Quantcast
Channel: Leicester Mercury Latest Stories Feed
Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live

Police in stand-off with man on a roof in Coalville

0
0
Police were involved in a six-hour stand-off with a man on a roof in Coalville. The man climbed up onto a building on the town's Agar Nook estate this afternoon and, despite the efforts of officers, refused to come down. A resident who lives opposite the scene, in St David's Crescent, said: "He was up there for several hours. "At one point he ripped off a chimney pot and threw it down into a garden where officers were standing." The incident came to an end just before 8pm. "He came down the slope of the roof and spokes briefly with negotiators before coming down without much more fuss. "They spoke to him briefly, cuffed him and drove him away in a police van." A police spokeswoman said roads in the surrounding area were cordoned off in the interest of public safety. Speaking at earlier today at 5pm, she said: "We are currently dealing with an incident in St David's Crescent, Coalville. "Earlier this afternoon , officers on patrol spotted a man who they wanted to speak to in connection with an ongoing investigation. "They approached the man and he made off, climbing onto the roof of bungalow." She added: "Negotiators are currently trying to bring the man down safely. "Roads in the area were cordoned off in the interests of public safety while the incident is being dealt with."

Police in stand-off with man on a roof in Coalville


Army dog poisoning: Deaths investigated

0
0
Three dogs at a Leicestershire base used to train sniffer and guard dogs on duty in Afghanistan have died after eating suspected contaminated food. The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that three dogs at the Defence Animal Centre, in Melton, died last month. The ministry's response follows a report in The Sun newspaper which claimed 18 dogs were poisoned and three later died after being fed toxic flea-killer by mistake. Yesterday, a spokesman for the MoD said: "Three dogs sadly died following an incident in June at the Defence Animal Centre in Leicestershire involving suspected contaminated food. "An investigation is underway and it would be inappropriate to comment further." A spokesman for the RSPCA has called on the military to urgently look into the incidents He said: "The RSPCA recognises the important role of military working dogs and their value and contribution in military operations. "We urge the MoD to look into these incidents as a matter of urgency. "In using working dogs the RSPCA, and the public, fully expect the MoD to protect their welfare and ensure they experience high standards of welfare throughout their working life." Margaret Pearson, president of Melton in Bloom, one of four organisations in the town raising money for a statue to the military working dogs at the centre, said: "I'm very surprised that it could happen.The people who train the dogs are passionate about them and it must be quite a shock for them for this to happen - especially as it involves more than one dog. "I watched the three programmes on ITV about the centre and it came across in that just how much the dogs are loved." She added: "I would like to know what happened. Where could the contamination have come from? Was it anything to do with the recent food contamination scare? "I am very shocked and saddened to hear about this." Leading Melton borough councillor Matthew O' callaghan said: "I am extremely surprised to hear this sad news. "The welfare of the animals at the centre is of the highest priority to the Ministry of Defence locally. "The animals are well looked after by their trainers and although they are working dogs, are treated like part of the family. "The kennels at the centre have recently undergone a multi-million pound refit." About 5,000 people visited the military base where the country's heroic dogs of war are trained at an open day last month. The centre, which is home to 200 dogs and 350 horses, trains all military working dogs – including those sniffing out roadside bombs and weapons in Afghanistan and guarding military bases in the country.

Army dog poisoning: Deaths investigated

'Patient safety is being put at risk'

0
0

A doctors' watchdog has revealed it has concerns about the A&E department at Leicester Royal Infirmary.

In a report about emergency departments, the General Medical Council (GMC) said it was concerned patient safety was being put at risk because of problems with staffing and poor support offered to junior doctors.

The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, which runs the A&E department at the infirmary, is among 16 listed by the GMC as being of concern.

These relate to poor access to education for staff as well as the workload and intensity of work carried out by doctors.

Professor Azhar Farooqi, co-chairman of the Leicester City clinical commissioning group responsible for providing city health services, said staff shortages was one of the issues facing the department, which has struggled for months to see and treat patients within the Government's four-hour target.

Mr Farooqi said: "We do expect Leicester's hospitals to resolve this issue.

"We are not talking about super-specialist staff but nurses and junior doctors.

"Lesser hospitals such as in Kettering and Northampton don't seem to have the same recruitment problem.

"If necessary, Leicester's hospitals will need to look at recruiting from overseas."

Niall Dickson, chief executive of the GMC, said: "The review team has made a number of recommendations to improve the quality of training and we will continue to work with NHS trusts, senior doctors, and others at a local level to ensure that high standards are met."

Jonathan Acheson, emergency consultant and post-graduate education lead in the LRI Emergency Department, said: "Our junior doctors work very hard, as we have one of the biggest and busiest emergency departments in the country."

"We took on board the comments made at the visit in March last year by the Deanery and have put in place a number of changes to bring about improvement in our workload and intensity.

"The Deanery, GMC and College of Emergency Medicine visited again in October and again in March and were pleased to see we had made substantial progress in our three-year medical education improvement project.

"We will continue to work closely as a team to bring about further improvements."

'Patient safety is being put at risk'

County are made to toil as opener hits double century

0
0

Leicestershire have got a mountain to climb after a torrid day in the field against Essex in the Championship yesterday.

A career-best 243 from Jaik Mickleburgh plus a first Championship century for Ben Foakes enabled Essex to take a firm grip on day three at Chelmsford.

