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Leicester begins countdown to Commonwealth Games with arrival of Queen's Baton Relay next week

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Crowds of children will gather around Leicester's Clock Tower on Tuesday morning to begin the city's countdown to the start of the Commonwealth Games. The gathering will be part of a day of events welcoming the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay. Claire Lomas – who completed the London Marathon in a robotic suit in 2012 after breaking her back in a riding accident – is due to join the youngsters at 11am. She said: "It's a real honour to welcome the Queen's Baton to Leicester and be part of a celebration of our great local athletes, clubs and sports volunteers ahead of the Commonwealth Games." Six baton-bearers, chosen for their contributions to sport and the community, will carry the baton at events on the Leicester leg of its journey. They are Paige Murray, Cherie D'silva, Mike Smith, Ross Davenport, Trevor Low and Shiv Thakor. Shiv, who plays professional cricket for the county, said: "I'm extremely proud to play for Leicestershire, and I'm very proud to say that I'm from Leicester. "I hope that people turn out in numbers on Tuesday to welcome the baton to Leicester and show the world we're getting behind the Commonwealth Games." About 300 children will get involved in sporting activities in Abbey Park while people of all ages will join in the celebrations in Town Hall Square from 5pm. Live music and dancing – with a Commonwealth theme – will continue there until 8pm, with plenty of opportunities for people to have a go at a new sport. Assistant city mayor councillor Piara Singh Clair said: "I'm delighted that Leicester has been selected to host the Queen's Baton Relay. "This is a great opportunity for our city to show its support for Team England – and encourage local people to get active and involved in sport." Dame Kelly Holmes, President of Commonwealth Games England, said: "I'm encouraging everyone in Leicester to get involved when the Queen's Baton Relay comes to your city. "Find out what event is taking place and if you can be there then please go and cheer on your baton-bearers and be part of the Team England send-off to Glasgow." The Commonwealth Games take place in Glasgow from July 23 to August 3. For more information about the Queen's Baton Relay coming to Leicester, go to: visitleicester.info/

Leicester begins countdown to Commonwealth Games with arrival of Queen’s Baton Relay next week


Marc Albrighton relishing fresh start at Leicester City

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Marc Albrighton says joining Leicester City presents him with a fresh start in his career. The 24-year-old has signed a four-year contract with City after leaving Aston Villa. Although he admits he was disappointed Villa told him he was surplus to requirements after 16 years with the club, he feels he needed a new challenge. "It was a bit of a shock when Villa told me they didn't want my services anymore," said the winger. "I wasn't expecting a massive bumper deal from Villa but, if I am honest, I was expecting something. "I would have had to assess it anyway. I think the time had come for me to face a new challenge anyway. "Sixteen years at a club is a long time and it is something to look forward to now. "It is a new start, a fresh start for me and my family. I can't wait to get started."

Marc Albrighton relishing fresh start at Leicester City

CCTV appeal in search for Birstall petrol station thief

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Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to question about the theft of petrol from a service station. A customer left the station, in Loughborough Road, Birstall, without paying for his fuel shortly after 5pm on Friday, April 25. A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "Police would like to speak to the man in the image as they believe he could have information which will help with their inquiry into the incident." Contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

CCTV appeal in search for Birstall petrol station thief

VIDEO: 'Brave' female shop assistant tackled robber as he stole bags of cash

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A petite shop assistant has been praised for her bravery after she barred the way of a robber who helped himself to bags of cash next to the til. Salma Choudhury, who stands at just over 5ft tall, caught Shaun Brown stealing nine bags of coins from the Best One shop, in Hinckley Road, Leicester, at 9.30pm on Sunday, April 27. The 25-year-old had been getting fresh stock from a storeroom when the robber saw his chance and went behind the counter to grab the bags, containing £150. When Salma saw what had happened she blocked the path of 5ft 11ins Brown (29) in an attempt to stop him leaving with the money. She only relented when the robber used his strength to force his way past her, pushing and kicking her in the process. Her intervention resulted in the thief leaving behind one of the bags of cash he was trying to steal.
Salma's actions were praised by Judge Simon Hammond when he jailed Brown, of Upper Temple Walk, Beaumont Leys, Leicester, for three years at Leicester Crown Court. Judge Hammond said: "Corner shops like this provide an invaluable service to the community, staying open late at night and they're particularly vulnerable. "This was a lone female working at night. She had the guts to block him, but he barged his way through. "He saw she was alone and vulnerable and he used considerable force. "I'm publicly commending her for her brave actions." Salma, who lives in the Hinckley Road area, had a few days off after the incident and then returned to work. She told the Mercury: "I didn't have any fear, I just wanted to know what he was up to. "He had been in the shop a few minutes earlier, on his phone, looking round. "I had been out the back getting stock and when I came back he was behind the counter and I saw him picking up the bags of change." As she attempted to block him in behind the narrow shop counter, Brown used his superior strength, hitting her repeatedly. The struggle was captured on CCTV. Salma, who tackled another robber trying to steal cigarettes by vaulting over the counter at a previous job, added: "After a few hits which hurt my shoulder I gave up, but I managed to save £10. "I don't think he thought I would put up a fight because I am a woman, but I just wanted to stop him, that was my aim. "I was all right afterwards. I am quite a calm person, although I was in pain. "The incident has made me stronger." Shop owner Vimesh Gandhi 29, of the Anstey Lane area of Leicester, was at a family celebration in Milton Keynes, in Northamptonshire, when the incident happened. Salma pressed a panic button which sent an alert to Vimesh's phone. He said: "I tried ringing Salma and the shop, but she was obviously in shock. I just wanted to know she was okay. "She's a brave girl, but I told her off because I was not happy with what she did. "I've always told staff not to put themselves at risk. "We know the 90 per cent of our customers by their first names, so something like this was very stressful and we've had to make changes in the shop." Vimesh also praised the police for their handling of the incident. "When I reported the robbery to the police, officers arrived in my shop in no time, literally within a few minutes," he said. "They started the investigation straight away, took our statements and the support that we received throughout was absolutely amazing." Speaking of Brown's jail term, Vimesh said: "I'm happy with the sentence and feel we can put this behind us now." Brown admitted the robbery. The court heard he had 74 offences on his record, of which 45 were theft-related, although he had no previous convictions for robbery. David Charman, mitigating, said: "It was opportunistic. "He saw the money bags and thought she was out of the way in the stock room and when he took the money she came down and tried to block his path. "The reason he committed the offence was because his partner said she wanted some money for their new baby. "He very much regrets it."

