Metropolitan Police

Metropolitan Police Service

Photo, 02 Sep 18:08

#APPEAL

A woman has been left with a horrific and life changing injury following a violent attack at Notting Hill Carnival last weekend.

Officers are appealing for any information following this callous crime, which saw the unsuspecting victim’s top lip bitten off by an unknown man.

The incident took place at approximately 6pm on Sunday, 25 August on Portobello Road, close to the junction with Golborne Road, W10.

The victim was talking to some women before being approached by a man she didn’t know. He told her ‘I’m the devil’ before leaning forward and biting off her top lip.

The victim, bleeding heavily and in shock, approached police officers, who escorted her to the nearest first aid post. She was then taken to a west London hospital where her injuries were deemed life-changing. Surgeons operated on her facial injuries but she will require further surgery in the future.

The suspect is described as a black man with short black hair and of muscular build, wearing a black t-shirt.

Officers are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the incident to come forward.

T/DCI Driss Hayoukane of the Notting Hill Carnival post investigation unit, said: “This was a horrific incident on a woman who has suffered life-changing injuries requiring extensive surgery. The man who did this is clearly a violent and dangerous individual and I am determined that we identify and apprehend him as soon as possible.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact 101 using the reference 5483/29Aug19.

Metropolitan Police Service

Photo, 30 Aug 17:45

#JAILED

A woman who lived a lavish lifestyle but kept a vulnerable pensioner as a slave, subjecting her to “an appalling level of inhumaneness” has today been sentenced to seven years in prison.

The victim, who is now 74, was exploited over several years and forced to work in exchange for meals or being allowed back inside the house. This meant she was often left outside working until late at night.

She also subjected her to several assaults, forced her to sleep on the floor or in an outhouse and went for days without giving her any meals, leading to the victim losing a significant amount of weight.

On 14 June 2016, the victim managed to run away from the address and reported the abuse to police, who began an investigation.

Detective Sergeant James Earle, who led the investigation, said: ‘I am very pleased that the long investigation into this matter has brought about justice for the victim.

“Maria Miller, 65, targeted one of society’s most vulnerable and the sentence received today reflects the gravity of her actions.

“We know that the victim will never forget the years she spent in constant fear but we hope that she has some closure now Miller is behind bars.

“Her bravery in coming forward to police and reliving some of the worst experiences of her life in court is testament to her strength of character and we hope this sends out a message that the Met will seek to bring the strongest charges for such shocking criminal conduct where appropriate.”