Mickleburgh's effort plus the 120 from Foakes saw their side to an all-out total of 521 and a first innings lead of 156.

By the close, County had slumped to 47-3 in their second innings.

Resuming on 261-4, Mickleburgh and Foakes made progress against a weak visiting attack with embarrassing ease.

Seldom did the ball beat the bat as they negotiated the morning session and a large slice of the afternoon without alarm in taking the score to 421 with a partnership of 270 in 74 overs.

They were finally separated by left-arm spinner James Sykes when he tempted Foakes to drive into the hands of Ollie Freckingham at long-off.

Foakes laced his innings with three sixes and 15 fours in a 198-ball stay before Mickleburgh's marathon occupation of the crease was ended when he was seventh out having been bowled by Freckingham.

In all, he batted eight-and-three-quarter hours, faced 434 deliveries and hit 28 fours and a six.

Despite the punishment he inflicted on Leicestershire, it did not prevent the visiting players rushing to shake his hand as he made his way back to the pavilion.

Graham Napier weighed in with a brisk 41 before he was caught on the deep square leg boundary attacking Sykes who, on his Championship debut, toiled away for 43 overs while claiming 4-176. However, it was pace man Freckingham who was the pick of the Leicestershire bowlers as he finished with 3-60 from 27.1 overs.

For most of the day, the visiting captain Matt Boyce could only watch his side being put to the sword from the pavilion, while Greg Smith took over, because he was suffering from back spasms.

And he must have been suffering again when his side embarked on their second innings.

Smith departed with only a single on the board when he was caught behind by James Foster off Tymal Mills. The introduction of Essex off-spinner Greg Smith gained immediate reward when the bowler trapped first innings centurion Ned Eckersley lbw with his first delivery with the total on 31.

Worse was to follow, Smith striking again in his second over by having Niall O'Brien caught behind, but the visitors steered clear of further disasters before the close.

County will resume on the final day with a big job ahead of them to avoid defeat.

County are made to toil as opener hits double century

Geordan Murphy makes it look so easy in his new role at Tigers

0
0

It is no surprise that Leicester Tigers' new assistant backs coach Geordan Murphy has taken to his role like a duck to water. The 34-year-old played the game in an wonderfully effortless manner on his way to 72 Test caps for Ireland and 322 appearances for his club.

And a potentially difficult transition from player to coach seems to have been made in a heartbeat.

Having been mocked by head-office staff at Oval Park during his first week for "struggling with the computers", tales of the former club captain's early impact as a coach have been rife during pre-season training.

Murphy will be working under new backs coach Paul Burke.

The former Munster and Tigers fly-half knows all about making the transition from player to coach, having done the same at Leicester five years ago.

He is just one person singing Murphy's praises.

"He's very level-headed and I think he will thrive in the coaching environment," said Burke.

"He has a good personality, is good with the players and they all respect him.

"As a coach, that is half the battle. You need to respect the players and treat them with dignity, and then you will get the best out of them.

"Geordy ticks all of those boxes."

For Murphy, the transition has been made smoother by the work he did with the team last season while struggling with injury. He admits that the full-time title is "daunting" but that the job is not altogether new to him.

"I was always telling them what to do when I was playing so, in theory, this is no different," he said.

"You just have to think about these things a bit more when you are a coach.

"I'll admit that it's daunting. But the way I look at it, is that I came to Leicester to be a rugby player and I started at the bottom of the tree back then, trying to earn my stripes with the first team.

"It's like that for me again now.

"I have to listen and learn from the guys to become a better coach and, hopefully, get myself in a situation where I am well respected by everyone at the club as a coach.

"I was nervous before my first session, which was a funny one.

"I walked on to the pitch to do a skills session and the guys I knew stood on one side and had a chat to me – while the ones I didn't know so well stood on the other side expecting to hear some 'coaching gold' from this new coach!

"It has been good fun but the serious stuff has started now.

"The way I look at coaching is the same as when I was playing. I was friends with people but, when push comes to shove, the most important thing was the performance at the weekend.

"If you are going to hurt someone's feelings, you might as well say it to his face.

"It's an exciting role and it should be fun. It's a young squad with lots of talented players. It's the best place to be coaching. The players here know the game so well, it makes my job a lot easier."

Geordan Murphy makes it look so easy in his new role at  Tigers

Iron man Arthur, 82, from Loughborough, is king of shopping court

0
0

For most 82-year-olds, working out in the gym is a distant memory.

However, great-grandfather Arthur Bexon likes to keep in shape and pumps iron three times a week.

The retired furniture store manager, from Loughborough, was this week named Older People's Ambassador of the Carillon Court shopping centre, in the town.

He said: "Going to the gym makes you feel good and it's the social side of it I like, too.

"I go there and have a laugh and a joke with people – that's what I'm known for.

"People say to me, 'I hope I have got a body like yours when I'm that age but not with a face like that!'

"I used to regularly lift 100 kg but now I am down to more like 70 kg.

"I have quite a set routine. On a Saturday, I do chest, on a Monday, I concentrate on shoulders and on a Wednesday, it's back. I fill in with triceps, biceps and abdominals depending on where I need to put in the work."

Arthur believes it is his regular trips to the gym, which began when he was 45, that help keep him young at heart.

