Officers who stopped a criminal on a moped in Islington awarded commendations : See video of when they caught him

Two officers who stopped a criminal on a moped have been awarded Certificates of Commendation.

PCs George Anckorn and Russell Mellis, both from the Met’s Operation Venice team, which tackles scooter-enabled crime, formally received the honour on Friday, 27 July at Southwark Crown Court.

The commendation was awarded by Judge Tony Badenoch QC for their efforts during an incident that occurred at around 18:10hrs on 24 January whereby Abdirizak Kheyre, 19 (15.01.99) of no fixed address failed to stop when requested by the officers.

Whilst on patrol, PCs Anckorn and Mellis spotted Kheyre driving a stolen scooter on Hornsey Road junction with Highgate Hill, Islington.

They pulled alongside the scooter while it was stationary and asked Kheyre to stop.

Kheyre then made off, travelling almost double the speed limit in an attempt to evade the officers.

PC Mellis, who was driving the police vehicle, made tactical contact with the scooter, causing Kheyre to fall off. He attempted to run away Hamstead Lane, Camden, and PC Anckorn chased and detained him at approximately 18:15hrs. There were no injuries.

Kheyre was found in possession of nine bags containing cannabis; two bags of a white rock substance; and another two bags of a white powder substance. The white substances were analysed and later found to be ecstasy and cocaine. They also found a kitchen knife, approximately 22cm in length, behind the front panel of the moped.

Kheyre also had a revoked provisional licence and had no vehicle registration in his name.

He was further found in possession of two mobile phones which he should not have had. Kheyre was previously given a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) 5 October 2016 at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court and there was a condition that stated he should not have more than one phone.

Kheyre was charged on 26 January and was sentenced to 21 months’ detention in a young offender’s institute on 20 July at Southwark Crown Court after being found guilty on 22 June of dangerous driving, possession of a bladed article, possession of drugs, driving with no insurance and driving licence, and breach of a CBO.

PCs George Anckorn and Russell Mellis said: “The reason we joined the Met was to help fight crime and make the streets a safer place for Londoners, and that’s exactly what we were trying to do that evening by stopping Kheyre.

“It’s a real achievement that our work has been recognised in such a way.”

At the time of sentencing, Judge Badenoch QC, said: “Kheyre placed pedestrians and other road uses at very great risk and had not the slightest concern for them.

“It was necessary for PC Mellis to knock Kheyre from the scooter in a controlled manner to bring the pursuit to a close. PC Anckorn then took up the chase on foot and apprehended the offender who continued to resist arrest. Kheyre was brought to a stop by the combined skill of the officers in exceptionally difficult circumstances.”

Inspector Jim Corbett, also from Operation Venice, said: “It is fantastic that these two officers have been commended for their great skill in making tactical contact with Kheyre, which consequently led to his arrest and subsequent conviction.

“Operation Venice is determined to tackle moped criminals and will continue to use a number of tactics to stop and arrest them.”

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