Pride is one of the most exuberant events on London's calendar, and this year was no exception. Pride in London 2024 took to the streets of the city as thousands of people paraded through Central London today, Saturday, June 29.
Pride takes place throughout June, and culminated today with the huge parade, where businesses, organisations, universities and more bring floats to walk through the city. There are also several stages where live performances are put on in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square, and in Soho.
The theme for this year's London Pride is #WeAreEverywhere, and our stunning photos from the event show just that. For pictures from Pride in London 2024, scroll down.
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A' dangerous' and 'violent' domestic abuser has been found guilty of the murder of two women he killed in 2022 and 2023. Carl Cooper, 66, murdered Naomi Hunte, 41, and Fiona Holm, 48, while on bail for Naomi's murder after using coercive and controlling methods to target and abuse them both.
Fiona's body is still yet to be found by police as Cooper cruelly refused to tell police where she is to allow her family to bury her. A £20,000 police reward for information leading to her remains being found is currently live.
Naomi was found stabbed to death by a neighbour in her Woolwich home in Congleton Grove on Monday, February 14, 2022. The neighbour noticed her front door was open at 8.25pm and went inside to check on her. She was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Naomi Hunte was found stabbed to death in her Woolwich home (Image: Met Police)
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Blackburn, of the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “Carl Cooper is a dangerous, violent domestic abuser who preys on women with vulnerabilities. He took the lives of two vibrant, sociable women who were so very loved by their families and friends. Naomi and Fiona are in my thoughts today.”
A post-mortem revealed a stab wound was the cause of Naomi's death. A murder investigation was launched by the Met Police and found that all signs of Naomi being alive stopped in the early hours of February 10, 2022 - four days before she was found. Her mobile phone and her bank account were inactive from that evening.
Mobile phone data and CCTV footage revealed Cooper was in the area of Naomi's flat at this time on February 9 and 10. He was arrested on suspicion of her murder on February 18 and in a police interview admitted he was with Naomi on February 10 but claimed she took drugs and began to act strangely so he left.
On the evening of February 10, when Naomi was already dead, Cooper made a call to Naomi's mobile phone - the call was not answered and he did not leave a message.
Cooper was then released on bail as there was insufficient evidence for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to charge him. The investigation continued over the next year but during this time, Cooper murdered Fiona Holm in June 2023.
Fiona Holm was murdered by Carl Cooper while he was on bail for Naomi's murder. He refuses to tell police where her remains are (Image: Met Police)
He was in a relationship with Fiona at the time who lived in Blackheath. She was reported as a missing person on June 29, 2023 and her case was immediately classified as a murder investigation because of her links to Cooper. He was arrested on suspicion of Fiona's murder on July 11, 2023 and on July 13, 2023, he was charged with the murders of both Naomi and Fiona.
The last sighting of Fiona was at an off-license in Verdant Lane, Bromley, at shortly before 11pm on Tuesday, June 20, and police have never found any further footage or images of her after this time. Cooper went to great lengths to hide her still unfound remains and clean evidence of her murder but the court heard that Fiona's blood was found all over his flat.
"My greatest regret will always be that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to charge him earlier"
DCI Blackburn added: “This has been a long and complex investigation and I would like to sincerely thank the families of Naomi and Fiona for their unwavering support throughout both investigations. They have sat through court and heard the most difficult of information about the deaths of women they deeply loved. I cannot begin to understand the pain they will experience forever.
“While I am relieved that he will be incarcerated in a place where he poses no threat to women, my greatest regret will always be that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to charge him earlier.
“I am pleased that the evidence presented allowed the jury to see the true nature of Carl Cooper, who had gone to great lengths to remove traces of Fiona’s blood from his flat. It was shocking for the court to discover her blood was on various items in his flat, including a wifi router, the television, living room walls, and on the curtains.
"The trial being over does not mean that our efforts to find Fiona will stop. Despite Cooper cruelly denying Fiona’s family the opportunity to bury her, my team and I are, and will remain, committed to finding Fiona and returning her to her family. We also will continue to investigate the possibility that Cooper had help to remove Fiona’s body, and will arrest and charge those I have sufficient evidence to do so.”
Carl Cooper, of Broadfield Road, Hither Green, appeared at Woolwich Crown Court accused of the murders of Naomi Hunte and Fiona Holm. On Friday, June 28, the jury found him guilty of both murders. He will be sentenced on Tuesday, July 2 at the same court.
Anyone who has information which could aid the search for Fiona is asked to contact police or give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A large fire at a Croydon restaurant and nightclub is causing smoke to billow all over a section of the A232 flyover this evening (Thursday, June 27).
