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Missing South Norwood six-year-old and teen aunt found abroad

December 17, 2013, 6:00 am
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A SIX-year-old and her teenage aunt who sparked a manhunt after they never returned from a trip to the library, have been found safe and well - in another country. Zeenat Abdala and her niece, Lutfiya Salum had last been seen at around noon on Saturday as they left their home in South Norwood to go to the library in Lawrence Road. Yesterday police launched an appeal to find them. However the Met today announced they were satisfied the pair were safe. A statement from the force said: "They have returned to the country of their birth with family members."

Missing South Norwood six-year-old and teen aunt found abroad

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Teens plead not guilty to manslaughter over fire death

December 17, 2013, 6:23 am
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TWO teenagers have pleaded not guilty to manslaughter and arson over the death of a homeless man in a fire. A 15-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl appeared at Croydon Crown Court today for a plea and case management hearing. The two defendants both pleaded not guilty to one count of manslaughter and one count of arson. They were arrested and bailed following a fire at the derelict former Sea Cadets building in Davenant Road, Waddon, on June 10. Polish man Sylwester Mendzelewski, 35, was found dead inside the building after the fire was put out, with a post-mortem revealing he died from smoke inhalation. He is believed to have been sleeping rough in the building. A trial has been set for June 9 and is expected to last two weeks. There will be a pre-trial hearing on May 2 which the two defendants are excused from attending.

Teens plead not guilty to manslaughter over fire death

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Boy charged with murder of Fico Dougan appears in court again

December 17, 2013, 6:50 am
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The 16-year-old boy charged with murdering Fico Dougan appeared in court again today via a video link. The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was due to enter his plea of guilty or not guilty to the charge at the Old Bailey but the decision was delayed until January 31 next year. Seventeen-year-old Fico was stabbed to death on September 25 at a house in Ockley Road in Broad Green. The court fixed the date for an expected trial on March 3 for 10 days.

Boy charged with murder of Fico Dougan appears in court again

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X Factor's Hannah Barrett and Fairfield panto stars hand over your Toys for Joy donations

December 17, 2013, 9:50 am
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X FACTOR singer Hannah Barrett and stars of the Fairfield Halls panto Peter Pan brought some festive cheer to kids at Croydon University Hospital this lunchtime. The stars handed over toys donated to the Advertier's annual festive Toys for Joy appeal. We received a huge number of donations this year, with special thanks also going to Ikea, Mothercare, and new Purley Way store Kiddicare, who donated sacks full of toys for children on the Rupert Bear and Peanut wards. And a special mention too for the 500 girls from the Croydon Netball League, who made a huge contribution to the appeal. South Norwood's Hannah, 17, said: "It feels good to come to the hospital, and say hi to everyone and give out presents. "People need to realise that not many of these kids get a chance to even watch TV because they are ill; they can't go to concerts and things like that. For us to go out of way, including the panto stars, to say hi to them is nice."For more photos and further details on Toys for Joy and the celebrity visit, read Friday's Advertiser.
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Croydon man jailed for smuggling cocaine

December 17, 2013, 11:09 am
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A CROYDON man has been jailed for 12 years for his part in a gang running class A drugs through Gatwick Airport from Jamaica. Daniel Kennedy, 33, of Blunt Road, was sentenced today for one count of conspiracy to import three kilograms of cocaine. Two other men: Thomas Ramdas, 34, of Norwood Road, Tulse Hill; and Keith Prempeh, 45, of Spring Grove Road, Isleworth, were also jailed. Police say the drugs were distributed via Ramdas' business, Bubbas Restaurant in Tulse Hill. The operation started to unravel in February 2013 when police searched a car travelling along Edgware Road in London. Officers found three dog biscuit boxes, each containing one kilogram of heroin, in the boot. A salt box containing 0.5 kilograms of crack cocaine was in the front passenger seat. The drugs were being delivered to Ramdas. Officers discovered Ramdas and Kennedy had recruited Prempeh as a courier to import a large quantity of high purity (82 per cent) cocaine, into the U.K. from Jamaica. On March 28 this year police and border agents stopped Prempeh when he landed in Gatwick airport from Jamaica. He was wearing a tailor-made body suit containing three kilograms of cocaine strapped to his body. Ramdas and Kennedy were also arrested, and Ramdas Ramdas convicted of a further count of conspiracy to import cocaine after evidence showed he recruited, planned and payed vulnerable young females to go to the Caribbean and import Class A drugs on his behalf. Met Police Detective Inspector Troon said those involved had a "direct-link" with the supply to mid-level dealers in Croydon and Lambeth. She added: "These sentences are a satisfying culmination of months of painstaking police work from specialist officers and Borough partners." The men were convicted after a ten week trial at Kingston Crown Court. Ramdas was jailed for 18 years' jail for each of four counts, including conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine, to run concurrently. Prempeh was sentenced to four years jail for conspiracy to import three kilograms of cocaine via Gatwick Airport.

