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New University of Leicester conference centre to create 80 jobs

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A new University of Leicester conference centre will create about 80 jobs. College Court is a £14m project which will turn the Grade II-listed College Hall buildings, in Knighton Road, Leicester, into a residential conference venue. The scheme will create more than 40 full-time and part-time positions, and a further 40 casual posts. These will include sales, catering, housekeeping, reception and administration roles. The centre is currently recruiting staff and will have a full team on board by the time it opens in October, said a university spokesman. The development will have a dedicated conference centre housing 19 conference rooms with the capacity to host from two to 160 delegates, a 200-seat restaurant, a bar, games room and a business lounge. The on-site hotel will have 123 bedrooms, including a selection of executive rooms and nine suites, plus free on-site car parking, free wifi throughout, free leisure club access at two university gyms and the latest audio visual equipment. The spokesman said the venue would be adaptable, and able to deal with all sorts of events, conferences and celebrations, including weddings. The development will update the existing College Hall site, which was originally designed by renowned architects Sir Leslie Martin and Trevor Dannatt in the 1960s. The buildings, located near Queen's Road, have been out of use for around seven years. Director of the conference centre Steve Crawford said College Court would be an asset to both the university and the city. "For the city at large, we are the only dedicated residential conference facility and look forward to being of service to the wider business community," he added. The project is being designed by Associated Architects, which previously worked with the university on the David Wilson Library. The library has won a host of awards since it opened in 2008, including the 2008 RIBA East Midlands Award for Architecture.

New University of Leicester conference centre to create 80 jobs


Student flats plan for Southgates bus station scaled back

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Developers who want to build hundreds of student flats at a former bus depot have scaled back their plans.

Developer Applegate originally wanted to build 435 flats, housing nearly 700 students in buildings of up to nine-storeys, on the site of the old Southgates bus station, off Peacock Lane, Leicester.

The company told the Mercury about the idea in October after it shelved plans to create a five-star hotel and conference centre due to the economic downturn.

But the company has further altered the plans, and submitted an application to the city council for 289 flats, housing 500 students. They would be spread across four, five and six-storey blocks.

Council officers have recommended the application be approved at a planning meeting on Wednesday.

Lee Staniforth, of Leicester-based Staniforth Architects, said: "Having taken on board comments from various local groups - including the Conservation Advisory Panel, OPUN design panel, the Civic Society, public comments and indeed the planners, it was decided that we should propose a more sensitive scheme.

"The heights have been dropped to sit better in the surroundings of the old city and the blocks have been broken up to reflect the local street patterns, while allowing views through the building into and out of the city.

"This site is a perfect location for students – being next to the university and bringing extra life into that part of town in the evenings when the offices have shut.

"It will also promote movement of people past the site and into Jubilee and Cathedral Square. What has been a dead part of town in the evenings will become more active."

The development will consist of a four and five-storey block at the corner of Peacock Lane and Southgates, a six-storey block at the corner of Southgates and Friar Lane and two C-shaped buildings in the centre of the site.

The design still incorporates the last remaining part of the old depot – the entrance arch - which will be in-filled with glass and provide the front of a shop in the complex.

In a planning report, a council officer said the amended application would "deliver a significant enhancement to the character and appearance" of the area.

Two people have objected to the revised plans.

In a letter, Andrew Parkes, of nearby Friar Lane, said he felt there should be more family homes included in the plans.

Solicitors Philip J Hammond and Sons, also of Friar Lane, said they thought the site was "more suited to high quality residential town houses".

But Leicester Civic Society chairman Stuart Bailey praised the proposed development as "forward looking".

Mr Staniforth said: "The scheme is designed to be fully sustainable. If there is a drop in demand for student housing, the building can easily be converted into flats."

