Woman's body found on Leicester estate

July 16, 2013, 3:41 am

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A police investigation has been launched after a woman's body was found on a Leicester estate this morning. Police have confirmed they are treating the woman's death as suspicious. The body was discovered when officers were called to an address in Ottawa Road, St Matthews shortly before 7.30am. A 21-year-old man has been arrested and is being held in custody. Forensics specialists are examining the St Matthews address, Malabar Road as well as other areas which have been linked to the woman's death, including Humberstone Road, Monsell Drive and Aylestone Road. One of these was the forecourt of the St Matthews service station in Malabar Road, where an area outside the shop was cordoned off. Owner Lee Nicholls said a man with blood on his hands came into the shop at approximately 3.30am today and bought a packet of cigarettes. He added: "Obviously my member of staff was very concerned when he saw this. "I came into work this morning and the police were keen to look at our CCTV which we've shown to them. "The man who had blood on his hands used a cash machine near by before he came into the shop. I don't know what happened. I've only just found out that a woman is dead."

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Charity donations in memory of Susan Taylor reach £60,000

July 16, 2013, 4:03 am

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Donations have been pouring in for a Leicestershire charity swimmer who died while attempting to cross the English Channel to raise money for two charities. Susan Taylor, 34, from Barwell, collapsed a mile from the French coast when she became ill on Sunday afternoon. Her paramedic brother David, who was in the support boat, pulled her out of the water and battled to save her. Her husband and coach Stephen was on the support boat. A French navy helicopter flew Susan to hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer, but she was declared dead at 7pm. Donations for the two charities she was swimming for - Rainbows Children's Hospice in Loughborough and Diabetes UK - have so far topped £60,000. The total amount for Rainbows stood at £52,821.36 and at £8,159.96 for Diabetes UK by 10.55am. In a statement released through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Susan's family said: "Susan was an experienced long-distance swimmer and had prepared tirelessly for the challenge. "Susan's family are grateful for all the messages of support they have received but would now ask for privacy to come to terms with this tragic event." The statement added that people could continue to donate money to the two charities in her memory. It added: "Susan took great pride in her fundraising for some amazing charities and we would like her sacrifice to be recognised in the only way she would have wanted," Rainbows community and events manager Katie Baxter said: "There has been a huge amount of donations in the past couple of hours. "Susan was an ambassador for Rainbows and was one of the team who went to networking events inspiring others to raise money for the charity. "It's a huge amount of money, but it is a very bitter-sweet moment for the charity. We will be talking to the family when they are ready to talk about doing something in her memory."

Susan Taylor from Stuart Ritchie on Vimeo.

The comedian and Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams is believed to have donated £1,000 to Mrs Taylor's fundraising page. A donation of that amount was made under the name of the Little Britain star, who swam the Channel in 2006, with the message "Sending all my love to Susan's family and friends." He also tweeted a link to the page, writing: "Susan Taylor's Channel swim attempt very sadly ended in tragedy. This is her charity page if you want to donate". He added:" Despite the shock and sadness, it's good to see heroic Susan Taylor's charity total rising. Please give what you can..." Tributes continue to come in for the tireless charity fund raiser who had been an ambassador for Rainbows for two years. A statement from Hinckley United Football Club said; "At this time our thoughts and prayers are with Susan's husband and her family and friends. "All at the club were greatly impressed by Susan's determination to take on this challenge, she was a huge asset to the club and will be sadly missed." See Susan Taylor's Channel Swim for Rainbows fundraising page HERE. See Susan Taylor's channel swim for Diabetes UK page HERE. And as soon as the news broke people took to Twitter to share tributes and messages of condolence.

