ESSEX Police have released CCTV images of a woman they would like to speak to in connection with the theft of a handbag from a shop in Staple Tye Shopping Centre, Southern Way, Harlow at around 9.30am on Sunday November 27 2016.

The victim had placed her handbag down on the counter to pay for a newspaper, left the shop and then realised she had forgotten it but by the time she returned, the handbag had gone.

Anyone with information can contact the Local Policing Team in Harlow on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

1900 hrs

Essex Police statement

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was stabbed in Harlow today, Sunday, December 25.

The victim, aged 34, and from the local area, was walking along the cycle-path in Arkwrights shortly before 12.40pm when he was stabbed in the neck by a man.

He was airlifted to hospital in London. He had suffered a minor puncture wound to his neck. He was treated and then discharged.

Detectives would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident.

Anybody that can help should call Harlow CID on Essex Police 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

1735 hrs

ESSEX Police are appealing for witnesses after a man was “stabbed” on a cycle path in Harlow.

He was found at just after 1230pm today (Christmas Day) on a stretch of cycle track between Arkwrights and Whitewaits in Harlow.

The male was transferred to hospital.

If you have any information contact Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

1600 hrs

PART OF a cycle track in Harlow has been taped off.

The area is between Arkwrights and Whitewaits.

Two police cars are maintaining a presence in the area.

A number of other emergency services have been in the area including an air ambulance.

More follows as we receive information.

Update: 1200 hrs

A man has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in Harlow on Christmas Day.

The victim, a man in his 30s, was walking along the cycle-path in Arkwrights shortly before 12.40pm when he was stabbed in the neck by a man.

He was flown to hospital in London. He had suffered a minor puncture wound to his neck. He was treated and then discharged.

A 42 year-old man was arrested yesterday (Friday, December 30).

John-Paul Roberts, 42, of no fixed abode, Harlow has been charged with attempted murder, possession of an offensive weapon and two counts of possession of a Class A drug.

He is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court today (Saturday, December 31).

======================

A MALE has been arrested in connection with the stabbing that occurred on a Harlow cycle track on Christmas day.

The incident happened around midday on Sunday December 25th on or near to the cycle track that runs near the Arkwrights/Whitewaits area of the town.

A male is now in custody at Harlow Police Station.

ESSEX Police are appealing for information on the ninth anniversary of a horrific attack on two schoolchildren in Harlow.

Officers are looking to talk to anyone who knows anything about an incident along a cycle path from Tawneys Road towards Great Brays on Sunday, January 8, 2008.

At around 5pm, two teenagers, a 13-year-old girl and a 14-year-old boy, stopped to fix a light on a BMX.

The girl was then struck on the head with a metal pole twice, knocking her to the ground. She suffered two deep gashes to her head, which required 12 stiches.

The boy also suffered head injuries requiring stitches after being struck over the head about six times.

The suspect, who ran from the scene empty handed, is described as white male, aged between 25 and 30 years, and has brown stubble. He was wearing black trousers and new looking white trainers.

Detective Sergeant Leo Fordham said: “We’re revisiting the case on the anniversary of the crime to see if anyone might have any memory or knowledge of what happened.

“This was an unprovoked and particularly vicious attack on two innocent children and nine years on we’re still keen to find out who did this.

“Someone must know something, and if this appeal brings back some memories then we want to hear from you.”

Anyone with information, particularly people walking their dogs who were seen in the area at the time, should call Harlow CID on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A DRUG dealer, found concealing heroin, crack cocaine and cash in his car, has been jailed for 18-months.

Barry Kent, 41, of The Mews, Sawbridgeworth in Hertfordshire was stopped by officers from Operator Raptor on Water Lane, Harlow on October 24 last year.

They searched Kent’s car with the help of Police Dog Bruno where they found a sock, filled with wraps of the Class A drugs Heroin and Crack Cocaine, concealed behind a plastic panel in the driver’s footwell. He also had £445 in cash.

Kent was arrested and, during interview, admitted to officers that he was acting as a “drugs runner” for a London-based gang.

He was charged and admitted two counts of Possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Tuesday January 10.

Sgt James Paget of the Operation Raptor team in the West said: “Essex Police will not tolerate those people supplying drugs in our communities.

“Kent’s conviction and imprisonment is another example of how we will robustly target those committing drug-related crime, ensuring they are brought to justice and put behind bars.

“Drug dealing gangs can have a devastating impact on both the community and those who become involved with them. Exploitation based on gang violence and drug addiction is sadly an increasing trend.

