THE devastating terror attack at a Manchester synagogue yesterday unfolded in just seven minutes, with the rampage leaving two dead and four injured.
Early yesterday morning, on Yom Kippur, prayers began at Heaton Park Congregation Synagogue on the holiest day of the Jewish calendar.
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Armed police officers at the scene of an incidentCredit: PA
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Two people were killed and four remain in serious condition in hospitalCredit: PA
But the peace was shattered at 9.30am, when the sound of screeching tyres came down the road.
The holy day quickly became one of horror that saw two people – Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitzwas, 66, – tragically killed.
Attacker scouted area before crashing into the gates
Ten minutes before the attack, former Tory minister Grant Shapps‘ father-in-law came “face-to-face” with the terrorist.
The man had scouted the location and argued with security when they would not allow him into the grounds.
“He was claiming that it’s a free country and he should be able to walk in the grounds,” Shapps told the Times.
“Then he came back ten minutes later in the car.”
The carnage began at 9.30am when the black Kia hatchback crashed into the gates of the synagogue after “driving erratically” down the road.
He was stabbing ‘anyone near him’
Witnesses said that the “second” the driver leaped out of the vehicle, he began “stabbing anyone near him”.
“He went for the security guard and tried to break into the synagogue,” an eyewitness said.
The attacker – believed to be 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie – reportedly tried to “stab the window to get in” after those inside barricaded the doors.
An eyewitness said prayers had started when the horror unfolded but Rabbi Daniel Walker, who was leading the service, remained calm and led the congregation to safety with the help of others.
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A suspected knifeman who was shot dead by cops after unleashing a ‘terror’ rampage which left two deadCredit: facebook
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The knife used in the tragic attackCredit: Reuters
Police called as public barricaded doors
At 9.31am, police scrambled to Crumpsall, north of Manchester.
A member of the public called the police saying he had seen a car being driven towards a crowd and one man had been stabbed.
The man had tried to kick down the doors, and then tried to use his knife to get in.
When that failed, he resorted to the plant pots that were outside to try smash in the windows.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the man believed to be the offender was wearing a vest which had the “appearance of an explosive device” as the horror unfolded.
Shocking aftermath pictures revealed what is believed to be a bomb belt and a knife near the attacker.
However, cops have since revealed that the device the suspect was wearing was “not viable”.
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Armed Police and emergency responders gather at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation SynagogueCredit: Getty
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At 9.34am, three minutes after police arrived, armed cops were deployed at the sceneCredit: AFP
Armed cops swarmed the scene
At 9.34am, three minutes after police arrived, armed cops were deployed at the scene as more details of the horrifying rampage emerged.
GMP declared PLATO and a major incident at 9.37am – which means terrorism is suspected but not confirmed.
The area around the synagogue in Crumpsall was swamped by dozens of police vehicles, along with fire and ambulance crews, while a force helicopter hovered overhead.
Police officers dressed in black combat fatigues and carrying machine guns could also be seen inside the cordon outside the synagogue.
Bomb scare as shots fired
In video shared on social media, an onlooker could be heard saying that the suspect “has got a bomb on him” and appeared to be trying to press a button to detonate it.
“He’s going to blow himself up, he’s trying to press the button,” the person is heard to say – before there a gunshot rings out and the suspect falls to the ground.
After warning the man several times to stand down to no avail, the armed officers opened fire.
The attacker was shot dead at 9.38am – but GMP said they could not confirm his death for sure.
This was because of safety concerns about the “bomb vest” he appeared to be wearing – but was later revealed to be unviable.
Dad-of-three Yoni Finlay – who helped barricade the doors – was injured either by a stray police bullet or from glass when the bullet hit the door.
He was taken to hospital, reportedly undergoing surgery.
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Armed cops shot the suspect after the attack outside a synagogue
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A device that was strapped to the suspected attackerCredit: Reuters
Emergency services on scene
A white lorry marked ‘Bomb Disposal’ arrived at the scene and went behind the cordon outside the synagogue.
A “loud bang” was heard, which police have confirmed was from specialist officers gaining entry to the suspect’s vehicle “as a precaution”.
Paramedics arrived at the scene at soon after at 9.41am and began tending to members of the public.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer – who flew back from Denmark early to chair Cobra – announced that security is being stepped up at every synagogue across the country.
Starmer said: “The attack in Manchester this morning is absolutely shocking, and all of our thoughts are with those affected.
“I am on my way back to London. When I arrive, I will chair an emergency Cobra meeting.”
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Prime Minister Keir Starmer flew back from Denmark early to chair CobraCredit: Reuters
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Members of the Armed Forces prepare a bomb disposal robotCredit: AFP
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A white lorry marked ‘Bomb Disposal’ arrived at the scene and went behind the cordon outside the synagogueCredit: PA
Cops raid nearby street
The Mayor of London also announced the Met Police is deploying patrols in Jewish communities and synagogues across the capital.
Later in the day, at 11.38am, a nearby residential street was cordoned off as cops searched houses.
A neighbour of a house raided in Langley Crescent, Prestwich, which appears to be a council house, said she recognised its occupant from photographs of the synagogue attacker.
She told The Telegraph: “He lived there 10 years, with no wife or kids that I could see. He never seemed to speak to anyone around here.
“I recognised him from the pictures of the attacker. I recognised his little car, the Kia, because he’d always park it badly outside ours.
“I’d see him walking around in his pyjamas and slip-on sandals, carrying a shopping bag.
“He was quite bulked up and used to keep his exercise weights in his garage. I’d see them there.”
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Police block off White House avenue near the scene of the attackCredit: Getty
Three arrested on suspicion of terrorism
Two men were spotted being led away in handcuffs, and it was later confirmed that three people – two men in their 30s and a woman in her 60s – were arrested.
The trio are being held on suspicion of commission, preparation and instigation of acts of terrorism.
Police confirmed that the attack was declared a terrorist incident and aninvestigationinto the horror is being led by Counter Terrorist Officers.