RELATED ARTICLE: Donations soar after death of Channel charity swimmer Susan Taylor

Tributes to soldier who died during SAS training

July 16, 2013, 4:18 am

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Tutors and a fellow students have paid tribute to former University of Leicester student and reservist soldier Craig Roberts who died during SAS selection training in the Brecon Beacons. Lance Corporal Craig Roberts, 24, from Penrhyn Bay, Conwy, and another soldier died on the hottest day of the year in Wales at the weekend. Mr Roberts, who lived in London and was a maths teacher in Lewisham, graduated from the University of Leicester's economics department in 2010. Samuel Smithers, PhD researcher and associate tutor in the economics department, said: "I remember Craig - he and I were in the same cohort both graduating in 2010. "He was a hardworking, highly perseverant man who always wore a smile. "It is a tragic loss of life for somebody who clearly had a lot of life to give." Professor Ali al-Nowaihi, admissions tutor and course director for the BSc degrees in economics at the University of Leicester, said: "It is with great sadness that I received the news of the death of Craig Roberts in the line of duty. "Mr Roberts graduated in the summer of 2010 with a 2.1 class BSc (Hon) degree in banking and finance from the University of Leicester. "He demonstrated excellent leadership qualities and yet was a good team member. He passed my module with the good first class mark. "My strong view was that Craig was a very promising young man. Independent, strong willed and determined. "We discussed possible future advanced postgraduate studies. "Had he applied, I would not have hesitated in taking him on as a PhD student. "His tragic death is a great loss to humanity." A spokesperson for the University of Leicester said: "We are saddened by this tragic news and our thoughts are with Craig's family at this time of sorrow. "Craig completed a three-year Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree in our economics department in 2010. "He graduated with an honours degree having studied banking and finance and had a bright future ahead of him. "His death at such an early age in these circumstances is very tragic indeed." Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond said there will be a "full service inquiry" into the deaths on the Brecon Beacons. It is thought six soldiers collapsed on Saturday. One remains seriously ill. RELATED ARTICLE: TA soldiers die on training exercise in Powys on hottest day of year

Concern grows for missing Ahmed

July 16, 2013, 4:38 am

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Concern is growing for the welfare of a teenager who went missing from home a fortnight ago. Ahmed Farah, 16, was last seen at around midnight on Monday, July 1, at his home address in Beaumont Leys, Leicester. Officers from the City Missing from Home Team said are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to get in touch. Ahmed is Somalian, around 6ft tall, with a lean build and short cropped black hair. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a yellow jacket with a blue sleeveless jacket over the top and grey coloured Airforce shoes with a blue Nike tick. Sergeant Kevin Sharkey said: "We are appealing for anyone who may have seen Ahmed or knows where he might be to contact us." Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101.

Gas leak closes A444

July 16, 2013, 5:48 am

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A gas leak closed a major road for more than an hour as engineers tried to fix the problem. Engineers from National Grid were called to the A444/Atherstone Road, at Fenny Drayton, at 11.50am, today. The alarm was raised by motorists who reported smelling gas close to the Red Gate junction with the A5. A section of road between the A5 and Fenny Drayton was shut while the leak was investigated. Traffic was diverted through Hinckley and Atherstone, leading to congestion on the A5 and surrounding roads. A temporary, 24-hour emergency road closure was granted by Leicestershire County Council. The road was reopened, however, all be it with temporary traffic lights, at 1.15pm. A spokeswoman for National Grid said: "The gas main was situated directly below the road so it had to be closed while engineers investigated the problem. "They found a small leak, which they felt could be repaired while traffic used the lane." She added: "It was not a serious leak and there was no danger to the public."

Cockers' absence will be 'no problem' for Leicester Tigers

July 16, 2013, 10:05 pm

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Leicester Tigers assistant coach Geordan Murphy insists Richard Cockerill's nine-game ban will 'not present too much of a problem'.

The 35-year-old Irishman has made the transformation from playing field to head office this summer.

The veteran of 322 appearances for the club has already begun taking coaching sessions as he lines up with director of rugby Cockerill, Paul Burke and Richard Blaze on the club's coaching staff.

When competitive action begins, Murphy says he expects to be down on the touchline – like he was for much of last season while out injured – as Cockerill is resigned to a seat in the stands and no direct contact with his team or coaching staff on game day.

