Connect with us

Published

on

The final report into the deadly Grenfell Tower fire will be published today – more than seven years after the disaster.

The long-running inquiry will present its findings on the 2017 blaze at the west London tower block, which claimed the lives of 72 people.

Victims of the fire ranged in age from an unborn baby to an 84-year-old woman.

These are their stories.

Anthony “Tony” Disson, 65

Tony Disson was last in contact with his family at 3am and was still inside the building

The 65-year-old retired lorry driver had lived on the 10th floor of Grenfell Tower for eight years.

In a statement, Mr Disson’s family described him as a “real family man”.

They said: “Tony was the most generous person you could ever meet, he didn’t have much but would always be there to help people.”

Ali Yawar Jafari, 82

Ali Yawar Jafari

Ali Yawar Jafari lived on the 10th floor and tried to escape the tower with his wife and daughter when the fire broke out.

They got in a lift but Mr Jafari got out on the 10th floor after suffering breathing difficulties. He was later pulled from the building by firefighters but pronounced dead at the scene.

His family said he was “loved and will be greatly missed by his family and the wider community”.

Abdeslam Sebbar, 77

Abdeslam Sebbar’s remains were found in his flat on the 11th floor.

The 77-year-old died from the inhalation of fumes.

Denis Murphy, 56

Denis Murphy - 14th floor
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Denis Murphy lived on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower, in flat 11, and called his family to say he was trapped during the blaze.

In a statement, Mr Murphy’s family said: “The pain, loss and sorrow we feel is indescribable and we have been left devastated with a gaping hole in our hearts that can never be filled.

“To us, he was an inspiration and an amazing, selfless caring person and we feel lucky and blessed that he was part of our family.”

Zainab Deen, 32, and Jeremiah Deen, two

Zainab Dean
Jeremiah Deen - 14th floor
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

The 32-year-old, who lived on the 14th floor of Grenfell Tower, was on the phone with her brother until 4am on the day of the fire.

Ms Deen’s two-year-old son Jeremiah was also killed in the blaze.

Originally from Sierra Leone, Ms Deen was described as a “beautiful, loving lady”.

Zainu and Maria Deen, Jeremiah’s grandparents, said: “You spent a moment in our arms, but you will last a lifetime in our hearts.”

Mohammad Alhajali, 23

Mohammed Alhajali

A civil engineering student who lived on the 14th floor with his older brother Omar, who managed to escape from the fire, Mr Alhajali called a friend in Syria, asking him to say goodbye to his family, who he had been unable to reach.

Mr Alhajali had fled Syria with his two brothers in 2014 to start a new life in London, studying at the University of West London. He had hoped to return one day to help the country.

His friend lost contact with him at 5am. He sent one final message saying: “The fire is here now goodbye.”

A family statement read at his funeral service said he “loved London and the people he met here”.

Mr Alhajali was described as “a loving and caring person” who was “always showing support and solidarity for friends and family stuck back in Syria”.

Steve Power, 63

Steve told a friend he was reluctant to leave the flat without his two dogs

The 63-year-old was said to be reluctant to leave his two dogs. It is understood that he remained in his flat on the 15th floor.

His children said: “Our dad was nothing short of a character. He left some sort of impression on everyone, like Marmite. The majority loved him.”

Hamid Kani, 61

Hamid Kani

The 61-year-old Iranian lived alone on the 15th floor of Grenfell Tower, but his body was recovered on the 23rd floor – suggesting he fled upstairs in search of safety.

In a statement, his family, who all live in Iran, said he would be remembered “for his wit, compassion and devotion to his family and friends”.

They added: “No words can express our sorrow for his loss and the way he left us. He will always be part of our lives and his memory will live on.”

Deborah “Debbie” Lamprell, 45

Deborah Lamprell lived on the 16th floor of the building
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Debbie Lamprell lived on the 16th floor and worked front of house at Opera Holland Park.

The 45-year-old went to the top floor of the building with a group of 12 people when the fire broke out and called the emergency services.

She was described by her mother as “a wonderful, precious daughter, always smiling and helping others”.

