrimeLdnA car crash in to a house in bethnal green this morning.00:007:47 AM · Aug 24, 202614.6KViews213411215Only some accounts can reply.

24/08/2026

NEWS - 24 AUGUST 2026
Man charged with murder over fatal Newham shooting
A man has been charged with murder after a man was shot in Newham.

Sergiu Leahu, 40, of no fixed address, was charged on Monday, 24 August, with the murder of 42-year-old Masum Miah.

Leahu is due to appear before Bromley Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Around 03:00hrs on Tuesday, 18 August, police attended St Bartholomew’s Road following reports of a shooting.

Officers attended with the London Ambulance Service. Mr Miah was found at the scene suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.

Mr Miah’s family are being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Dan Whitten, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our thoughts remain with Masum’s family as they come to terms with his tragic death.

“We are continuing to appeal to anyone with information that could assist our enquires to come forward.

"We are specifically appealing for anyone who saw a black Nissan Duke in the vicinity of St Bartholomew's Road between the evening of Monday, 17 August, and the early hours of Tuesday, 18 August."

“If you were in the area at the time of the shooting, witnessed anything suspicious, or have any dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage that could support our investigation, we urge you to get in touch.

“No matter how big or small the information you have is, it could prove vital in helping us piece together the full circumstances.”

Anyone who witnessed this incident, or who has information, is urged to contact police on 101, quoting reference CAD 797/18AUG.

Information can also be submitted via the Major Incident Public Portal. Link in comments

Information can also be provided anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

24/08/2026

Would be interesting to know the reason. Why do we know less about ethnic minority victims? Of course it’s very important to stop murders for all of us as it makes us all much unsafer if the murder trend continues. See link to Guardian article in comments.

23/08/2026

Community Safety Message – Staying Vigilant

We would like to remind everyone in the community to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.

Please report any suspicious or unusual behaviour, vehicles, or activity that feels out of place. Trust your instincts – if something doesn’t seem right, let us know.

You can help keep yourself and others safe by:

Keeping doors and windows secure, especially at night
Looking out for neighbours, particularly the elderly or vulnerable
Avoiding sharing personal information with strangers
Reporting concerns promptly rather than assuming someone else has done so
If you see something that requires an immediate police response, please call 999. For non‑emergency concerns, contact 101 or report online.

Working together as a community plays a vital role in preventing crime and keeping our neighbourhoods safe. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.

23/08/2026

Limehouse - Dangerous Driving Message

We wanted to share a quick update about dangerous driving in your area. Please be assured we’re working to keep everyone safe.

As part of a ward priority targeting dangerous driving and the use of illegal e-bikes, Cluster 4 conducted Operation KUBO within the Limehouse Ward today. During the operation,six e-bikes were seized and six Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued for various road traffic offences. The operation contributed to addressing anti-social and dangerous use of e-bikes within the ward.

If someone is driving a motor vehicle, they should always be doing so in a safe and considerate manner. Even momentary lapses in judgement can have life changing or devastating consequences for those in the vehicle or innocent bystanders.

Activities such as street racing, cruising or performing tricks can count as anti-social behaviour.