Croydon man jailed for smuggling cocaine

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Job losses and service cuts as Croydon Council loses more funding

December 18, 2013, 12:37 am
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CROYDON Council will have to cut £2 million in services – including youth activities and volunteering – as well as finding another £15 million in savings, to cope with another slash in Government funding.

More than 10 per cent has been shaved off the council's funding from last year, meaning that the authority has endured a 31 per cent cut since 2010.

In proposals going before a scrutiny committee on Tuesday, the budget for children, families and learning is to be slashed, with a £760,000 cut to early intervention, family support and integrated youth services.

Up to 35 jobs could be cut from the service, with another 13 at risk of redundancy. Investment into the voluntary sector will also be affected, with a £125,000 cut.

The chief executive's department is to experience a £1 million cutback, by reducing service managers and manager support, as well as removing £250,000 from its training budget. It also hopes to save £93,000 by axing the Your Croydon magazine.

In total, the proposals could cost 50 council jobs and put another 23 at risk.

Jason Cummings, the committee's deputy chair and Conservative councillor for Heathfield, said: "Cuts always need to be scrutinised, but people need to remember that Croydon has cut fewer services than neighbouring boroughs by making more efficiencies. Children's centres and libraries have remained open through innovative savings."

The plan also sets out how the council plans to save money without cutting back on services.

The budget for adult social care could see £5.9million worth of savings by changing care for the vulnerable and housing schemes.

Sean Fitzsimons, the committee's vice chair and Labour councillor for Addiscombe, said it was crucial to properly scrutinise the efficiency proposals to make sure they were not "cuts masquarading as savings", adding: "A saving is when a service is provided for the same number of people but it costs less. A cut is when the council stops paying for something. We need to make sure those differences are clear."

The biggest savings are likely to come from a £3million cut in the cost of the council's IT system, whereas one of the smallest savings at £10,000 comes from cutting ties with Arnhem – a town it has been twinned with since 1946.

In the proposals, a review of the council's care contracts will be made, a move which hopes to save £600,000. Up to 15 jobs could be lost at the council and another eight are at risk through the efficiency plans.

Where the cash will come from Care The council is currently facing a £1.8million overspend from the second quarter of 2013 although cabinet members are busy presenting a recovery plan to reduce it to £454,000. However, the forecast has improved from the first quarter due to a £800,000 sum from the Department of Health to cover the effects of winter pressure on social care services. A sharp increase in the number of children in need has resulted in the council spending £1.6million over budget, while the cost of children in care has risen to £1million in in-house fostering and another £1million in foster placements. The council also hopes to install specialist bathrooms in sheltered blocks for the elderly so that fewer need constant care or placements in care homes, saving save £250,000. Similarly, £500,000 could be saved by extending an initiative to move vulnerable people from residential care into supported housing within the community. The council also hopes to save £452,000 by increasing the number of foster parents looking after children in care. Environment Like Croydon's care contracts, the council has proposed re-tendering deals with the companies who look after parks and green spaces, saving £563,000. It also plans to save £247,000 from its green and food waste disposal. Health A further £500,000 could be saved due to the Health and Social Care Act 2012 which will see the council and Croydon's NHS clinical commissioning group (CCG) paying for services together. Education For children's services, £1million could be saved in special educational needs (SEN) through a Government education grant. However, the council also plans to save £280,000 by encouraging more children with SEN not to travel on council transport. Income Parking fines should boost council coffers by £300,000 while more fines for speeding or driving in bus lanes could provide another £185,000. The proposals also seek to collect £100,000 more by charging schools for their advisory education psychology service and £83,000 through its school improvement service. Cremation fees are planned to go up to raise just £14,000, while the council hopes to make £25,000 by charging for a scheme for vulnerable adults which helps them live independently and £30,000 for Careline, which wires up houses with emergency phone lines.