Marjorie Vital, 68, and Ernie Vital, 50

Ernie and Marjorie Vital

Marjorie Vital lived on the 16th floor of Grenfell Tower in a flat she shared with her son, Ernie.

She had lived there almost since the tower was built in the 70s and had worked in the textile industry for many years after coming to the UK from Dominica.

Her family said: “She was a beautiful, joyful, independent, intelligent, kind-hearted, sensitive individual who dedicated her life to her children.”

Her son Ernie’s family said he worked in the catering industry: “He was a creative individual who pursued a creative life. He was a proud, humble, mature and independent man. He was a loyal son and a law-abiding citizen who maintained good relationships with all those he met in society.

“He will be remembered as a kind, sensitive and caring person with a warm-hearted smile.”

Joseph Daniels, 69

Joseph Daniels

Joseph Daniels lived on the 16th floor of Grenfell Tower and reportedly suffered from dementia, so was confused and could not be persuaded by his son to leave the building.

His son, who escaped the fire, said on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry: “The events of that night took his life and all trace of his existence from this world.”

Sheila Smith, 84

Sheila Smith

The 84-year-old’s body was recovered on the 16th floor of the tower, where she had lived for 34 years.

Sheila had two sons, six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren and was said to be a “very active and well-respected” member of the community.

Her family said: “Sheila was cycling around London, performing yoga daily and swimming regularly in the Kensington Leisure Centre until she was 80 years old.

“As a family we are heartbroken as to this senseless tragedy that took her far too early, and will do all we can to honour her name.”

Kamru Miah, 79, Rabeya Begum, 64, Husna Begum, 22, Mohammed Hanif, 26, and Mohammed Hamid, 29

Five members of the Begum family are missing
Image:
Rabeya Begum (left) and Husna Begum

Kamru Miah
Image:
Husna Begum (left) and Komru Miah

Mohammed Hanif - 17 floor
Image:
Mohammed Hanif

Mohammed Hanif
Image:
Mohammed Hamid

Kamru Miah lived on the 17th floor with his wife Rabeya Begum, their daughter Husna Begum and two sons, Mohammed Hanif and Mohammed Hamid.

Mr Miah had difficulty walking and his grown-up children stayed in the tower because they knew their parents were not mobile enough to escape – all five of them died.

They were said to be on the phone with relatives throughout the blaze.

Khadija Khalloufi, 52

Khadija Khaloufi - 17th floor

Khadija Khalloufi died after she became separated from her husband, Sabah Abdullah, as they tried to escape from their flat on the 17th floor.

Due to the crush and panic in the stairwell, they were split up between the 16th and 15th floors. Mr Abdullah survived.

Vincent Chiejina, 60

Vincent Chiejina

Vincent Chiejina lived on the 17th floor and was identified by his DNA.

The 60-year-old’s provisional cause of death was given as “consistent with the effects of fire”.

Isaac Paulos, five

Isaac Paulous
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

The schoolboy’s body was discovered on the 13th floor – five levels below the flat where he lived with his family, who he was separated from during the fire.

In a statement, Isaac’s family said they would “miss our kind, energetic, generous little boy”.

They added: “He was such a good boy who was loved by his friends and family. We will miss him forever, but we know God is looking after him now and that he is safe in heaven.”

Birkti Haftom, 29, and Biruk Haftom, 12

Berkti Haftom
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Biruk Haftom
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Birkti and her 12-year-old son Biruk lived on the 18th floor of the building.

The 29-year-old’s family described her as a “generous, caring, loving mother, partner, sister, aunty and friend” who will be “missed by us all forever”.

Biruk was described as “a loving, pure-hearted boy, wise beyond his years and known for his politeness, kind heart and his love for his family and friends.”

Their family added: “Berkti and Biruk left an everlasting legacy full of lovely memories and their contagious laughter and charisma will live in our hearts forever.

“We are deeply hurt and heartbroken our angels were taken from us so cruelly, so young. We will not rest until justice is served!”

Sakina Afrasehabi, 65, and Fatemeh Afrasiabi, 59

Sakina Afrasehabi
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Fatima Afrasiabi

Sakina Afrasehabi lived with her younger sister Fatima in Grenfell Tower.

