First picture of man, 30, shot dead in west London
Tributes have been paid to a man who was gunned down in west London.
Jordan Rodney, 30, from Northolt, was shot on Claxton Grove in Hammersmith on Wednesday at about 11.19pm.
He was rushed to the hospital where he fought for his life before succumbing to his injuries the following day.
His family said: 'It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we confirm the tragic loss of our beloved Jordan Olivier Rodney, who was taken from us far too soon.
Police officers guarded the cordon on Claxton Grove, London, where Jordan Rodney was fatally injured (Picture: Marcin Nowak/LNP)
'Jordan was a man who touched the lives of everyone who knew him. He was warm, funny, and loving. Always quick with a smile or a joke that could brighten the dark day.
'His kindness, generosity, and humour left a lasting impression on friends and family alike.
'Our son, brother, uncle, and friend was so much more than the circumstances of his death. He brought joy to our lives every single day, and his absence leaves a hole that can never be filled.
Two people, Jordan and another unnamed man, were injured in the incident in Hammersmith last week (Picture: X/@CrimeLdn)
'We will remember Jordie for the love he shared so freely, the laughter he inspired, and the way he made us all feel seen and valued. We ask for privacy as we grieve this devastating loss and whilst we work to come to terms with what has happened.
'We are eternally grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time.'
A postmortem has been carried out.
A second man, in his 30s, has been discharged from hospital after being treated for minor injuries.
Jahmel Joseph, 28, from Ealing, has been arrested and charged wih attempted murder, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a prohibited weapon and dangerous driving.
He appeared in custody at Bromley Magistrates Court yesterday and is now due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
Arrow MORE: Man arrested after Scottish gangsters shot dead in Spanish bar
Arrow MORE: London Underground driver sacked after knitting and watching videos at the wheel
Arrow MORE: Woman stabbed mum to death with birthday cake knife at child's party
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
STV News
2 hours ago
- STV News
Canadian prosecutors win bid to extradite Scots over death of restaurateur
Canadian prosecutors have won a battle in their bid to extradite three Scots wanted in Ontario for their alleged involvement in the death of a restaurant owner. Lawyers for Canada had to prove to Sheriff Julius Komorowski that the offences allegedly committed were ones recognised in Scots law. Canadian authorities want Robert Evans, 24, his father, Robert Busby Evans, 47, and his uncle Barry Evans, 54, returned from Scotland to their country. They say the three men were involved in the death of a man called Sharif Rahman in Owen Sound, Ontario in August 2023. Ontario provincial police said the 24-year-old had been charged with manslaughter while his father and uncle were charged with accessory after the fact to commit an indictable offence. In order to be extradited from Scotland, prosecutors have to show that there is an equivalent offence to being an accessory to the fact in Scottish law. Lawyers for the two older Evans argued that there was no equivalent act and that the request made by Canada to have them extradited should be refused. In a written judgement published on Tuesday, Sheriff Komorowski concluded there is. He concluded that if the men had committed their alleged offences in Scotland, both the father and uncle would have been prosecuted under the charge of attempting to defeat the ends of justice. He wrote: 'I hold that, under the law of Scotland, it is the crime of attempting to defeat the ends of justice to assist another in fleeing to avoid apprehension for a crime that the assisted person has committed. 'That is so regardless of whether pursuit of that individual has yet commenced, or indeed regardless of whether any investigation has begun. 'Accordingly, I find that Barry Evans and Robert Busby Evans are wanted for conduct that would be criminal according to the law of Scotland if it had occurred here.' The three men were said to have been on holiday in Canada when a dispute allegedly broke out over an unpaid $150 restaurant bill at The Curry House in Owen Sound on August 17, 2023. It has been claimed that restaurateur Sharif Rahman followed the Evans family into the street outside his restaurant, where a physical altercation is alleged to have ensued. The 44-year-old married father-of-one was found injured by a staff member and died a week later in hospital in London, Ontario. The three men were arrested in Edinburgh and Dalkeith last year in connection with an outstanding international warrant. Canadian media outlets have reported that Robert Evans and his father and brother were in the country on visitors visas and left shortly after the incident involving Mr Rahman. It has been claimed that Barry drove Robert Junior 40 miles away from the scene after the alleged attack. Robert Senior is also alleged to have arranged for his child to return to Scotland the following day. Sheriff Komorowski wrote: 'Also, the next day (August 18, 2023), Barry Evans attended at the hotel in which he had booked rooms the day before for him and the brother of Robert Evans. 'He had made that booking just before attending at the restaurant. On his return there the next day, he retrieved his deposit and driving licence. 'He also removed his guest registration containing his name, signature and car registration. 