Other UK News In Brief

Man Shot In Police Operation

As part of a pre-planned armed operation by the MPS Flying Squad, police attended a commercial address in Eltham on Monday, during which time a police firearm was discharged. A man sustained a gunshot wound and was taken to a London hospital where his condition is described as non-critical. The Directorate of Professional Standards and Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) have been informed. The officer has been removed from firearms duties. The man in hospital and four other men were arrested. A Taser was used on one of the four other men. All four remain in custody at London police stations. The MPS's criminal investigation is ongoing.

Payback Time For Tax Fraudster Sisters

Two sisters from London have been ordered to repay almost £400,000 for their part in an income tax fraud involving more than half a million pounds. Andrew Pavlinic, Assistant Director of Criminal Investigation for HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), said: “This case of blatant fraud is a further example of our determination and success in bringing to justice the criminals behind this type of fraud and ensuring that they do not profit in any way from their crimes.” Ibtesam Sami, 41, of Wembley, Middlesex, was ordered to payback £10,274.64 which she has already repaid, plus costs of £43,291.41. Assima Sami, 38, from Leytonstone, London was ordered to payback £345,047.00 plus costs of £1000.00 within six months, or face three years in prison. HM Revenue & Customs investigators had proved that Ibtesam Sami and her mother, Nusrat Sami, had failed to pay HMRC over £600,000 in income tax due on money they had received from rented properties in London. Assima Sami had pleaded guilty to obtaining a money transfer by deception at an earlier hearing. Their mother, Nusrat Sami, 60, who was sentenced to 42 months imprisonment for her part in the fraud, has already paid back over £880,000. She was ordered to payback the money on 11 June 2010, or face a further five years in prison.

E-fit Released Following Series Of Indecent Exposures

Police in Richmond Borough are currently investigating a series of nine incidents of indecent exposure over a nine month period. An unknown man has targeted young teenage girls, predominantly at bus stops across the borough and exposes himself. The last three offences have taken place around the area of Hampton, specifically Broad Lane and Uxbridge Road between the hours of 15.00 and 17.30. Victims have provided officers investigating the incident with a description of the man and an e-fit has been produced in the hope that someone will recognise the man. He is described as a white man with a tanned complexion, approximately 40 years, 5 feet 8 inches tall, large build with a big stomach, short dark hair, brown eyes, deep voice, he frequently has stubble on his face and habitually wears a black baseball cap and often a black jacket. Detective Chief Inspector Martin Ward, Metropolitan Police Service, Richmond Upon Thames, said: "Police are extremely concerned about these incidents and are very keen to trace this individual. If you see anything suspicious please contact police immediately giving full details of the suspect concerned and the location."

(BMcN)