Enfield drill rapper 'wanted to kill thousands' after being radicalised watching 'gruesome' killing videos

A drill rapper who used his music to "glorify" so-called Islamic State (IS) killings was "seriously contemplating" making a bomb to use in a terror attack, a court has heard. Al-Arfat Hassan bought knives and chemicals online that he intended to use for an improvised explosive device.

Hassan, 21, from Enfield, north London, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for possessing chemicals for a terrorist purpose. One of his teenage fans, a 17-year-old from Leeds, was sentenced to three and a half years in prison for failing to disclose his knowledge of Hassan's terrorist activities.

Both also pleaded guilty to possession of a so-called Islamic State video with demonstrations showing the "gruesome" killing of prisoners. The propaganda video provided detailed instructions on manufacturing explosives and killing people with knives.

READ MORE: Woman, 63, struck and killed in horror Dagenham crash that involved 2 vehicles as arrests made

Both defendants were charged with preparation of terrorist acts (under Section 5 of the Terrorism Act 2000).

Following two trials, at Leeds and Sheffield Crown Courts the first of which ended in a hung jury, and the second discontinued both defendants offered pleas to the alternative offences which were accepted by prosecutors.

Sentencing the pair at the Old Bailey on Friday, the judge, Mr Justice Baker, said he was satisfied they had "terrorist motivations".

Jurors at Sheffield Crown Court heard last year that Hassan gained a strong online following of young Muslims under the name TS and the younger defendant became "drawn" to him through his music.

Prosecutors said both had "become heavily radicalised" by late 2021 and "supported an extreme Islamist ideology".

Jurors were shown a video of Hassan in which he held a samurai sword and exchanged messages with another person stating he was prepared for martyrdom.

The court heard one of the knives he bought was of the same type used to carry out an execution featured in the Islamic State instructional video he and the youth had viewed.

Hassan also created drill music videos with lyrics referring to Alan Henning, a British man taken hostage and killed by Islamic State, and James Foley, a US journalist captured and killed in Syria.

In relation to the 17-year-old, who cannot be named because of his age, the jury was shown evidence that he bought a knife and exchanged almost daily extremist messages and graphics over a number of months with Hassan.

Nick Price, head of the CPS Counter Terrorism Division, said: "Al-Arfat Hassan claimed to be a provocative digital music creator, but the evidence was clear that he had a violent, extremist mindset and was taking active steps to prepare to commit terrorist acts."

"Hassan said he wanted to kill thousands, and he had a plan and location in mind. His collection of knives and items to create an explosive device showed these were not idle boasts."

"The youth in this case had a fixation with killing in the name of religion. He told the court that he had been supporting Al-Arfat Hassan through a difficult time when in fact he was enthusiastically encouraging him to carry out a bomb attack."

Detective Chief Superintendent Gareth Rees of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: "This case is a chilling example of two young people being radicalised, and accessing terrorist content online."

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London borough named 'the absolute worst' for potholes across the whole the country

Potholes are a driver's worst nightmare, causing everything from popped tyres through to risking dangerous accidents. But while there are many places where the road defects are seemingly everywhere, there's one area of London which has been named the worst borough for potholes.

This is Barnet, where there are currently 4,656 reported potholes as of January 29, 2024. This is according to a new study from data collection experts at SmartSurvey, who analysed the reports of potholes registered via FixMyStreet.com for 69 cities across England, Scotland and Wales.

They discovered that fared relatively well overall, averaging 1.7 reported potholes per 1,000 residents. But in Barnet, there are on average 12 potholes per 1,000 residents.

READ MORE: Watch new JCB pothole filling machine in action as London council buys one to speed up repairs

The 'fix rate' - how many marked potholes remain unfixed - in the North London borough is 32.6 percent, which is very low compared to the most responsive local authorities across the country too. Lewisham Council is easily the most responsive not just in London, but across all local authorities in cities across Britain. They fixed 98.45 percent of the reported potholes.

Barnet is also significantly worse for potholes than anywhere else in London, according to the data. The next worst borough is Richmond upon Thames, where only 2.6 potholes remain unfixed per 1,000 residents.

However, the pothole issue has been plaguing Barnet for a while. Residents were unable to commute from their usual bus stops as a result of 'huge potholes' in the road near the Dollis Valley estate at the beginning of 2024.

Bus stops were closed on Mays Lane in Barnet due to potholes (Image: Google Maps)

A sign was erected on Mays Road in Barnet which left residents baffled as they were no longer able to get on their bus from their nearest stop. The sign, penned by Transport for London said: "Bus stop closed. Buses are unable to serve this stop due to large potholes. Please board your bus at the Barnet Hill."