Student flats plan for Southgates bus station scaled back

Police and councils team up to tackle Leicestershire's cold-calling rogue traders

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A campaign has been launched to help people protect themselves from cold-calling rogue traders. Organisations including Leicestershire police, Leicestershire County Council and Age UK are urging people – particularly the elderly – to say no to doorstep traders who offer to carry out odd jobs. Many turn out to be con artists who charge huge fees for shoddy and often unnecessary work. Burglars also pose as traders to trick their way into their victims' homes. Police officers and trading standards officials at the county council are now delivering information leaflets to people they believe could be at risk. The message is also being passed on the through the county's meals on wheels service. The campaign was launched today to mark the beginning of National Rogue Trader Week. David Bull, head of the county council's trading standards service, said: "Rogue traders are unscrupulous and intimidating individuals, who prey on the vulnerable and think nothing of conning people out of their cash. "We always urge people to be extremely cautious about buying goods and services on their doorstep. "If in doubt they should keep their doors closed and the stranger out." Detective Chief Inspector Richard Ward, who is leading Leicestershire police's campaign against burglary, said: "As we are entering warmer, sunnier months it's important to be aware of both the front and the rear of your property when opening the door. "Always close the rear doors and windows of your property when answering the front door to unfamiliar callers. "Whilst the majority of doorstep trades people are genuine and act ethically and within the law, it is our duty to protect the vulnerable from the small number of individuals who act with a lack of integrity. "Our core role of protecting our communities is supported by the cooperation of local people who help to identify and give evidence against unscrupulous traders." "We'd urge members of the public to tell us about anything they may deem concerning, to look out for their neighbours and to be empowered to challenge and to turn away doorstep traders." Anthony Donovan, executive director of Age UK Leicester Shire and Rutland, said the charity was "delighted" to support the campaign. Mr Donovan said: "The charity will always assist in trying to protect the more vulnerable members of our community." Information about rogue traders can be passed to Leicestershire Police by calling 101, or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous. Alternatively, email: telltradingstandards@leics.gov.uk

Police and councils team up to tackle Leicestershire's cold-calling rogue traders

Waterstone's bookshop in Leicester to close

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One of the city's two branches of leading book shop Waterstone's is to close. The Market Street store, which used to be Dillon's until the merger of the two companies, will close its doors on June 1. The shop employs nine staff, who are currently undergoing consultation over the planned closure. The company says staff will be relocated where possible at one of its other stores in the region. In a statement a spokeswoman said: "Waterstone's can confirm that its bookshop on Market Street in Leicester will cease trading on Saturday 1st June. "Waterstone's employs nine people at Leicester Market Street. Staff are currently in consultation and will be relocated where possible." She added: "We would like to thank the booksellers at our Market Street shop for their hard work and professionalism, and the shop's many customers for their loyal and friendly support and custom over the years. "We hope to continue to serve them from our branch in Highcross Shopping Centre in Leicester, which is unaffected." She added that the company was looking at a number of towns and cities where it has two or more shops. She added: "The book market is challenging at the moment and in cities and towns where there are two or more shops where leases come up we are looking at on a case-by-case basis." Former employee at the Market Street shop Stephen Naish, who now lives and works in Canada, said:"This means another vital high street store will be gone. This is one of many closures Waterstones has implemented over the past few months. " I feel that the people who work at the store and those that frequently used the store should receive a fitting tribute. "This is a great loss to Leicester's high street and also to the book industry as a whole."

Waterstone's bookshop in  Leicester to close

Robbery at Santander bank in Leicester

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A bank was robbed in Evington Road, in Leicester, this morning. The branch of Santander was targeted around 9.30am by two raiders. The men threatened staff with a "bladed" weapon and ordered them to hand over cash, police said. Police were called to the scene and the branch remained closed this morning. It is not known how much cash was stolen. Police stressed no customers or staff were injured in the raid. A local businessman, who did not want to be named, said: "I got to work at 11am and there were still a lot of police around the area. "I asked the police what had happened and they said they couldn't tell me at that stage, but you could tell it was something serious."

Robbery at Santander bank in Leicester

VIDEO: St George's Day Parade 2013 in Melton Mowbray

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Hundreds of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers took part in their annual St George's Day Parade in Melton Mowbray on Sunday (21st April 2013) - see video further down page. After the heavy rain of last year, this year the parade was bathed in sunshine, with hundreds of people lining the route from Thorpe End to St Mary's Church.