Sakina’s Iranian family have said she was disabled and could only move with a walking stick – but she had no choice but to live on the 18th floor of the building.

Her family said: “Sakina was a loving mother of five, who is much missed by all of us. She was completely selfless in all she did and always put other people first.”

Fatemeh’s nephew Shahrokh said he spoke on the phone to his aunt as the fire spread to the upper floors, who pleaded with him to seek help, but in the final minutes, she was quieter and then the phone disconnected.

Mohamednur Tuccu, 44, Amal Ahmedin, 35, Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin, three, and Amna Mahmud Idris, 27

Mohamednur Tuccu
Image:
Mohamednur Tuccu

Amal Ahmedin
Image:
Amal Ahmedin

Mohamednur Tuccu and his wife and daughter, Amal Ahmedin, and Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin, were breaking their Ramadan fast with Amal’s cousin Amna Mahmud Idris and their friends when the blaze broke out.

A family statement said: “This has been a very distressing time for us as a family, but we are relieved that Amal, Amaya and Amna [Mahmud Idris] have been identified following the tragic fire. They will now be laid to rest.”

Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin
Image:
Amaya Tuccu-Ahmedin

Amna Mahmud Idris
Image:
Amna Mahmud Idris

Ms Idris’s husband Ibrahim told the hearing: “She came to live with me in the UK in March 2016. After one year I lost her forever.”

Eslah Elgwahry, 64, and Mariem Elgwahry, 27

Mariem Elgwahry
Image:
Mariem Elgwahry

Eslah Elgwahry lived with her 27-year-old daughter Mariem on the 19th floor.

Soon after the fire, a friend of her daughter shared an appeal on social media, writing: “Last someone heard from her was 2.30am, she was with her mum.”

Eslah’s remains were found on the 23rd floor, four floors higher than her flat. Mariem also died in the fire.

Mary “Sissy” Mendy, 52, and Khadija “Ya-Haddy Sisi” Saye, 24

Mary Mendy
Image:
Mary Mendy

Also known as Sissy, Gambia-born Mary Mendy was with her daughter, artist and photographer Khadija Saye, also known as Ya-Haddy Sisi Saye, on the 20th floor of the tower.

Ms Mendy’s sister said in a tribute: “Your heart was pure, your soul was one of a kind. You will be missed for a lifetime.”

File pic: PA
Image:
Khadija Saye. Pic: PA

At the time of the blaze Ms Saye’s work was part of an exhibition at the Venice Biennale, and has since been displayed at the Tate Britain.

Her friend, the now foreign secretary David Lammy, called her “a wonderful young woman” and “a talented artist”.

Jessica Urbano Ramirez, 12

Jessica Urbano Ramirez

Jessica was at home on the 20th floor of the tower block when the fire broke out.

A family statement said: “Our little girl was loving, kind-hearted and caring. She brought joy to everyone who met her and her laugh was contagious.”

Omar Belkadi, 32, Farah Hamdan, 31, Leena Belkadi, six months, and Malak Belkadi, seven

Omar Belkadi
Image:
Omar Belkadi

Six-month-old Leena Belkadi's body was found in the arms of her mother Farah Hamdan in Grenfell Tower
Image:
Farah Hamdan and six-month-old Leena Belkadi

Malek, seven and Tazmin Belkaldi, six,  have been found in hospital
Image:
Malek Belkaldi with Tazmin Belkaldi, who survived

Omar Belkadi lived on the 20th floor of Grenfell Tower with his wife Farah Hamdan and their three children.

They died in the fire along with two of their children, Leena and Malak Belkadi, but their daughter Tazmin survived.

Abdulaziz El Wahabi, 52, Faouzia El Wahabi, 41, Yasin El Wahabi, 20, Nur Huda El Wahabi, 16, and Medhi El Wahabi, 8

Grenfell victims Mehdi El-Wahabi (centre),  his father Abdulaziz (top left), mother Faouzia (bottom right), brother Yasin, 20 (top right), and sister Nur Huda, 15 ( bottom left)
Image:
Mehdi El-Wahabi (centre), his father Abdulaziz (top left), mother Faouzia (bottom right), brother Yasin (top right), and sister Nur Huda ( bottom left)

Abdulaziz El Wahabi lived on the 21st floor with his wife Faouzia and their three children, Yasin, Nur Huda, and Mehdi.