Operation Plato – cops’ response to marauding terrorist attacks – was stood down, but it remains a major incident.
Yom Kippur is the holiest day of the year in Judaism.
Large numbers of Jewish people attend synagogues and fast on this day.
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The body of a man, believed to be the attacker on the ground at the sceneCredit: Reuters
Attacker identified
Yesterday evening, it emerged that the man shot dead is 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie.
In an update the force said: “We are now able to confirm that, although formal identification is yet to take place, we believe the person responsible for the attacks is 35-year-old Jihad Al-Shamie.
“He is a British citizen of Syrian descent.”
His name has not appeared in initial searches of police and security service counter-terrorism records, and he is not thought to have been under current investigation.
However, further checks are being carried out to see if any of his details appear anywhere in records of other investigations.
The Home Office confirmed to The Sun that he came to the UK as a young child and was granted citizenship in 2006 as a minor.
He was not known to the police, the Home Secretary has confirmed.
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Shabana Mahmood said the attacker wasn’t known to policeCredit: Getty
Attack declared a terrorist incident
Speaking on GB News, Shabana Mahmood said: “In terms of the attacker, this individual was not known to the security services.
“He has obviously been shot dead at the scene, but the police investigations will now continue at pace.”
She thanked members of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall and the police, saying their actions helped save lives.
Speaking at a press conference earlier Chief Constable Stephen Watson branded the attack as a “horrific incident.”
He said: “My thoughts, and those of my officers and staff, are with the families of the loved ones who have been affected by today’s horrific incident, on what is the Jewish community’s holiest day: Yom Kippur.
“This has been officially declared as a terrorist incident, and the investigation is now being led by Counter Terrorist Police.
“We can confirm that two members of our Jewish community have sadly died as a result of this attack.
“Following a rapid response, armed officers from Greater Manchester Police intercepted the offender and he was fatally shot by officers, within seven minutes of the initial call”, he added.
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Melvin Cravitz, 66, tragically died in the attack
Two victims named
This morning, two men who tragically died in the rampage were named as Adrian Daulby, 53, and Melvin Cravitz, 66.
Three other men remain in hospital with serious injuries. One sustained a stab wound and a second was struck by the car involved in the attack.
Cops said: “The third man later presented himself at hospital with an injury that may have been sustained as officers stopped the attacker.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Lewis Hughes said: “My deepest sympathies are with Mr Daulby and Mr Cravitz’s loved ones at this extremely hard time.
“Specially trained Family Liaison Officers are in contact with them.
“They will continue to update them on the investigation and support them throughout the coronial process.
“Whilst there are processes which must be followed, we commit to being mindful of cultural preferences and sensitivities and to ensuring that these men and their loved ones’ wishes are respected.”
Home Office post-mortems will take place later today, a statement from Greater Manchester Police confirmed this morning.
Everything we know about synagogue terror attacker Jihad Al-Shamie – ‘reclusive’ English tutor who came to UK as a child
By Ryan Merrifield
THE synagogue terror attacker shot dead by police yesterday has been identified by police as Jihad Al-Shamie.
He was an unmarried recluse who was previously not known to authorities.
He came to the UK as a young child, the Home Office confirmed last night.
The twisted 35-year-old was granted citizenship in 2006 as a minor, aged around 16. He was a British national of Syrian descent.
His father appears to have worked as a trauma surgeon for several NGOs in warzones across the world.
Al-Shamie was said to have lived in a council house in Prestwich, not far from the attack site, for 10 years, with a neighbour telling The Sun: “He had no wife or kids that I could see.
“He never seemed to speak to anyone around here.”
The killer appears to have worked as a tutor teaching English and computer programming.
Greater ManchesterPolice have confirmed that Al-Shamie had no previous Prevent referrals – meaning authorities were not aware that he was a terror risk.
The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood reiterated the same point, telling GB News: “In terms of the attacker, this individual was not known to the security services.
“He has obviously been shot dead at the scene, but the police investigations will now continue at pace.”
She thanked members of the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue in Crumpsall and the police, saying their actions helped save lives.
BRITAIN’S top cop yesterday hailed Live Facial Recognition technology as a “game-changing tool.”
Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley revealed how more than 700 arrests have been made so far this year thanks to camera vans deployed on streets to find wanted suspects and offenders in breach of orders.
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Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley hailed Live Facial Recognition technology as a ‘game-changing tool’Credit: PA
Those arrested include 50 registered sex offenders in breach of licence conditions, Sir Mark said in a speech to the TechUK trade association.
He described Live Facial Recognition(LFR) – which uses biometric technology to identity wanted suspects from unique measurements of the face – as a “targeted” investment to back front-line policing.
Sir Mark told how he went on an LFR operation at last month’s Notting Hill Carnival, saying: “Every officer I spoke to was energised by the potential.”
He added of the Carnival operation: “Across the weekend, LFR delivered 61 arrests-including 16 for serious violence-related offences and 13 for violence against women and girls.
“The first arrest happened within five minutes of going live, locating someone wanted on a prison recall since 2015.
“Another suspect was wanted for GBH, having allegedly stabbed a victim five times with a machete.
“These results show that LFR played a critical role in keeping the public safe at Carnival.”
Sir Mark said LFR had made “a major contribution” to one of the safest Carnival events in years, with robbery down 70%, violence reduced by more than half and sex offences by 8% compared to 2024.
Meanwhile, the Met boss also revealed how the force plans to use drones to support public safety.
He said: “From searching for missing people, to arriving quickly at serious traffic incidents, or replacing the expensive and noisy helicopter at large public events.
More than a million Scots being monitored by Chinese cameras
“Done well, drones will be another tool to help officers make faster, more informed decisions on the ground.”
A data-driven approach to tackling violence against women and girls has led to more than 162 of “the most prolific and predatory offenders” in London being convicted, Sir Mark said.