The parade was accompanied by the Tally Ho band and following the church service, they paraded back to Thorpe End ahead of the finish to the Rutland to Melton CiCLE Classic.

VIDEO: St George's Day Parade 2013 in Melton Mowbray

Thugs racially abuse and rob teenager at Leicester's St Margaret's Bus Station

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Police are searching for three thugs who punched and kicked a teenager before stealing his mobile phone and racially abusing him. The gang targeted the 19-year-old victim at St Margaret's Bus Station in Gravel Street, Leicester city centre in the early hours of Saturday. The victim, who is white, was waiting for a night bus when the three Asian men attacked him. One of them sat next to the man and asked to borrow his mobile phone. The gang set upon him when he refused to hand over the phone. During the attack the men used racist language toward the victim, police said. The incident happened at 3.20am. Police released details today and urged witnesses to come forward. All three men ran off along Sandacre Street. Detective Constable Jonathan Davies said: "The victim was fortunate to only sustain superficial injuries but has been left understandably shocked by the incident. "Even though this incident took place in the early hours, we know that the area was by no means deserted. "We would like to speak to two females who were seen sitting on a bench close to the victim and who may have been approached by the suspects prior to the incident. "There was also a group of people outside a nearby fast food outlet and taxi drivers parked along Gravel Street who may be able to help us with our inquiries." The first suspect is 23 to 25, 5ft 11ins, of average build and has short black hair and brown eyes. He was clean shaven and was wearing dark coloured clothing. The second man is also 23 to 25, 6ft and average build. He has short black hair, brown eyes, a 'scrawny' face and was wearing dark coloured clothing. The third suspect is a similar age and height to the other men but was of muscular build. He had 'mutton chop' sideburns down to his chin. He was also wearing dark coloured clothing. Contact Det Con Davies on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Thugs racially abuse and rob teenager at Leicester's St Margaret's Bus Station

Woman fights teenage robbers to retrieve her friend's necklace

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A woman struggled with two teenage robbers to retrieve her friend's necklace. The women, aged 53 and 63, were attacked in Lily Marriott Park, in Barnes Heath Road, Crown Hills, Leicester, on Saturday evening. Two youths, who are thought to be 15 or 16, snatched the necklace from one of the women as she walked past them. One of the teenagers pushed the woman to the ground. Her friend however confronted the youth who was holding the necklace and fought to get it back. Both men fled empty handed toward nearby Oxon Way. The victim was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary where she received treatment for face and shoulder injuries. She has since been discharged. The women told police they believe the two attackers had been among a group which had earlier followed them through the park. Detective Constable Amanda Thwaites said: "What should have been a pleasant walk in the sunshine ended in a shocking experience for these two ladies. "One was left with substantial injuries and her friend who showed great bravery was left very shaken by the incident. "We are appealing for witnesses who may have been walking in the park and saw two men matching these descriptions or witnessed the incident to contact us. "We are particularly interested to speak to a man who contacted the victim's family to say that he witnessed the incident. "He may have valuable information that could help us with our investigation." The first suspect is white, aged 15 or 16, approximately 6ft and of slim build. He was wearing a black cardigan, a cream coloured T-shirt and cream coloured trousers. The second youth is black, aged 15 or 16, 5ft 5ins to 5ft 6ins and of thin build. He has tightly curled, black shoulder-length hair and was wearing black clothing. Anyone with information should contact Det Con Thwaites on 101, or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Woman fights teenage robbers to retrieve her friend's necklace


Man trapped in van after crash airlifted to hospital

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A man travelling in a van suffered a suspected spinal injury in a collision. Firefighters spent almost two hours trying to free the 66-year-old casualty, who was a passenger in the vehicle, which hit a lamppost. Emergency services were called to the scene, opposite the National Space Centre, on the A6 Abbey Lane, Leicester, just after 6am on Saturday. Crews from the city's Western fire station were joined by the fire service's technical rescue unit to cut the man out of the van. A fire spokesman said the man was freed at about 7.50am. He was then airlifted to University Hospital Coventry by aWarwickshire and Northampton Air Ambulance crew. An air ambulance spokeswoman said: "We were called to the scene just after 7am and assessed the patient, who had been trapped in the vehicle for about an hour. "It was suspected that the casualty had a spinal injury. "He was immobilised and flown to University Hospitals Coventry for further assessment and treatment." The extent of the man's injuries is not known at this stage. Abbey Lane was closed while the rescue operation took place and the carriageway was cleared. It reopened at 9.55am. Anyone who witnessed the incident should call Leicestershire police on 101.