In response to this data, Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Barnet Council Cabinet Member for Environment & Climate Change said: “Tackling potholes is a key commitment for us as a new administration following the local elections in May 2022. We are proposing to invest over £100million over five years to repair roads and tackle potholes.

“The data cited is also misrepresentative of the facts. The most urgent potholes are fixed within 24 hours and all others between seven and 28 days. Barnet is disproportionately affected by potholes with one of the largest road networks in London. Barnet also has amongst the highest volume of vehicle movements a day in London of which 1000 are HGVs.”

Got a story for us? Email anna.willis@reachplc.com.

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More than 1,200 homes to be built in Harrow across 3 sites

More than 1,200 new homes are set to transform Harrow after the latest plans were given the green light. Three sites in Harrow will be redeveloped as part of the scheme, including the former Civic Centre and abandoned driving school, which will also provide a new park and business opportunities.

Harrow Council’s Cabinet approved the development of council-owned land at a recent meeting (January 24). A joint venture alongside property developers Wates, the project aims to deliver affordable homes, alongside green and public spaces.

The council’s old headquarters, the Civic Centre on Station Road, and the old driving school, which has been empty for more than 20 years, are two of the sites chosen for redevelopment. Once complete, 1,249 new homes will be delivered across both sites.

READ MORE: 'We ran 10K every day in January after losing both grandparents to dementia'

The site of the former Civic Centre will be redeveloped to provide 1,100 homes and a new park (Image: Google Maps)

The former Civic Centre location, set to be named Poets Corner, will comprise 1,100 homes - 15 per cent of which are earmarked as affordable - and be spread out across three development phases. The first phase will deliver 532 ‘build to rent’ properties, six per cent of which will be affordable. When complete, Poets Corner will also have a large public square, a new park, and 14,000 square feet of commercial space.

The old driving school, to be named Byron Quarter, will provide 149 new homes - 27 per cent of which are affordable. Following discussions with residents, the low-rise housing will see its height reduced and the number of family-sized homes will be increased by 61.

The third site is the second phase of the redevelopment of Grange Farm, Harrow’s largest social housing estate; 89 homes were built last year as part of ‘Phase 1’. The new proposals are set to come before the planning committee within the next 12 months. All three projects will go out for public consultation later this year.

The council claims the projects will contribute to an ‘era of growth and development’ and help foster a ‘vibrant and inclusive’ community in the borough. Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration, Cllr Marilyn Ashton, called the plans ‘ambitious’ and will deliver homes where people actually want to live.

149 new homes will be built at the site of a former driving school (Image: Harrow Council)

Cllr Ashton said: “We have faced challenges to make these plans financially secure whilst reducing height and density where possible. We will keep tall buildings only where they already exist. As we bring forward the plans for each of the sites we will engage with our residents. I am confident that local people will see that we have listened to their feedback.”

Harrow’s regeneration plans have been disrupted by the global spike in inflation and regulatory building safety changes. The council claims its programme is ‘back on track’ and it is ‘looking forward to the next stage of the development’.

Harrow Council leader, Cllr Paul Osborn, said: “We want Harrow to be a place where people are happy to start their families and businesses and feel pride in where they live. These regeneration plans will deliver attractive, high-quality homes. They will make a difference to communities, businesses, residents and families both now and in the future.”

Regional Managing Director for Wates Residential, Nick Williams, said: “We’re delighted that London Borough of Harrow has adopted the updated Business Plans, demonstrating the strength of our partnership approach to housing delivery. In response to industry challenges these updated proposals will provide for safer and more sustainable homes and places.”

He added: “We’re excited to develop these proposals in consultation with the local community, with the first of the new homes anticipated to be starting on site next year”.

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London is set to receive a thick layer of snow

London is set to receive a thick layer of snow. According to forecasters at WXCharts, on February 12 at 6am a massive snow cloud will smother the capital, before heading north by noon.

On the map below, the snow is represented by purple shading

, with a darker tone representing heavier snowfall. Where the snow is set to blanket London, WX Charts predicts we will see about 0.6mm of snowfall.




Neither the BBC or the

Met Office predict snow in the immediate future,

however. London’s full upcoming weather forecast can be found below.

READ MORE: The popular 'gem' of South London that's home to a beautiful park and 'feels like a village'

London is due a snow cloud at 6am on February 12

London is due a snow cloud at 6am on February 12 (Image: WX Charts)

London weather

According to the UK’s national forecaster, The Met Office, today (January 30) will be ‘cloudy and dull but largely dry during the morning, with just the odd patch of drizzle. Brighter conditions will gradually spread from the northwest during the afternoon, with cloud perhaps clearing to allow some late sunshine in the west. Maximum temperature 10C’.