The Met’s V100 programme uses data to identify and target men who pose the highest risk to women, enabling cops to focus their efforts on dangerous suspects.
Sir Mark also told how the London force will be using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help catch criminals caught on CCTV and translating languages of suspects, victims and witnesses.
He said: “CCTV helps secure thousands of charges against dangerous offenders, but trawls are time-intensive and rely on the human eye.
“Take Oxford Street, with 27 junctions—a trawl to identify a suspect’s route can take two days.
“Now imagine telling AI to find clips of a male wearing a red baseball cap between X and Y hours—and getting results in hours. That’s game changing.”
However, Sir Mark warned the current national policing model must be changed if the force can “unlock the full benefits” of AI.
He said the current setup of 43 forces using hundreds of technology systems “just won’t cut it.”
Sir Mark urged the Government to create a new national centre for policing and set up of regional forces to create shared technology platforms and make better use of data.
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Rowley revealed how more than 700 arrests have been made so far this year thanks to camera vans deployed on streetsCredit: Getty
A GUNMAN who allegedly killed two police officers could be hiding in a cave as his family handed themselves in.
A major manhunt is still underway for Dezi Bird Freeman, 56, who allegedly gunned down “execution style” three officers who were conducting a search warrant at a property in Porepunkah, Australia, on Tuesday morning.
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A manhunt is still underway for Dezi Bird Freeman who allegedly gunned down copsCredit: EPA
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The search continued into Wednesday evening as the alleged gunman’s family turned themselves in to authoritiesCredit: EPA
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Dezi Freeman (pictured) has been named as the alleged gunman who shot two police officers dead
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Police sources told the Herald Sun it was a “straight-out execution” when Freeman allegedly opened fire with a shotgun as officers entered a bus where he and his family live.
A 59-year-old detective, just days from retirement, and a 35-year-old senior constable were killed in the horror attack.
A third officer, meanwhile, was shot in the thigh and is undergoing surgery in a Melbourne hospital.
The remaining seven members of the 10-officer team were unharmed.
On Wednesday, the search for the alleged killer continued as his family, who were feared to have been kidnapped by Freeman handed themselves in to authorities late on Tuesday.
Freeman’s whereabouts, meanwhile, remain unknown with cops believing he may have fled into the nearby dense bush.
The 45-year-old is well known to police, having been in and out of court for driving and traffic offences, defying police orders, and verbally abusing a judge in a roadside drug-test case last year.
In 2021, he was arrested at an anti-government protest. He has also previously compared police to Nazis.
Australian outlets are reporting that Freeman is a self-declared “sovereign citizen” – part of a fringe movement that rejects the authorities of Australian laws and government.
Often called “SovCits”, adherents have been Australia for decades, with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) previously describing them as mostly harmless.
‘At least seven people shot’ in New York as emergency services swarm Brooklyn neighbourhood
But the movement has gained traction in recent years, fuelled by pandemic-era mistrust, and a 2023 AFP briefing note warned it has “an underlying capacity to inspire violence”.
Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush confirmed that ten officers went to the Porepunkah property around 10.30am on Tuesday to execute a search warrant when shots were fired.
He said: “They were fired upon. The two deceased officers are still at the scene. A third officer was seriously injured and is currently in surgery in hospital.”
Bush said the other officers on scene were uninjured, but stressed the incident was “still active and ongoing”.
“We have deployed all specialist resources into the area to arrest the person responsible… [they] are currently there looking for this person.”
That includes homicide detectives, the Armed Crime Squad, the Fugitive Squad and specialist police units.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed one person with serious lower-body injuries was flown to hospital in a stable condition.
The attack unfolded in Porepunkah, a small Alpine town of about 1,000 residents, located 186 miles north-east of Melbourne.
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Freeman had been previously arrested in 2021 at an anti-government protest
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Local areas have been shut to aid the search operationCredit: EPA
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About 50 officers and a police dog were reported at the sceneCredit: EPA
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Freeman fled the scene, prompting a large police manhunt and community lockdown in the affected Australian town
The local primary school was placed into lockdown and the Alpine shire council closed all public facilities “effective immediately”.
Alpine shire mayor Sarah Nicholas said it had been an “unsettling” and “emotional” afternoon for the small community.
“Today has been a day of deep sorrow and shock for our community… We are grieving together,” she said in a statement, paying tribute to the officers killed and offering “thoughts, love and unwavering” support to their families.
“We hold our police in the highest regard. They serve with courage, compassion, and dedication, and their loss is felt profoundly across our region,” she added.
Nicholas also thanked teachers at the nearby school for keeping children calm during the lockdown, and locals for heeding police instructions. She closed with a plea: “Please stay safe.”
Prime minister Anthony Albanese said: “Our thoughts are with the police for the work they do, each and every day.
Who are Australia’s ‘sovereign citizens’ ?
“SOVEREIGN citizens” – often called SovCits – are part of a fringe movement that falsely claims individuals can opt out of Australian law and government authority.
Followers often argue they are not bound by taxes, licences, fines, or court rulings.
The movement has existed in Australia for decades, borrowing heavily from conspiracy theories in the US.
While always on the margins, SovCits became more visible during the Covid pandemic, when mistrust in government and police surged.
Although many adherents are non-violent, police say confrontations can escalate when SovCits refuse to recognise authority.
Some have clashed with officers over property disputes, traffic stops, and legal orders.
The Australian Federal Police has warned the movement has “an underlying capacity to inspire violence.”
A 2023 AFP briefing note said SovCits are becoming more organised, using social media to spread their views and recruit supporters.
Authorities say numbers remain small but pockets of activity have been reported in regional areas.
Most activity involves disruptive legal claims and anti-government rhetoric — but some adherents have been linked to armed standoffs and violent threats.
“The men and women who wear the uniform of the police force, take risks each and every day.”
Premier Jacinta Allan told parliament: “Victoria police officers and all of our first responders show extraordinary bravery and courage every single day. They are the best of us.”