Tigers are still discussing whether to appeal against the decision that was handed out by a Rugby Football Union disciplinary panel for "unprofessional" and "inappropriate" behaviour at the Aviva Premiership final in May.

"We have spoken briefly about what will happen but have not nailed anything down," said Murphy.

"Potentially, Burke and Blaze will be in the stands running it and I will be where I was for much of last season, on the sidelines keeping an eye on things.

"It's not all sorted yet but I am sure that it (the ban) will not be too much of a problem. The majority of Cockers' coaching is done in the week.

"There is not a huge amount of coaching that is done on the day of the game.

"That is mainly done by Thursday – but there are certain key points that he will want to make and get across to the lads.

"We will have to know what messages he wants portraying and take them into the game."

Tigers begin their pre-season on August 9 with a trip to Geneva to face Montpellier, but Cockerill's first game of the suspension does not kick in until the opening day of the Premiership season against Worcester on September 8.

"Until we start playing, we won't know how it will work, but Burkey has a lot of experience and has been involved with the guys for a long time – five years as a coach and two years as a player," said Murphy.

"Blaze has been coaching here and doing a great job for many years.

"I am the baby of the bunch in respects to coaching knowledge, but we have lots of experience in the squad, so we are very lucky in that respect.

"Those players will be able to make calls out on the pitch."

Damien Hirst posing with a severed head is disrespectful and shocking, say University of Leicester academics

July 16, 2013, 10:05 pm

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A macabre photograph of Damien Hirst posing next to a severed head should be removed from an exhibition, say experts from the University of Leicester. The gruesome black and white image shows the artist as a 16-year-old grinning while crouching next the decapitated remains at a Leeds morgue. It was taken after Hirst gained access to the mortuary with a friend and picked up the head, which was undergoing a postmortem examination. The photo, titled With Dead Head, was taken in 1981 and makes up part of an exhibition at a Walsall art gallery called Epstein and Hirst: birth, death and religion. The controversial image has prompted two academics from the University of Leicester to write to the New Art Gallery Walsall, complaining about the artwork. Matthew Beamish and Professor Sarah Tarlow, of the university's School of Archaeology and Ancient History, said that the public display is disrespectful to the dead man and goes against all ethical standards. Professor Tarlow, who has written about the ethics of the excavation and display of the dead, said: "The image is shocking. I don't think it should be on public display. It deserves a place in Hirst's archive, but not in a gallery. "It is a betrayal of trust to the deceased man, who has evidently donated his body to medical science – a philanthropic act. His body has not been used for a serious purpose. "To make it worse, his face is potentially recognisable – a family member of neighbour might look at it and recognise him." The Walsall gallery has responded to the Leicester academics. However, Professor Tarlow was not convinced with the reply. "I think the gallery's response to our complaint was irrelevant and totally misses the points we have raised," she said. "There has been quite a lot written on the picture in the art world – but the writing focuses on either what the picture says about Hirst's 'personal journey' or how the image challenges viewers. It does not acknowledge that there is a third individual involved – the deceased man." The Mercury has made contact with the gallery, but no one was available for comment.