Job losses and service cuts as Croydon Council loses more funding

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Crystal Palace star Kagisho Dikgacoi on a mission to make a difference in South Africa

April 25, 2014, 9:30 am
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CRYSTAL Palace star Kagisho Dikgacoi is on a mission to give something back to the community and sport that has given him so much. Growing up in the town of Brandfort, South Africa, Dikgacoi says he was "saved" from the a life of crime and drugs by a passionate love of football, and is now determined to make a difference back home. The mentoring he received from his primary school football coach and support from his football-mad grandfather, took him "away from the streets" to become one of the most prominent South African footballers of his generation. The Palace midfielder known affectionately as KG, launched his Kagisho Dikgacoi Foundation in October last year. "I was supporting many different charities out of my own pocket [after turning professional]," he said. "I used to support schools and colleges around my old community. Dikgacoi said it was his ambassador role for the Crystal Palace Foundation that opened his eyes to the possibility of starting his own foundation. He added: "I knew I could reach and support more people back in South Africa if I started my own foundation." However, he said it was "tough" juggling the demands of top-level professional sport with the additional commitment needed to take on something of this magnitude. "First of all I had to get someone in could who help me get sponsorship, to organised events, that sort of thing," he said. "Overall it was a long process and a tough one, but once we got it all sorted we could start organising our events and really getting our support out there." While Dikgacoi understands the power of being a good role model, he is guarded on whether there is a duty on all top pros to give something back. "It's up to the individual's own heart," he said. "I wouldn't say they have a 'responsibility' to do so, but I do think it is important to be a role model for your community. "My target is for my foundation to not only support people in South Africa but to grow into other parts of Africa." To help get involved with the Kagisho Dikgacoi Foundation, you can check out the website – http://kagishodikgacoi.org/

Crystal Palace star Kagisho Dikgacoi on a mission to make a difference in South Africa

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Full list of London candidates for May's European elections

April 25, 2014, 10:35 am
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THE full list of candidates standing to be the right members of the European Parliament for London have been confirmed. They are (parties listed alphabetically):4 Freedoms Party - Dirk Hazell - NoelleAnne O'Sullivan - Andrew Bell - Geoff Gibas - Aline Doussin - Deborah Phillips - Royston Flude - Brendan DonnellyAn Independence from Europe - Patrick Burns - Marlene Daniel - Gareth Griffiths - Munpreet Bhathal - Sharon Greenfield - Eddie Yeoman - Fred Atkins - Jean AtkinsAnimal Welfare Party - Vanessa Hudson - Alexandar Bourke - Kirsteen Williamson-Guinn - Andrew Knight - Dimple Patel - Meg Mathews - Guy Dessoy - Ranjan JoshiBritish National Party - Stephen Squire - Donna Treanor - Paul Sturdy - John Clarke - David Furness - Cliff Le May - Ray Underwood - Kevin LazellChristian Peoples Alliance - Sid Cordle - Yemi Awolola - Ashley Dickenson - Sharmilla Swarna - Laurence Williams - Ethel Odiete - Kevin Nichols - Stephen HammondCommunities United Party - Kamran Malik - Humera Kamran - Cydatty Bogie - Mary Coleman-Daniels - Idris Ali - Reuben Agharese Edokpayi - Sunita Singh - Joanne FlandersConservative Party - Syed Salah Kamall - Timothy Tannock - Marina Yannakoudakis - Caroline Attfield - Lynne Hack - Sheila Lawlor - Glyn Chambers - Annesley AbercornEnglish Democrats - Jenny Knight - Matthew Roberts - Maggi Young - Graham Clipperton - Gary Butler - Nick Capp - Louise Dutton - Natalie SmithEuropeans Party - Tommy Tomescu - Andrzej Rygielski - Vanessa Rodriguez - Robin Ashenden - Emil Rusanov - Georgios Papagrigorakis Green Party - Jean Lambert - Caroline Allen - Haroon Saad - Shahrar Ali - Danny Bates - Tracey Hague - Violeta Vajda - Amelia WomackHarmony Party - David VincentLabour Party - Claude Moraes - Mary Honeyball - Lucy Anderson - Seb Dance - Ivana Bartoletti - Kamaljeet Jandu - Sanchia Alasia - Andrea BiondiLiberal Democrats - Sarah Ann Ludford - Jonathan Fryer - Richard Davis - Anuja Prashar - Rosina Robson - Turhan Ozen - Simon James - Matt McLarenNational Health Action Party - Louise Irvine - Chidi Ejimofo - Marcus Chown - Kathryn Anderson - Rufus Hound - Jessica Ormerod - Andrew Sharp - Alex AshmanNational Liberal Party - True Liberalism - Graham Williamson - Jagdeesh Singh - Sockalingam Yogalingam - Doris Jones - Upkar Rai - Yussef Anwar - Araz Yurdseven - Bernard DubeNO2EU - Edward Dempsey - Alexander Gordon - April Ashley - Annie Ngemi - Mary Davis - Paula Mitchell - Natasha Hoarau - Michael CartyUK Independence Party - Gerard Batten - Paul Oakley - Elizabeth Jones - Lawrence Webb - Alastair McFarlane - Anthony Brown - Andrew McNeilis - Peter Whittle