'This was done as a means of avoiding Barry Evans and Robert Evans' brother being placed close to the scene of the crime, which in turn was to avoid the implication that Robert Evans might have been present at the scene.' Prosecutors in Canada claim the alleged actions by the two men were committed in a bid to frustrate the investigation into Mr Rahman's death and were illegal. Sheriff Komorowski wrote: 'It follows that, with respect to the allegations against Barry Evans concerning items taken by him from the hotel the day after the incident, the dual criminality requirement is met. 'It does not matter whether there was in fact any investigation ongoing or whether Barry Evans knew of any investigation. 'I consider the alleged connection between these items and avoiding the identification of Robert Evans (junior) as a perpetrator quite tenuous. 'But as counsel for the requested persons properly acknowledged, it is not for me to decide what inferences might properly be drawn from the behaviour alleged as to what the purpose was in taking these items. 'That is a question as to guilt or innocence which is solely for the courts of the requesting state to determine after a criminal trial.' The two older men were represented in proceedings by advocate Sarah Loosemore. According to her Faculty of Advocates profile, Ms Loosemore practiced in the superior and appellate courts in Ontario before calling to the bar in Scotland. Sheriff Komorowski also said that his ruling did not mean the three men could be extradited immediately. He added: 'As there are other matters yet to be determined that might preclude the extradition of these two individuals, this decision does not bring these extradition proceedings to a conclusion. 'If ultimately the court refers the extradition of these two individuals to the Scottish Ministers, and the Ministers order extradition, then there is a right of appeal to the High Court of Justiciary. 'As part of such an appeal, this decision on dual criminality can be reviewed.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
South Wales Guardian
2 hours ago
- South Wales Guardian
Nicola Sturgeon says she could leave Scotland ‘for a wee while'
The former Scottish first minister said a focus on her political career meant she had had to 'forego' living elsewhere. Speaking as her memoir is published, she suggested she could have a 'perspective shift' by living elsewhere. Her comments come as she prepares to step down as an MSP at next May's Holyrood elections – by which point she will have served 27 years in the Scottish Parliament, including more than eight years as first minister. She was arrested and questioned by police as part of the investigation into SNP finances, but has now been formally cleared. However, her husband, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, who she announced her separation from in January this year, has appeared in court charged with alleged embezzlement. Ms Sturgeon said she was now at a point in her life where she is 'happy, contented, looking forward to the future'. But she told BBC Breakfast that while she might live elsewhere for a period, she said she would 'never leave Scotland for very long'. She stated: 'Scotland is my home, it is where I belong, it is where my family is.' She added: 'One of the things about being so focused on a political career is that you forego certain things. 'I didn't live outside of Scotland or the UK for any period when I was younger, I think it is healthy to shift your perspective, to see life from a different angle. 'So, maybe for a wee while I will take myself outside of Scotland, give myself that perspective shift, but I am never going to be away for very long.' Speaking about her memoir, titled Frankly, she said it had been 'important to me to tell my story in my words'. The former SNP leader said: 'I hope lots of people read it, I hope they enjoy it, but it is out there now and people can make up their own minds, and that is actually a nice feeling and I am enjoying that.' She added: 'What I have done in this book is put my story in my words. 'There will be people who enjoy reading it, there will be people who don't. There will be people who slag it off who never read it at all. 'But I am really comfortable I have put my story in my words.' She insisted she is 'really proud of what I achieved as first minister', but added that there was 'lots I wish I had done different and done better' during her time in power. But she stressed that after going through 'difficult' times, she has now found 'a real sense of happiness and joy in life'. Asked about her arrest by police in June 2023, she said the period had been 'difficult' and 'horrific', adding that in the police station she 'felt probably at the lowest ebb in my life'. Ms Sturgeon said: 'What the book also recounts is a process of going through that really difficult time and coming out the other end of it, so it is also a story of resilience and strength. 'I hope people can take something from that as well, that you can face these really tough times in your life – and I know people have faced much, much tougher things in life than I have – but you find within yourself a strength.' She also made clear she has 'no doubt at all' that Scotland will become independent – vowing to campaign in any future referendum on the issue. Ms Sturgeon had been a key figure in the campaign leading up to the 2014 vote, which saw Scots vote by 55% to 45% to stay part of the UK. The former SNP leader accepted that her goal of independence 'wasn't delivered in my time in office', but she said: 'It will happen, I am absolutely in no doubt at all.' She stated: 'I write in the book about what I predict, in not that long a timespan, will be a kind of rewired UK, a sort of federation of the nations, and an independent Scotland will be part of that.' While she said she may not lead an independent Scotland, she said she would 'at some point in the next few years' be involved in campaigning for independence in another referendum. Speaking about a future vote, she added: 'If there is – when there is – another decision on Scottish independence, it will be a case of hold me back. I'll be there.'