Around 60 firefighters and eight fire engines have rushed to the scene on Croydon High Street.
The fire is causing smoke to cover The Croydon Flyover, near Time Dry Cleaners and Flames Kebab.
Station Commander Steve Howlett, who is at the scene, said: "Croydon High Street is currently closed to traffic whilst we work to bring the fire under control and we urge people to avoid the area where possible."
The families of the two eight-year-old pupils killed in a crash on July 6 last year say some of them will never experience joy again.
Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau died after the crash at The Study Prep school in Wimbledon when a Land Rover driver had a seizure and lost control.. Several others were also injured when the 4×4 crashed through a fence and collided with a building.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) says the driver has voluntarily surrendered her licence and, following her diagnosis, will need to be a year free of any seizures before she can reapply to the DVLA for one again.
The driver, Claire Freemantle, expressed her 'deepest sorrow' and said she had 'no recollection of what took place' after losing consciousness because of an epileptic seizure at the wheel.
Sajjad Butt, Smera Chohan, Franky Lau and Jessie Deng – the parents of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau who died when a Land Rover ploughed into their school – said in a shared statement: “All the victims of the events of July 6, 2023, did nothing wrong. We were all in the safest place we could have been outside our own homes. We were celebrating a day filled with joy.
“Nuria and Selena’s lives were taken in a moment. So many lives were also irreparably shattered in that moment. Hundreds of people – parents, teachers, children, neighbours, friends and family members – will never lead ‘normal’ lives again. Some of us will never experience joy again.
“We have tried to keep faith in the systems and institutions that are supposed to protect victims and deliver justice to those affected. We have been disappointed by this system. We have already expressed, publicly, our dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigative process.
“It is now clear to us that the depth of the process is questionable too. In the absence of any concrete evidence to the contrary, we can only surmise that the investigation has been equally poor.”
Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight, died in the crash in Wimbledon last year (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)
Ms Freemantle, a mother, said that she could not adequately express 'the pain and loss' of what happened.
In a statement to the PA news agency, she said: “Since I became aware of the terrible event that took place on July 6, the devastating consequences for all those affected have not left my thoughts and will be with me for the rest of my life.
“I have since been diagnosed as having suffered an epileptic seizure with loss of consciousness. This was not a pre-existing condition. As a result of losing consciousness, I have no recollection of what took place.
“I can only express my deepest sorrow for the families who have suffered such dreadful loss and injury.
“As a mother, I understand there can be no words that adequately express the pain and loss resulting from what happened in those horrendous moments while I was unconscious.
“My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of the children and families affected, and especially to the parents of Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau.”
'We are hoping this will provide some clarity as to how this decision was reached'
A statement from Sharon Maher, headteacher at The Study Prep, and Helen Lowe, who was the interim headteacher when the crash happened, said: “We are trying to come to terms with the decision made by the CPS today that has resulted in no further action against the driver following the collision last July which resulted in the death of two of our talented and beautiful eight-year-old girls, Nuria and Selena.
“We are a close-knit school community which has been deeply affected by this incident. We now have the opportunity for the school and parents to ask questions of the police over the coming days and we are hoping this will provide some clarity as to how this decision was reached.
“We ask that you respect our privacy as we move towards the end of our school year. As we do every day, we are thinking of Nuria and Selena and their families, as well as all of the Study community.”
'This condition had never previously manifested itself and Claire had always enjoyed good health'
Mark Jones, partner at Payne Hicks Beach and Claire Freemantle’s solicitor, told the PA news agency: “This is one of the most tragic cases I have dealt with. Our hearts go out to the families involved who have suffered unutterable loss and dreadful injury.
“The Metropolitan Police and the DPP (Director of Public Prosecutions), after the most thorough investigation, have decided not to prosecute Claire.
“Although she was at the wheel when this shocking accident happened, she was in no sense in control of the vehicle. This incident was through absolutely no fault of her own.
“Tragically, Claire suffered a complete loss of consciousness moments before the incident. This has now been diagnosed as epilepsy; a condition which Claire was completely unaware of before July 6 2023.
“She was unconscious when the car mounted the pavement and crashed into the school playground with such tragic consequences. Claire has no recollection of what took place.”
Mr Jones continued: “This condition had never previously manifested itself and Claire had always enjoyed good health.
“The medical examinations following the crash are authoritative, with different specialists unanimous in their diagnosis. The medical evidence is entirely consistent with eyewitness and video evidence of the crash itself.
“All the evidence shows that the vehicle never changed course or slowed down after it had veered off the road and mounted the pavement.
“A complete forensic post-crash examination of the vehicle showed that consistent pressure was applied to the accelerator from the moment the car left the junction with Camps View and until it came to rest. It also showed that the vehicle was in all ways roadworthy and safe.