He said: "It's like going to work. I've been doing it for so long, it becomes a regular occurrence in life and for me it is part of the routine of living.

"I have always felt you are as old as your mind wants you to be and mine wants me to stay young."

Arthur is a father-of-three, grandfather-of-five and great-grandfather-of-three, with another on the way.

He is now promoting a series of Silver Saver days when older shoppers can save money at Carillon Court every Thursday, from now until November.

Baljit Kooner, Carillon Court manager, said: "Arthur is a shining example of a more mature person who doesn't let age get in his way.

"You can tell from talking to him he is young in heart and mind. I think it is this positive attitude which helps him stay so fit.

"He puts us all to shame with his regular trips to the gym and he is the perfect candidate for our role of Silver Savers Ambassador to help launch our discount day for senior citizens. They will be treated to a range of fantastic offers."

For more information about Silver Savers Day at Carillon Court shopping centre, go to:

www.carilloncourt.co.uk

Iron man Arthur, 82, from Loughborough,  is  king of shopping court

Workman is blaze hero

0
0

A quick-thinking workman alerted people living in a block of four maisonettes when fire threatened to engulf their homes.

Cabinet maker Christopher Riley, who was working at a nearby property, frantically hammered on the doors of the homes in the block in Tavistock Drive, Evington, Leicester.

Smoke and flames were seen pouring from the upstairs window of one of the homes in the block at about 12.45pm on Thursday.

Mr Riley, 29, of Birstall, who was working in adjoining Buckfast Close, said: "I was having my lunch outside when I saw three young lads, aged about 15 or 16, walking away from the property talking loudly on the phone requesting the fire brigade.

"I asked if there was anybody still in there. They were in a state of shock and arguing among themselves.

"I looked across and saw thick smoke coming from the top window. I started banging on the doors of adjoining properties quite aggressively to make sure they could hear me.

"I was worried the fire might spread. The smoke was black and getting thicker and after a couple of minutes I saw flames.

"The place seemed to be gone in 30 seconds to a minute. The fire brigade were here within five minutes, it was incredible how quickly they got here and got the fire under control."

One of the rescued neighbours, who asked not to be named, said: "I was alerted by a loud knock on my door by the chap working across the road.

"When I got outside I could see smoke and flames shooting out of the window. It was very frightening and scary and there were lots of neighbours out in the street. I thought the whole lot was going to go. I could hear glass breaking and other popping sounds.

"The fire brigade put it out very quickly. They were wonderful and I think they managed to stop it spreading across the roof space. Everybody in the street pulled together, with neighbours offering us drinks or to go into their homes.

"It's a mixed community and everybody gets on well. It's a good neighbourhood. I've lived here for 25 years. It could have been far worse if it had happened at night and it's not something I'm going to forget.

"I want to give the highest praise to the fire brigade, police and ambulance, they were absolutely brilliant, very organised and professional."

Another neighbour, who also asked not to be named, said: "I was getting ready to go out for lunch when I saw smoke coming out of a back window and heard cracking.

"There was a loud knock at my door and I rang 999 before I got out. I thought the fire was going to spread to my flat, but the firemen did a good job."

Four fire crews from Leicester's eastern and western fire stations, together with the aerial ladder platform from the city's central fire station, dealt with the incident.

Fire investigation officers and the East Midlands Regional Fire Investigation Dog Unit attended the scene.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "We are continuing enquiries into the incident. Three people have been arrested and released on bail."

Workman  is blaze   hero

Mobility scooter rider hurts boy in 'hit-and-run'

0
0

A seven-year-old boy was injured after he was involved in a suspected hit-and-run incident with a mobility scooter.

D'Silva Kinzett, from Market Harborough, was injured by the scooter as he was walking in the town centre with his mum and sister, who was in a pram.

Rowena Kinzett, 39, of Douglas Drive, in the town, said: "I saw this man in a mobility scooter coming towards us. He was going way too fast.

"There is only enough room for two people on the path and I assumed this person would slow down. But as we got closer he just kept going.

"I jumped out of the way holding the pram, hoping D'Silva was behind me, but it went straight into him.

"When I looked down he was under the scooter with his foot caught beneath the wheel.

"I tried to talk to the man to tell him he had to move the scooter but he didn't say anything. Finally, he reversed a bit, freeing D'Silva's foot, but then went straight forward again back on to his foot.

"I eventually managed to haul my son out from under the scooter and the guy just sped off. He didn't even ask if D'Silva was okay. His behaviour was unbelievable."

The incident happened at about 3.25pm on Wednesday near Commons car park in the town. Rowena said the scooter was beige but had no identity number or registration.

The incident has been reported to the police, who are investigating the matter.

"Fortunately, D'Silva didn't break anything but his foot is badly bruised," said Rowena.

"I think he is in shock at what had happened to him. He was very scared.

"At first, I wasn't sure what to do, but afterwards I got really angry. I thought, why should he be able to get away with this? My son could have been badly hurt and this person just drove away.

"It's basically a hit-and-run, but with a mobility scooter."

Rowena has given a description of the driver to police.

He is described as white, in his mid-60s, with a stocky build and short, curly grey hair.

Police confirmed they had received a report of the incident and were investigating.