Scottish Sun
2 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The £5 street pills wreaking havoc in seaside town voted happiest place to live as pubs replaced by bedsits for addicts
One problem area has a crime rate that's three times the national average 'JEKYLL & HYDE' The £5 street pills wreaking havoc in seaside town voted happiest place to live as pubs replaced by bedsits for addicts Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH its long sandy beach and iconic historic 'Spanish City' complex offering up first class dining and a champagne bar, it doesn't seem absurd that this north east town was dubbed one of the UK's happiest places to live. But baffled locals have branded the accolade "a load of rubbish", claiming the 'Jekyll and Hyde' seaside resort is overrun with drug addicts and alcoholics. 17 Residents have complained that the north east town is being engulfed by anti-social behaviour Credit: NNP 17 A man is seen clutching cans of lager in the morning on the streets of Whitley Bay, where locals say drunks are a problem Credit: NNP 17 Victoria says the town has a lot of potential if investment was spread more evenly across it Credit: NNP 17 Locals claim pregabalin is being used by addicts across the town, sold illegally for £5 a hit Credit: Alamy Whitley Bay, in North Tyneside, was ranked third out of 70 areas in 2024 in an online survey which cited its impressive coastline and independent shops and bars. But locals say there is a stark divide between its hipster high street lined with boutiques and fancy restaurants, and scruffy rundown terraces full of bedsits. Residents who live in the east of the town - also named best place to live in the North of England in 2023 by The Sunday Times - told The Sun they're sick of being woken up by drunks in the middle of the night. They also claim the streets have been flooded with pregabalin - a highly addictive prescription-only medication which can induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, being flogged illegally for £5 a pill - earning the town the nickname 'Pregab City'. While the famous Spanish City Plaza complex, immortalised in the Dire Straits song Tunnel of Love, underwent an impressive renovation in 2018 and is now home to a fine dining restaurant and champagne bar, other areas of the town are struggling. Residents believe many are unable to afford the expensive offerings at the iconic domed building, which housed a down-to-earth funfair, amusement arcade and bingo hall up until the 2000s. Now a cod and chips at the venue will set you back £13.95. South Parade, which leads from the town down to the seafront, used to be lined with bars and nightclubs and was a hive of activity on bank holidays and weekends. But now the street is a shadow of its former self and has just one club - the rundown-looking Havana. Other nightlife hotspots have been replaced by halfway houses, bedsits and B&Bs, many of which are reportedly occupied by alcoholics and drug addicts. We live in UK's 'worst' seaside town – tourists say it's rundown and crime is a problem but here's why locals love it Meanwhile the crime rate in the immediate area is three times as high as the national average. Victoria Knibbs lives in a flat in the area with her boyfriend and dog Sunny. The 29-year-old team manager said: "Whitley Bay has the potential to be a lovely place. There are really nice cafes and bars on one side of the town, but it's still very run-down on the other. "We look out onto our street and there is always shouting. People shout up and down from the windows and there's a constant police presence at one of the B&Bs. We've been woken up at 4am with people shouting drunk in the street and on stuff Victoria Knibbs "Every weekend there are police or ambulances down there. Every day you'll have people on the street corners rolling around. "I was walking to the Metro station the other day and there was a guy trying to pick up his friend off the floor. "They had both fallen over and were moving at the slowest pace. It doesn't bother me, but you will see this as soon as you leave the house. "We've been woken up at 4am with people shouting drunk in the street and on stuff." 'Jekyll and Hyde' town 17 The Spanish City complex saw huge investment in 2018, including the addition of a fine dining restaurant and champagne bar Credit: NNP 17 Locals say some areas have seen limited investment compared to others Credit: NNP Just around the corner from Victoria, one couple are seen hurrying down a back alley, as the man downs a can of lager before 11am. The woman with him is still in her pyjamas as they wander out of sight. Victoria, who says the town is divided in two, added: "Whitley Bay was voted as this lovely place to live, but if people want to visit there's no good hotels to stay at. "There are nice spots, but that's the seafront, it isn't Whitley Bay itself. "I love my flat and the landlord is fine, but the pubs around here bring in a certain clientele. "The places in this town are either run-down and cheap, or they charge you £20 for a glass of water. It's split into two halves." They've spent millions on the sea front and the Spanish City but the investment should have been spread Anonymous resident Victoria claimed there is "no reason" for her to go to Spanish City as there's "nothing for families with kids and dogs". "It was built to make it look, how amazing is this place, but you go and there's not much there. In my whole life I've probably been inside three or four times," she said. "Since