People living on a suburban road said their homes had been broken into by criminals armed with knives and machetes in a horrifying crime spree.

Neighbours on Winnington Road, in Hampstead Garden Suburb, hired private security firms to tackle the crimewave and claimed the Metropolitan Police were not dealing with the problems effectively.

Also during the month people called for parking restrictions on their street amid fears new developments could worsen already heavy congestion.

People living in Eversleigh Road, Finchley Central, said they struggle to park near their homes as commuters and businesses take up spaces on the street.

Meanwhile a sculpture was unveiled in tribute to the first British soldier to die in the First World War.

The memorial commemorates Private John Henry Parr, who had lived in Finchley and served in the Middlesex Regiment.

It is believed Private Parr was killed after being shot during a mission in the northeast of Mons, Belgium.

A student kayaked 12 miles across the River Thames in September to raise awareness of a rare genetic brain disorder.

Zara Myers, 20, from High Barnet, was joined by her boyfriend Daniel Solomon, 22, from Stanmore, for the Regatta London event on September 29 in aid of Rett UK.

Zara’s sister Melanie lives with Rett Sydrome – a rare disorder which affects brain development resulting in severe mental and physical disability.