And tonight will be ‘a dry night with cloud mostly clearing inland, allowing a fairly widespread frost to develop, along with isolated fog patches. Minimum temperature -2C’.

Whereas tomorrow (January 31) will be ‘dry for most of the day, but rather cloudy, and increasingly breezy during the afternoon. Intermittent rain and drizzle is likely during the evening and overnight, clearing by dawn. Maximum temperature 10C’.

And from Thursday (February 1) through to Saturday (February 3), it will be ‘dry but rather cloudy Thursday, and feeling chilly. Breezier on Friday and Saturday, with some outbreaks of drizzle, but many places will remain largely dry. Feeling mild in sheltered spots’.

Got a story? Please get in touch at rafi.benady@reachplc.com

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'Warm and flattering' M&S long knitted dress that gets shoppers 'many compliments'

Marks and Spencer shoppers are loving a knitted midi dress that is the perfect addition to your winter edit. The retailer recently shared on Instagram a video of an influencer styling different knitwear pieces and the dress featured seems to be a particular hit with fans.

The Air-Yarn Knitted Midi Jumper Dress is priced at £35, and comes in cream and grey blue - although some sizes are already sold out in this colourway. Crafted from Air-Yarn, a blend of soft baby alpaca and merino wool, it's the perfect way to look put together while making minimal effort.

Made in a relaxed fit for a semi-structured silhouette, it features a high rolled neckline. There are also ribbing on the sleeves and a midi-length hemline to create a classy yet on-trend finish.

READ MORE:New Look dress that's 'so soft and warm' shoppers have bought several now £15

The midi dress can easily be dressed up or down, but would look great paired with the £75 Leather Chelsea Flatform Ankle Boots from Marks and Spencer. The dress has a 4.7 rating from across 35 reviews.

A shopper wrote: "Loved every moment I wore that dress for the first and second times, many compliments too. It was comfortable and warm, the colour suited me - considering getting the cream one..."

"This dress is so flattering and comfortable to wear, it skims rather than clings" another added, while a third commented: "I’m very happy with this dress, it’s very comfortable and flattering to wear. I added a belt for definition at the waist, it looks much more expensive than the price tag."

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There has been very little criticism of the product, with the lowest rating being three stars, but some customers said the dress was more oversized than it looked: "I ordered a size small having read the reviews. Unfortunately it was still way too big and I had to return for a refund and sadly extra small isn’t available - the dress is absolutely gorgeous and excellent quality and value."

Alternatively, there's the Ribbed Knit High Neck Midi Dress from New Look. It's available in black (£18), dark grey (£18), stone (£22), khaki (£25) and pale grey (£35.99).

It has a 4.7 rating based on 151 reviews. "This dress is a staple in my wardrobe and I look so effortless, yet put together wearing it!! If you are debating purchasing this, it’s 100% worth it," a buyer reacted.

You can get the £35 Marks and Spencer Air-Yarn Knitted Midi Jumper Dress here

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Newest London weather map shows big blob of snow over London and most of the South

London is set to receive a thick layer of snow. According to forecasters at WXCharts, on February 12 at 6am a massive snow cloud will smother the capital, before heading north by noon.

On the map below, the snow is represented by purple shading, with a darker tone representing heavier snowfall. Where the snow is set to blanket London, WX Charts predicts we will see about 0.6mm of snowfall.

Neither the BBC or the Met Office predict snow in the immediate future, however. London’s full upcoming weather forecast can be found below.

READ MORE: The popular 'gem' of South London that's home to a beautiful park and 'feels like a village'

London is due a snow cloud at 6am on February 12 (Image: WX Charts)

London weather

According to the UK’s national forecaster, The Met Office, today (January 30) will be ‘cloudy and dull but largely dry during the morning, with just the odd patch of drizzle. Brighter conditions will gradually spread from the northwest during the afternoon, with cloud perhaps clearing to allow some late sunshine in the west. Maximum temperature 10C’.

And tonight will be ‘a dry night with cloud mostly clearing inland, allowing a fairly widespread frost to develop, along with isolated fog patches. Minimum temperature -2C’.

Whereas tomorrow (January 31) will be ‘dry for most of the day, but rather cloudy, and increasingly breezy during the afternoon. Intermittent rain and drizzle is likely during the evening and overnight, clearing by dawn. Maximum temperature 10C’.