Motocross rider hurt in fall airlifted to hospital

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A motocross rider was airlifted to hospital with serious leg injuries after crashing his bike in an accident. The casualty, a man in his twenties, injured his leg when he came off his vehicle in a field on the outskirts of Melton on Sunday. The Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance, based at East Midlands Airport, was called to the incident, which happened at about 1.30pm. A spokeswoman said: "We were called on to provide advanced treatment and a rapid transfer to hospital by our colleagues in the East Midlands Ambulance Service due to the seriousness of the casualty's injuries. "Once on scene, the air ambulance paramedic and doctor administered pain relief before airlifting the casualty to the trauma centre at Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, for further assessment and treatment."

Firefighters stop blaze spreading to homes

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Firefighters prevented a blaze spreading to two neighbouring homes after flames from a burning shed between the properties leapt 15ft into the air. Two crews from Melton fire station were on the scene of the blaze in Hawthorn Drive in the town within five minutes of the call at about 6.30pm yesterday. Tenants in one of the homes said it was the quick action of the firefighters which prevented serious damage to either of the rented properties. A gas pipe in one of the properties ruptured during the incident forcing fire crews to evacuate a third property. Firefighters was due to the return to scene of the blaze this morning for a re-inspection and to determine the cause of the blaze.

Firefighters stop blaze spreading to homes

Street cordoned off this morning as police arrest suspect

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A road was closed this morning as police negotiated with a man who was threatening to jump out of a window. Police visited the property, which is believed to be a charity-run hostel, in Ashleigh Road, off Narborough Road, Leicester shortly before 7.30am in a pre-planned attempt to arrest the man. He reportedly refused to leave the building and at one point threatened to jump out of an upstairs window. Officers cordoned off Ashleigh Road, between Fosse Road South and Narborough Road, as a precaution while officers spoke to the man. Police said the man gave himself up shortly before 8am and the road was re-opened. The reason for the pre-planned attempt to arrest the suspect were not known this morning.

Street cordoned off this morning as police arrest suspect

Plan for 2,500 homes in Barwell approved despite local opposition

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A multi-million pound scheme to build 2,500 homes, community facilities, employment units and a school on the outskirts of Barwell has been approved. Scores of residents who opposed the development filled the public gallery at the meeting in Hinckley last night. But after a three and a half hour debate, councillors approved the the project, which includes £1million improvements for Barwell village centre. Protest leader Huw Williams said: "We are absolutely disgusted by the decision. The overwhelming majority of people in Barwell do not want this." He said he would be consulting other residents to see if they would mount a legal challenge to the decision. He said: "The councillors have gone against their own planning policy by deciding this application before an area action plan has been completed. The nine Liberal Democrats voted in favour and the six Conservatives voted against" Planning officers told members of the Hinckley and Bosworth council planning committee last night that although the area action plan had not been approved and a large amount of open country side would be lost it "is justified by the positive contribution that the scheme will make to the regeneration of Barwell and the borough more generally." More than half of the 320-acre site will devoted to housing while the rest will feature a mix of landscaping, playing fields, an employment area, community facilities and a primary school. More than 330 people had written to object to the project as have neighbouring parish councils. The plans were submitted last year by a consortium comprising Ainscough Strategic Land, Barwood Development Securities and Taylor Wimpey. Previously a consortium spokesman said: "This is an exciting opportunity to deliver the new homes the borough needs, accompanied by a comprehensive package of investment that will transform the village for years to come.