Mrs El Wahabi’s niece later said: “They died in a building that should not have got to that extent to burn in that way – and that’s something we’re going to have to live with forever and it’s scary.”

Their family said: “Yasin was a lovable, bubbly and caring young man. He would lend his hand to anyone who asked for help. He was loved by so many and his contagious smile will always be etched on our minds and hearts.

“Nur Huda was a lovable, smart and kind person. She had a lot of potential and that can be recognised in her GCSE exam results. We are proud of her and will continue on remembering her and all our family and friends who have died in this tragedy.”

“Mehdi was a calm and friendly young boy who loved his family very much. He was loved by staff and pupils at his school who held a beautiful memorial and made a plaque in memory of him.”

Logan Gomes, stillborn

Logan Gomes

Unborn baby Logan Gomes was officially recorded by police as a victim of the Grenfell Tower fire.

His mother Andreia Gomes, who was seven months pregnant, lived on the 21st floor with her husband and two daughters – they all managed to escape but Logan was stillborn in hospital on 14 June. He had been due on 21 August.

Speaking on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry, his father Marcio Gomes said he and his wife had prepared for their son’s arrival by painting “twinkle twinkle little star, do you know how loved you are?” on the wall.

Logan’s sister Luana, now aged 19, told Sky News she feels guilty she survived the fire.

Raymond “Moses” Bernard, 63

Raymond 'Moses' Bernard

Raymond Bernard, known to friends as Moses, lived on the 21st floor of the tower and often stayed with his partner, Karen McMillan, on a different floor of the block.

Dubbed a “hero”, he offered shelter to six people in his flat as the fire raged and was discovered alongside them.

His family said: “Gone but not forgotten, you are so dearly loved by us all and will sadly be missed by many. May you rest in eternal peace, with love always.”

Ligaya Moore, 78

Ligaya Moore

Ligaya Moore, from the Philippines, had been a resident of Grenfell Tower for more than 40 years. She had lived alone in her flat on the 21st floor since the death of her husband some years earlier.

In a statement, her family said: “43 years ago, Aunt Ligaya, DITE, as we fondly called her, lived her dream – to live and work in London.

“She endured being away from family – not able to attend her mother’s funeral – but in exchange of all the loneliness and homesickness, she met the love of her life, Jim Moore, a British national, had a new family, acquired new friends, and built a new life in London.

“But the dream turned into a nightmare on that fateful night of June 14, when the Grenfell Tower was consumed in flames. At this time, she was already living by herself in this building, as her husband had passed away several years back.

“The jolly, bubbly person, the lady who loves to dance and who laughed her heart out, succumbed to a fire which turned her laughter into silence.”

Hashim Kedir, 44, Nura Jemal, 35, Yahya Hashim, 13, Firdaws Hashim, 12, and Yaqub Hashim, six

Hashim Kedir - 22nd floor
Image:
Hashim Kedir. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Nura Jemal - 22nd floor
Image:
Nura Jemal. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Siblings 12-year-old Firdaws and her brother 14-year-old Yahya Hashim
Image:
Firdaws (left) and her brother Yahya

Yaqub Hashim - 22nd floor
Image:
Yaqub Hashim. Pic: Metropolitan Police

Hashim Kedir and Nura Jemal lived on the 22nd floor with their children, Yahya, Firdaws, and Yaqub Hashim.

Mr Kedir’s sister described him as her “role model”, saying he was “giving and sharing until his last day”. She described him as “making friends so easily; age, gender, religion, ethnicity or social status didn’t matter”.

A statement on behalf of Ms Jemal’s family said: “You appreciated even the smallest things in life. And your joy was contagious. Being around you could lighten up anyone’s day in a matter of seconds.”

Yahya’s aunt described him as her “most kind, handsome, pure-hearted, sweet nephew”. She said: “Everyone that met you used to fall in love with your politeness and pure-heartedness”.