Mobility scooter rider hurts boy in 'hit-and-run'


Bank manager stole £300k

0
0

A "thoroughly dishonest" village bank manager has been jailed after stealing more than £318,000.

Celia Valerie Zarebska (52), who worked at Santander, in Barrow upon Soar, took money from customers' accounts and issued false bond certificates to cover her tracks.

At least one of her victims was living in a care home.

Zarebska pleaded guilty at Leicester Crown Court to nine dishonesty offences – five of defrauding individual accounts and four of false accounting – committed over an eight-year period, from 2004 to 2012.

She was sentenced to three years and four months in prison yesterday.

Prosecutor Jonathan Dunne said Zarebska, of Breadcroft Lane, Barrow, was taken on to manage an agency branch of Alliance & Leicester at the end of 2003, by a family friend who ran an investment and pensions business in another part of the High Street building.

She had previously run a similar agency branch of the bank in Nottingham.

Mr Dunne said Zarebska ran the branch "pretty much on her own, sole discretion".

He said the bank became a central part of village life.

"No-one had any issues with Mrs Zarebska," he said. "She was a good family friend and trusted completely."

When Alliance & Leicester was taken over by Santander, Zarebska continued to manage the branch. Mr Dunne said her criminal activities came to light when the niece of a customer contacted the bank's head office to complain about irregularities in her 99-year-old aunt's account.

When an investigation was carried out, Zarebska denied any involvement.

"She said if there were any irregularities they must be down to family members," the court was told.

Mr Dunne said the family friend who had initially taken on Zarebska did not believe the accusations. When Santander took the bank keys from her, he continued to employ her in his own business.

"He only realised he had been taken in when shown a letter to one of the victims written and signed by him – he said he had not written it," said Mr Dunne.

Santander has compensated their customers' losses.

Jonathan Eley, for Zarebska, said his client had not deliberately plan the eight-year fraud but once the dishonesty had started, she found she could not stop and had tried to hide her tracks.

He said most of the money had been transferred to her son, who had been in "a cash shortfall" for seven or eight years, with some used to care for her father, who suffered from Parkinson's disease.

"From being a respectable, well-liked member of the community, she has become reviled and rejected," said Mr Eley.

Judge Simon Hammond said Zarebska's actions were "sophisticated well-planned fraud by a bank manager".

"It was a gross abuse of trust of her employers and gross abuse of trust of her customers," said the judge.

"She is a thoroughly dishonest person."

After the hearing, Steve Chappell, chief crown prosecutor for CPS East Midlands, said: "Celia Zarebska conducted an eight-year campaign of dishonesty.

"She stole from and defrauded the customers and the bank, all of whom had placed their trust in her, using her knowledge of the system to try and cover her tracks.

"The CPS has instigated proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. We will work with the court and financial investigators to identify and secure any assets she has to ensure she does not continue to profit from her crimes."

Santander declined to comment about the result.

Bank manager stole £300k

VIDEO: 'Danger driver' caught on camera

0
0

A motorist is being investigated for suspected dangerous driving after a car was filmed overtaking other vehicles at speed in wet and foggy weather.

The footage of the silver Vauxhall Vectra was filmed by Steve Warren on the A511 Ashby bypass at 7.45am on Friday, March 8.

It is shown approaching Mr Warren's car at speed, overtaking him in the face of oncoming traffic. Mr Warren, who has cameras facing both backward and forward in his car, passed his film to a crime-fighting website which, in turn, sent it to Leicestershire Police.

The force has confirmed it has identified the vehicle and is investigating a motorist for alleged dangerous driving.

Mr Warren, a 47-year-old married father-of-two, of Burton, said: "I saw the car coming up behind me and I thought at first he was going to plough into the back of my car. But he flashed past me with oncoming traffic heading for him.

"If he had hit an oncoming vehicle it would have been carnage.

"The road conditions that day were terrible. It was foggy and raining heavily. All the traffic was going along at somewhere between 40 and 45mph. But this car must have been doing twice that speed.

"I've had the cameras in my car for three years now. I got them to cover my backside for insurance purposes. I've filmed some things on the road but I decided that this was so serious it should be brought to the attention of the police."

Mr Warren passed his film to Policewitness.com, a website which encourages people to film evidence of crime and anti-social behaviour. It then passes the footage to the relevant police force.

It said it has secured fines and convictions for a range of offences.

Matt Stockdale, chief executive of Policewitness.com, said: "When drivers act irresponsibly they're putting all road users and themselves at risk.

"Too many people think if they can't see a police car, it's acceptable to drive however they want.

"The safe drivers, their passengers and pedestrians must make a stand and report those who are not taking as much care while behind the wheel."

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "This incident was brought to our attention by a member of the public whose vehicle is fitted with an in-vehicle camera system.

"We are investigating a report of dangerous driving on March 8 on the A511 Smisby roundabout towards A42. It happened at around 7.45am."

VIDEO: 'Danger driver' caught on camera

Richard III dig: The hidden secrets of historic friary

0
0
The dig explained: Our handy guide to the site which explains the features of the excavated friary church and where finds were made

The church of the medieval friary was built in 1255 and was part of a much larger abbey complex - which is buried beneath the surrounding buildings and road and is unlikely to be excavated any time soon.

The friary was demolished by Henry VIII in 1583 during the dissolution and most of the valuable materials were taken away and used elsewhere.

