Two men have been convicted for their parts in the murder of Harjinder Singh Bhurji in Ilford.

Harjinder Singh Bhurji, was stabbed through the heart after refusing to hand over the keys to his Mercedes CLK coupe as he was threatened in 2011.

Rory Gordon  of Rainhill Way, E3 was convicted of murdering the 32-year-old in Stoneleigh Road, Ilford on Tuesday, 13 September 2011 and stealing his car.

His car-jacking accomplice Jae-don Fearon , of Manor Farm Drive, E4, was found guilty of manslaughter.

A third man, Andre Campbell [F], 23 , of Aldriche Way, E4 was convicted of handling stolen goods when he sold on the victim’s stolen smart phone.

Mr Bhurji, of Highbury Gardens, Ilford, was attacked as he pulled over in his sports car to speak to his female friend travelling in the car with him.

Within moments of pulling up in Stoneleigh Road at around 01:00hrs Gordon approached the vehicle and dragged the woman from the passenger seat.

Gordon then walked to the driver’s door and demanded Mr Bhurji hand over the keys to the car. Before the victim could react the suspect pulled out a knife, stabbed him in the chest and jumped in the vehicle.

The suspect sped away in the car, leaving Mr Bhurji, a mechanic and garage owner, collapsed in the road.

Paramedics were called but Mr Bhurji was pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem examination revealed he died from a single stab-wound to the heart.

Police later tracked the car to a remote location along Forest Glade in Chingford.

Gordon and Fearon were sought after local police intelligence linked them to previous car thefts. Andre Campbell, Gordon’s cousin, was then linked to the sale of the stolen phone.

Mr Bhurji’s smart phone, which had been in the car when it was stolen, was eventually traced to a nearby takeaway restaurant in Chingford. It had been sold on by Campbell within hours of the attack on Mr Bhurji.

Detective Inspector Andy Yeats, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command (HMCC), said: “Mr Bhurji was a loving son and brother who had everything to live for. He was a successful businessman and worked hard to provide for his family.

“Gordon and Feardon have no concept of hard work. They spotted Mr Bhurji’s car and decided they would take it by force without a single thought for the devastating consequences. Mr Bhurji’s female friend was threatened with a knife before Mr Bhurji was stabbed through the heart without any chance of defending himself.

“We can only hope that today’s result offers the family of Mr Bhurji some solace.”

The family of Mr Bhurji said in an impact statement prepared for the court: “The night that Raj was killed a part of us died with him. From a young age we all knew that there was something special and unique about Raj. His passion for cars started at a young age when, as a boy, he would watch his dad fixing cars in a small garage located behind our house.

“He went on to study electronics and eventually secured a job at Mercedes-Benz. During this time he won many awards and certificates, making us all so proud.

“However, his dream was to run his own business which he eventually went on to start with his dad. In a short period he established himself and people knew him as one of the best technicians in the area.

“Raj was a humble and reserved character. He enjoyed life and loved to travel. He had a close group of friends and he cared deeply for his loved ones.

“No family should have to experience the pain of losing a loved one in this way. Gordon and Fearon have deprived Raj of the rest of his life and his family of a wonderful man. At just 32 years a healthy, intelligent man had his future, hopes and dreams snatched away in such a terrible way. He will never be replaced.”

All three men are due to be sentenced at the Old Bailey on the 27 May.

Police have released an image of a man after another man was raped at a bar in Manchester.

Shortly after 6am on Saturday 19 April 2014, a man in his 20s went to the toilet at a bar on Canal Street. He was followed by the offender who forced himself upon him and raped him.

Police have released a CCTV image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Constable Ruth Holland from the Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “We are keen to speak to the man in the image and would ask if anyone recognises him that they get in contact with police.

“I would like to reassure the community that this is an isolated incident but would ask anyone with information or concerns to call us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 2124 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A 22-year-old man from Liverpool has been charged with attempted kidnap and production of Cannabis.

Robert Beveridge, from Liverpool , was arrested on suspicion of attempted kidnap on Tuesday 22^nd April 2014 after officers were called to address in Eagles Way, Runcorn, at 7.30pm following reports of a disturbance.