Firdaws was described as “intelligent, wise, eloquent and beautiful” with “the voice of an angel”.

And Yaqub’s extended family described him as an “energetic, sporty, funny, smart and cute boy”.

Sirria Choucair, 60, Bassem Choucair, 40, Nadia Choucair, 33, Fatima Choucair, 11, Mierna Choucair, 13, and Zainab Choucair, three

Sirria Choucair
Image:
Sirria Choucair

Bassem Choucair
Image:
Bassem Choucair

Sirria Choucair died along with her daughter Nadia Choucair, son-in-law Bassem and her three grandchildren, Fatima, Mierna, and Zainab.

Nadia Choucair
Image:
Nadia Choucair

Fatima Choucair
Image:
Fatima (left), Mierna (middle) and Zaynab (right)

Bassem’s sister-in-law, Sawsan, spoke to him on the phone when the fire started.

She said: “It was just two seconds, he said ‘yeah’ and there was lots of screaming in the background.”

Marco Gottardi, 27, and Gloria Trevisan, 26

Marco Gottardi and Gloria Trevisan were both architects

The Italian architectural assistant lived on the 23rd floor with his girlfriend, architect Gloria Trevisan. The pair had moved from Venice to London around four months before the fire to look for jobs after graduating from the University of Padua.

Mr Gottardi’s cousin posted a message on Facebook the day after the fire, writing: “I don’t have no news from them since last night and their mobile phones are off. I’m praying to God they make it out safely.”

Ms Trevisan spent her final moments on the phone to her mother, telling her: “I had my whole life ahead of me. It’s not fair. I don’t want to die.”

Hesham Rahman, 57

Hesham Rahman

Hesham Rahman lived by himself in a flat on the 23rd floor and was last in contact with his family at 3am on the night of the fire. He had diabetes which made it difficult for him to walk downstairs.

He told his family he could smell smoke, adding: “Don’t worry, as soon as I’m out I’ll let you know. The police are coming to get me, I’ve spoken to them. It’s going to be okay.”

Mohamed Neda, 57

Mohamed Neda

Mohamed Neda’s wife and son escaped to safety and were taken to hospital after the fire broke out. They said he had been on the top floor of the building trying to help people.

His body was found outside the tower block, and he died as a result of multiple injuries consistent with a fall.

Speaking on the first day of the Grenfell inquiry, his brother said that losing his “best friend and role model” had brought his world crashing down.

Mr Neda’s absence “is a void that cannot be filled”, he said, adding: “The only thing I know is that my brother was a hero. He puts others first – that is the memory I will hold in my heart for as long as I live.”

Gary Maunders, 57

Gary Maunders

Gary Maunders was found among the victims on the 23rd floor.

The 57-year-old is believed to have been with his friend Deborah Lamprell, who lived on the 19th floor and was also among the victims.

Abufars Mohamed Ibrahim, 39, Isra Ibrahim, 33, and Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi, 73

Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi
Image:
Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi

Abufars Mohamed Ibrahim lived on the 23rd floor with his sister Isra and his mother Fathia Ali Ahmed Elsanosi. They were all killed in the blaze.

Ms Ahmed, a 73-year-old pensioner, came to the UK as a refugee from Sudan.

Rania Ibrahim, 30, Fethia Hassan, four, and Hania Hassan, three

Rania Ibrham

Mother of two Rania Ibrahim, died along with her daughters Fethia and Hania Hassan.

She was seen running into a smoke-filled corridor to seek help, then looking out of the window to the street below.

Hania Hassan - 23rd floor
Image:
Hania Hassan (left) and Fethia Hassan

Her husband was not in Grenfell Tower at the time of the blaze as he was away in Egypt.

Victoria “Vicky” King, 71, and Alexandra Atala, 40

Victoria King, 71, died alongside her daughter, Alexandra Atala, 40. Pic: Met Police
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Alexandra Atala
Image:
Pic: Metropolitan Police

Victoria King lived in Grenfell Tower with her 40-year-old daughter Alexandra Atala – they were the final two victims of the blaze to be identified.