A large police operation remains underway in Porepunkah, with about 50 officers and a police dog reported at the scene.
The local airfield has been shut to the public to allow emergency access.
Meanwhile, locals are being warned to stay indoors, with PCC Bush saying: “I want to further assure the rural community around Bright that we will do everything to bring this person into custody so that your community is safe.
“Can I please ask you just to stay at home, not go out and about at the moment, until this operation is concluded?
“I’m leaving now to head to the area to support our officers and support the operation.”
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He is a self-declared ‘sovereign citizen’, part of a fringe movement that rejects the authorities of Australian laws and government
A MUM received a £3,500 payout after “disgusting” police officers were caught throwing her lingerie around and laughing at her sex toys while raiding her home.
Nichola Corr, 51, claimed the cops were like “children in a playground” as they searched her house as part of a drugs investigation into a family member.
Bodycam footage captured them discovering her £1,000 collection of erotic gadgets and chucking her racy G-string knickers at each other on her bed.
Nichola said: “The male officer that threw the underwear was looking through my whole toy box, laughing, joking, going: ‘Oh, look at this. Jesus Christ, look at this!’
“They were taking the absolute piss! It was like they were children in a playground the way they were acting. It was disgusting.”
She complained after no arrests, charges or prosecutions were brought by Suffolk Police following the raid of her home in Essex in October 2023.
Its Professional Standards Department found the officers’ behaviour was “unacceptable and unprofessional” but formal disciplinary action wasn’t required.
Nichola, who is now getting a divorce from her husband, added: “I don’t trust the police anymore.
“I always used to say if you ever need the police, they’ll be there for you. But no, not in this day and age. They’re using their power over people.”
Suffolk Police claimed the cops were all “very young in terms of service” and their behaviour was “considered to be more due to immaturity than spite”.
One officer had already left the force when the complaint was received but the remaining two were required to apologise and undertake ‘Reflective Practice’.
Last week, Hertfordshire Police cop Marcin Zielinski, 27, was jailed for four months after nicking a woman’s underwear while searching her home.
Manchester Police Raids smash down doors in early morning raids on postal drug dealers
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A mum received a £3,500 payout after ‘disgusting’ police officers were caught throwing her lingerie aroundCredit: Getty
BBC show Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by more allegations, with one of the stars being arrested on suspicion of rape
22:07, 23 Aug 2025Updated 22:56, 23 Aug 2025
BBC Strictly star arrested on suspicion of rape as show is hit with fresh crisis
Strictly Come Dancing has been thrown into a new crisis after one of its stars was reportedly arrested on suspicion of rape.
The male suspect, who has not been named for legal reasons, is also reportedly being questioned by police over allegations involving “non-consensual intimate image abuse”.
The BBC confirmed to The Mirror tonight that there is an “ongoing police investigation”.
The Met Police investigation follows a BBC-led inquiry into claims of drug abuse by stars on the show. A Met spokesman told The Sun on Sunday: “On Friday, August 22, officers arrested a man on suspicion of rape and non-consensual intimate image abuse.
“This is a joint investigation… and while the investigation is in its early stages, we urge anyone with any information to come forward to us. The arrest follows a third party allegation of sexual and drug-related offences. Enquiries are ongoing.”
The alleged rape victim is being supported by specialist officers, he added. The dramatic development – separate from the upcoming series – is one of the biggest crises to be faced by the BBC since newsreader Huw Edwards dodged jail last year for possessing indecent images of children.
A BBC spokesperson has told The Mirror: “It would not be appropriate to comment on an ongoing police investigation.”
Strictly has been hit by a string of storms recently. Last year, dancer Giovanni Pernice quit after being accused of bullying and harassing 2023 partner Abbington. Some complaints against him were upheld but he was cleared of the most serious ones in a probe.
In the same series, the BBC pro Graziano Di Prima was removed over claims of misconduct towards partner Zara McDermott during training. And this year, Welsh opera singer Evans left the dance tour after being accused of making inappropriate remarks.
This week Kristian Nairn quit the show after just one week into rehearsals. He will be replaced by Emmerdale actor Lewis Cope as BBC bosses scrambled to find a last-minute stand-in. Northern Ireland-born Kristian revealed he had quit in an emotional Instagram video.
The 49-year-old said: “Like so many people at the minute, I have been dealing with a high level of stress and a little bit of grief, if I’m going to be really real. I’ve always been my mother’s son and I have always powered through things like this in the past and any other time of my life actually. Honestly, I think I’ve got a pretty healthy attitude towards stuff like this.
“I thought I did, at least. For the first time it’s manifested physically and it’s caused a spike in my vitals. It’s entered an area of concern.”
If you’ve been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999
A WOMAN has died after falling from a 32-floor skyscraper in London’s financial district.
Police were scrambled to Sirocco Tower in Canary Wharf this morning following the horror.
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The woman fell to her death in Canary WharfCredit: BPM
The woman, aged in her 20s, tragically could not be saved and was declared dead at the scene.
The Met Police have now launched a probe into the tragedy.
A spokesperson said: “At around 06:39hrs on Wednesday, 13 August police responded to calls that a person had fallen from height in Harbour Way, Canary Wharf.
“Police and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene but sadly a woman in her 20s was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Her next of kin have been notified and are being supported by specialist officers.“
At this time her death is being treated as unexpected and enquiries continue.”
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
DOZENS of supercars worth around £7 million were seized by police in a major sting operation this weekend.
More than 70 luxury motors were nabbed in the crackdown – including one from an owner who had been in the UK for just two hours.
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Two identical purple Lamborghinis were seized – with their owner having only entered the UK just two hours priorCredit: SWNS
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Cops were seen plastering stickers on vehicles which did not have valid insuranceCredit: SWNS
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Several motors were found to be uninsured or had invalid insurance policies for the UKCredit: SWNS
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A major police sting operation over the weekend led to the seizure of more than 70 supercars in LondonCredit: SWNS
The collaborative operation saw forces from the Metropolitan Police join with those from the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB) to respond to the rise in anti-social and dangerous driving in London.