Officers then went on to search an address in Makin Street, Liverpool, where 33 cannabis plants were discovered along with a significant amount of cash.

Beveridge appeared at Runcorn Magistrates on 25^th April charged with attempted kidnap and production of Cannabis. He was remanded in custody and will appear at Chester Crown Court on Tuesday 6^th May.

A family were threatened by robbers in their own home.

Around 10pm on Sunday 30 March 2014, five offenders went into a house on Urban Drive in Altrincham through an unlocked back door.

They threatened the occupants with knives and demanded cash from them.

The offenders took one of the occupants upstairs and emptied the safe. A struggle ensued and the five men fled the house empty handed.

One of the offenders is described as black, 6ft to 6ft 3in tall and was of a heavy build. He was wearing grey jogging bottoms and a grey top with a dark jacket. He had his hood up and was wearing a hat and bandana covering his face.

There were four other men with him, two of which are described as black, one mixed race and one white.

Detective Constable David Wood said: “This was extremely terrifying for the victims in this house. Fortunately, no was hurt but the fact they had knives was very frightening.

“I would remind residents to ensure their homes are kept secure both when away from the property and when at home.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7507 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A Nazi-sympathiser who planned to blow up a number of mosques has today, 1 May 2014, been jailed.

Ian Charles Forman, 3/1/72, of Shavington Avenue, Oxton, Birkenhead, was convicted of Engaging in Conduct in Preparation of Terrorist Acts contrary to Terrorism Act 2006 after an 11 day trial at Kingston Crown Court.

He was today sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.

Forman first came to the attention of police in April 2013 while he worked as a receptionist at Manisty (Recresco Ltd), a glass recycling firm in Ellesmere Port.

Colleagues found that he had been researching chemicals and explosive substances on the internet during work hours ⿿ a clear breach of company policy.

He was called in for internal disciplinary meetings, during which he claimed his research was for his hobby of making home-made fireworks.

Unconvinced by his answers, the company called Merseyside police and his house was searched.

Inside they found chemicals including potassium nitrate, sulphur and charcoal, a crude home-made improvised explosive device (IED) and a replica Nazi uniform.

Forman was arrested and interviewed by officers from the North West Counter-Terrorism Unit and admitted having extreme right wing views in his youth but claimed he no longer thought like that.

Officers had also seized a number of computers and other devices and later found more incriminating material.

This included internet research into a number of Merseyside mosques, video clips showing Forman experimenting with explosives and an anti-Islam video created by Forman himself.

Detective Sergeant Matt Findell, of the North West Counter-Terrorism Unit, said: “Thankfully, we will never know how far Forman was prepared to go in acting out his racist fantasies.

“However, we do know that Forman had carefully selected a number of targets to meet his own means. Had he carried them out, his attacks could have caused considerable damage to both property and people at several Mosques.

⿿The North West Counter-Terrorism Unit has extensive experience of investigating individuals and groups who hope to threaten, intimidate and attack people for their own twisted political ends.

⿿We have demonstrated once again with today⿿s result that we will use every means at our disposal to protect our communities.”

15 people have been charged with conspiracy to import and supply Class A drugs following a drugs operation in Oldham.

Abu Baker Khan of Cotton Mill Crescent, Werneth, 

Mohammed Hakim  of Links Way, Oldham,

Sabbiur Rahman of Hythe Walk, Chadderton, 

Dilwar Hussain of Firdale Walk, Oldham,

Fazal Mir of Hawthorn Road, Hollinwood,

Kamran Khan  of Laxey Close, Chadderton,

Rahul Rashid Choudhury of Davies Street, Oldham,

Behzad Ali  of Leyland Road, Burnley,

Moazam Ali of Belverdere Road,  Burnley,

Tahir Shah  of Thurston Street, Burnley,

and Mohammed Sajid Khan of Colne Road, Burnley have all been remanded in custody and are due to appear at Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday 22 May, 2014.

Zinath Akhtar  of Maygate, Oldham, Abidur Rahman of Maygate, Oldham, Lesley Ball of Higher House Close, Chadderton and a 17-year-old boy have been bailed following charges of conspiracy to import and supply Class A drugs and will also appear at Minshull Street Crown Court on Thursday 22 May, 2014.