Penny Pearce, Ms King’s sister and Ms Atala’s aunt, said: “Eventually, thanks to the Salvation Army family tracing, I was able to get in touch with her and my niece, Alexandra, living in Grenfell Tower.

“If this had not been the case, no family member would have known they had perished as no-one knew they were still living there.”

In a statement, their family said: “We were devastated to hear of our sister, Vicky’s, fate, and that of her daughter, Alexandra, in the Grenfell Tower tragedy.

“Some comfort can come from the knowledge that she and Alexandra were devoted to one another and spent so many mutually supportive years together.

“They died at each other’s side and now they can rest together in peace. We will remember them always.”

Maria Del Pilar Burton, 74

Pily Burton
Image:
Pic: PA

Maria was rescued from the 19th floor but died in hospital in January 2018 from medical complications. She spent seven months in hospital following the fire.

Sky News will have full coverage of the Grenfell report on all platforms

Continue Reading

UK

Manhunt for Epping hotel asylum seeker, jailed for sexually assaulting girl, after accidental release

Published

on

By

Manhunt for Epping hotel asylum seeker, jailed for sexually assaulting girl, after accidental release

A manhunt has been launched for an accidentally released asylum seeker who was jailed for 12 months earlier this year after he sexually assaulted a 14-year-old girl and a woman in Epping.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu had been staying at The Bell Hotel in the Essex town, with the incident fuelling weeks of protests at the site.

The Ethiopian national was found guilty of two counts of sexual assault, attempted sexual assault, inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and harassment without violence earlier this month.

District judge Christopher Williams said Kebatu posed a “significant risk of reoffending” when he sentenced him to 12 months in prison in September.

Sky News understands Hadush Kebatu was being released from HMP Chelmsford as he was due to be immediately deported.

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was jailed for two sexual assaults in Epping. Pic: Essex Police / PA
Image:
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu was jailed for two sexual assaults in Epping. Pic: Essex Police / PA

He was released on the expectation that he would be picked up by immigration enforcement, but it is currently unclear what happened next. It is understood that the Home Office was ready to take Kebatu to an immigration removal centre.

Sky sources say the search for Kebatu is within Essex, which launched a manhunt after he was accidentally freed on Friday morning.

Kebatu’s lawyer, Molly Dyas, told Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court during his trial that it was his “firm wish” to be deported.

Under the UK Borders Act 2007, a deportation order must be made where a foreign national has been convicted of an offence and received a custodial sentence of at least 12 months.

Kebatu was accidentally released from HMP Chelmsford. Pic: iStock
Image:
Kebatu was accidentally released from HMP Chelmsford. Pic: iStock

Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy is said to be furious and has ordered an investigation and is supporting police efforts, according to a Government source.

Mr Lammy said in a post on X that he is “appalled at the release in error”, adding: “Kebatu must be deported for his crimes, not on our streets.”

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage said: “The Epping hotel migrant sex attacker has been accidentally freed rather than deported. He is now walking the streets of Essex. Britain is broken.”

Tory leader Kemi Badenoch said Kebatu was released as a result of “the entire system collapsing under Labour”.

Chelmsford MP Marie Goldman said in a statement following the accidental release: “The police must do everything they can to ensure that this man is returned to custody immediately so that he is deported at once.

“Once the manhunt is over, there must be a full, rapid public inquiry into how this happened. This is utterly unacceptable and has potentially put my constituents in danger. I expect answers from the Prison Service.”

Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, left, in a court sketch. Pic: Elizabeth Cook/PA
Image:
Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, left, in a court sketch. Pic: Elizabeth Cook/PA

The Prison Service said in a statement that it was “urgently working with police to return an offender to custody following a release in error at HMP Chelmsford”.

“Public protection is our top priority and we have launched an investigation into this incident,” a spokesperson added.

It is understood that releases in error are incredibly rare and are taken extremely seriously by the Prison Service.

But policing and crime commentator Danny Shadow says that releases in error are actually not uncommon.

“Last year, there were 87 prisoners who were released in error. So that’s around six or so every single month. Seventy were released from error from prisons and another 17 from the courts,” the former Labour home affairs advisor told Sky News.