“If you know someone who is being exploited and or forced to break the law, or if you are in this position, please contact us. We will always help those in need.”

Operation Raptor teams have been set up in the North, South and West Local Policing Areas (LPAs) to detect and disrupt drug dealing gangs.

Anyone with information about drug-dealing, gang-related crime or exploitation, can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

ESSEX Police are re-issuing an appeal to find Bryan Nash who is wanted in connection with an assault in Harlow.

The incident allegedly happened at an address in Harlow on September 7.

The 37-year-old, who was last known to be living in Harlow, is black, wears black rimmed glasses, has a hearing aid in his left ear and has both ears pierced.

Bryan has links to the Leicester area.

Anyone who knows where he is can contact Harlow Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A DRUG dealer, who exploited a vulnerable man by using his home as a base to ply drugs from, has been jailed for four years.

Officers from the Harlow Community Policing and Op Raptor West teams visited a property in Rundells, Harlow in July last year following concerns for the welfare of the man living at the address.

The four-day trial at Chelmsford Crown Court heard the door was opened by 25-year-old David Joseph – a drug dealer from London – who was one of several gang members believed to have taken over the man’s flat to use it as a base for dealing (known as cuckooing).

Officers searched Joseph of Brandon Street, South London and found he was in possession of cannabis and £210 in cash. A further search of the flat revealed 26 rocks of the Class A drug heroin and crack cocaine, another £310 in cash concealed in Joseph’s bag and a mobile phone.

After Joseph’s arrest the vulnerable man living at the property told officers his flat had been used by a drug dealing gang for the last ten months. The man was rehomed for his own safety.

Joseph was charged and at Chelmsford Crown Court was found guilty of possessing a Class B drug and two counts of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply. He was jailed for four years.

Following the trial Pc Timothy Knights of the Harlow Community Policing Team said: “This case demonstrates how ruthless drug dealing gangs prey on vulnerable members of our community, exploiting them and forcing them into a position where they are often too scared to seek help.

“The Community Policing and Op Raptor teams worked closely with colleagues at Harlow Council to ensure Joseph was arrested but, very importantly, that the vulnerable man was safeguarded.

“I hope the jail term handed down to Joseph demonstrates how seriously both Essex Police and the courts take those committing drug and gang-related offences in our towns.

“If you or someone you know is being exploited, or in danger of being exploited, by gangs then please contact us.”

Anyone with information about gang or drug-related crime can contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ESSEX Police are appealing for witnesses following a suspected attempted burglary at an address in Harlow.

A man attended a property in Fountain Farm at around 10.30am on Sunday, January 15 and asked the victim, a woman in her 80s, whether or not she wanted her shed repaired.

The man then proceeded to walk around the property claiming he was “just checking” when challenged as to what he was doing.

He then left and nothing appears to have been taken.

The man is described as white, around 5ft 5ins tall, of stocky build, aged between 40 and 50, wearing a bobble hat and a bomber jacket.

A younger man was waiting outside the property.

Investigating officer, Dc Rachel Anderson, said: “Given the nature of the offence I am concerned the victim was targeted because of her age.

“I am concerned other people who are elderly or vulnerable may also be targeted in the same way and would urge residents in the area to be alert for anyone trying something similar.

“If someone knocks at your door always ask for identification – all genuine callers will have ID and won’t mind you asking to see it.

“If you’re still not sure, ask them to come back another time and don’t feel pressured into letting someone into your home you don’t want there.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Dc Anderson at Harlow Police Station on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

ESSEX Police are renewing an appeal for information to help trace a man from Harlow wanted on suspicion of a firearms offence.

Michael Butler, 31, is wanted on suspicion of possession of an imitation firearm with intent cause fear of violence in connection with an incident in Harlow in September.

He is described as white, of slim build, 5ft 10ins tall with short light brown hair.

He has a tear drop tattooed under his left eye and the word ENDS tattooed on the right side of his neck.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

DO you recognise any of these items of jewellery?

They are believed to have been stolen from the Harlow area and were recovered by police on Wednesday, February 15, 2017.

A 34-year-old man from Harlow was arrested on suspicion of theft and released on bail until 15/04/2017, pending further enquiries.

Anyone who recognises any of the items is asked to contact Joanne Poole at Harlow police station on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A 24-year-old man from Harlow has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving following a collision involving two vehicles in Fifth Avenue, Harlow, which happened just after 12.30am this morning, Thursday, March 2.

It involved a grey Volvo and a white Ford Focus. The driver of the Focus was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The road remains closed at this time.