A flurry of expensive cars were seized across Hyde Park, Kensington, and Chelsea in the capital, including from luxury brands Ferrari, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz.
Two identical purple Lamborghinis – which were uninsured and had been flown into Britain for their owner’s summer trip – were also impounded.
One of the two drivers had been in the UK for just two hours, and behind the wheel for just 15 minutes, before being caught.
The MIB explained that several of the seized vehicles had been brought into Britain from abroad.
Many of these vehicles’ drivers were relying on motor insurance from their home countries, failing to verify if those police provided valid coverage in the UK.
In total, the operation led to the impounding of 72 motors, many of which were uninsured or inadequately covered.
Officers also detected a range of other criminal activity in their investigation.
This included individuals wanted for actual bodily harm and criminal damage, for drug offences, for stolen vehicles, for immigration offences and for fraudulent insurance policies, known as “ghost broking“.
Cops also issued countless tickets for a range of other offences, including driving without a valid licence, using a mobile phone while driving, and failing to have a valid MOT.
Chilling moment burglars take £500k of gold jewellery from home in sacks
Tickets were also doled out to those who had illegally tinted windows, who were not wearing a seatbelt, and those who were operating vehicles in a dangerous condition.
Officers also identified individuals who had made often-innocent mistakes, such as updating DVLA about the use of a personalised number plate but failing to notify their insurance provider.
The operation provided an opportunity for the motorists to rectify their errors whilst demonstrating just how vigilant the police are to these issues.
Seventy-five officers from the Met’s Special Constabulary and Vehicle Enforcement Team took part, using several methods to identify uninsured drivers.
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A number of luxury branded cars were impounded in the stingCredit: SWNS
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The combined value of the vehicles was around £7 millionCredit: SWNS
Special Chief Officer James Deller from the Metropolitan Police, who attended the operation, said: “The Met is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour.
“This operation was set up to respond to resident, business and visitors’ concerns about high-value vehicles causing a nuisance in known hotspot areas in central and west London.
“Already the Met has reduced neighbourhood crime by 19 per cent compared to the same time last year and we’re addressing anti-social behaviour caused by uninsured drivers.
“This has been a great opportunity to work with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau and for officers to speak with members of the public about the work we do, educate drivers and enforce the law.
“We’ve had some real success – thank you to Special Constable colleagues who volunteer their time to help drive down crime across London.”
Martin Saunders, Head of Uninsured Driving Prevention at MIB, reinforced the dual goals of enforcement and awareness: “We urge all motorists to check their insurance policy is in place, is appropriate for their needs and to reach out to their insurer if they are unsure on any part of their policy.
“While many offenders knowingly violated the law, others fell victim to simple mistakes such as bounced payments, failed renewals or incorrect details.
“With growing concern over seasonal hotspots and tourist-linked offences, the Met and MIB plan to continue enforcement and education efforts throughout the year.
“We don’t want any driver to become uninsured in the first place.
“These rules apply to all motorists, regardless of the value of vehicle they choose to drive.”
A POLICE worker stalked and blackmailed a teenage boy for seven years after meeting him through an online game.
Ryann Moroney, 28, convinced the lad when he was 15 that he was being blackmailed by several Snapchat accounts.
Moroney, who worked on the London Met’scyber crime unit, asked the boy to send naked selfies to appease his fictitious blackmailers.
He was arrested when his victim went to the police, who found 83 indecent images of him on Moroney’s phone.
Moroney admitted stalking and making indecent images of the most serious kind at Inner London crown court.
Judge Nathaniel Rudolf KC told him he had taken “complete and utter advantage” of his victim in a “sophisticated campaign designed to maximise his fear”.
He jailed Moroney for four years, four months.
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Ryann Moroney stalked and blackmailed a teenage boy for seven years after meeting him through an online gameCredit: Supplied
In this Tuesday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from tributes following Kim Woodburn’s death to a ‘murder’ victim being found in an exploded house
18:13, 17 Jun 2025Updated 18:16, 17 Jun 2025
Kim was a popular contestant on Celeb Big Brother(Image: Getty)
Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Sport teams and more. This Tuesday, we’re featuring everything from Kim Woodburn’s death after a short illness to a human rights lawyer being found ‘murdered’ in an exploded London house and a review of Jeremy Clarkson’s pub.
This morning, news broke that Kim Woodburn had died following a short illness. Shortly after, her beloved husband and former co-star shared their tributes to the Celebrity Big Brother icon. Elsewhere, a ‘murdered’ woman was found after a house exploded in Stoke Newington and our reporter went to visit Jeremy Clarkson’s pub to see whether it was worth the hype.
Kim Woodburn dies after short illness as beloved husband and co-star Aggie break silence
Kim Woodburn shot to stardom on Channel 4’s How Clean Is Your House (Image: Unknown)
This morning, our showbiz team broke the heartbreaking news that Kim Woodburn had died aged 83. The Celebrity Big Brother and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here icon, who shot to stardom for her no-nonsense attitude and witticisms on Channel 4‘s How Clean Is Your House with Aggie MacKenzie, died on Monday.
Her beloved husband-of-46-years Peter, who she lived with in their Nantwich, Cheshire home, is “heartbroken” over the loss of his soulmate. She was described as an “incredibly kind, caring, charismatic and strong person” by her loved ones, who were “so proud” of what she achieved in her career.
A representative for Kim shared in a statement: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved Kim Woodburn passed away yesterday following a short illness.”
‘Murder’ victim found in exploded house named as ‘lovely’ human rights lawyer
The victim has been formally identified as 46-year-old mother and human rights lawyer Annabel Rook(Image: Facebook)
A beloved mother-of-two and human rights lawyer has been identified as the woman found with fatal stab wounds after a house explosion this morning. A huge emergency response including six fire engines and 40 firefighters raced to the two-storey terraced house where an explosion had torn through the basement and ground floor of the east London residence.