Officers from Oldham’s Operation Caminada Organised Crime Unit launched the operation, codenamed Operation Alamos, as their response to community concerns that street drug dealing was a problem.

This operation forms part of Operation Challenger, which is the Force’s strategy for tackling organised crime groups across Greater Manchester.

The raids came after months of investigations by officers from the Oldham Organised Crime Unit into the distribution of heroin.

The confirmed street value of recoveries during this operation is now £860,000 worth of heroin and crack cocaine. 

Police are appealing for witnesses to come forward, after a man was deliberately knocked off his moped in Rochdale. 

At around 8pm on Wednesday 30 April 2014 March, a 23-year-old man was travelling down Brotherhood Hall Road on his moped when he was deliberately knocked off by a car, which then drove directly over him.

The man sustained serious injuries to his legs and remains in hospital where he continues to be treated. 

The police believe that this attack was not random and the car that ran him over is thought to have been black.

Detective Constable Russell Clarke of Rochdale Division said:

“This is a very serious incident which could easily have led to the loss of life and the victim remains in considerable pain.

“Individuals who are willing to use a vehicle as a weapon in such an extreme manner need to be caught and brought to justice.

“We are urging anybody who may have any information or saw a vehicle driving erratically around the area to contact us.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 9961 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Kuntal Patel, 37 (28.02.77) of Park Road, E15 appeared today (2 May) at a plea and case management hearing at Southwark Crown Court.

She is charged with:

Count 1: Acquiring a biological agent or toxin, contrary to section 1(1)(a) and 1 (3) of the Biological Weapons Act 1974.
Particular of offence: – Kuntal Patel on or about 1 December 2103 acquired without lawful justification, a toxin, namely Abrin

Count 2: Attempting to acquire a biological agent or toxin, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981.
Particular of offence: – Kuntal Patel, on or about 11 December 2013, attempted to acquire, without lawful justification, a toxin, namely Abrin.

Count 3: Attempted murder, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal attempts Act 1981
Particular of offence: Kuntal Patel, on or about 18 December 2013 attempted to murder Meena Patel.

Count 4: Attempting to acquire a biological agent or toxin, contrary to section 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981.
Particular of offence: Kuntal Patel between 18 December 2013 and 27 January 2014 attempted to acquire, without lawful justification, a toxin, namely Abrin.

A trial date of the 22 September has been set.

At approximately 6pm on Friday 2 May 2014, police were called to Coronation Street to reports of gun shots.

Officers arrived and found a car had been damaged from a gunshot. There are no reports of any injuries being caused at this stage.

The car has now been forensically recovered and detectives are investigating the incident.

Enquiries have established that a silver Vauxhall Combo van drove away from the scene in the direction of Bolton Road.

A 34-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and he remains in police custody for questioning.

DI Ben Hart from Salford division, said: “I’m sure that the local community will be very concerned that such a serious incident has taken place in their neighbourhood, in a residential area, during broad daylight.

“Thankfully no-one was hurt, but whenever firearms are used there is always the great risk that someone will be seriously harmed or killed, whether that is the intended target or an unrelated member of the public.

“We share the community’s outrage that someone thinks they can behave like this, which is why we have launched a thorough investigation, which at this stage looks as if it was a targeted attack.

“We have a team of detectives dedicated to the investigation and want to speak to anyone who was in the Coronation Street area between 5.30pm and 6.30pm last night and witnessed the incident or has any information about the a van or those inside.

“I am also keen to hear from anyone who has any information about the people who may have been the targets.  I would urge you to contact us as soon as possible.

“Residents will see more officers than usual around and I would ask anyone with concerns to speak to them.”

Anyone with information is asked to call our office directly on 0161 856 5345 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Jonny Maughan, 41 of Robinson Place in St Helens was last night charged with attempted murder. He has been remanded in custody to appear before Preston Magistrates Court on Monday morning, 5^thMay.

The charge relates to an incident that took place late Friday evening at an address on Charlbury Grove, Heysham where a twenty five year old woman was found with multiple stab wounds. The victim remains at Royal Preston Hospital where she is described as stable.

Police have released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with a rape in Manchester.