Full list of London candidates for May's European elections

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Selsdon Park Road victim died of multiple stab wounds rules post mortem

April 25, 2014, 2:33 pm
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A MAN stabbed to death in Selsdon on Thursday night died from multiple wounds, a post mortem has found. The 52-year-old man, who has yet to be formally identified, was attacked in Selsdon Park Road at 10.30pm. Paramedics and London's Air Ambulance were called but the man died at the scene. A 23-year-old man arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder remains in custody at a south London police station. Scotland Yard said that the investigation, though in its early stages, had established there is nothing to suggest the victim knew the person who attacked him. The Homicide and Major Crime Command is investigating and an incident room has been opened by Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn. Police believe they know the identity of the victim. His next of kin have been informed.Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 020 8721 4805 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Selsdon Park Road victim died of multiple stab wounds rules post mortem

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Croydon mum: 'Doctors advised abortion but now my little miracle is a symbol of hope for others'

April 25, 2014, 11:00 pm
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CRADLED in her mother's arms, little Maisie Smith has overcome more than most to be here today. The 18-week-old was diagnosed with a diaphragm defect when she was in the womb, and doctors said she could be aborted. Her congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) meant organs slipped into her chest area, leaving little room for her lungs to grow. But after an operation not long after she was born, she is going "from strength to strength" – a tiny symbol of hope for others affected by the condition. Her mother, Amy Smith, 28, said: "She has one and a bit lungs so she has to work a bit harder than a normal baby would. "She isn't gaining enough weight at the moment, so she has to have a tube. "But she is getting there. She does everything else a normal baby should be doing at her age. I get quite emotional at times just by looking at her." Ms Smith recalled how Maisie was diagnosed with CDH, which affects about one in every 2,500 babies, after doctors at first though she had a cyst. She said: "We were then told to go for a scan at St George's Hospital where we were given the terrible news that our little girl did in fact have a right-sided congenital diaphragmatic hernia, and her chances were 50/50. "In Maisie's case her liver and bowel were in her chest. After being told that she had CDH, we were offered a termination, which quite took me aback. "I couldn't believe what the doctor was saying to me. I told him that wasn't even an option." Maisie was born on December 16, at 37 weeks, weighing 5lb and 4oz. She was whisked away to be intubated and had her operation on Boxing Day. Miss Smith added: "When I first saw her in intensive care, it was heartbreaking. Her body was shaking, but that was from the ventilation. "As the days went on Maisie improved and was able to have her operation to bring the liver and bowel down to where it should be and put a patch on the diaphragm so it doesn't happen again. "So the day after Boxing Day she went down for her operation. It was the longest few hours of my life. Since then Maisie has just gone from strength to strength." She added that she knew nothing about CDH before her baby was diagnosed, and wants more people to know about the condition in case they or their friends ever have to face it. She said the charity CDH UK (cdhuk.org.uk) had offered her a lot of support and advice. "I had not heard of it at all and it is so scary, because the doctors said to us you cannot know how good or how bad her lungs are until she is there. "So we had to wait until she was here to see how she was going to be. It was terrifying." Now back at home with her siblings and father, Billy Palmer, Maisie is "the best baby", according to her mother. She added: "She sleeps through the night and is always, always smiling. It melts my heart because she has been through so much yet she is always, always smiling. I am welling up just talking to you."