POLICE are releasing images of items of jewellery, believed to have been stolen, so they can be reunited with their owners.

The items were found inside a cream jewellery box located at Hoggs Farm on Harlow Common, Harlow on April 27, 2016.

Anyone who recognises any of the items is asked to contact Dc Nicola Hudson at Harlow police station on 101.

TWO men from Harlow have now been charged with attempted murder following an assault in The Downs, Harlow on Thursday, January 26.

Charlie Knight, 19, of Broadgate in Sutton St, Edmund, Spalding, Lincolnshire, was arrested on Wednesday, March 3, in Kings Lynn and later charged.

Osa Francis Akpata, 19, of Northgate End, Bishop’s Stortford, was arrested on Friday, February 10, in Bishops Stortford.

Police were called to reports of a man being chased down a road and attacked with weapons causing stab wounds.

They have both been remanded by the court.

Akpata is due at Chelmsford Crown court on Monday, March 13, 2017 and Knight is due at Chelmsford Crown court on Friday, March 31, 2017.

ON the evening of 5th March 2017, a theft of index plates occurred in the area of Churchfield, Harlow.

The plates were witnessed to then be placed on a Kia Sportage in Black.

Essex Police said: “Please be vigilant and report any suspicious behaviour of any Black Kia Sportage vehicles via the 101 system”.

MORE than 20 suspected drug dealers were arrested, and drugs, weapons and vehicles were seized during a week of action aimed at cracking down on drug and gang-related crime.

Officers from Essex Police’s Operation Raptor teams in the North, South and West of the county worked around the clock supported by specialist colleagues from across the force as well as the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to target those involved in drug supply.

During the week of action – which ran from Monday February 27 to Friday March 3 – the teams carried out visible operations including a weapons sweep in Southend and proactive foot patrols in Basildon.

They also used automated number plate recognition (ANPR) technology during operations in Chelmsford, Thurrock and Harlow to target known dealers using the roads. In Clacton and Colchester the North Raptor team also joined forces with Trading Standards to target shops selling knives to youngsters.

As well as this activity the Raptor teams executed a total of 17 warrants at properties in Southend, Basildon, Brentwood, Thurrock, Harlow, Chelmsford, Clacton and Colchester.

During these warrants the Raptor teams seized more than £3,000 in cash, three kilos of what is believed to be cannabis and more than 300 plants of the drug, 1.5kilos of the suspected Class B drug amphetamine as well as substantial amounts of the suspected Class A drugs heroin and crack cocaine. The West Raptor team also unearthed a large cannabis factory in Brentwood.

Det Chief Insp Jason Hendy, who led the week-long crackdown, said: “We are delighted with the success of the week of action which saw 22 suspected drug dealers arrested, 17 warrants executed and drugs worth thousands of pounds seized before they hit the streets of our county.

“I hope this action sends out a strong message to those involved in drug and gang-related crime that we will target you, arrest you and bring you before the courts.”

Chief Supt Paul Wells, Essex Police’s lead for Operation Raptor added: “Our Raptor teams in the North, South and West work tirelessly every day to proactively target those involved in drug and gang related crime.

“However this week of action enabled our Raptor teams to call on the support of specialist colleagues across the rest of Essex Police – including the Operational Support Group, the Special Constabulary, Community and Local Policing team colleagues – as well as the MPS to double their efforts and work around the clock to target drug dealers.

“The daily work of our Raptor teams continues and I hope those involved in gang and drug-related crime realise that there is no place for them to hide in Essex.”

If you have information about drug or gang-related crime in your community, call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A MAN has been taken to hospital after reportedly falling out of a car in Harlow.

The ambulance service was called at just after 7pm after a report that a man had left a moving car on Tumbler Road, close to Nicholls Field in Harlow.

Local residents ran out and helped attend at the scene.

Essex Police attended soon after.

An ambulance service spokesperson said: “We received a call yesterday at 7.22pm to reports of a man who had fallen from a vehicle on Nicholls Field in Harlow. We sent an ambulance crew to assist and treated the man, believed to be in his 40s, before taking him to Princess Alexandra Hospital for further care”.

1230 hrs

Statement from Essex Police

ESSEX Police are appealing for witnesses to a serious road traffic collision in Southern Way, Harlow, at around 7.30pm yesterday, Tuesday, March 14.

A 47-year-old woman, from Harlow, was crossing the road with her family when she was struck by a silver Ford Focus, which failed to stop at the scene and drove off towards the A414.

