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A charity, Chance to Shine, set a Guinness World Record for the largest cricket lesson with 943 participants at Lord's Cricket Ground. The event, marking the charity's 20th anniversary, involved children from 35 schools and aims to promote cricket in disadvantaged areas. Celebrity supporters emphasized the event's importance in building confidence and teamwork among children.
The Metropolitan Police in London faces a reduction in officers despite securing additional funding, according to Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. Public confidence remains low, with only 45% of Londoners believing the police effectively serve their communities. The force is prioritizing neighborhood policing and tackling shoplifting, which rose by 54% last year.
Wandsworth Council plans to ballot residents on a revised regeneration proposal for the Alton Estate in Roehampton this autumn. The new plan includes 614 homes, with 57% designated as affordable, and aims to improve community facilities. If approved, a planning application could be submitted by June 2026.
Jennifer Abbott Dauward, a 69-year-old film director, was found dead in her Camden flat after being stabbed eight times in the neck. Her sister, Nancy Pexton, also 69, faces murder charges and will remain in custody until a plea hearing scheduled for September 9. Missing from the crime scene was Dauward's Rolex watch, raising suspicions about the motive behind the crime.
Seven individuals face charges following a Palestine Action protest in London, where police reported 13 arrests. The charges include a racially aggravated public order offence and assaulting emergency workers. This protest occurred shortly after the home secretary announced plans to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.
A businessman in north London received a £53,350 fine after his employees were caught fly-tipping meat and fish. Ali Jamil Mohammed, director of Ranya Food Centre and Ranya Fresh Fish Limited, pleaded guilty to charges following multiple complaints and surveillance evidence. Brent Council's crackdown on fly-tipping aims to reduce the £1.5 million annual cost to the local authority.
The Crystal Palace International Film Festival faces closure if local councils impose a £6,500 fee for film ratings. Founder Neill Roy argues that the costs are unmanageable for festivals and insists that the councils' actions threaten a beloved community event. A petition to save the festival has garnered over 1,500 signatures.
Concerns about safety at the Notting Hill Carnival have intensified as police officials express worries over insufficient funding for extra stewards. The Metropolitan Police Federation highlighted fears of a deadly crush due to crowd size, with calls for government support to enhance safety measures.
An 18th-century violin valued at over £150,000 was stolen from The Marquess Tavern in Islington, London, on February 18. The instrument, previously loaned to violinist David Lopez Ibanez, was taken while he dined in the pub. Police are seeking public assistance in identifying the suspect.
Two brothers, Hannan and Humar Mahmood, received seven-year prison sentences for attacking off-duty police officer PC Darren Attwood with a machete during a robbery in Luton. The attack occurred on November 2, 2024, as Attwood confronted the brothers after they stole a dirt bike. The judge praised Attwood's bravery, awarding him a High Sheriff's Award and £500.