10 things to do this summer in Leicestershire for less than a fiver

July 16, 2013, 10:15 pm

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Summer is here and if you're looking for things to do as a family without breaking the bank, Leicestershire has plenty to offer. The excitement is set to spread all over the city and county with outdoor events and festivals to get you into the swing of summer. If something indoors is more your thing - New Walk Museum is offering an exciting exhibition for the whole family in the Magic Worlds exhibition. Explore the world of fantasy, illusion and excitement, the exhibition includes a large range of costumes, tricks, vintage toys, paintings, ceramics, illustrations, posters and more. With replicas of magical artifacts such as Harry Potter's broomstick and puppets from A Midsummer Night's Dream, dating from the 1940s. James Hickford, of the city council's museums service, said: "We're running a range of activity sessions alongside our Magic Worlds exhibition, where for £2.50 children can get the chance to make magic wands, zoetropes, clay dragons and lots more magical creatures. The sessions run from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm from Monday to Friday during the school holidays. Plus the exhibition itself, which is free, features a huge range of tricks, puppets and games, and the chance to see a replica of Harry Potter's broom. The exhibition is open from Monday to Saturday, 10am until 5pm and from 11am to 5pm on Sundays." The exhibition is free and runs until September 29. Details of special events such as the optical illusions workshops or mythical monsters details can be found on the exhibition's website. See the website www.visitleicester.info If that's whetted your appetite for great things to do over the summer, here are 10 more exciting events happening near you... 1) If you're feeling brave enough, you could explore the spooky Belgrave Hall as it is transformed into a ghostly mansion for The Creepy House event, on Wednesday July 17, from 11am to 3.30pm. The event is part of Leicester Libraries' summer reading challenge, which invites young readers to collect a host of Creepy House goodies every time they read a book borrowed from a city library. Visitors are invited to come to Belgrave Hall dressed to scare and pick up a free summer reading pack while they explore the frightening grounds of The Creepy House. For more details about the Summer Reading Challenge and a full programme of Creepy House events taking place at Leicester libraries, visit leicester.gov.uk/librariesBelgrave Hall, Church Road, LE4 5PE 2) If a close encounter with some gorgeous owls sounds more like your thing, head to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park on Sunday July 21 from 4pm to 5.30pm to enjoy cream tea in the Tithe Barn followed by the opportunity to fly one or two beautiful birds. £5 admission. See the website bosworthbattlefield.com/ for more details.Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre & Country Park Sutton Cheney, Nr. Market Bosworth, Leicestershire CV13 0AD. T. 01455 290429 3) Go wild on August 3 and dress up as your favourite animal at the Abbey Pumping Station Animal Rescue Railway Day. You can explore, take a train ride and support local animal charities at the same time as meeting exotic animals and take part in some fun animal themed crafts. Free admission and small charges for train rides and handling animals donated to animal charities locally. It's on from 11am to 4.30pm. See the website abbeypumpingstation.org for more details.Abbey Pumping Station, Corporation Road, Leicester, LE4 5PX. T. 0116 299 5111 4) Colour your summer by going to the city's 28th annual Caribbean Carnival. As the largest single multicultural event in the East Midlands with an estimated 20,000 people attending each year, it is perfect for the whole family. Celebrations begin on Victoria Park followed by the street parade, featuring troupes and floats displaying the magnificent costumes. This colourful event takes place on August 3. See the website leicestercarnival.com for more details. Victoria Park, London Road, Leicester, LE1 7RY. T. 0116 273 6649 5) There's fun and excitement in the city centre from August 5 to 23 with the Summer Funfair in town. Combine your shopping with a trip to the fair. Explore the rides and more right in the middle of Leicester. City Centre, Leicester, LE1 1DA. T. 0116 252 7000. 6) If you're still itching to find out more about the exciting discovery of King Richard III in Leicester you could head over to the exhibition at the Guildhall. It features interactive touchscreens suitable for all ages. On loan from Loughborough University is a model of King Richard's skill, made from the CT scan of the skeleton taken at Leicester Royal Infirmary and 3D printed to create the fantastic replica. The exhibition has extended opening over the summer holidays and is open from 10am to 5pm. See the website leicester.gov.uk for more details.The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5FQ. T. 0116 253 2569 7) Looking for a peaceful day? Why not head to the tranqil Leicestershire countryside and spend the day at Foxton Locks watching the narrowboats heading through the locks. The Foxton Locks museum from 10am to 5pm and includes interactive displays while a wide range of waterway artifacts tell the story of the lift, the Locks, the waterways and the people who lived on the canals. See the website goleicestershire.com for more details. Foxton Locks, Gumley Road, Foxton, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7RA 8) Leicester City Council are again offering free swimming for all under -16s from Monday, July 29 to Sunday, August 25 in four leisure centres across the country including Spence Street Sports Centre, Cossington Street Sports Centre, Leicester Leys Leisure Centre and Braunstone Leisure Centre. You could spend some time improving your swimming skills or just having fun in the water. See the website .leicester.gov.uk for more details. 9) Still buzzing from Andy Murray's fantastic Wimbledon win? Test out your miniature tennis skills on "Permanent Ping" tables around the city's parks. Including tables and Victoria and Abbey Park, take along your bats and balls and you're ready to play. See the website leicester.gov.uk for more details. 10) If you're still itching for more activity, you could check out the city's Sports Fest on 11am to 4pm on the August 25. A free, family friendly celebration that will showcase the catalogue of sporting opportunities open to people within the city. The event will take place on Humberstone Gate in Leicester, turning it into a sporting arena for the day, with activities taking place in front of the Big Screen and behind the Clock Tower. See the website leicester.gov.uk for more details.