Croydon mum: 'Doctors advised abortion but now my little miracle is a symbol of hope for others'

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Ephraim Norman, 23, charged with Selsdon Park Road murder

April 26, 2014, 12:46 am
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POLICE have charged a man with murder following the death of a 52-year-old in Selsdon on Thursday night. Ephraim Norman, 23, of Thornton Heath, is due to appear at Camberwell Green Magistrates' Court later this morning (Saturday). The 52-year-old man, who has yet to be formally identified, was stabbed in Selsdon Park Road at 10.30pm. Paramedics and London's Air Ambulance were called but the man died at the scene. A post mortem found the man died from multiple stab wounds. Scotland Yard has said there is nothing to suggest the victim knew the person who attacked him. The Homicide and Major Crime Command is investigating and an incident room has been opened by Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn. Police believe they know the identity of the victim. His next of kin have been informed.

Ephraim Norman, 23, charged with Selsdon Park Road murder

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Crystal Palace boss: Survival is not about individual success

April 26, 2014, 1:00 am
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TONY PULIS insists that Crystal Palace's survival has not been about individuals, amid talk that he could be a contender for the Premier League manager of the year. Since his arrival at Selhurst Park, Pulis has transformed the Eagles' fortunes, guiding them from relegation favourites to surprise contenders for a top ten finish. Five wins in a row have guaranteed that Palace will survive in the top flight for the first time since the Premier League's inception in 1992, with the Eagles boss being tipped as a contender for the managerial accolade, alongside Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and Everton manager Roberto Martinez. However, he says the praise should go to everyone at the club, adding that the players, management, board and fans all deserve credit for Palace's remarkable turnaround. "It is not about individuals," he said. "Everyone has got together and we have got everyone on board in the same direction. "I am very proud and very pleased with the achievement." And as for being a potential contender for manager of the year, Pulis says he will let other people talk up his chances. "It is nice," he said. "No one would be more pleased than myself if it happened, but I will let other people involved in football talk about that. "It is not down to one person, and a lot of the credit goes to the chairman and directors who have backed us and the players who have been fantastic."

Crystal Palace boss: Survival is not about individual success

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Bones found at Purley house date back to Saxon era

April 26, 2014, 3:59 am
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POLICE investigating the discovery of human bones outside a home in Purley,have today(Saturday),confirmed they date back to between 670 to 775AD. Expert anthropologist analysis was used to date the bones after officers were called to a house in Riddlesdown Road on April 14 when builders found bones buried underneath the driveway. A spokesman for the Met said today there will be no further police investigation. The forensic report will be passed to English Heritage who have expressed further interest in the discovery as it is known that an ancient Saxon burial site is in the vicinity. The family at the address have been informed. The scene has now been closed.

Bones found at Purley house date back to Saxon era

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Ephraim Norman appears in court charged with Selsdon murder

April 26, 2014, 5:42 am
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A 23-year-old man charged with the murder of a 52-year-old man in Selsdon has been remanded in custody after appearing before Camberwell Green magistrates today (Saturday). Ephraim Norman of Thornton Heath will appear in court again at the Old Bailey on Tuesday. Norman was arrested at the scene of a stabbing in Selsdon Park Road on Thursday night and police have said they were not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the incident. Officers have also said there is nothing to suggest the victim and the suspect knew each other. Police were called to the scene at around 10.30pm on Thursday after the reports of a stabbing and the incident was also attended by the London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, despite efforts by paramedics to revive him. Police believe they know the identity of the victim but no formal identification had yet been made. Next of kin have been informed. A post mortem which took place yesterday (Friday) revealed the man had died from multiple stab wounds. The Homicide and Major Crime Command is investigating and an incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn. A 50-year-old woman who lives opposite the scene told the Advertiser: "They [the paramedics] worked on him for ages. "I watched out of my bedroom window and it was really shocking." Anyone with information that may assist police should contact the incident room on 0208 721 4805 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Ephraim Norman appears in court charged with Selsdon murder

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New Addington family forced out of home by flood of raw sewage

April 26, 2014, 6:38 am
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A FAMILY have been left temporarily homeless after raw sewage from a burst drain flooded their property.