In the early 1600s, former Lord Mayor of Leicester Robert Herrick built his mansion and gardens on the site.

Now, the University of Leicester archaeological team is back for a second time, and began peeling back the Tarmac three weeks ago to learn more about the church of the friary where Richard III's remains were discovered last year.

Our guide shows what they have found so far.

Click HERE to see a larger version of the image.

1) Richard III – discovered during the first dig in August 2012: This is the spot where the last English monarch to be killed in battle was unceremoniously buried following his death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

His grave was discovered by the same team of archaeologists who are now working on this site.

The spot has been covered in a protective sheet and filled with sand to preserve it temporarily until a long-term solution can be found. It will be the main attraction at the Richard III visitor centre.

A glass ceiling will be placed over it so people can look down and see the 528-year-old grave for themselves – before exiting through the gift shop.

2) Intact floor tiles: A rare section of friary floor which survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries and 500-years of being buried and the mattocks of the university dig team.

Examples of these tiles can be found scattered throughout the site, but this is the only place where they can be seen in situ.

Other tiles were found in graves, used as backfill, such as the one at location 9.

3) Victorian well and leaky sewer: Not part of the friary or Herrick's garden, but an example of the wealth of archaeology from different periods found at the Greyfriars site.

Victorian builders were responsible for destroying Richard III's feet after they built foundations for a wall on top of them.

However, as Mat Morris said: "It could have been a lot worse!"

The leaky sewer is part of the council offices and not archaeology, although it does add an authentic medieval whiff to the site.

4) Peter Warzynski's trench: Full of broken tiles and dirt. Read more about my attempts at archaeology in Monday's Mercury.

5) Choir of the church and high-status burials (shown in the artist's impression): This part of the church would have included wooden choir stalls and had a resonant floor – which meant the friars' hymns and chants would have reverberated and echoed beautifully throughout the building.

The small pit (centre left) is a high-status burial, which was placed in the choir and can be seen on the artist's impressions.

It is not known who the grave belongs to. Two burials (centre right) have been discovered here, but not yet excavated.

They might be removed for their protection as the new Richard III visitor centre will occupy this spot when it is constructed later this year.

6) Wall and buttress: A new feature of the friary not found on any maps or in records of the site.

The remaining foundations of this medieval wall, built to the south of the abbey complex, might have been an extension to the church, or could have been unconnected and used simply as a boundary wall.

7) Herrick's path: This small section of pathway in Herrick's garden was made from re-used Roman tiles, as was the norm in past years.

Many of the buildings which were constructed throughout Leicester's historical periods were built from the remains of earlier structures, which makes archaeologists' lives a little harder when it comes to dating buildings.

8) Stone coffin: The final resting place of either Sir William Moton (a 14th century knight), Peter Swynsfeld (one of the friary's founders, who died in 1272) or William of Nottingham, who died in 1330.

This would have been located within the presbytery of the church, behind the choir and would have been reserved for a high-ranking member of society. The tomb is due to be opened on Tuesday.

9) Tile impressions: A surviving section of floor with the imprint of medieval tiles.

However, the tiles are long gone.

10) Graveyard (outside): This section of the friary would have been outside the walls of the building and most probably used as a graveyard.

It extends underneath the viewing platform and to the road, with potentially hundreds of graves.


MYSTERY: Contents of tomb set to be revealed These are the first images of a 14th century stone tomb which Greyfriars archaeologists are due to open in the next few days. The 600-year-old coffin is the star find of the dig and was first thought to belong to a Leicester knight, Sir William Moton. The nobleman was believed to have been born in Peckleton and was buried in 1362 at the friary. However, two more likely candidates for the tomb's contents have also emerged since evidence of Sir William's burial at the friary came to light. Archaeologists now believe that the crypt could contain the remains of either Peter Swynsfeld, one of the friary's founders, who died in 1272, or William of Nottingham, who died in 1330. Site director Mat Morris, from the University of Leicester Archaeological Service (ULAS), the commercial side of the department, said the team plans to open the mystery tomb on Tuesday. "We actually opened one end, just slightly, and poked a camera through to see if anything was in there," he said. "And we saw some toe bones. That's a good sign because we can be pretty sure they're connected to a skeleton. "It'll be interesting to find out who it is, whether it is Sir William Moton or one of the others. It would be great to find a coat of arms embossed on the inside of the tomb lid, but that's very unlikely." The opening of the tomb will be carried out behind screens and the contents will not be on view to the public. The dig is about to enter its final week before the giant trench is filled and construction of the Richard III visitor centre can begin on the site.

Richard III dig: The hidden secrets of historic friary

--- Article Removed ---

0
0
***
***
*** RSSing Note: Article removed by member request. ***
***

Dying-wish dad is married in hospital

0
0

A terminally-ill father who was hoping to tie the knot with his sweetheart next Friday has taken a turn for the worse, and been married in his hospital bed.

Knill Paget's story about his dying wish to marry his partner Bernadette Campbell prompted dozens of offers of help from Leicester Mercury readers, whose generosity gave him "the gift of hope and belief in this world".

A church ceremony was planned for July 26, with entertainers, florists, tailors, jewellers and other people contributing for free so that Knill, of Braunstone, Leicester, could fulfil his wish of a "proper family" with Bernadette and their son, Liam.