The victim has been formally identified as 46-year-old mother and human rights lawyer Annabel Rook, whose body was found with knife wound injuries after the explosion. Police arrested an as yet unidentified 44-year-old male on suspicion of murder before taking him to a major trauma centre in London for slash wound treatment. His injuries were not life-threatening, police said.
Neighbours told The Mirror: “She was a lovely lady – a very doting mother. I would always see her walking to school with her children. They go to school just around the corner.”
‘I drove 90 minutes to eat at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub — two words summed it up’
Steffan Rhys at Jeremy Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, in Oxfordshire
Nobody could have quite imagined the success Amazon would see after releasing Clarkson’s Farm. However, fast forward to 2025, the former Top Gear star’s agriculture show has just finished its fourth series, with a fifth series already on the way.
This season saw Jeremy Clarkson invest in a pub, The Farmer’s Dog, so our Deputy Content Hub Director, Steffan Rhys, went to go and check it out. He wrote: “There was a full-blown security and parking operation guiding arrivals into an enormous adjacent field with hundreds, if not thousands, of cars already parked in it. Visitors streamed like ants in formation between car park and pub and the stunned “bloody hell!” I heard from a fellow visitor pretty much sums up what I was thinking too.
“I’d naively thought that, given I had a lunch reservation (secured easily, several weeks earlier, on the pub website) it would be a quiet affair. After all, only so many people can fit in a pub, right? Wrong. Oh, so wrong.”
Killer who stabbed his partner, neighbour and dog on Christmas Day learns fate
Jazwell Brown murdered Joanne Pearson, 38, and Teohna Grant, 24(Image: Thames Valley Police)
A man who murdered his partner and neighbour and tried to kill his own son in an unprovoked and “frenzied” attack after taking cocaine on Christmas Day has been jailed for life. Jazwell Brown attacked his partner Joanne Pearson with a kitchen knife at their home in Bletchley, Buckinghamshire, at around 6.30pm on December 25 last year.
He stabbed her 31 times before turning the knife and a baseball bat on his son Jake Brown, with the youngster remarkably surviving his injuries. Brown went on to repeatedly stab Jo’s dog Tilly, a Staffordshire bull terrier, who was later spotted on CCTV limping from the scene.
Brown then headed next door to another flat and began attacking Teohna Grant. He also stabbed Teohna’s boyfriend 29-year-old Bradley Latter who survived, while Teohna was also pronounced dead at the scene. Police previously said the dog had died, but they have since been informed Tilly survived.
‘LEAKED’ Premier League fixtures for 2025-26 season – but fans spot major issues
The Premier League fixtures will officially be released on Wednesday morning
As many football fans await the Premier League‘s return, our sports team got their hands on a reportedly ‘leaked’ list of Premier League fixtures for the 2025-26 season. However, the list – which has been leaked and widely shared on social media platforms – is not as it seems.
As is the case at this time of year, amid growing anticipation among supporters, social media has been awash with claims and fixtures coming to light early. One set in particular have been gaining quite a bit of traction. On the face of it, they look pretty legit. The usual font and layout used when the fixtures are actually released is certainly present.
But dig a little deeper and issues arise. Most notable among them are a number of admin errors which, perhaps if you’re only casting a casual glance and looking at the opening weekend, or even just for your club’s full list, you wouldn’t see.
FIVE protesters have been arrested after they allegedly targeted the filming of Gal Gadot’s new movie.
The demonstrators disrupted production at several locations across London in recent weeks, the Metropolitan Police said.
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Five protesters have been arrested after they allegedly targeted the filming of Gal Gadot’s new movieCredit: Getty
The force said the protestors targeted sets “solely because an actress involved in the production is Israeli”.
Gadot, 40, who served in the Israel Defense Forces, previously showed support for Israel’s invasion of Gaza after the October 7 Hamas attacks.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic & Cultural Boycott of Israel (Pacbi) has since argued people who support their group should boycott Gadot films.
Gadot is understood to currently be filming an action thriller called The Runner in the capital.
Police were called to a set location in Westminster on Wednesday.
Officers detained five people on suspicion of harassment and offences under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act.
Two of the arrests were in relation to previous protests, while three were in response to incidents that unfolded on Wednesday.
All five remain in custody.
Supt Neil Holyoak said: “While we absolutely acknowledge the importance of peaceful protest, we have a duty to intervene where it crosses the line into serious disruption or criminality.
“We have been in discussions with the production company to understand the impact of the protests on their work and on any individuals involved.
“I hope today’s operation shows we will not tolerate the harassment of or unlawful interference with those trying to go about their legitimate professional work in London.”
The Runner, produced by David Kosse, stars Gadot as a lawyer on a mission to rescue her kidnapped son.
Gadot has been pictured back on set this week, despite the protests.
Demonstrations also followed the actress to her Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony after her role in the latest Snow White movie.
A Pro-Palestine group stood outside the ceremony carrying signs reading: “Viva Viva Palestina”.
In a Variety interview earlier this week, Gadot said: “After October 7th [2023], I don’t talk politics — because who cares about the celebrity talking about politics?
“I’m an artist. I want to entertain people. I want to bring hope and be a beacon of light whenever I say anything about the world.
“But on October 7th, when people were abducted from their homes, from their beds, men, women, children, elderly, Holocaust survivors, were going through the horrors of what happened that day, I could not be silent.
“I’m not a hater. I’m a grandchild of a Holocaust survivor who came to Israel and established his family from scratch after his entire family was erased in Auschwitz.
“And on the other side of my family, I’m eighth generation Israeli. I’m an indigenous person of Israel.
“I am all about humanity and I felt like I had to advocate for the hostages. I am praying for better days for all.
“I want everybody to have good life and prosperity, and the ability to raise their children in a safe environment.”