Kim Huggins and her two youngest sons are for the moment being put up by Croydon Council nearly nine miles away in West Norwood, after a drain next to their house in Oakbank, Fieldway, overflowed on Monday night.

And, according to Miss Huggins, this is not the first time her home has come under attack from a sewage storm.

The 53-year-old recalled hearing "bubbling" noises at around midnight and coming downstairs to find sewage spreading across the ground floor.

She said: "I could hear some bubbling and the dog was going mad because I keep him [overnight] in the downstairs toilet.

"When I opened the toilet door the toilet was coming back on itself. Water had come in the front door and all along the passage. It was about two inches up the wall.

"You could not tread on the floor because it was covered in water. All the floorboards are starting to rise."

Miss Huggins called firefighters, who attended but said they could not deal with sewage floods.

The council agreed on Tuesday that the privately rented property could not be lived in until the issue was sorted out.

The mother-of-five says the drain has overflowed twice before since she moved in four years ago, but this time was the worst yet, with neighbours houses also affected.

She says the sewerage system is insufficient for the area's needs, and has called on Thames Water to make changes.

Miss Huggins added: "They have built this big estate: they should have made sure the sewerage system could manage.

"It's upsetting because it is breaking the family up. My grandchildren cannot come and visit me [now I'm so far away]."

Her youngest son, Kayun, 15, is doing his GCSEs at Addington High and now faces a long journey to and from school, while their two pet dogs, Kizzie and Banks, cannot go with the family to the temporary accommodation.

A spokesman for Thames Water said it "sympathised" with affected residents, adding: "The problem was due to rainwater overwhelming our sewer network.

"We have arranged for a clean-up of the area, including individual properties, to take place on Wednesday [April 23] and have scheduled an engineer to visit within the next week to clean the sewer pipes."

New Addington family forced out of home by flood of raw sewage

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Ryelands Primary School in Croydon rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted ahead of academy switch

April 26, 2014, 7:00 am
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A PRIMARY school in South Norwood has been put in special measures just a week before it becomes an academy.

Ryelands Primary School, on Albert Road, was inspected in February and has been rated as 'inadequate' by Ofsted inspectors.

The school is to become an academy with Oasis Community Learning on May 1 and is in the process of moving to new premises at the old CALAT site on Sandown Road.

Head teacher Carmel Dolan has decided to move on after 13 years with Ryelands and has already been replaced by Di Morgan, who has been head teacher of Oasis Academy Johanna in Waterloo for three years.

Eugene Gilkes, chair of governors at Ryelands, said Ms Dolan's decision was entirely her own. "Carmel decided to leave because she thought it would be best for the school as we go through that transition period to have someone who knows the processes of Oasis. She picked her own successor.

"She has done a fantastic job and the Ofsted report is an unfair reflection of the progress the school has been making."

The achievement of pupils, quality of teaching and leadership and management of the school were all rated as 'inadequate' by Ofsted.

Its report criticises the leadership and management for not tackling underachievement in Key Stage 2 quickly enough and not addressing the weaknesses in teaching effectively enough to secure rapid improvements.

The level of teaching is criticised for being inadequate and it also states work is often pitched at the wrong level, making it sometimes too easy or too hard for pupils.

Mr Gilkes said he could give a "logical explanation" for every criticism in the report.

"There isn't anything in the report identified by Ofsted we weren't fully aware of and hadn't taken steps to fix anyway," he added.

"We weren't being given enough financial help by the local authority (Croydon Council), so we went to Oasis. Carmel and the governors knew that we needed help and so we went and looked for it before things got worse. It is unfortunate Ofsted came when they did because we had already sought to address the issues."