However, on Tuesday, Knill was taken to Nottingham City Hospital with a chest infection. He and Bernadette were married on Thursday.

A statement from the couple to everyone who has offered help and good wishes read: "Knill's biggest wish was to marry his partner, Bernie, with a proper church wedding and create lots of happy memories for his son, Liam, and his new wife to carry with them into the future.

"Unfortunately, Knill is in a very bad way so he and his sweetheart married at his bedside on July 18 in a lovely, but extremely-rushed wedding."

Knill was due to be moved to Loros yesterday, with just days to live.

The couple's statement said Knill, 31, was happy to be leaving five-year-old Liam in a world where people are so generous.

It said: "To all of you wonderful and generous people, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for giving Knill the gift of hope and belief in this world we live in.

"He said he knows he is leaving Liam in a good place with people like yourselves in it.

"No matter what bad goes on in this world, there is always much more good.

"He has never stopped believing this and although he asks 'why do people want to help me?', it always makes him happy and humbles him.

"Every offer that came in surprised him but it helped him smile and is making his last days happy ones."

His aunt, Melanie Feltham, said: "Knill and Bernadette had a quick bedside wedding after we decided there was no way we could go ahead with the wedding this Friday.

"As well as the chest infection, he also had a blood clot, which is all related to his tumour.

"The family has received so many fantastic offers of help. I don't think Knill would have lasted so long without them."

The family is organising a celebration of Knill's life and will be inviting everyone who donated suits, rings, shoes, flowers, cars, money or their services.

Video shows the family speaking last month after they received dozens of offers of help.

Dying-wish dad is married in  hospital

Greatest Ever City XI: Today it's the turn of the manager

0
0

Today, in our quest for the greatest ever Leicester City side, we have to choose a manager. After this week's shortlist of goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers, we have managed to get the choice down to six.

Again, the manager's performance at City is paramount and not what he did before or after.

For that reason, the likes of Sven-Goran Eriksson, who had a successful career across Europe, but fared less well at City, did not qualify.

This increasingly difficult and controversial search now has its last shortlist.

Micky Adams From: April 2002-October 2004 Verdict:@ A manager's job is never easy, and Adams had the added complication of a club that was in financial freefall as it headed towards administration after the disastrous era of Peter Taylor. Adams took control when relegation from the Premier League was inevitable, and then set about getting the club straight back up from the Championship. City's style of play was not pretty and relied on a pressing game and set-pieces, but it worked. However, then came the La Manga scandal and a Premier League campaign blighted by conceding late goals, and Adams left the club in late 2004. Jimmy Bloomfield From: July 1971-May 1977 Verdict: Has there ever been a better and more entertaining football side than the one under Bloomfield's reign? It was an exciting and proud time for City fans as the Londoner brought in a series of players from the capital, and the team plied their trade in the top half of the top flight. Many of the players who played in that team are still revered today – Frank Worthington, Steve Whitworth, Graham Cross, Alan Birchenall, Jon Sammels, the list goes on. However, despite great expectations, there was no silverware – and FA Cup semi-final was the best that Bloomfield achieved during his six years at Filbert Street. Matt Gillies From: November 1958-November 1968 Verdict: Ten years in the top job shows just how good a job the Scotsman did. A former City player, Gillies took over in the late 1950s and transformed the club's fortunes. There were two FA Cup finals, in 1961 and 1963, and two League Cup finals, including the first piece of silverware. A shrewd operator in the transfer market, Gillies was responsible for bringing in the likes of Gordon Banks and Davie Gibson. A loyal man, who credited his coach, Bert Johnson, with much of City's success, Gillies resigned after his trusted friend's sacking. Brian Little From: May 1991-November 1994 Verdict: Much of Little's era is tainted by the fury of City fans at his defection to Aston Villa early in the 1994-95 season, where he made his name as a player. However, let us not forget that this is the manager that instilled some pride and excitement at Filbert Street, with three Wembley play-off finals after some lean and tedious years. Some of the football may not have been pretty, and some of the signings dubious, but the plan worked. Of course, Little was also the man behind the masterstroke to suddenly convert centre-back Steve Walsh to centre-forward. Frank O'Farrell From: December 1968-June 1971 Verdict: The Irishman took over after the long reign of Matt Gillies, when City were destined for relegation from the old First Division. However, after a great cup run, O'Farrell took City to their last FA Cup final, the 1969 defeat to Manchester City at Wembley. He led City to the Second Division title two years later, but his talents had been noticed elsewhere. The City boss was appointed to be the new manager of Manchester United, in the summer of 1971, to replace the legendary Matt Busby. Sadly for O'Farrell, and for his trusted assistant Malcolm Musgrove, the move to Old Trafford never worked out for them. Martin O'Neill From: December 1995-June 2000 Verdict: Let us just look at the record of another Irishman – promotion, four top-10 finishes in the Premier League and silverware, with two League Cup triumphs in three finals. Those victories, of course, also brought European football to Leicester for the first time in many years. Although O'Neill had a now well-documented difficult start to his City career, it was then almost entirely heady days for the Blue Army. His elevation to legendary status was helped by turning down the overtures of both Everton and Leeds before he eventually succumbed to the charms of Celtic in 2001.Also considered, but failed to make the shortlist: Norman Bullock@ (December 1949-February 1955) was a post-war manager with a five-year plan to take City to the very highest-level, and the club's board were impressed. The man who brought the legendary Arthur Rowley to City, Bullock took them to the Second Division championship in 1954. However, life in the top flight did not go according to plan for Bullock, and problems with his players at a Whitley Bay hotel led to his sacking. It was a problem that a manager nearly 50 years later would come to sympathise with. Peter Hodge@ (September 1919-May 1926) was the secretary/manager, and it was always a joint role until the Second World War. Hodge guided Leicester Fosse to First Division respectability and was well-respected in the game. A shrewd operator in the transfer market, he signed goal-scoring machine Arthur Chandler for virtually nothing. Hodge won the Second Division title in 1925, but was then tempted away from the club by Manchester City, where he signed one Matt Busby. Mark McGhee@ (December 1994-December 1995) is a much derided figure for the way he left Filbert Street for Wolves, and for some of his arrogant pronouncements. However, he tried to get City playing a fluent passing game before Barcelona even thought about it. When it worked, City were brilliant, but when it didn't... If McGhee had stayed at Leicester, something really good might, just might, have happened. Gordon Milne@ (August 1982-May 1987) was a quiet man and not the charismatic figure of many City bosses. Cash was tight at City during his reign and he worked on a minimal budget but, for three years, he kept City in the top flight against all the odds. Respected for his work, but not overly popular with the fans, he moved to become general manager before it all went wrong for City under new Bryan Hamilton. Milne managed successfully for many years in Turkey, where he became the longest-serving ever foreign coach. Jock Wallace@ (June 1978-July 1982) is unlucky not to make the shortlist. The appointment of the Glasgow Rangers manager as City boss was a true British soccer sensation at the time. The charismatic, tough, ex-Royal Marine had notorious training session and was a great motivator. He stopped City from sliding into the third tier of English football after the nightmare regime of Frank McLintock. Wallace took City to the Second Division championship, but City soon slid back down as the purse strings at Filbert Street were tightened.