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• Let us know what you'll be doing to keep the children happy over the summer holidays in Leicester and Leicestershire. Just complete the form below and we'll add the suggestions to our top 10. Thanks

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Police name Leicester woman killed on the M1

July 17, 2013, 12:00 am

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A woman who was killed in a motorcycle accident on the M1 has been named as Edita Bojarinova, from Leicester. The 29-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident on the northbound carriageway near Northampton on Sunday. Ms Bojarinova was riding a white Yamaha R6 between junctions 16 and 17, at around 10.50pm, when she was in collision with the central reservation. Officers investigating the circumstances of the collision would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision. They would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen two white motorbikes travelling in convoy on the M1 northbound through Northamptonshire prior to the collision, as well as anyone who may have stopped at the scene of the collision. Witnesses or anyone with information about this incident, is asked to contact police on the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174 615.

Two people taken to hospital after crash in Oakham

July 17, 2013, 1:10 am

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Firefighters responded to a crash last night after hearing the noise of the impact when it happened 20 yards away from their station. Ten firefighters from Oakham attended the two-car crash on South Street at 8.50pm and used cutting equipment to release two people from their vehicles. A man and a female, aged between 10 and 16, were taken to hospital after the accident at the crossroads with Brooke Street and Mill Street. The male driver was cut free from one vehicle while the girl was released from the front passenger seat of the other car. Oakham crew manger Vince Howard said the casualties were treated by paramedics at the scene and taken to hospital as a precaution. He said: "If these people had not been wearing their seatbelts their injuries would have been a lot worse. "We always stress to people that they should wear their seatbelt at all times. They really do save lives and reduce injuries." Diversions were set up until 10.30pm for the removal of the vehicles.

Leicestershire dole queue falls sharply

July 17, 2013, 2:46 am

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Leicestershire's dole queue shrunk at its fastest rate for six months in June. Figures released today said the claimant count fell by 714 – or 3.3 per cent – to 20,660 last month. In the city, the figure fell by 364 to 12,187, while in the county the number dropped by 350 to 8,473. Martin Traynor, chief executive of Leicestershire Chamber of Commerce, said: "This is the biggest monthly fall in the Jobseekers' Allowance claimant figure since January. "Obviously, from our point of view this is encouraging, but there are still skill shortages out there which are causing businesses problems." He said the chamber estimated there were between 24,000 and 26,000 vacancies in the county. Jobcentre Plus, the Government jobs agency, no longer provides monthly updates on the number of vacancies in a specific area. Nationally, the claimant count fell by 21,200 – or 1.4 per cent – to 1.48 million last month.

Leicester City transfer news: Beckford deal completed

July 17, 2013, 2:48 am

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Leicester City striker Jermaine Beckford's move to Bolton has finally been completed. While the move has not yet been officially confirmed by the clubs, it is understood the 29-year-old striker will be unveiled at the Reebok Stadium this afternoon. The deal will involve a small up-front fee which could rise depending on Beckford's goal tally and if his new side gain promotion. Beckford scored 15 goals in 49 appearances for City since his move to the King Power Stadium for £3m two years ago from Premier League club Everton. Bolton manager Dougie Freedman said last night: "We've all worked very hard – even Leicester, to be fair – coming to a deal. "We feel it's a good deal for the football club. He's a proven goalscorer, I know his character well and the deal is done on a performance-basis. "For the deal we've got, it's an absolute no-brainer for this football club for where we are right now."

