Met chief apologises to broadcaster Selina Scott amid her fury after mugging
The head of London's Metropolitan Police has apologised to broadcaster Selina Scott after she claimed the streets of London are unsafe for the public following her mugging by a gang in the city's West End.
The 74-year-old was surrounded by a group of thieves near Waterstones on Piccadilly who hit her on the back of the leg and stole her purse.
She said she could not find a police officer to report the crime to in one of the busiest areas of the English capital and nearby West End Central police station was closed four years ago.
The day after the mugging officers failed to go to her home for a planned appointment because there was no available police car.
During a call-in on Nick Ferrari's show on LBC, Met Police chief Mark Rowley was played a voice message from the former news anchor in which she said: "I was mugged by a gang who hit me with a metal object at the back of my leg, before ripping open my bag and taking all my debit cards and cash, they sauntered off in the direction of the Ritz, and there was nothing I could do about it.
"There were too many of them and there were no police anywhere. So, I'm feeling today humiliated and angry, but most of all fearful for all those who are listening to Nick's show and feel that they can walk the streets of London safely, because I'm telling you, they can't.
"So, here's my question, why, when you can put police on the streets whenever anyone wants to shout their head off on a march, yet you can't patrol the centre of London to protect thousands of people like me?
"And don't tell me you rely on CCTV, because I understand the camera outside Waterstones where I got mugged not only wasn't functioning, it had been out of order for over a year."
Rowley admitted that the force could have given the broadcaster a better service.
"I can feel for her. She's obviously very upset. She's a 70-odd-year-old lady who had a very frightening experience," he said.
"The officers weren't able to give the service that we would expect on that day. I'm sorry about that."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sunday World
17 hours ago
- Sunday World
Moment police arrest Playboy drug kingpin stepping off private jet
James Harding plotted the murder of a rival from a luxury Dubai villa Drugs kingpins guilty of plotting murder and running drugs empire on EncroChat Dramatic footage of the moment armed counter terror police arrested a kingpin behind a €115m coke empire has been released as he faces a lengthy jail sentence. James Harding (34) plotted a murder and one of the largest importations of Class A drugs in Scotland Yard history using the encrypted EncroChat messaging platform. Playboy Harding lived a lavish lifestyle in Dubai and took topless selfies grinning and posing in the gym and a bathroom in his four-bedroom villa at The Nest development in Al Barari where he drove a Lamborghini Urus and Bugatti Chiron. Harding also chartered a private jet from the United Arab Emirates to London after co-defendant Jayes Kharouti's father died when airports were closed during the pandemic. After being extradited from Switzerland to the UK, he was arrested by counter terrorist specialist firearms officer at a London airport in May 2022. In the video (above) an officer remarks: 'Mr Harding, welcome back.' To which Harding replies: 'Oh, thanks very much' before being forced to wear a bulletproof jacket and driven away in an armoured vehicle. Harding and his 'loyal right-hand man' Kharouti (39) tried to recruit a paid hitmen to put an unnamed rival courier 'permanently out of business', arming him with a gun and ammunition for the 'full M', a murder in late May and early June 2020. Police say Harding, originally from Alton, Hampshire, used the handle 'thetopsking' while discussing plans on EncroChat with Kharouti who was 'besttops'. Jayes Kharouti (Met Police/PA) Met Police detectives, who spent hundreds of hours reviewing and analysing these messages, found detailed plans for arranging firearms, getaway vehicles, times, dates and locations. Harding's sophisticated network made 50 importations into the UK, weighing of one tonne between April and June 2020, turning over an estimated €6m profit in just 10 weeks. Earlier today (Tuesday June 24, 2025), Harding, who claimed to be a high-end watch sales executive, was found guilty by an Old Bailey jury of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and conspiracy to murder following a seven-week trial. Kharouti, 39, fled his home in Depot Road, Epsom but during searches police found a handset with the same number he gave to Harding. He was extradited from Turkey on June 25 last year and convicted of conspiracy to murder having previously admitted his role in supplying cocaine. They were remanded into custody to be sentenced on Thursday. Three other members of the organised crime group had previously admitted drugs offences.