“Again, we can only express our deepest and most heartfelt sympathy for those who have suffered through this tragedy. We will be making no further comment.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Clair Kelland, in charge of policing for South West London, offered to meet with the families to answer any questions they had about the investigation.
She said: “This was a deeply tragic incident, the circumstances of which caused widespread shock and sadness.
“The families of Nuria and Selena – who we know are greatly loved and missed – are always in our thoughts, but particularly so in light of this development.
“Throughout the course of this investigation, they have been supported by dedicated family liaison officers. Those officers were present earlier today when the outcome was relayed to the families by the CPS (Crown Prosecution Service), and they will continue to support them in any way they can going forward.
“I previously met with both families and have offered to meet them again should they have unanswered questions about the investigation following this outcome.
“Following a lengthy, detailed and complex investigation, a file of evidential material was passed to the CPS for them to consider whether charges were appropriate.
“Having carefully examined all of the information received, they have now confirmed the driver will not face charges.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Kelland added: “Significant inquiries carried out by specialist officers into the events leading up to the collision established that the driver suffered a previously undiagnosed seizure which caused her to lose control of the vehicle.
“Having carried out a detailed examination of her medical records, we know that she couldn’t have predicted or prevented the incident.
“The consequences of this were, as we know, absolutely devastating and the hurt and pain that followed will always be deeply felt.
“I can understand that some may be confused – perhaps even feel let down – by this outcome and want to give every reassurance that our officers worked tirelessly through every detail of the incident to ensure a complete investigation be passed to the CPS.
“To bring charges in cases like this there needs to be an element of responsibility on the part of the driver, and, given the circumstances, this was simply not borne out on this occasion. What happened that day was a very tragic accident which has had a profound impact on the lives of a number of people.
“While our priority has been to support the affected families – including the further six families of those who received injuries – we have also remained in close contact with both the school and local council representatives throughout, updating them on the timeline of the investigation while maintaining the integrity of our inquiries.
“We are grateful for their support and know they understand that it was of paramount importance to ensure the most thorough investigation be undertaken for the sake of all those involved. In the days and weeks ahead we will identify opportunities to speak directly to the local community who we know were also deeply affected by the incident.”
Transport for London (TfL) has said that it has concerns relating to the funding and timing of the HS2 tunnel between Old Oak Common and Euston. The authority also says current plans could mean the Elizabeth line is 'significantly affected' by a surge in passengers.
The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, axed the project's northern leg last year, meaning Old Oak Common in West London - due to open at some point between 2029 and 2033 - will act as a 'temporary terminus' for HS2 in the capital. This may be the case for up to a decade.
HS2 bosses have previously told MyLondon that they are confident it will be able to cope with this situation, as passengers interchange between high speed, GWR, Heathrow Express and Elizabeth line services. But, in documents for this week's TfL Programmes and Investment Committee, bosses have said there are uncertainties over money and dates.
Old Oak Common station is due to be finished at some point between 2029 and the early 2033 (Image: Adam Toms/MyLondon)
Papers state: "The Government’s Network North announcement in October 2023 significantly scaled back the project north of Birmingham and has led to a review of Euston station design and funding arrangements. In December 2023 the Government issued the Station Design Authority letter to HS2 concerning Euston, and we have continued to engage collaboratively with them and other Euston Partnership members including Network Rail, Department for Transport (DfT) and Lendlease, the masterplan development partner, in understanding the impacts of this change on us, our operations, passengers and London.
Need to reduce costs without affecting reliability of Tube
They add: "We are continuing to work with HS2 Ltd and partners on options to reduce costs while ensuring effective functionality of our infrastructure and operations, such as the London Underground and bus stations at Euston. Environmental requirements and carbon reduction targets for new or altered assets have been incorporated into the functional requirements and have been cascaded to the HS2 Ltd supply chain.
"With the link from Old Oak Common to Euston now delayed and concerns relating to the funding and timing of the tunnels from Old Oak Common to Euston, Old Oak Common will become a temporary terminus for HS2 services for up to a decade. We have made the case to the Government to procure additional Class 345 Elizabeth line trains to ensure sufficient capacity for passengers coming from HS2 services to continue their journey into central London.
The Elizabeth line is getting more trains (Image: Alex Segre/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
"There has been some progress in relation to the provision of level boarding for Elizabeth line rolling stock at Old Oak Common, with the DfT providing support for HS2 to undertake feasibility design work to investigate the lowering of tracks. We continue to actively engage with HS2 Ltd and Network Rail on this proposal."