CCTV image of bike theft suspect

July 17, 2013, 3:39 am

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Police investigating the theft of a child's bike from Leicester railway station have released a CCTV image of a man they want to trace. The cycle, a blue mountain bike worth £120, was stolen from a rack in the London Road station on Sunday, June 30. British Transport Police today released an image of a man they want to trace. Pc Mike LeConte said: "The bike had been secured to the cycle rack at the station when it was stolen at 6.30pm. "I would ask anyone who recognises the man pictured, or knows his whereabouts, to please get in touch. "Likewise if you have been offered a bike matching this description please contact us. "Sadly bicycles are a popular target for thieves but there are lots of things people can do to make sure their property is adequately marked and secured. "It's important to remember to register your bike and ensure a solid D-lock is used, it makes it much easier to identify and therefore helps reduce the risk of becoming a victim of bike theft. " Contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident B4 of 17/07/2013. Information can also be passed to Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Live traffic and travel

July 17, 2013, 4:15 am

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12.38pm: All rail lines at Long Eaton are now open after a person was hit and killed by a train. However, residual delays of up to 45 mins to continue until further notice. 11.45am: Passengers are being warned that the train route that covers Birmingham New Street, Tamworth, Burton-on-Trent, Derby, Long Eaton, Beeston and Nottingham; Matlock, Ambergate, Belper, Derby, Long Eaton, Attenborough, Beeston and Nottingham; Sheffield, Chesterfield, Derby, Long Eaton, East Midlands Parkway, Loughborough, Leicester and London St Pancras International is being affected by delays. These are being caused after a person was hit and killed by a train at Long Eaton in Derbyshire. 11.15am:National Rail are reporting that two of the four train lines are now open so some trains can begin to run after the incident where a person was hit and killed by a train at Flitwick. Passengers are being warned to expect major delays of up to 90 mins which will continue until further notice.11.10am:East Midlands Trains are reporting that train services at Sileby are being disrupted due to speed restrictions. 10.55am: Passengers searching for alternative routes for East Midlands Trains and First Capital Connect due to the delay caused by a person being hit by a train today should contact National Rail.10.40am:There is disruption on East Midlands Trains between the region and London after a person was hit by a train. There are delays between Bedford and St Pancras International due to the incident at Flitwick. Tickets are being accepted on Crosscountry services.8.10am: The A6 Great Glen Bypass is clear near to the Burton Overy turn. Accident recovery work completed on the countybound carriageway7.15am: There has been an accident on the A6 Great Glen Bypass. The carriageway is partially blocked countybound near to the Burton Overy turn. Recovery work is underway. See the Mobile speed camera sites this week. Click here for the latest Roadworks in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - CLICK HERE.LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE. FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report at: www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/weather.CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Family pay tribute to former University of Leicester student who died in SAS training

July 17, 2013, 4:29 am

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The family of a former University of Leicester student who died during SAS selection training in the Brecon Beacons have said they are devastated but feel he lost his life following his dream. They revealed that Lance Corporal Craig Roberts, who died in searing temperatures in Wales at the weekend, had been about to begin a new post in the office of the education secretary. In a statement released via the Ministry of Defence, the family, who are from north Wales, said: "We would like to thank all our and Craig's friends for their kind thoughts and support. "We are all devastated at the loss of our beloved Craig. This has left a massive hole in all our lives. "We wholeheartedly supported Craig in his military endeavours and it gives us some comfort, though great sadness, that he died in the pursuit of his dream. "Next month Craig was due to start a new post in the office of the secretary of state for education and we were all very proud of him." Mr Roberts, 24, who lived in London and was a maths teacher in Lewisham, graduated from the University of Leicester's economics department in 2010. Tutors from the university have paid tribute to the former Leicester student. Samuel Smithers, PhD researcher and associate tutor in the economics department, said: "I remember Craig. "He and I were in the same cohort, both graduating in 2010. "He was a hard-working, highly-perseverant man who always wore a smile. It is a tragic loss of life for somebody who clearly had a lot of life to give." Another soldier, who has not yet been named, also died in the SAS training exercise at the weekend. It is understood they were among six soldiers who collapsed during a training exercise on Saturday. One other soldier remains seriously ill. Defence Secretary Phillip Hammond said there would be a "full service inquiry" into the deaths.