we've been living here there have been lots of places we wanted to try but they end up closing down. "I would love to shop independent and go local, but there's not the investment." High accolades 17 The Spanish City was immortalised in a Dire Straits song Credit: NNP 17 The town's seaside location was given as a reason for it being a great place to live Credit: NNP Army veteran Dave Kelly is originally from Northampton but has lived in Whitley Bay for over 20 years. The 52-year-old is fed up of what he sees on a daily basis, telling The Sun: "You see homeless people and alcoholics all of the time. "It's mainly young adults who are off their faces on Pregabalin. Whitley Bay is known to be 'Pregab City'. "The town looks great on paper, especially with all of the investment that got put into the seaside. "It sounds great when you talk about lovely beaches etc., but it's only that part. There is nothing spoken about regarding the town centre. You see homeless people and alcoholics all of the time. It's mainly young adults who are off their faces on Pregabalin. Whitley Bay is known to be 'Pregab City' Dave Kelly "I live opposite Spanish City and you get travellers coming down there. Just the other week the travellers cut the gates off a park but they just got moved on. "You get lots of p***heads in the centre, too. The other day we got a group who came along and took the leftover tobacco from ashtrays on the outside tables of pubs and were making roll-ups in front of everyone." In the 2024 survey from FurnitureBox of the happiest places to live in the UK, only Stratford-upon-Avon and Harrogate were ranked higher than Whitley Bay. The town was also named Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast in the 2023 Sunday Times Best Places to Live guide. The paper described the town's high street, Park View, as "one of the best independent shopping streets in the country, with its artisan bakery, brunch spots and microbrewery, as well as more traditional outlets such as the shoe-repairer and the butcher." What is Pregabalin? Pregabalin is a prescription-only medicine which has flooded the black market, selling for up to £5 a pill. The white or orange tablets induce feelings of euphoria and relaxation, but can be highly addictive and even deadly when consumed alongside other drugs, such as opioids. Dan Brocksopp works as a young persons team leader at PROPS, a recovery service which aims to improve the lives of families affected by alcohol and drug use in Newcastle and North Tyneside. He said: "Substance misuse, alcohol and drugs, is becoming an ever- increasing problem. With pregabalin, people who are using it should only be getting it through their GP or hospitals. "It's finding its way into the wrong hands, and then it's getting distributed through the local communities. "Not a lot of people know the risks associated with pregabs as they've bought it off the street. When a drug is prescribed, the doctor takes into account the patient's age and size and tolerance. "That obviously doesn't happen when it's taken illegally. "We are concerned that pregabs are becoming an ever-growing issue alongside other drugs including alcohol. "Pregabs are being intercepted as they travel through hospitals and GP surgeries. People are getting them prescribed and then selling them on to make a little bit of money. "They are mainly used to treat epilepsy, anxiety and nerve pain. If someone is presenting themselves to a GP with those conditions, they can be prescribed them. "With any drug there is a street value. People can make money from them. With epilepsy you'd have to be diagnosed, there would have to be proof of that. "But high levels of anxiety are hard to prove, so people are presenting with these issues, and realising they can get pregabs. They then distribute them and sell them. "Like any drug it Pregabs can suppress thoughts and feelings and reduce anxiety. It can also suppress physical pain, and that's what it is prescribed for in terms of nerve damage." Dan added: "Mixed with other drugs, pregabs become highly dangerous. "In terms of anti-social behaviour, what we do find is that people tend to act erratically when they are taking illicit substances. "When the effects of the drug wear off, it can increase insomnia, pain and anxiety. You might be in discomfort which could cause you to make decisions you otherwise wouldn't when out in the community. "Because pregabs are prescription-only drugs you can sell them for up to £5 tablet, and a lot more inside prisons. "But also vulnerable people who are actually prescribed pregabs for a genuine medical problem are exploited and the drugs are taken from these people to sell." 'Misspent millions' 17 Residents feel that even things like the state of the roads is ignored Credit: NNP 17 Locals claim drugs and alcohol are causing havoc for the town Credit: NNP One man, who wanted to remain anonymous, added: "Being named as one of the best places to live is a load of rubbish. It's definitely going downhill. "This place is all second-hand shops and all of the banks are closing down. "You see loads of homeless people unfortunately. "Even little things like the roads. If you look at them you will see lots of potholes. Being named as one of the best places to live is a load of rubbish. It's definitely going downhill Anonymous resident "They've spent millions on the seafront and the Spanish City, but the investment should have been spread. "That investment hasn't exactly brought lots of jobs here, only for council