An officer has been removed from duties to discharge prisoners while the investigation is ongoing.

Kebatu was staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping. Pic: PA
Image:
Kebatu was staying at the Bell Hotel in Epping. Pic: PA

During his trial, the court heard that Kebatu had tried to kiss the teenager, put his hand on her thigh and brushed her hair after she offered him pizza.

The asylum seeker also told the girl and her friend he wanted to have a baby with them and invited them back to the hotel.

The incident happened on 7 July, about a week after he arrived in the UK on a boat.

The girl later told police she “froze” and got “really creeped out”, telling him: “No, I’m 14.”

The Bell Hotel has been the site of protests over the summer. Pic: AP
Image:
The Bell Hotel has been the site of protests over the summer. Pic: AP

Kebatu was also found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman – putting his hand on her thigh and trying to kiss her – when she tried to intervene after seeing him talking to the girl again the following day.

The incidents sparked anti-migrant protests and counter-protests outside the former Bell Hotel in Epping – as well as at hotels housing asylum seekers across the country.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the latest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.

Continue Reading

UK

Asylum seeker found guilty of hotel worker’s murder

Published

on

By

Asylum seeker found guilty of hotel worker's murder

An asylum seeker has been found guilty of murdering a hotel worker at a train station in the West Midlands.

Deng Chol Majek was caught on CCTV following Rhiannon Skye Whyte from the Park Inn hotel, in Walsall, where he lived and she worked, to the nearby Bescot Stadium station.

She was stabbed in the head with a screwdriver 19 times, and 23 times in total, on 20 October last year.

Deng Chol Majek. Pic: PA
Image:
Deng Chol Majek. Pic: PA

Mr Majek, who is from Sudan and claims to be 19 years old, had told Wolverhampton Crown Court he was at the hotel for asylum seekers at the time the 27-year-old was attacked.

A two-week trial heard that Mr Majek had previously been reported to security at the hotel after “spookily” staring at three female staff members for prolonged periods.

Ms Skye died in hospital three days after the attack, having been found injured in a shelter on the platform by the driver and guard of a train which pulled in about five minutes later.

Rhiannon Skye Whyte. Pic: Family handout/PA
Image:
Rhiannon Skye Whyte. Pic: Family handout/PA

Mr Majek, who is about ten inches taller than Ms Whyte, walked to the Caldmore Green area of Walsall after the attack to buy beer, and was recorded on CCTV apparently wiping blood from his trousers.

Read more from Sky News:
Man who danced naked after murdering couple jailed for 42 years
Sheffield Wednesday deducted 12 points after entering administration

He returned to the hotel at 12.13am, changed his bloodstained flip-flops for trainers, and was seen dancing with other residents in the car park, within sight of emergency vehicles called to the station.

Asked by defence KC Gurdeep Garcha if he was at the train station when Ms Whyte was stabbed, Mr Majek replied: “No.”

He also denied being “responsible for that fatal assault” on the platform.

CCTV from the reception area of the hotel alleged to show Deng Chol Majek staring at Rhiannon Whyte, left. Pic: PA
Image:
CCTV from the reception area of the hotel alleged to show Deng Chol Majek staring at Rhiannon Whyte, left. Pic: PA

Prosecutor Michelle Heeley KC said of Mr Majek’s behaviour after the murder: “He is celebrating, his mood has changed from that prolonged scowl before the murder to dancing and joy after the murder. It is utterly callous.”

Mr Majek said he had spent time in Libya, Italy and Germany before arriving in the UK to claim asylum in July last year.

He will be sentenced at a later date.

‘She was always happy’

Rhiannon’s sister, Alex Whyte, said her sibling “always wanted to make everyone else around her happy”.

She said: “Rhiannon had such a quirky personality. You would hear her before you’d see her.

“No matter what her day had been, she always wanted to make everyone else around her happy. She always prioritised family. That was the most important thing to Rhiannon. Obviously, she has a brother and three sisters. And my mum, who was her best friend.”

She added: “Rhiannon is the second youngest. But our baby sister would always say ‘I’m your big little sister’, because Rhiannon was very soft.