Documents also read: "The pause of the Euston programme will mean that Old Oak Common station will be the London temporary terminus for around 10 years. This is a key interchange station for HS2, the Elizabeth line, and other existing rail services, as well as a site of major regeneration.
"The use of the station as a temporary HS2 terminus has the potential to significantly affect the Elizabeth line. It also reinforces the need for level boarding to be provided at Old Oak Common station for passengers interchanging between HS2 and Elizabeth line trains."
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Transport for London is making changes to a South London Tube station that it says are ‘safeguarding’ an extension of the network. In committee documents, officials outline the next phase of an ongoing project at Elephant and Castle station.
Papers for the Programmes and Investment Committee meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, June 26, add: “Post-pandemic estimates of future passenger demand are being validated to ensure forecasts remain accurate. We expect the scheme to deliver significant regeneration benefits, with higher passenger capacity and step-free access enabling the creation of new jobs and homes across the local area.
Changes are happening at Elephant and Castle station (Image: Rob Pinney/Getty Images)
“The project has safeguarding to enable the future Bakerloo Line Extension project to connect to the new ticket hall. This project will return to the Committee to request additional Authorities in 2024/25.”
The works are delivering step-free access at the Bakerloo line terminus, as well as capacity improvements to ‘support housing growth and regeneration in the surrounding areas’. These ‘remain on schedule’.
New tunnels connecting to Northern line
Currently, the developer is constructing the station box as part of its planning obligations. This includes enabling works to prepare for delivery of new passenger tunnels connecting to the existing Northern line platforms.
In addition, the project recently ‘bottomed out’ by excavating to its lowest level – 33 metres beneath ground level for the station box. Officials say this remains on track for handover to TfL in 2025.
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The authority is also pushing ahead with the procurement of the new passenger tunnels which will connect the new station box to existing Northern line platforms. Contract award for this is planned for summer 2024, documents add.
The Bakerloo line extension is not mentioned elsewhere in the papers. This suggests that things have not changed since my newsletter in which I outlined that the working assumption is 'construction' in the 2030s and 'services commencing' in 2040.
But this 'could change if linked to BLU [Bakerloo line upgrade] delivery', officials have added. This involves 'securing the long-term operation' of the Bakerloo line through replacement of rolling stock and upgrading signalling and control systems.
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The debate over which is London's most beautiful Tube station could go on forever, with many contenders each boasting their own unique charm.
The Underground has its fair share of enthusiasts who seem to know every detail about the world's oldest metro system and have strong views on their favourite stations.
However, there's one particular London Underground station that consistently receives high praise from everyday commuters, die-hard fans, and even architectural critics.
It's not the busiest or most central station, with only 1.96 million people passing through in 2021, but Arnos Grove in North London is frequently hailed as the city's most attractive.
First opened in 1932, the station's modernist style has won over both critics and fans. On the blog Tubewalk, Arnos Grove is highlighted as a favourite among Tube superfans and described as 'a beautiful sight'.
The Telegraph also recently included it in a list of London's most beautiful stations, noting that it 'has long been admired by architecture critics since its opening in 1932'. What sets this station apart is its spacious and intriguingly designed central concourse, unlike other more utilitarian stations.
The station was commissioned by Frank Pick and designed by Charles Holden as part of the extension of the Piccadilly line to Cockfosters. Holden took inspiration from the Stockholm City Library, which had opened a few years earlier in Sweden.
The building of the National Library in Stockholm was the inspiration for Arnos Grove Tube station (Image: Getty)
When you compare the designs, it's clear that the station's drum-like ceiling is a near replica of the library's. Holden's use of brick, glass and reinforced concrete to create basic geometric shapes aligns the station with the modern European style of the era.
The building has been acknowledged for its cultural significance, earning Grade II listed status in July 2011. Arnos Grove isn't a station everyone will use due to its location, making it somewhat of a hidden gem in London.
In some ways, this makes the station even more special. Unless you're in Enfield or have a reason to visit, Arnos Grove remains a relatively unknown station.
But if you're keen to explore, a 30-minute journey on the Piccadilly line from Kings Cross will get you there.
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As with many debates about the Tube, the title of 'prettiest station' is still up for grabs. Charles Holden is credited with designing many of the Tube's most unique and admired stations, including Southgate, which fans liken to a flying saucer.
Architect Leslie Green's work is also widely praised. He's known for creating the iconic red exteriors of many Tube stations and developing a British Art Nouveau style seen at stops like Russell Square and Covent Garden, among others.
Gants Hill station, with its unique design inspired by Soviet stations on the Moscow metros - often hailed as one of the most beautiful metro lines globally, is another standout. With a whopping 272 stations on the London Underground, it's unlikely we'll reach a consensus on the prettiest one anytime soon.
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