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Delays to train services between Leicester and London

July 17, 2013, 4:30 am

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Rail services between Leicester and London are facing major disruption today after a person was hit by a train at Flitwick. East Midlands trains is warning that journeys between Bedford and London St Pancras could be delayed for up to 90 minutes. A limited replacement bus service has been set up for passengers between Bedford and Luton. East Midlands Trains passengers have been told that they are able to use alternative services including: • CrossCountry services between Birmingham New Street and Peterborough and also between Birmingham New Street and Derby / Nottingham• East Coast services between London Kings Cross and Doncaster• London Midland services on any reasonable route• Northern Rail services on any reasonable route• Virgin Trains services on any reasonable routeUpdate: 12pm East Midlands Trains has warned that delays between Bedford and London St Pancras are expected to last until 3pm. Delays of up to 25 minutes are being reported. • See the East Midlands Trains live information board HERE. Passengers travelling between Loughborough, Derby and Nottingham have also been affected by delays - more details here.• Click here for more travel updates for Leicester and Leicestershire.

Heatwave set to continue across Leicestershire

July 17, 2013, 6:34 am

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The heat is still on across Leicestershire and is set to continue through to the weekend. Today will see temperatures reaching a maximum of 29C and falling to a not very comfortable 18C at night. Tomorrow will be another dry, hot and sunny day with temperatures climbing to 27C. The dry, sunny weather will continue into the weekend with more cloud forecast for Sunday and the possibility of some thundery showers. Meanwhile, the Met Office sent out health warnings today as Leicestershire and the rest of Britain sweltered in the first heatwave for seven years. After five consecutive days basking in 30°C plus temperatures, forecasters said that Britain was in its first prolonged heatwave since 2006. The Met Office responded by issuing a "level three heat health watch" for London and the South East. Level three warnings are just below the most serious alerts and are put out when high temperatures place the very young, the very old and those with chronic diseases at risk. Leicestershire is currently on a level two alert and people are urged to be prepared to take action if the heatwave conditions continue. See the Met Office website: /www.metoffice.gov.uk• See the five-day forecast for Leicester and Leicestershire leicestermercury.co.uk/weather If you want more information about hot weather and your health please visit www.nhs.uk. If you are concerned about your health or somebody you care for, please contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647, www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or your local pharmacist.

Tragic swimmer's fund-raising total passes £70,000

July 17, 2013, 7:20 am

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Charity donations in memory of tragic swimmer Susan Taylor topped the £70,000 mark last night.

The 34-year-old, from Barwell, collapsed a mile from the French coast while swimming solo across the Channel on Sunday afternoon.

Following the tragedy, thousands of people have donated cash to the two charities she was aiming to raise money for.

Rainbows children's hospice, in Loughborough, has so far received more than £63,000 including, it is believed, a donation from comedian David Walliams. A further £10,000 has been donated to Diabetes UK.

Rainbows community and events manager Katie Baxter said it was a "bittersweet moment" for the charity.

"The way the fund-raising total has been going up is absolutely extraordinary," she said.

"We would like to do something in her memory, but we are respecting the family's privacy at this time and will talk to the family about that when they are ready.

"We hope the family in the longer term will gain something from the messages of condolence and support.

"Susan was an ambassador for Rainbows and was one of the team who went to networking events, inspiring others to raise money for the charity."

Mrs Taylor got into difficulty a mile from the finish line on Sunday.

Her brother, David, a paramedic who was in the support boat, pulled her out of the water and battled to save her.

Her husband and coach, Stephen, was also on board.

