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On Friday 21^st April 2006, two brothers were tragically murdered on Fircroft Road. The events came as a great shock to the entire local community. I have seen amongst local residents how distressing and frightening this was for those directly or indirectly affected by the murders.

From the outset I have been in regular contact with Senior Officers from Wandsworth Police and the investigation team at the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPPC). I have, however, appreciated that concerns remain about this case and therefore decided to hold a meeting in July to ensure that local residents were fully informed about recent developments.

You can see photos of the meeting here.

The meeting was very successful. Many local residents came to hear Commissioner Nicola Williams and her team from the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), the Borough Commander and Chief Superintendent Joe Royle, Safer Neighbourhood Team leader Detective Inspector Kieran Power, Senior Investigating Officer Steve Richardson and Councillor Nick Bowes to discuss their individual roles in relation to the various concerns local residents have.

A number of residents were unable to make the meeting and I made sure I raised their concerns to the above-mentioned people. These ranged from:

• The investigation into the double murder
• General concerns about safety locally and an increase in the number of public disorder incidents
• Concerns about the delay in the police response on the night of the murders
• Concerns about a recent application to extend licensing hours of the Classic nightclub on Fircroft Road.

I would also like to explain the different roles played by the different agencies in relation to the above:

Independent Police Complaints Commission

The Independent Police Complaints Commission’s job is to make sure that complaints against the police are dealt with effectively.  They set the standards for the way the police handle complaints and, when something has gone wrong, the IPCC help the police learn lessons and improve the way they work.

At the meeting, Nicola Williams and her colleague from the IPPC gave an overview of their investigation so far. They explained that statements have been taken from all police officers on duty on the night of the murders to gain an accurate picture of where and what each officer was doing at the time. The investigation also includes looking at practices of cross border policing. Wandsworth has seven neighbouring constituencies and police officers can be brought in to assist at necessary times.   

You can contact the investigation team by writing to:

Independent Police Complaints Commission
5th Floor
90 High Holborn
London
WC1V 6BH

Or by fax: 020 7404 0430

Safer Neighbourhood Teams (SNTs)

The SNT policing scheme is about making local police more visible, accessible and responsive. It is also about giving local people a say in policing issues and helping to set local priorities. Each ward in Tooting has dedicated SNT officers who regularly patrol the streets and know the area very well.

You can raise any concerns that you may have about policing in your area with your SNT officers. Please check the details of your own Ward Officers below:

• If you live in the ward of Tooting you can contact your local SNT officer, PS Lisa Hurley on 020 8247 8013 or via email: tooting.snt@met.police.uk

• If you live in the ward of Nightingale you can contact your local SNT officers PC Phil Canavan or PCSO AL Patel on 020 8247 8363 or via email: nightingale@snt.metpolice.uk

• If you live in the ward of Bedford you can contact your local SNT officers PC Neil Davenport or Hannah Saunders on 020 8247 8363 or via email: bedford@snt.police.uk

At the community meeting, Kieran Power from the Safer Neighbourhood Team gave an overview of the role of the SNTs and what the approaches to community safety and police visibility have been since the murders. In both cases, the community have played a large role in helping the SNT decide how the officers should be used around areas where residents feel more vulnerable.

Chief Superintendent Royle also spoke about the deep regrets arising from the murders and explained that the police were working with the community to ensure that the services offered do satisfy community needs.

The Investigation

Steve Richardson spoke about the actual investigation into the double murder; 21 people have so far been arrested with 12 appearing in court all pleading not guilty to two counts of murder and one count of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent. There will be two separate trials for the 12 accused, the first of which has been fixed for 8^th January.

There were a number of concerns raised by local residents about the investigation. As soon as I receive more news on this I shall update my website accordingly for you to access. The IPCC are currently looking into the way in which the investigation was started and they way in which it is currently being addressed and will be reported on when the investigation is concluded.

Wandsworth Borough Council

You may be aware that the Classic Club has applied to extend their licensing hours; an application that has upset many local residents, especially after the murders. Whilst the Classic Club was not directly involved in the events of that evening many people are worried that the amount of antisocial behaviour that occurs as a result of this club could increase.

Wandsworth Borough Council has a Licensing Committee that will make the decision on Tuesday 8^th August whether the Classic Club’s application will be granted. Councillor Nick Bowes, who was on the panel at the meeting, will also be attending the Committee hearing as an advocate for residents against the application. During the community meeting Councillor Bowes talked about the application and how he would be speaking on behalf of all local residents. If you wish Councillor Nick Bowes to speak out on your behalf please contact him via e-mail at nbowes@wandsworth.gov.uk

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