Plan for 2,500 homes in Barwell approved despite local opposition

Cyclist injured after colliding with BMW near Quorn

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A cyclist was taken to hospital by air ambulance after being involved in a collision with a car on a busy road. The man was cycling along the A6, near the One Ash roundabout at Quorn, at about 6.30pm, yesterday. Police said he collided with a BMW and received none-life-threatening injuries. He was taken to the Leicester Royal Infirmary for assessment. Officers diverted traffic during the incident. The road was reopened at 7.50pm.

Cyclist injured after colliding with BMW near Quorn

Factory buildings, Portakabins and lorry trailer damaged in firs in Snarestone Lane, Appleby Magna overnight

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Two factory buildings, two Portakabins and a trailer unit were severely damaged in a fire in Appleby Magna overnight. Two fire crews, from Ashby and Moira, were called to Snarestone Lane at 2.05am. The water carrier from Loughborough also went to the scene. Crews found two single storey industrial units measuring 30m by 14m on fire. A second seat of fire was also discovered in a Portakabin on site and a third in the tractor unit of an articulated lorry. A crew from Coalville fire station is still at the scene and a fire investigation officer is there trying to establish the cause of the blaze.

Factory buildings, Portakabins and lorry trailer damaged in firs in Snarestone Lane, Appleby Magna overnight


Elephant homes sought as Leicester MP plans Mango festival

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Keith Vaz faces an elephant-sized headache as he tries to organise the country's first ever Mango festival – in two weeks' time.

The Leicester East MP wants Belgrave's Golden Mile to stage an extravaganza in tribute to the national fruit of India over the early May bank holiday weekend, mimicking the famous International Mango Festival held in Delhi every June.

So far he has not finalised any of the details of the festival, such as what events would take place as part of it.

However, he has arranged the delivery of six giant wooden elephants to Leicester, which would form a key part of the festival.

Now he has just days to find somewhere suitable to display and store the ornately-decorated beasts, which are on their way to the UK from the Indian subcontinent.

Mr Vaz said: "I was approached by people working for the regional government of Maharashtra, in Mumbai, who said they wanted to organise a Mango festival in the UK.

"They have organised a festival in Trafalgar Square and I said 'if you're coming to England you've got to come to Leicester!' They said it was a great idea.

"It would be wonderful to have the focus of the festival in Belgrave and a way of promoting all the fantastic green-grocers in the area.

"These festivals are a celebration of Indian culture and food – and what a coup it would be for us in Leicester to host the country's first mango festival – and before London!"

Mr Vaz now has to finalise the arrangements – including temporary homes for the wooden elephants, which are up to 24ft by 12ft in size.

The Mercury was the first organisation in the city to know of the plans.

Mr Vaz has already approached the Mercury about having one of the elephants outside our offices in George Street and is now contacting Leicester City FC, Leicester Tigers and large city colleges, such as Rushey Mead School and Soar Valley College.

"This is a bit of an SOS," he said. "I am delighted that the organisers of the first Mango Festival have decided to come to Leicester.

"The elephants are an essential part of the festival but we need to find locations where they can be displayed – and where they will be looked after.

"We are looking for groups, businesses or even individuals who would house and look after the giant elephants for a three-month period.

"I know time is short but it would be such a shame if we missed out on this great opportunity," he said.

Councillor Manjula Sood, assistant city mayor for community involvement and equality, said: "If the festival can go ahead it would be wonderful – much better here than in London!"

The council is organising a "multi-agency" planning meeting to discuss the proposals with Mr Vaz for Friday.

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "It sounds like an interesting proposal and I have asked our festivals and events team to provide advice and support to Keith to help him with its delivery."