There was praise for the school's nursery and reception classes as well as the attendance levels of pupils. The report also recognises the staff and governors' determination to help the school get better.

Ryelands Primary School in Croydon rated 'inadequate' by Ofsted ahead of academy switch

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Police confirm man stabbed to death in Selsdon was Andrew David Else of Croydon

April 26, 2014, 8:31 am
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POLICE have released the name of the 52-year-old man who died after being stabbed in Selsdon Park Road, Selsdon on Thursday. A spokesman for the Met said this afternoon (Saturday) they believe the victim to be Andrew David Else of Croydon, although he said formal identification had yet to take place. He added no further information about Mr Else was being released at this stage. Earlier today Ephraim Norman, 23, of Thornton Heath appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates court charged with murder. He was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday. Norman was arrested at the scene in Selsdon Park Road and police have said they are not actively seeking anyone else in connection with the incident. Officers have also said there is nothing to suggest the victim and the suspect knew each other. Police were called to the scene at around 10.30pm on Thursday after the reports of a stabbing and the incident was also attended by the London Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance. Mr Else, was pronounced dead at the scene, despite efforts by paramedics to revive him. A post mortem which took place yesterday (Friday) revealed Mr Else had died from multiple stab wounds. The Homicide and Major Crime Command is investigating and an incident room has opened under Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Gwyn. A 50-year-old woman who lives opposite the scene told the Advertiser: "They [the paramedics] worked on him for ages. "I watched out of my bedroom window and it was really shocking." Anyone with information that may assist police should contact the incident room on 0208 721 4805 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police confirm man stabbed to death in Selsdon was Andrew David Else of Croydon

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Croydon Tories hope green youths will give reds the blues

April 26, 2014, 9:30 am
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CROYDON Conservatives will field ten candidates under the age of 30 in next month's local elections.

The injection of youth will see seven candidates aged 24 or under stand – albeit largely in less-favoured Conservative wards.

Just two of the candidates – Mario Creatura, 27, parliamentary assistant to Gavin Barwell, and James Thompson, 23, the chairman of Croydon Conservative Future – are strong favourites to win their seats in Coulsdon West and Coulsdon East respectively.

Mr Creatura believes the experience will put the candidates through their political paces and give them invaluable experience if they do wish to stand in future elections.

He said: "It would have been wrong to put people in specific seats. It is a very long and drawn-out process the way we select our candidates so the people picked are the best for the job."

The move to find fresh-faced candidates is a deliberate one on the Conservatives' part, with a number recruited externally.

Rosina St James told the Advertiser in November she wanted to be Croydon's first female MP and she was headhunted by the Croydon Conservative Future group as a result of the article.

She is now running alongside Jonny Cope, 24, and Matt O'Flynn, 19, in South Norwood – a ward which had Tory seats as recently as 2010 but was won by Labour in that election.

Some of the candidates in the north of the borough, many of whom are already working in jobs outside the political sphere, realise there is little chance of reaching the town hall when the votes are counted on May 22.

Samir Dwesar, 24, running in West Thornton, is the great nephew of Croydon's first Asian councillor Amrit Devesar, although for an opposing party.

Mr Dwesar added: "I chose Conservative because Labour made a mess of the economy and are better for aspirational people.

"We may not win but if I can reduce [Labour's] majority and change some minds then who knows what might happen at the next election."

One candidate who may have to make his excuses and leave before the end of election night is student Ben Flook, 18, who is standing in Norbury while studying for his A levels at Wilson's School in Wallington.

He said: "I can balance my school work and the election. I want to show that young people can be interested in politics and I think it is important that we are."

Croydon Tories hope green youths will give reds the blues

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Crystal Palace vs Man City: Eagles could have huge say in the destiny of Premier League title

April 26, 2014, 12:45 pm
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IT'S time to throw a spanner in the Premier League title race.

That's what Palace could do when they welcome Manchester City to Selhurst Park on Sunday.

The visitors must win to keep up the pressure on leaders Liverpool, especially if Brendan Rodgers' side beat Chelsea in the big clash at Anfield on Sunday.