workers and contractors from down south. "If you look at South Shields, you can cycle from there to Newcastle on the new cycle paths they put in. "But you couldn't do that on this side of the river, and we're closer to the city than South Shields." Rising crime rates 17 Whitley Bay's North Parade area battles high crime rates Credit: NNP 17 The high street is struggling with many shops and hotels closed and boarded up Credit: NNP According to Street Check data, the crime rate in and around North Parade is classed as high, with 288 reported crimes per 1,000 people. The national average is 88. In Whitley Bay as a whole the figure is much lower, at 89 crimes per 1,000 people. Leslie, 70, who didn't want to give her surname, said: "There are a lot of druggies in the guesthouses. "They have changed a lot of the accommodation to halfway houses where the people are coming off drugs or drink. "But they're not clean because I know people who live on them. There are a lot of druggies in the guesthouses. They have changed a lot of the accommodation to halfway houses where the people are coming off drugs or drink Leslie "There's no way of policing people using drugs, so it's an issue. Who looks after these people?" She added: "There are nice parts. Park View, the high street, is good, but there are parts that let the place down. "Even the pavements are bad. I saw an old lady fall over the other day because it's all uneven and she stumbled and fell. "There needs to be better investment for things like that." Around the corner three young men in tracksuits holding a crate of lager are seen hurrying across the street and into a flat, locking the door behind them. Hotel hell 17 Brian tuned to begging after his benefits were stopped Credit: NNP Brian Place found himself begging on the streets after his benefits were stopped. The 45-year-old, who lives in a nearby residential home, said: "It is a bit bad around here. The people who get put in the hotels cause trouble. "It was voted as the best place to live but those people haven't seen the streets or the shopping bits. "I do think it has started to clam down with the drunks, but it has been bad." One woman walking her dog through the town who didn't want to be named added: "The people in the hotels gather in clusters. It was voted as the best place to live but those people haven't seen the streets or the shopping bits Brian Place "You often see them outside Home Bargains with the police outside. "We used to have lots of pubs and clubs, but at least they were making money. "We have the Dome, which do good meals, but it's very expensive. "The stuff they have spent the money on doesn't appeal to everyone. "If you walk along the streets you can tell where the nice stuff is, for the people with money. "Then you come into the centre and it's Home Bargains and charity shops." Tackling anti-social behaviour 17 Local police say they take all the crimes seriously and will respond Credit: NNP Northumbria Police's Chief Inspector David Morrison, of North Tyneside Area Command, said: "We take every crime reported to us seriously and carry out a number of initiatives across the year to ensure Whitley Bay remains a safe and welcoming place for everyone. "During the summer months this includes Operation Coastwatch, which involves extra patrols, preventative work on the transport network to disrupt and stop any disorder before it reaches communities, and beach wardens to monitor coastal activity. "In the first six months of this year alone we saw a 19 per cent fall in the number of reported anti-social behaviour incidents in the town, compared with the same period in 2024. "We are not complacent, however, and are aiming to build on these excellent results. "Alongside our partner organisations, including North Tyneside Council, we carry out regular high-visibility patrols to identify any issues and act upon them. "We remain absolutely committed to tackling all forms of criminality in the community and anyone living in the area who has concerns should contact us so that we take the appropriate action. "Anyone found responsible for criminal behaviour will be dealt with to the full extent of the law." Rejuvenation hopes 17 The town used to be popular for people to spend a day or night out Credit: NNP 17 Parts of the town have seen huge investment but other areas have been left behind Credit: NNP Peter Mennell, Director of Housing at North Tyneside Council, said: "Whitley Bay has undergone a major transformation in recent years, with significant investment from the Council and private sector partners helping to breathe new life into the town. "The seafront has been revitalised, local businesses are thriving, and the town consistently ranks among the best places to shop — a real sign of the pride and happiness people feel here. "In the first six months of this year, reports of anti-social behaviour in Whitley Bay have fallen by 19 per cent, reflecting the positive impact of regular patrols and joint initiatives such as Operation Coastwatch. "Our work with Northumbria Police and partners ensures a strong, visible presence throughout the town, and we're committed to building on this success. "Our Community Protection Team and Northumbria Police work closely with residents and businesses to keep Whitley Bay safe and welcoming. "We encourage people to come and talk to us at community consultations and events — because working together is how we'll continue to tackle any issues and make the town an even better place to live, work and visit."