And from Thursday (February 1) through to Saturday (February 3), it will be ‘dry but rather cloudy Thursday, and feeling chilly. Breezier on Friday and Saturday, with some outbreaks of drizzle, but many places will remain largely dry. Feeling mild in sheltered spots’.

Got a story? Please get in touch at rafi.benady@reachplc.com

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DWP to pay £8,000 in PIP to people with breathing problems - full list of conditions

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is giving a monthly £691 boost to individuals with any of the 25 listed health conditions. The Personal Independence Payments (PIP) scheme could mean you're entitled to this extra cash if you have a severe breathing issue affecting your daily routine.

PIP amounts can reach up to £172.75 each week. Since the payment is made every four weeks, this totals about £691 per payout - over £8,000 per year. According to the DWP, PIP isn't awarded solely based on your medical condition or disability but also considers how it impacts your day-to-day life and mobility.

For example, those with respiratory issues like bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, empyema and asthma may not be aware they fall under the "respiratory disease" category and can claim additional support due to these specific conditions. Here are some of the conditions that could qualify you for PIP:

• Sleep apnoea - obstructive
• Upper respiratory tract - other diseases of/type not known
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Chronic bronchitis
• Cystic fibrosis
• Emphysema
• Empyema
• Bronchiectasis
• Asthma
• Asbestosis
• Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
• Fibrosing alveolitis
• Sarcoidosis
• Silicosis
• Granulomatous lung disease and pulmonary infiltration
• Pulmonary fibrosis - other/type not known
• Pneumoconiosis
• Pulmonary fibrosis
• Pleura
• Pleural effusion
• Pneumothorax
• Pulmonary embolus
• Pneumonia
• Lung transplantation
• Heart and lung transplantation

READ MORE: DWP rules for Universal Credit and PIP claimants looking to go on holiday

A health professional will assess you to determine the level of help you can receive, and your rate will be regularly reviewed to ensure you're getting the right support. To qualify for PIP, you must have a health condition or disability that has caused difficulties with daily living or mobility (or both) for three months, and these difficulties are expected to continue for at least another nine months.

You typically need to have lived in the UK for at least two of the last three years and be in the country when you apply. If your condition requires or results in needing help with any of the following, you should consider applying for PIP. Different rules apply if you are terminally ill, which can be found on the GOV.UK website.

PIP is made up of two components and the amount you could get from the DWP depends on how your condition affects you. You could get:

• Standard rate for daily living: £68.10 per week
• Enhanced rate for daily living: £101.75 per week
• Standard rate for mobility: £26.90 per week
• Enhanced rate for mobility: £71.00 per week

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Barnet man pocketed £30k in 45 bogus insurance claims for 'damaged' LG smart TVs

A man from Barnet has been sentenced after he made 45 bogus claims for damaged televisions. The man took out 87 home insurance policies and received over £30,000 for all his claims.

Alfred Gallinelli, 36, took out the policies from November 2017 to July 2018, using false names to make the claims. He pocketed £31,590 after 26 of the claims were settled for accidental damage to a flat-screen television.

After Gallinelli took out a home insurance policy in November 2017 he made his first claim in January 2018 to say that he dropped a TV and the insurer gave him a voucher to replace it. Then in March 2018, Gallinelli alleged that his wall-mounted TV set had fallen and broken several shelves, an iPhone and an iPad, which the insurer dealt with again, providing a replacement phone and another voucher.

READ MORE: North London drug dealer rammed police car then hid underneath a lorry and pretended he wasn't the driver

Gallinelli was sentenced at Inner London Crown Court (Image: Google)

After the second claim, Gallinelli was investigated by a company that the insurer used to validate claims and arrange replacement items since he had already claimed for the same thing. They found that Gallinelli had taken out a total of 82 policies under various names and made 40 claims against them.

They could link the same bank account and IP address to multiple policies, with the TV in many of the photos submitted as evidence of damage having the same serial number. After the fraudulent claims were identified, 19 were denied before they could be paid out.

After these were processed, cross-industry checks led staff at another insurer to suspect they had also been scammed by Gallinelli. In their investigation, they found that Gallinelli had taken out five home insurance policies using various names, taking his total policies to 87, and £6,829 had been paid out against them, with five further claims worth a total of £16,000 in waiting. They were denied before they could be paid out.

Gallinelli was referred to the City of London Police's Insurance Fraud Enforcement Department (IFED) in August 2018 and was finally sentenced on October 24, 2023, to two counts of fraud by false representation. On January 25, 2024, he was sentenced to 12 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months and ordered to complete 80 hours of unpaid work, a 30-day rehabilitation activity requirement, and pay a victim surcharge.

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