The victim was taken to hospital with serious head injuries. She is described as being in a stable condition with life changing injuries.

The car would have been damaged during the collision and the wing mirror was smashed. Any garages approached about repairs are asked to contact police.

Anyone with information about a damaged silver Ford Focus should also get in contact with Dc Jenny Pirie at the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Boreham on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

1000 hrs

Statement from East of England Ambulance Service: “We received a call yesterday at 7.22pm to reports of an RTC involving a pedestrian on Southern Way in Harlow.

“We dispatched an ambulance crew which arrived within six minutes of the call and treated a woman, believed to be in her 50s, for a serious head injury before taking her to Princess Alexandra Hospital for further care.

2200 hrs

Southern Way still closed from Parnall Road to Lower Meadow.

There is no apparent car or cars at the location but there appears to be what appears to be items of clothing in the middle of the road.

Police have stated that it may be closed for some time.

We are awaiting responses from both the ambulance service and Essex Police.

2030 hrs

Report of Southern Way closed in Harlow close to Staple Tye.

More follows.

TWO drug dealers, caught with a haul of crack and heroin in their vehicle, have been jailed for a combined total of more than six years.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how officers from Essex Police’s West Operation Raptor team were on patrol in the Town Park area of Harlow on October 4 last year when they received a report that drug users had gathered and a suspected deal was about to take place.

The officers went to the area and saw a group of what is believed to be drug users approaching a vehicle.

The driver of the car 26-year-old Amir Mostofi panicked, dropped an object in his lap and attempted to drive the car away whilst his passenger 20-year-old Glen Elamo tried to escape on foot.

They were stopped by the officers and a search of the vehicle found wraps and rocks of the Class A drugs heroin and cocaine, as well as mobile phones and more than £200.

The pair were arrested and charged with one count of possession of a Class A drug with intent to supply.

Elamo of Station Road, East London and Mostofi of Downing Court, North London admitted the charges. Elamo was jailed three years and six months whilst Mostofi was handed down a three-year jail term.

Following the sentencing Pc Tom Bennett of the West Operation Raptor team said: “It was clear that Elamo and Mostofi were actively dealing drugs in the Harlow area but their efforts to escape the West Operation Raptor team were in vain.

“Their lengthy sentences reflect the seriousness with which both Essex Police and the wider criminal justice system view those who are plying drugs on our streets.

“We hope this sentence also sends out a clear message to the community that we act on all information received in relation to drug dealing and we will not tolerate this crime on the streets of our county.”

A DRUG dealer, found concealing 19 rocks of Class A drugs in his bottom, has been jailed for three years following another successful arrest by the West Operation Raptor team.

Chelmsford Crown Court heard how Linus Itoya, 23, of no fixed abode was seen acting suspiciously in the car park of the Water Gardens shopping Centre on Thursday December 15 last year.

Itoya got into a vehicle which was subsequently stopped and searched by officers from the West Operation Raptor team.

Itoya was taken to custody at Harlow police station where a strip search revealed he had concealed 19 rocks of crack cocaine and heroin in his bottom. He was also found with £300 in cash which was believed to be the proceeds of drug sales.

Itoya admitted two counts of possessing a Class A drug with intent to supply and was jailed for three years.

Following the sentencing Pc Tom Bennett of the West Operation Raptor said: “We welcome the sentencing of Itoya which has removed another drug dealer from the streets of our county.

“Itoya now has three years to contemplate his actions and in the meantime I hope his sentence serves as a warning to others involved in illegal drug supply in Essex that the Operation Raptor teams are watching – we will find you, we will arrest you and we will put you before the courts.”

If you have information about drug dealing in your community contact Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Operation Raptor teams were set up by Essex Police in the North, South and West of the county to target those involved in drug dealing and gang-related crime.

ESSEX Detectives are appealing for witnesses to a robbery in which a woman was threatened with a knife.

The 19-year-old woman was walking on a cycle path in Tripton Road, Harlow, at about 1.45pm today, Friday March 17 when she was approached by a man holding a knife. He demanded money and she gave him some cash. He then ran off into a wooded area nearby.

The victim was shaken but unhurt.

She described the suspect as white, aged about 40, of stocky build and 5ft 6ins to 5ft 7ins tall. He had curly, short, light brown hair, with a small bald patch on the crown and a long bushy beard.

He was described as being of scruffy appearance, wore black gloves with the ends cut off both thumbs, a khaki green jacket with a rip in the back, and black steel toe capped style boots.

Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call Dc James Smith at Harlow CID.

Alternatively, they can contact independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org.