RTÉ News
21 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Met chief apologises to broadcaster Selina Scott amid her fury after mugging
The head of London's Metropolitan Police has apologised to broadcaster Selina Scott after she claimed the streets of London are unsafe for the public following her mugging by a gang in the city's West End. The 74-year-old was surrounded by a group of thieves near Waterstones on Piccadilly who hit her on the back of the leg and stole her purse. She said she could not find a police officer to report the crime to in one of the busiest areas of the English capital and nearby West End Central police station was closed four years ago. The day after the mugging officers failed to go to her home for a planned appointment because there was no available police car. During a call-in on Nick Ferrari's show on LBC, Met Police chief Mark Rowley was played a voice message from the former news anchor in which she said: "I was mugged by a gang who hit me with a metal object at the back of my leg, before ripping open my bag and taking all my debit cards and cash, they sauntered off in the direction of the Ritz, and there was nothing I could do about it. "There were too many of them and there were no police anywhere. So, I'm feeling today humiliated and angry, but most of all fearful for all those who are listening to Nick's show and feel that they can walk the streets of London safely, because I'm telling you, they can't. "So, here's my question, why, when you can put police on the streets whenever anyone wants to shout their head off on a march, yet you can't patrol the centre of London to protect thousands of people like me? "And don't tell me you rely on CCTV, because I understand the camera outside Waterstones where I got mugged not only wasn't functioning, it had been out of order for over a year." Rowley admitted that the force could have given the broadcaster a better service. "I can feel for her. She's obviously very upset. She's a 70-odd-year-old lady who had a very frightening experience," he said. "The officers weren't able to give the service that we would expect on that day. I'm sorry about that."
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Two arrested after fatal stabbing of man who 'tried to break up' fight
Two men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a 22-year-old man, who witnesses said was stabbed while trying to be a "mediator" in a fight. Police were called to the scene outside Hounslow Muslim Centre on Hanworth Road, west London, at 2.21pm on Sunday. Paramedics treated the victim for multiple stab wounds before he was taken to hospital where he later died, the Metropolitan Police said. An investigation was launched into the death and two men, aged 27 and 37, were arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday. Both remain in custody for questioning. The victim, named locally as Dara Sayed Barham, worked two jobs, including one at a restaurant near where the incident took place. His next of kin are being supported by specialist officers, police said. Witnesses described him as a "very good man" who worked at the Menara Lounge, a Middle Eastern restaurant, next to the Muslim Centre. One said: "It's so sad, he was only 22 and was trying to be a mediator in a fight that broke out between people outside the restaurant on the street. "He was trying to break it up but got caught up in the fight." Farhan Ali, 31, lives in Hounslow and has been running a phone shop for nine years near where the incident took place. He said of the victim: "He was such a good guy, and so hard-working too. "He was my best customer and would often send people up from the restaurant he worked at to help my business. "He was only 22 and it's so sad – life is so short. "I've known him for six years and he is a big part of the community here and an amazing person." One friend of the victim said: "He used to bring me sandwiches from the restaurant, and he'd always stop to chat. "He has died for nothing. He was taken too soon. Nobody had a bad word to say about Dara." The Metropolitan Police said there is nothing to suggest a link between the incident and the Hounslow Muslim Centre. Superintendent James Rawlinson, from the local neighbourhood policing team, said: "We are aware of the effect this horrendous incident has had on the local community, and have designated officers on reassurance patrols to answer questions that you may have. "Residents will continue to see increased police presence whilst this investigation remains ongoing. "I encourage anyone who has information but may not have contacted police yet to get in touch and assist with this investigation. "Our thoughts, as always, remain with the family and friends of the victim at this incredibly difficult time."
