Paul McGregor writes to local residents about Woolwich incident
I am sure, like me, you were shocked to see the horrific events unfold in Woolwich yesterday and to read about them this morning. Our thoughts are very much with the victim’s family at this time.
I thought it would be helpful to copy the information below which has been released by the Metropolitan Police and can also be found on the MPS website www.met.police.uk
Some of our local officers have been abstracted to support the wider MPS investigation into yesterday’s murder but we remain very much focused on fighting crime on the borough.
We have continued with our plans to run Operation Big Wing today. This mobilization of officers is targeting local criminals through additional patrols, ANPR operations and the execution of search warrants, some of which have been filmed by the BBC. This high profile police activity is unrelated to yesterday’s incident. As I type we have already made several arrests.
Officers on Operation Big Wing, and your local neighbourhood officers will be on patrol throughout today. If you have any concerns please speak to them. It is important at times like this that we keep the conversation going and share any local concerns, information or intelligence. Community intelligence and information is invaluable however small and can be reported in the following ways:
In an emergency dial 999.
Anonymously - Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
In a non-emergency dial 101.
If you, or anyone you know, has information about yesterday’s incident please contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline - 0800789321 - or if you have any still or moving images, send them to woolwich@metincident.co.uk and they will be treated in the strictest confidence.
You can also follow us on twitter @MPSWandsworth or the MPS via @metpoliceuk
It is my intention to ensure that we work with all of you to keep Wandsworth safe.
Please feel free to circulate this message among your communities
Regards,
Paul McGregor
Acting Borough Commander
Message from Assistant Commissioner Simon Byrne
"Today our shock at what happened on the streets of our city remains.
"The investigation into the shocking murder of a serving soldier yesterday is ongoing, and is of course a major investigation for us.
"It is only right that the ongoing investigations are allowed to take place, and they must take as long as is needed without anyone pre-empting what they may conclude. I would ask for Londoners help and support for us to continue. Please remain calm. London is at its best when we all come together and now is the time to do that.
"One point I would like to address is around some of the speculation as to how long it took the Met to respond yesterday as this incident started to unfold. We first received a 999 call from the public at 14:20hrs stating a man was being attacked, further 999 calls stated that the attackers were in possession of a gun. We had officers at the scene within 9 minutes of receiving that first 999 call.
"Once that information about a gun or guns being present was known firearms officers were assigned at 14:24hrs. Firearms officers were there and dealing with the incident 10 minutes after they were assigned, 14 minutes after the first call to the Met.
"What is even more important today is that we continue to work together, and we are working with our communities. We are here to listen and understand the concerns that this brutal attack will have raised.
"The Borough Commander in Greenwich held a meeting with community leaders last night and we are grateful for the support from the public.
"There has been an increased police presence in Woolwich and the surrounding areas overnight and this will continue for as long as it is needed. We will continue to monitor the situation throughout.
"There were small incidents of minor disorder in Woolwich last night, but these were closely monitored and dealt with, where appropriate, by officers in the area. There were no arrests or reports of any injuries or damage and there have been no further incidents reported.
"We urge anyone who filmed or took photos as events unfolded in John Wilson Street to send them to police via woolwich@metincident.co.uk - please include your name and contact details, which will be treated in strictest confidence. Alternatively contact the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321."
May 23, 2013