What to expect? The International Mango Festival held in Delhi

Elephant homes sought as Leicester MP plans Mango festival

Burglars steal engagement ring from Thurmaston home

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Burglars raided a woman's home and escaped with a unique engagement ring which she had designed herself. The ring was among a collection of jewellery which was stolen from the woman's home in Thurmaston. Police said today the piece was unique and that the victim was "extremely distressed". The white gold band has two diamonds and a sapphire set into it and bears the maker's marks GL and the hallmark London1978. The woman's home in Thurmaston was burgled between 1.50pm on Friday, March 29 and 2.30am the following Sunday. Other items stolen included a silver charm bracelet, with 50 charms, a silver necklace with a heart pendant inscribed with the words 'I love mum,' and various other necklaces. Detective Constable Steve Briance said: "The victim has been left extremely distressed by the incident. "The engagement ring was designed by the victim and is of great sentimental value to her. "If you recognise the ring or you have been approached by someone trying to sell a similar item of jewellery either in person or online we urge you to get in touch, we would also appeal to pawn brokers and jewellers to contact us if you have been approached to sell or value a similar ring. "If you witnessed anyone acting suspiciously in the Newark Road area, close to the junction with Lonsdale Road, during the Easter weekend then we urge you to contact us." Anyone with information should contact Det Con Briance on 101, or call Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Burglars steal engagement ring from Thurmaston home

DMU Students Celebrate Chinese Culture and Raise Money for Earthquake Victims.

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Students at De Montfort University are holding an event this Friday at Trinity House, De Montfort University, to celebrate Chinese culture.

The University has one of the highest numbers of Chinese students in the UK and twelve Chinese student volunteers have helped organise the event, which is part of the University's award winning Mile2 project. Echo Hou, a third year Accounting and Finance student has led the project as part of a six month work placement on the Mile2 project, said that: "the event will be a great chance to tell people about many aspects of Chinese culture, we will have Chinese tea and cake and guests will be able to watch Chinese dancing, listen to Chinese music and try their hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy" As well as showcasing Chinese culture to students, staff and members of the public, the event will also be raising valuable funds for UNICEF in light of the recent earthquake in Sichuan province. The earthquake has killed 200 people and displaced over 10,000 residents. UNICEF already has over 40 child friendly spaces in the area and is monitoring the impact that the earthquake has had on children very closely. Although the event is free, there will be the chance for guests to donate money to the charity at the event. "Given the way that the earthquake has affected people in Sichuan province, we felt it was important that we used the event to raise money as well", Echo said. The event will take place from 1pm on Friday 26th April. If you would like more information please contact the Mile² team on 0116 257 7102 or email mile2@dmu.ac.uk

DMU Students Celebrate Chinese Culture and Raise Money for Earthquake Victims.

Sentimental jewellery stolen from Oadby home

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Police have appealed for help reuniting a burglary victim with a number of pieces of jewellery which belonged to his late mother. The man's home in The Oval, Oadby, was burgled last month. Items stolen included five ruby rings, a 2.72 carat diamond ring and a 1.67 carat pink diamond, gold ring. A safe was also taken from the house, but was later recovered in Bumble Bee Lane. Detective Constable Tracey Horne said: "The owner of the house has recently lost his mother and so to have sentimental and priceless jewellery of hers stolen is extremely upsetting. "The images we have are vital to this enquiry and I would like to urge anyone with information about their current whereabouts to get in touch. "Any information that leads us to these stolen items could also lead us to those responsible and that's why it is so important that anyone with information calls us." Officers have been investigating the burglary since it happened, between Saturday and Monday, February 16 and 18. Anyone with information should contact Det Con Horne on 101, or call Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Sentimental jewellery stolen from Oadby home

Snooker: Mark Selby stays on course for World Championship title

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Mark Selby resumes his quest for a first world title this evening with a healthy 6-3 lead over Matthew Selt.

The 'Jester from Leicester' was not at his free-flowing best, struggling to make a break of any note, but he showed enough class to race into a 5-0 lead.

Romford's Selt, ranked 45 in the world and a Crucible debutant, managed to overcome any nerves to win three of the final four frames in last night's session, but he faces a tall order when the match continues this evening.

Barry Hawkins awaits the winner, with Selby hoping to go all the way and complete the Triple Crown of World, UK and Masters titles in the same season.

Selby's fellow Leicester potter Ben Woollaston missed out on a dream second-round clash against Ronnie O'Sullivan.

Trailing just 5-4 to Ali Carter going into last night's final session, Woollaston failed to get a frame on the board and bowed out to last year's runner-up 10-4.

Snooker: Mark Selby stays on course for World Championship title

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