Your trusted source for local London, UK news, updated daily with the most important stories from your community.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the vandalism of several statues in Parliament Square, including Dame Millicent Fawcett's, as "disgraceful." The Metropolitan Police reported that seven statues were damaged during a protest against a Supreme Court ruling regarding the definition of a woman under the Equality Act. Cooper announced plans to strengthen laws protecting memorials while police continue their investigation.
Paula Griffin, a 60-year-old woman from London, embraced her transgender identity after battling bladder cancer. Diagnosed in 2017, Griffin turned her life around, quitting smoking and drinking while pursuing new passions like football and marathon running. She now feels more confident and is advocating for cancer research, crediting it with saving her life.
Wandsworth Bridge in London has undergone a transformation, gaining new exterior lighting to enhance its appearance. This change has led the local council to declare it no longer "London's most boring bridge." The article highlights 20 notable bridges across the Thames, showcasing the city's diverse crossings.
Police in Watford are treating the vandalism of 85 graves in a Muslim cemetery as an Islamophobic hate crime. The damage, which primarily affected graves of babies and children, has prompted officials to reassure the affected families and the wider Muslim community. Local leaders are committed to restoring the cemetery to its original state as quickly as possible.
An ancient oak tree, approximately 500 years old, was cut down in north London by the pub chain Toby Carvery due to health and safety concerns. The tree, a significant national heritage asset, has led to an emergency preservation order and sparked outrage among local residents and conservationists. Enfield Council is treating the incident as potential criminal damage, although police have found no evidence of wrongdoing.
A Metropolitan Police officer, PC Rupert Edwards, has been charged with raping a woman while off-duty, according to Scotland Yard. The charges follow an investigation into allegations made in 2023, and Edwards is scheduled to appear in Westminster Magistrates' Court. He has been suspended from duty as the investigation continues.
A business's van has been trapped in a malfunctioning mechanical car park in central London for over two years, despite repairs being completed. HCS Furniture's co-owner expressed frustration over the delays in vehicle retrieval and the lack of communication from the management firm, CBRE. The situation has left multiple vehicles stranded, raising concerns about insurance claims and accountability.
The article explores the lives of miners working on the High Speed Two (HS2) project in London, highlighting their challenges, backgrounds, and the complex tunneling processes involved. It provides insights into the tunneling community, the unexpected geological conditions encountered, and the impact of the project on local residents. With a focus on personal stories and technical details, the piece captures the hidden world beneath the city.
A 21-year-old man was fatally stabbed on Hillingdon Street in Walworth, south London, prompting immediate police action and the arrest of six individuals on suspicion of murder. Emergency services arrived but were unable to save the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Local authorities have assured the community of ongoing investigations and an increased police presence in the area.
A 38-year-old burglar, Errol Woodger, has been found guilty of manslaughter after killing resident Marc Allen during a burglary in Erith, London. Woodger used Allen's own Mercedes as a weapon while attempting to escape, resulting in Allen's death from severe head injuries. The case highlights the dangers of burglary and the tragic consequences that can arise when individuals confront thieves.