“So, no matter what, we always wanted to protect her. That was our priority most of our life, because Rhiannon never saw danger – Rhiannon never understood how scary the world really could be.

“But no matter what Rhiannon was just happy, always.”

Continue Reading

UK

Labour dealt historic loss in Caerphilly by-election – as Plaid Cymru win seat

Published

on

By

Labour dealt historic loss in Caerphilly by-election - as Plaid Cymru win seat

Plaid Cymru have won the by-election in the Senedd seat of Caerphilly for the first time.

The Welsh nationalist party secured 15,960 votes – and candidate Lindsay Whittle cried as the result was announced.

Mr Whittle is 72 years old and had stood as a Plaid candidate 13 times since 1983. He will now hold the seat until the Welsh Assembly’s national elections next year.

This by-election was widely regarded as a two-horse race between Plaid Cymru and Reform UK, and the result marks a considerable blow for Nigel Farage.

His candidate Llyr Powell received 12,113 votes – denying a victory that would have strengthened claims that Reform can convert a large lead in opinion polls into election wins.

Nonetheless, the party’s performance is a marked improvement on 2021, when it received just 495 votes.

More than anything, the result is a humiliating and historic defeat for Labour, who had held Caerphilly at every Senedd election since it was created in 1999 – as well as the Westminster seat for over a century.

Its candidate Richard Tunnicliffe secured 3,713 votes and finished in third place, with Welsh Labour describing it as a “by-election in the toughest of circumstances, and in the midst of difficult headwinds nationally”.

Turnout overall stood at 50.43% – considerably higher than during the last ballot back in 2021.

Giving his acceptance speech after the result was confirmed, Mr Whittle began by paying tribute to Hefin David – who was Welsh Labour’s Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly until his death in August.

“He will be a hard act to follow,” Mr Whittle said. “I will never fill his shoes – but I promise you, I will walk the same path that he did.”

The Plaid politician described how he had been “absolutely heartened” by how many young people were involved in the by-election – and said the result sends a clear message.

He said: “Listen now Cardiff and listen Westminster – this is Caerphilly and Wales telling you we want a better deal for every corner of Wales. The big parties need to sit up and take notice.

“Wales, we are at the dawn of new leadership, we are at the dawn of a new beginning – and I look forward to playing my part for a new Wales, and in particular, for the people of the Caerphilly constituency. I thank you with all my heart.”

Mr Whittle quipped Plaid’s victory “was better than scoring the winning try for Wales in the Rugby World Cup”.

And looking ahead to the next year’s elections, he added: “[This] result shows what’s possible when people come together to back practical solutions and protect what matters most.

“We’ve beaten billionaire-backed Reform and, with the same determination, we can do it again in May 2026. Caerphilly has shown the way – now Wales must follow.”

Read more from Sky News:
Mafia members and NBA stars arrested
Putin criticises Trump’s new sanctions

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

How tactical voting helped Plaid Cymru

Speaking to Sky’s chief political correspondent Jon Craig just before the declaration, Plaid Cymru leader Rhun ap Iorwerth said: “There’s clearly a real significance to the result – we are seeing the disillusionment with Labour writ large. I’ve heard it on hundreds of doorsteps, we’ve seen it in opinion polls.”

He conceded there was tactical voting in this by-election – with Labour and Conservative supporters alike backing Lindsay Whittle to keep out Reform.

However, Mr ap Iorwerth added: “I’ve spoken to literally hundreds and hundreds of people who told me – time and time again – ‘I’ve been a Labour supporter all my life, and we’re backing you this time.’

“Not begrudgingly, but because they see that’s the direction we’re going in – not just in this by-election, but as a nation. I’m calling on people to get behind that positive change – not just today, but ahead of next May.”

First Minister Eluned Morgan congratulated Mr Whittle on his return to the Senedd and said: “Welsh Labour has heard the frustration on doorsteps in Caerphilly that the need to feel change in people’s lives has not been quick enough.

“We take our share of the responsibility for this result. We are listening, we are learning the lessons, and we will be come back stronger.”

The Conservatives and the Liberal Democrats were among the parties who lost their deposits.

Continue Reading

Trending