However, for the neutral fan out there, if you've kept an eye on how the Eagles have been doing lately, you'll know full well that three points will not be won before the ball is kicked.

Tony Pulis' men are the form side in the top flight with five wins in a row – which equalled the squad of the 1992-93 season in the Premier League when they achieved the same feat.

Palace will be looking to break that record again and they should feel confident going into this one. There is nothing to fear.

And they could be helped further with two of City's best players possibly ruled out through injury.

Yaya Toure may miss out with the muscle injury picked up at Liverpool recently, while David Silva was stretchered off against West Bromwich Albion on Monday night.

Of course, they could face late fitness tests ahead of what is a must-win game for Manuel Pellegrini's under-pressure side.

Pulis may welcome back Marouane Chamakh, who had a tight hamstring following the win at Everton and was rested at Upton Park.

Otherwise, he could stick with pretty much the same team we've seen for the last month, the same side who have conjured up those five victories to achieve survival.

Julian Speroni looks set to have Adrian Mariappa wearing a protective mask for a broken nose in his defence, with Scott Dann, Damien Delaney and Joel Ward looking to bag another clean sheet also in the backline.

Skipper Mile Jedinak may have either Kagisho Dikgacoi or Joe Ledley alongside him in the centre of midfield, with Yannick Bolasie and Jason Puncheon patrolling the flanks.

If Pulis does bring Chamakh in, it's likely to be in behind Cameron Jerome at the expense of Ledley.

Back in December, City narrowly beat Palace 1-0 thanks to Edin Dzeko's goal but the scoreline did not reflect the actual performance.

The Eagles should have come away with a point and it was England goalkeeper Joe Hart who saved his side from potentially losing the contest.

Bolasie has fired a warning to City ahead of the clash on Sunday.

And he believes the Palace fans will play a major part in unsettling a City side who are still in the title race.

"Man City at home Sunday, playing in front of our crowd, we're looking at create an upset hopefully," said Bolasie.

"People might think we might take our foot off the gas but that's not the case.

"Everyone was calm [after West Ham]. There weren't any major celebrations and I think everyone is looking forward to playing Man City.

"They just about beat us at their place so we'll be looking forward to that with our crowd."

Meanwhile, in-form striker Jerome is also relishing the clash and says there is a lot of belief at Palace at the moment.

Jerome scored against Everton and then won the penalty at West Ham, so he will be feeling good facing the likes of Gael Clichy, Vincent Kompany and Martin Demichelis.

"We have come off the back of some good results and it was important we weren't complacent or took our foot off the gas last weekend," he said.

"We were delighted to keep the run and the momentum going. I am confident in every game that I go into.

"We showed the confidence which is going around the place at the moment. We are just full of belief and believe we can go out and beat most sides in the league.

"It's just the way things are going and the momentum is with us at the moment.

"We can't relax, so it would be nice to finish as high as possible."

Looking at City, Joe Hart will probably have a backline of Pablo Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis and either Clichy or Aleksandar Kolarov.

In midfield, Fernandinho could be partnered by Javi Garcia depending on Toure's injury, with Jesus Navas on the right and Samir Nasri on the left.

If Silva misses out, Pellegrini could opt for two out-and-out strikers in Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero.

Crystal Palace vs Man City: Eagles could have huge say in the destiny of Premier League title

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ONE TO WATCH: Fernandinho is Man City's answer to Mile Jedinak

April 26, 2014, 3:00 pm
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FERNANDINHO definitely doesn't get the rave headlines every week but he certainly does a very important job in Manchester City's side.

Primarily a holding midfielder, he has also shown he can find the back of the net in what has been an impressive debut season in the Premier League.

A good passer of the ball, he was one of City's standout players against Palace in December, not that there were many to choose from that day following the Eagles' impressive display.

We all know Yaya Toure is a good player and his goal tally has been evident this season, mostly due to the fact he's been allowed to roam forward a lot more thanks to Fernandinho behind him.

Of course, Sergio Aguero is a huge threat and one to watch this Sunday on his return from injury but Fernandinho is what Mile Jedinak is to Palace. An important cog in the side.

ONE TO WATCH: Fernandinho is Man City's answer to Mile Jedinak

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