Greatest Ever City XI: Today it's the turn of the manager

Leicester City must be ready for the toughest campaign - Craig Shakespeare

0
0
Leicester City must be ready for the toughest campaign yet if they are to achieve promotion, says assistant boss Craig Shakespeare. He said City were leaving no stone unturned in their preparations as they gear up for another tilt at promotion to the Premier League. Shakespeare, who was talking as the squad returned from their Austrian training camp last night, said this was especially true with Financial Fair Play, which has given relegated sides bidding for a quick return an advantage in the transfer market with their parachute payments. But he said manager Nigel Pearson and his staff had been delighted with the work the squad had done so far in pre-season, especially during their five-day training camp this week. "We'll have to be competitive again next season, especially when you take into account financial fair play, which I think will have an impact next season," he said. "We haven't got the parachute payments like some teams next season, so we have to be diligent and make sure that our recruitment policy is backed up by hard work and analysis, which we will continue to do. "The analysis of the opposition has already started – we've had people going out to see teams in pre-season. "We know from our experience that sometimes you don't get a lot, but you can get the odd snippet. "You can see already that some teams are spending money – Wigan and Reading, who have great squads, and those are the ones who are looking to use their parachute payments. "Of the others, I think you can see that the Championship was a strong league last season and it will be even harder to get out of it this season. "We have to make sure that we hit the ground running and that goes back to the work that the lads have done since they came back to training. "On the bright side, you have to look at how young we are and how much we can develop." City travelled to Austria with a few injury concerns, especially over top scorer David Nugent. But Shakespeare said everyone will play a part when they return to friendly action at Port Vale on Tuesday. "David Nugent was able to join in training with the whole squad in the middle of the week and actually did some 11v11 work," he added.

