Man threatens church with hammer

A man wielding a hammer caused distress in the middle of a church service after threatening the congregation.
It is believed the man came into the church, on Crayford Road, Tufnell Park, talking on his mobile phone when he was asked to leave. He then returned a few minutes later topless saying “look at my scars, I’m not afraid of anyone” and brandashing a claw hammer.
Around 10 chruchgoers from the Holy Trinity Ethopian orthodox church wrestled the bare chested man to the ground before he managed to escape and ran out into the street. The attacker, Anthony Cole, 47, of Daren Court, Tufnell Park Road, Holloway, has been charged with affray and possession of an offensive weapon. He was remainded in custody by Highbury Corner Magistrates.

Mother and daughter forced from home

A mother and daughter have been forced out of their Upper Street flat by anti-social behaviour. Drug and alcohol worker Lou Irving and her daughter, Rose, started to recieve hate mail shortly after moving into the property. The situation escalated after Rose’s boyfriend was beaten up and an angry mob threatened to break down the door and kill the family. The family fled the property but learned that they are still expected to pay the council £700 rent on the property. Ms Irving said: “We had to leave as we didn’t feel safe and there’s no way we can go back but the Housing Association has done nothing to help us.”

Notorious nightclubs to close early

Two nightclubs are being forced to close early after a number of violent incidents. Gohst night club in Farringdon has been shut since 13 December after a shooting took place at the venue. It can only re-open once it has hired a new team of bouncers and installed a new CCTV system. Chief Inspector Steve Riley, former licensing chief at Islington police, branded the club as “out of control”. A second shooting on 14 December took place at Sosho club, at Tabernacle Street, off City Road. Since the incident the club has been orderd to slash its Sunday closing times from 6am to 1am. The police believe the shootings are connected and urged the council to take action after receiving over 100 emergency calls about the two clubs last year, many relating to serious violence and anti-social behaviour.

Holloway estate given kids curfew

A notorious Holloway estate has been given a curfew stopping children from leaving their homes after nine o’clock. Children under 16 are not allowed out without the supervision of an adult on the Market Estate, off North Road, Holloway. The curfew is part of a dispersal zone that has been set up after residents had complained about groups of up to 40 teenagers smoking cannabis, spitting on the floors, leaving rubbish and playing loud music throughout the night. Poeople caught breaking the terms of the order could face fines up to £5000 or a six month prison sentence. Police have increased patrols in the area.

Charity displays Gaza paintings

Paintings depicting the faces of children in war torn-Gaza are to go on display in the UK thanks to the work of an Islington charity. Islington Friends of Yibna, a friendship and support group for a refugee camp in Rafah, close to the Egyptian border, is hoping to display the paintings at Islington town hall. However, the paintings are still in Gaza and it is unclear when they will be able to hold the exhibition due to the Israeli blockade around Gaza. Chairwoman of the charity Israeli-born Yael Kahn, said: “Many were painted during last year’s merciless bombing of Gaza by the Israelis. The artists have captured the faces of the children with all their fear and abject misery.”

Straight couple fight for ‘gay’ marriage

A straight Islington couple are taking their battle to have a “gay” marriage to the European Court of Human Rights. Tom Freeman and Katherine Doyle are suing Islington council after being turned down for a civil partnership last November. They are banned from having a civil partnership under UK law because they are straight. They have the backing of gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell and Islington South and Finsbury MP Emily Thornberry, who has vowed to raise the issue in Parliament.

Group try to save Whittington’s A&E

A group has been formed to save Whittington Hospital’s A&E from closure, after a leaked NHS letter confirmed plans to downgrade the hospital, removing its accident and emergency and specialist services. The Defend the Whittington Hospital Coalition has set up a website at www.dwhc.org.uk. Chairwoman Zozi Goodman said: “It’s ridiculous that Haringey doesn’t have a hospital and Islington might end up without one.” The group holds regular petition signing sessions at Archway station and at the Nag’s Head in Islington.