A French navy helicopter flew her to hospital in Boulogne-sur-Mer, but she was declared dead at 7pm.

In a statement released through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, her family said: "Susan was an experienced long-distance swimmer and had prepared tirelessly for the challenge.

"Susan's family are grateful for all the messages of support but would now ask for privacy to come to terms with this tragic event.

"Susan took great pride in her fund-raising for some amazing charities and we would like her sacrifice to be recognised in the only way she would have wanted."

Comedian and Britain's Got Talent judge Walliams – one of Susan's inspirations – is believed to have donated £1,000 to her fund-raising page.

A donation of that amount was made under the name of the Little Britain star, who swam the Channel in 2006, with the message: "Sending all my love to Susan's family and friends."

He also tweeted a link to the page, writing: "Susan Taylor's Channel swim attempt very sadly ended in tragedy. This is her charity page if you want to donate."

He later added: "Despite the shock and sadness, it's good to see heroic Susan Taylor's charity total rising. Please give what you can."

Tributes continue to come in for Mrs Taylor, who paid the costs of her swim attempt herself so all the money raised could go to the charities.

See Susan Taylor's Channel Swim for Rainbows fundraising page HERE. See Susan Taylor's channel swim for Diabetes UK page HERE.

Man guilty of causing Leicester shisha cafe fire

July 17, 2013, 7:29 am

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An arsonist convicted by a jury of causing a £100,000 blaze at a business rival's shisha café is facing jail. Imtiyaz Patel (28) torched the Cloud Nine café on the third floor of Curzon House, Curzon Street, St Matthews – whilst dozens of factory staff worked below. He was found guilty unanimously this afternoon, of arson, recklessly endangering lives, on the morning of October 25 last year. Nearly 40 employees at Galaxy Knitwear, on the second floor, were evacuated along with other staff from another textile firm at ground level. The flames and billowing smoke could be seen from up to 10 miles away. A relative of the Cloud Nine owner shouted "yes" as the verdict was announced at Leicester Crown Court. Patel, of Herschell Street, Highfields, who denied the offence, ran a rival shisha care, The Unit, Belgrave Gate, Leicester. Having been found guilty he sat down in the dock and closed his eyes. He bowed his head and pressed his hands together, as if in prayer. Judge Philip Head adjourned the case until September 6, for the preparation of pre-sentence and psychiatric reports. He remanded Patel in custody, saying: "The risk of absconding must be high."

During the four day trial the jury were shown CCTV footage of Patel parking his car outside Curzon House and carrying two bags inside, whilst wearing a hooded jacket. In a communal area, he is seen with a crowbar breaking into the locked café premises on the top storey. Inside the café he walks over to an area near some steps to break into panelling where the café's interior CCTV recorder and hard drive are hidden. Then Patel is seen to leave the building. He started the fire off-camera, with petrol and a lighter. Steve Chappell, chief crown prosecutor at CPS East Midlands, said: "Imtiyaz Patel broke into the premises and used petrol to start the fire and then left, completely ignorant of the destruction the fire would cause and the danger he had put people in. He later admitted setting the fire out of spite in the hope that people would come to his café instead, but had not intended it to be so serious. "Patel's actions have destroyed a business that had taken months to build up and left the owner without a livelihood. The fire took hold in the middle of the morning in an occupied building. If is fortunate that nobody was seriously hurt as a result of his reckless and selfish actions." Video showing the fire at Cloud Nine café

Two fatal train incidents disrupt rail travel

July 17, 2013, 7:40 am

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All ticket restrictions have been lifted on East Midlands Trains services to and from London St Pancras this evening due to ongoing delays. Passengers in the region have suffered delays to and from London for most of the day after a person was hit and killed by a train at Flitwick in Bedfordshsire earlier today. Rail travellers in East Midlands also suffered disruption after a person was hit and killed by a train in Long Eaton, Derbyshire. Trains from Derby to Nottingham and Loughborough were affected. More delays were encoutered after speed restrictions were imposed at Sileby.