Leicester City must be ready for the toughest campaign - Craig Shakespeare


UK heatwave: top tips for staying safe

0
0
Level three heatwave warnings have been issued in many parts of the UK, as Britain continues to swelter in soaring temperatures. The warning has today been raised to level three by the Met Office for north-west England – the second-highest warning level. Also in place for the South West and the West Midlands, the warning has been issued because "there is a 90% probability of heatwave conditions between 0900 on Friday and 2100 on Saturday in parts of England". The warning calls for "heatwave action", as the Met Office reminds Brits: "Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young, very old or those with chronic diseases." Meanwhile warnings for south-east England and London have been reduced to level two. But how can we stay safe in the heat, and how can we get some shuteye when the temperatures are so high? Tips for staying cool The NHS advises: - Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler - Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool - Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter) - Avoid unnecessary travel - Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water - Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol - Stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat - Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website - Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves - Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors Tips for sleeping in hot weather Dr Malcolm von Schantz, a molecular neuroscientist at the University of Surrey's Sleep Centre, last year told BBC News Magazine: - Use an electric fan: it will decrease your time awake in bed by lowering the body temperature - Drink plenty before bed: dehydration will wake you up, so make sure you have plenty of water over the course of the evening - Avoid alcohol - Go for thin cotton sheets rather than nylon bedding Avoid, spot and treat: dehydration Dehydration happens when your body loses more fluid than you take in. To avoid dehydration, drink regularly. When it comes to spotting dehydration, look out for: - dizziness or light-headedness - a headache - tiredness - a dry mouth, lips and eyes - concentrated urine (dark yellow) or passing only small amounts of urine infrequently (less than three or four times a day) To treat dehydration, rehydrate the body by drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, diluted squash, diluted fruit juice or semi-skimmed milk. A sweet drink can help to replace lost sugar and a salty snack can help to replace lost salt. Drink a rehydration solution. But if you suspect someone is severely dehydrated, you should seek medical attention immediately. They may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment. In particular, babies, infants and elderly people will need urgent treatment if they become dehydrated. Avoid, spot and treat: heat exhaustion Heat exhaustion can occur when the temperature inside the body rises to anything between the normal 37°C (98.6°F) up to 40°C (104°F). If a person with heat exhaustion is taken quickly to a cool place, is given water to drink and has their excess clothing removed, they should begin to feel better within half an hour. But without treatment, they could develop heatstroke, which is much more serious (see below). To prevent heat exhaustion: - Stay out of the heat - Cool yourself down (with cold showers, cold drinks) - Keep your environment cool (see 'Tips for staying cool') To spot heat exhaustion, look out for: - very hot skin - heavy sweating - dizziness - extreme tiredness - feeling sick or vomiting - urinating less often and much darker urine than usual - a rapid heartbeat - mental confusion If you suspect someone has heat exhaustion: - Get them to rest in a cool place, ideally a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade - Get them to drink fluids – water or a rehydration drink, such as a sports drink. But they should stop taking fluid on board once their symptoms have greatly decreased (usually within two to three hours). - Cool their skin with cold water - Loosen clothing and ensure that the person gets plenty of ventilation Dial 999 to request an ambulance if the person doesn't respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes. If you suspect a child under two, an elderly person, someone with kidney, heart or circulation problems or a person with diabetes who use insulin, has heat exhaustion, they should be taken to hospital either way. Avoid, spot and treat: heatstroke Heatstroke, which occurs when the body can no longer cool itself and starts to overheat, is far more serious than heat exhaustion. Parts of the body stop working and if left untreated it can lead to complications such as organ failure and brain damage. Heatstroke can be fatal. To prevent heatstroke, see 'Tips for staying cool'. To spot heatstroke, be on guard against: - high body temperature – a temperature of 40°C (104°F) or above is often a major sign of heatstroke, although it can be diagnosed at lower temperatures and some people can reach these temperatures during physical exercise without developing heat exhaustion or heatstroke - heavy sweating that suddenly stops – a major warning sign the body has become over-heated and dehydrated and so is unable to produce any more sweat a rapid heartbeat or rapid breathing (hyperventilation) - muscle cramps - fits (seizures) - restlessness or anxiety - mental confusion - lack of co-ordination - problems understanding or speaking to others seeing or hearing things that aren't real (hallucinations) - loss of consciousness Heatstroke is a medical emergency - dial 999 immediately to request an ambulance. While waiting for the ambulance to arrive, move the person somewhere cool and give them fluids to drink – ideally water. Cool their skin with water by placing a damp flannel or sheet on them or spraying them gently. Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan. Gently massage their skin to encourage circulation. But wait for medical supervision before immersing someone fully in water - it could increase their blood pressure significantly which could be dangerous for those with cardiovascular disease or those at risk of stroke, such as the elderly. And don't give them medication. If the person is unconscious and vomiting, move them into the recovery position by turning them on their side and making sure that their airways are clear. To read more about the level three heatwave alert and how to stay safe, click here.

UK heatwave: top tips for staying safe

Live traffic and travel updates

0
0
Area Traffic Control report that the A606 is now clear and re-opened after the earlier accident in the Leesthorpe area.9.10am: Drivers are warned that the A606 between Leesthorpe and Little Dalby is closed after an accident on Leesthorpe Hill.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

Live traffic and travel updates

Woman taken to hospital after being cut free from car

0
0
A woman was taken to hospital after being cut free from a car this morning. The female was taken to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham after the car she was travelling in left Hose Lane in Long Clawson and ended up in a ditch. Firefighters from Melton and West Bridgford were called out to the incident at 1.44am. The woman was released from the rear seat of the vehicle within an hour. Two other people in the car had got themselves out of the vehicle.

Woman taken to hospital after being cut free from car

Car bursts into flames at service station

0
0
A car engine burst into flames at the Leicester Forest East service station. Firefighters from Southern and western stations were called out to the incident on the northbound side of the M1 service station at 7.38pm yesterday. A member of the public had started to tackle the flames with a fire extinguisher. The firefighters damped down the vehicle. The fire, which was due to a mechanical fault, had caused 10 percent damage to the engine compartment.

Car bursts into flames at service station

Love the Lanes festival comes alive

0
0
The streets of Leicester are alive with music, dance and people at the Love Lanes Festival. Hundreds of people are being drawn to the "Lanes" area of the city by the unique shopping exerience. Traders have set up stalls in the streets and there is a wide variety of workshops, demonstrations, live music and street performers. Entertainment has included fashion shows, burlesque performances and comedy. A stage has been set up in St Martin's Square, with music organised by two bars, Firebug and Duffy's. The festival is taking place in Silver Street, Cank Street, Loseby Lane, Guild Hall Lane, Carts Lane, St Martin's Square, Malcolm Arcade, Odeon Arcade and Royal Arcade. Entry is free and the festival is on until to 5pm today.
Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images