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A Pro-Palestine group stood outside the ceremony carrying signs reading: “Viva Viva Palestina”Credit: Getty
BRITAIN’S top cop has criticised Labour plans to slash jail time — saying police will struggle to cope with the surge in crime.
Met Police boss Sir Mark Rowley warned putting more criminals back on the street risked overwhelming officers.
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Labour plans include scrapping most short sentences, releasing lags after a third of time served and monitoring with tags to free up cellsCredit: Alamy
He accused the Government of doing “no analysis whatsoever” on the impact of freeing thousands and risking the prospect of “generating a lot of work for police”.
He told the BBC: “Every time you put an offender into the community, a proportion of them will commit crime, a proportion of them will need chasing down by the police.”
But the Ministry of Justice hit back in the war of words, saying its top priority was to “keep people safe”.
Standing by its changes, it said: “That is why we are building prisons faster than at any time since the Victorian era and, through our sentencing reforms, we will make sure the public are never again put at risk of running out of prison places.”
Sources also insisted a full impact assessment on early release is under way.
AN ALLEGED gang member wanted over the fatal stabbing of a young man in London has been arrested in Spain.
Six mobsters went on the run after the tragic murder of 21-year-old Giovanny Rendon Bedoya in Walworth, south London, on April 21.
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An alleged gang member wanted over the fatal stabbing of a young man in London has been arrested near BarcelonaCredit: Solarpix
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Several men went on the run after the tragic murder of 21-year-old Giovanny Rendon Bedoya in Walworth, south London, on April 21Credit: Solarpix
The fugitive was detained at the request of British authorities in the town of Sabadell around 15 miles north-west of the Catalan capital as he entered a restaurant, Spanish police said.
He is said to belong to the dangerous Latin gang known as the Trinitarios.
They have become a major security threat across much of Europe in recent years especially in cities like Madrid and London.
The alleged killer is now facing extradition to the UK and a possible “life sentence” according to Spanish cops.
Met Police pleaded for information around the death of Giovanny earlier this year.
It comes as three of the six people initially arrested have now been bailed pending further inquiries.
In the latest update this month, they said a fourth man has now been charged with murder.
All four men have been named by police as Joseph Jimenez, 21, Angel Gonzales Angulo, 19, Brian Villada-Hernandes, 19, and Zozoro Mohamed Olivier, 20.
Cops previously said a 17-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of murder.
Confirming the latest arrest near Barcelona today, Spain’s National Police said in a statement: “National Police officers have arrested a member of the Trinitarios gang in the town of Sabadell in Barcelona who is wanted by the British justice system after allegedly committing a murder in the United Kingdom.
Irishman fighting for life after being shot in Spain as 2 arrested
“An international arrest warrant was issued for him after the crime which took place on April 14.
“He could face a life sentence for attacking with five other alleged members of the same gang, another young man from a rival gang who was killed.
“The investigation was launched by the British authorities on 14 April when the fugitive and five other alleged members of the Trinitarios gang violently accosted another young man from a rival gang following a dispute.”
Giovanny was attacked just after 9pm and was left with serious injuries which resulted in the amputation of fingers, the loss of an organ and multiple fractures.
These injuries resulted in his death, police confirmed at the time.
The Trinitarios gang is said to have been founded in 1993 by two Dominicans facing separate murder charges being held in the Rikers Islands New York City jail.
The gang’s notoriety across the globe even caused them to be scrutinised by the Trump administration this year.
Donald Trump described them as “animals” as he carried out his sweeping sanctions on US criminal enterprises.
Nearly two dozen Trinitarios gang members were hit with RICO conspiracy charges in February.
They were accused of six murders and 11 attempted murders, according to the US Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts.
Spiralling violence around Madrid in recent years has been blamed on the fracturing and spread of Dominican gangs which have become Spain’s primary urban security threat.
Officials believe the man arrested today may have been in Spain trying to flee to the Dominican Republic.
The Sun has contacted the Metropolitan Police for further comment.
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The alleged killer is now facing extradition to the UK and a possible “life sentence” according to Spanish copsCredit: Solarpix
A SERIAL thief has been barred from every Greggs in England and Wales after repeatedly targeting the same bakery in a shameless crime spree.
Patrick Verry, 33, is now forbidden from entering any of the high street baker’s hundreds of branches following a court order brought by the Met Police.
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Greggs in Palmers Green North London where a member of staff has been hailed a hero after scaring off shopliftersCredit: Simon Jones
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One thief caught in the act at Greggs on Shields Road, BykerCredit: North News
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Another thief caught in the act — fwrite ilmed during a broad daylight raid on 8 May 2025Credit: North News
He was caught in the act last week by officers inside a Greggs shop in Wood Green, North London, after striking the location seven times.
Verry was arrested on the spot and brought before Highbury Magistrates’ Court the following day, where he admitted to six counts of theft from the same Greggs store.
Police described him as one of the capital’s “most prolific shoplifters” — and now he’s banned from every Greggs outlet across the country in a move to protect staff and customers.
The order comes as part of a new Met Police blitz on retail crime amid soaring shoplifting rates nationwide.
Chief Inspector Rav Pathania, the Met’s retail crime lead, said: “The Met is focused on tackling the most prolific shoplifters like Verry.
“They cause fear to retail workers and their offending has a negative impact on communities.”
He continued: “We continue to work with local business owners to investigate reports of shoplifting, understand concerns and use different tactics to crackdown, including targeted operations and regular patrols.”
The ban on Verry comes as The Sun lifts the lid on the true scale of the shoplifting crisis crippling British high streets.
Our undercover investigation found Greggs shops across the country being stripped of stock in broad daylight, with some stores experiencing a theft every 20 minutes.
At one busy location in South London, a thief was seen stuffing doughnuts and drinks into his pockets before barging past staff and walking out unfazed.
In another shocking clip filmed in Tooting, a brave female Greggs manager tried to stop a thief who was carrying several bottles of Coca-Cola.