On Saturday 12 October 2013, two friends had visited Manchester for a night out, the girls met two men and spent the evening socialising with them in various pubs and bars across the city centre.

Later that evening the group go back to a hotel on Portland Street where the two girls were staying.

The girls got into bed, one of the men got into bed with the 18-year-old victim and raped her.

Police have now released an image of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the incident.

Detective Sergeant Claire Phythian from the Serious Sexual Offences Unit said: “We have been working hard to track down the offender and we are now in a position to release this image of a man who we are very keen to speak to.

“If you recognise him, or this is you, please contact police urgently.

“We would also ask anyone who has any information about this incident who we may not have spoken to yet, to call us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 1911 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester is nationally recognised as a model of good practice in terms of support services available to victims. If you or someone you know has been raped or sexually assaulted, we encourage you not to suffer in silence and report it to the police or a support agency so you can get the help and support available.

St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre in Manchester provides a comprehensive and coordinated forensic, counselling and medical aftercare service to anyone in Greater Manchester who has experienced rape or sexual assault. Services are available on a 24-hour basis and people can access them either as a self-referral or via Greater Manchester Police.

A man has been charged with two counts of sexual assault by touching.

Ganiu Olelakan Adigun, of Hopwood Road, Middleton, was charged and is due before Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court on 19 May 2014.

In December 2013, a 17–year-old female was assaulted on Hopwood Road, Middleton.

On Wednesday 19 March 2014, an 18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted on Cheap Side, Middleton.

A man has been charged by detectives investigating historic sexual abuse at music schools in Manchester.

Duncan McTier  of Woodland Gardens, Middlesex has been charged with four indecent assaults.

He is due to appear at Manchester Magistrate’s Court on Friday 23 May 2014.

The charges relate to the indecent assault of a 21-year-old woman in 1994, the sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl in 1985 and the sexual assault of a 23-year-old girl in 1988.

The women were pupils at different music establishments at the time in question.

Police are investigating a series of burglaries across Manchester.

The latest happened at around 1.30pm on 28 April 2014, when two offenders approached a house on Rosebeck Walk in Broadheath.

They smashed the rear patio window and stole a substantial amount of Asian gold jewellery. They two men got into a waiting car, a stolen blue Audi TT, which was driven by a third man.

Officers attended and spotted the car in the area of Riverbrook Road which leads onto Woodcote Road. The offenders drove away at speed before abandoning the car. They ran through Stamford Brook estate towards The Drive estate in Sale.

The offenders are described as white men aged between 20 and 40-years-old. One was wearing a white jacket and the other two were wearing dark hoodies. The men were reportedly on the Stamford Brook Estate prior to the burglary acting suspiciously.

The blue Audi TT was stolen from a house on Egerton Park in Worsley on Tuesday 22 April 2014.

Police are investigating three other burglaries believed to be linked.

On Thursday 24 April 2014, there was an attempted burglary at a house on Cleabarrow Drive in Boothstown. On Saturday 26 April 2014, there was a burglary at a house on Half Acre Drive in Rochdale and at a house on Beech Avenue, Whitefield.

Detective Constable Paul Walls said: “In each of these burglaries the blue Audi TT was seen in the area and we are investigating the possibility that all four of these burglaries are linked, and there may be others.

“If anyone has any information I would ask that they call police.

“They have caused a great deal of distress to the families concerned and in particular I would ask if anyone has been offered any Asian gold jewellery items for sale in suspicious circumstances that they contact police.

“These people are reckless and have no regard for public safety. They could have injured members of the public as well as police officers when they tried to escape. I would urge this gang to hand themselves in before we come knocking on their door.”

Anyone with information should call police on 0161 856 7530 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police are keen to trace the outstanding jewellery:

- Small gold stud earrings in the shape of a flower and small diamonds as petals
- Small gold half moon shaped earrings with small diamonds within
- Small gold diamond shaped studs with small diamonds within
- Small gold chain with flower pendant
- Two solid gold bangles with floral pattern engraved on them
- Gold stud earrings the size of a 5p piece in the shape of a leaf with red and yellow colouring on them
- Leaf shaped earrings the size of a 5p piece – small emerald, pearl and coral stones set into them
- Gold ladies engagement ring with diamond in centre
- Men’s engagement ring in gold with three leaves in a raised pattern
- Ladies gold ring with leaf design in the shape of a figure of eight
- Small gold necklace with black beads around it and a thin half moor shaped pendant 1″ to 1.5″ in length with small diamonds.