She shouted: “You’re not having all of that,” as the crook tried to leave.
He coolly replied: “Yeah I’m walking out with them, watch me.”
Customers looked on in silence, too scared to step in. A witness said: “There were two grown men just stood by the tills.
“Everyone was just silent.
“No one said a word. People are just afraid now.”
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Local officers worked with retailers in Greenwich to identify and arrest Winston Wright who stole more than £2,500 worth of goods from stores in the area over four monthsCredit: Metropolitan Police
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Our undercover investigation found Greggs shops across the country being stripped of stock in broad daylightCredit: Metropolitan Police
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The ban on Verry comes as The Sun lifts the lid on the true scale of the shoplifting crisis crippling British high streetsCredit: Metropolitan Police
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In many cases, Greggs staff are told not to intervene directly with thieves for safety reasonsCredit: Metropolitan Police
The Met later confirmed it was not alerted to the Tooting incident, which happened in August, highlighting just how many shoplifting cases go unreported.
Our reporters saw similar scenes play out in branches from Newcastle to Brighton, with thieves helping themselves to hot food, drinks and sandwiches without even trying to hide it.
In Stockwell, South London, one man was caught on camera filling his coat with products before grabbing two boxes of jam doughnuts worth £3 each and fleeing during the lunchtime rush.
A cookie grab, then fist bump
THEFTS we saw in just two days at Greggs bakery in Stockwell South London.
Wednesday, 11.45am: Man strolls in, picks up a box of doughnuts and walks out.
1.30pm: A man lines his pockets with doughnuts and products from the fridge.
A shop worker pleads with him to pay. The thug threatens him and barges out.
3.45pm: Two men raid the fridges, with one pinching Lucozade bottles, while the other scoffs chicken bites.
4pm: A pair of teenage schoolchildren take a Lucozade drink and hot food.
Thursday, 11.10am: Two men walk in and start grabbing hot food and drinks. They appear to queue before also taking doughnut and walking out without paying.
11.30am: An OAP pretends to be on the phone before snatching hot food.
1.30pm: A man grabs three bottles of Lucozade, hot food and cookies. Challenged, he gives back the food and drink, gives the worker a fist bump and strolls out eating a cookie
2pm: A man steals two baguettes and a bottle of Coca-Cola. As he leaves, a public address states: “Shoplifting will not be tolerated.”
In Worthing, West Sussex, two men repeatedly walked in and out of Greggs helping themselves to hot food from the display cabinets.
On Brighton’s Queen’s Road, one crook walked off with two trays of wedges in front of a stunned staff member. “Average day,” the employee said when asked about it.
Minutes later, another thief ran out with two trays of wedges and a sandwich, while yet another masked man sprinted off carrying food as helpless staff shouted after him.
In Southampton, a man entered just after midday, grabbed four hot food items and said: “Sorry guys, I’m homeless, I need to eat,” before walking straight out the door.
In many cases, Greggs staff are told not to intervene directly with thieves for safety reasons.
One insider told us: “They’ve been told not to chase anyone, not to engage. It’s heartbreaking for the team.”
Astonishingly, just 350 people have been prosecuted for stealing from Greggs in the last six months.
Of those, only 111 received immediate or suspended jail time — and most had long criminal records.
Greggs has started introducing extra security measures in stores hit hardest by crime.
That includes removing self-serve fridges, placing chilled food behind the till, and trialling bouncers in some branches.
55k thefts every day across UK
By Julia Atherley
BRITAIN is facing a shop- lifting epidemic with a record 55,000 incidents a day.
In 2024, it cost retailers £2.2billion, up from £1.8billion in 2023, figures show.
Offences reported by police in England and Wales have jumped 23 per cent to more than 492,000 in the past 12 months, says the Office for National Statistics.
The scourge is being driven by the perception that offenders are rarely caught or punished.
Graham Wynn, of the British Retail Consortium, described shoplifting as a “major trigger for violence and abuse against staff”.
Mr Wynn said: “The rise in organised crime is a significant concern, with gangs hitting stores one after another.
“Sadly, such theft is not a victimless crime; it pushes up the cost for honest shoppers and damages the customer experience.”
Labour has promised to make assaulting a retail worker an offence and treat more seriously thefts of goods worth less than £200.
One staff member said: “It’s like we’re on the front line. You’re trying to sell sausage rolls but you’re looking over your shoulder constantly.”
Greggs boss Roisin Currie confirmed the company is now using facial recognition technology to catch thieves and pass images to police.
“We’ve now got a system where we can take photos of people committing theft on the shop floor and that then instantly goes to the police,” she told The Sun.
The bakery chain is also investing in body cameras for workers and running trials with a 24-hour shoplifting helpline.
A Greggs spokeswoman said: “Shoplifting is an industry-wide issue and we take it extremely seriously.
The safety of our colleagues and customers remains our absolute priority.”
Politicians have backed The Sun’s investigation.
Shadow Justice Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “This is an important and timely investigation from The Sun, exposing just how bad the shoplifting epidemic has become.
“There has to be consequences for this appalling criminality.”
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson added: “Retail workers should never feel unsafe at work. That is why we’re taking robust action to tackle shop theft and protect workers.”
She confirmed new laws are coming under the government’s Crime and Policing Bill, which will create a specific offence for assaulting shop staff and scrap the £200 threshold that previously gave low-level shoplifters “effective immunity.”
Meanwhile, the Met has released dramatic new footage showing suspects sprinting from stores clutching bottles, sandwiches and snacks as part of a wider crackdown on repeat retail offenders.
And police chiefs say they’re not stopping with Verry, more bans could be coming for other prolific shoplifters as efforts ramp up to restore order on Britain’s battered high streets.
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Astonishingly, just 350 people have been prosecuted for stealing from Greggs in the last six monthsCredit: PA
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Greggs boss Roisin Currie confirmed the company is now using facial recognition technology to catch thieves and pass images to policeCredit: Solent