A man has been charged with rape.

John Richard Ferrier, of Ormskirk Road, Wigan has been charged with rape and possession of a bladed article.

He is due to appear at Manchester City Magistrates’ Court on Thursday 22 May 2014.

At about 4.50pm on Thursday 17 October 2013, police received a report that an 11-year-old boy had been approached by a man in the toilets at Manchester Arndale and raped him.

Sean McHugh was fatally stabbed after he was attacked in cold blood by a group of youths as he was doing his washing in a local launderette on 30 September last year. He had left the launderette to go to a local shop with a friend, Josh Williams, and as they were returning to the launderette they were chased by a group of about 12 males, some of whom were carrying knives.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy O’Connor, explained: “When the group of males started to chase Sean and Josh they ran back towards the launderette in fear for their lives as the group were making threats towards Sean and were carrying knives.

“During the chase Sean and his friend were separated and Josh was fortunate not to be run over when he ran in to the path of an oncoming car, which he tried to get in to, in a bid to escape.

“Sean, who was obviously petrified, ran back in to the launderette and in to the rear staff room and just managed to shut the door before two of the group entered the premises. As he ran through he shouted to the manageress and said “ring the police they’re going to kill me.”

“The manageress called the police immediately, but the group, who were intent on attacking Sean, forced their way in to the staff room – two of the group had a knife and a sword in their possession.

“Once inside the staff room the group began to beat Sean, who eventually managed to escape through the rear fire door in to the alley way. He only made it a short distance up the alleyway before falling to the ground.

“As a result of the attack Sean sustained a stab wound, which proved to be fatal, to his upper thigh. The stab wound had cut through his femoral artery. He was taken to the Royal Liverpool University Hospital, but despite the best efforts of the medical team he died on Friday, 4 October.”

DCI O’Connor, continued: “In the hours following the assault a number of the defendants used social media to brag about the attack and Sean’s probable death.

“Following extensive enquiries officers arrested 10 people on suspicion of Sean’s murder and six were subsequently charged. Today, five people have been convicted.  Since the attack, none of the five have shown any remorse for what they did to Sean and for the taking a young man’s life. They have even laughed and joked in the dock at court despite being charged with such a serious offence.

“They have shown no thought, or consideration, for Sean’s family and girlfriend, who are now left to grieve and to piece their lives together without him.

“The suffering Sean endured before his death and the pain and heartbreak inflicted on his family can never be taken back. But I hope that the convictions of these young men brings Sean’s family a sense of closure and justice, and sends out a clear message that violence such a this is not tolerated by Merseyside Police, nor the communities we serve.”

“This has been a difficult and complex investigation. I would like to thank my investigation team for their tireless professionalism and commitment throughout this enquiry. I would like to thank the Crown Prosecution Service and our prosecution team for all of their support throughout this case.”

Police are searching for two men wanted in connection with a firearm discharge in Newton Heath.

At around 12.10pm on Tuesday 18 March 2014, police attended an address on Benville Walk, following reports that a gun had been fired.

Officers attended and found that four men who were wearing balaclavas and armed with guns and machetes attended this address.

There was a confrontation with the victims at the front door, during which a shot was fired, but thankfully no-one was injured.

Ashley Hodson (01/07/84) is suspected of discharging a firearm at an address in Newton Heath on Tuesday 18 March 2014.

Hodson has links to the Newton Heath and Moston areas.

Dale Carroll also known as Dale Elms (03/02/14) is also wanted in connection with the same incident and has breached his prison licence.

Carroll has links to the Moston area.

Police Constable Bryan Deighton of the Serious Crime Division said:

“Hodson and Carroll are dangerous and are not to be approached by members of the public.

“Should anybody be found to be assisting or harbouring these wanted men, they too will face being arrested and a possible prison sentence of their own.”

Anyone with any information about the men’s whereabouts asked to call police on 0161 856 3020 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.