VIDEO: 'Brave' female shop assistant tackled robber as he stole bags of cash

Hunt for 'scruffily dressed' flasher who targeted 12-year-old girl

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Police are hunting a man who indecently exposed himself to a 12-year-old girl. The scruffily dressed man, who is believed to be in his 30s, targeted the youngster in a play area in Avondale Road, Barlestone, near Market Bosworth. The incident happened at 4.30pm on Monday, May 12. Police have appealed for help tracing the man. The suspect is white, chubby-faced and has dark hair which was short at the sides and longer on top. The victim has told police the man was scruffily dressed, unshaven and was wearing jeans, a black top and was carrying a dark coloured motorcycle helmet. Pc Phil Hale said: "It is possible the suspect arrived and left the park on a motorbike of some description. "I would appeal to anyone else who was in the area at the time and saw a man matching this description to get in touch. "I would also like anyone who thinks they know who this could be to contact me. "Even the smallest details could help with our inquiry." Contact Pc Hale on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Hunt for 'scruffily dressed' flasher who targeted 12-year-old girl

Messi or Ronaldo. Who wins? Gary Lineker thinks he has the answer

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Who is the best player in the world, Messi or Ronaldo? It is a question that divides football fans across the globe - especially in Spain - but ex-Leicester striker Gary Lineker thinks he has the answer. With the World Cup just days away, the Foxes legend has tackled the question on his new daily blog - Blahzil, which is dedicated to the beautiful game. He also answers a number of other World Cup related posers and analyses Roy Hodgson's England team - concluding that attack might be the best form of defence when it comes to the side. But which Spain-based superstar gets Gary's vote as the world's best player? It's his Barcelona stable mate Lionel Messi, of course. Speaking on the blog, he said: "For me Messi is a gift from the footballing gods. He's just such a phenomenal talent, a player that doesn't only best people but memorises them and produces magical moments, scores a multitude of goals and he's always an honest player. "He gets kicked, he gets hacked, he gets up. "He never dives, he doesn't cheat. He's just a brilliant example for footballers everywhere." Gary, who spent three years at Barca, scoring 42 goals in 103 games, said Messi's teamwork was the trait which set him apart from his Portuguese rival. "For me Messi just edges it in the sense that he's more of a team player," said Gary. "I think Ronaldo is a phenomenal talent – brilliant player – love him to bits. But he does play for himself a little bit. "Messi always makes the right decisions, whether to pass or whether just to finish. "The man's a little genius." Gary also takes a look at the England team, but describes the defence as "lightweight" and lacking depth, but highlights the importance of England's keeper, Joe Hart as vital to the team's defensive duties. "Thankfully Joe Hart has bounced back to form with Manchester City and he'll be hugely encouraged by the fact that he went on to win the title," said Gary, who won the Golden Boot for his six goal tally at the World Cup in 1986. "So that's massively encouraging because goalkeepers are an integral part of any defence." He also said the exclusion of John Terry would be a blow for the side. He said: "I don't think there's any doubt that the best partner for Cahill would have been John Terry... but John Terry wasn't called in." Gary said Hodgson will likely go for Phil Jagielka to partner the Chelsea centre back, despite the fact he has played little football this season. "The back up in that particular area is either Smalling or Jones, now both of those players of course have struggled this season at Manchester United." "He added: "So you've not really got that much consistency in that position - it's the one area of the team which is a concern." The lack of a natural holding midfielder was also a worry for the former City player, who notes Michael Carrick's absence from the squad as a problem. Gary's solution? "We might be better just to attack," he said.• Who do you think is the best player in the world, Messi or Ronaldo? Let us know by voting in the poll on the right of this page and post your comments below.

Messi or Ronaldo. Who wins? Gary Lineker thinks he has the answer

Kasper Schmeichel signs four-year contract at Leicester City

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Kasper Schmeichel has signed a new four-year contract to keep him at Leicester City until the summer of 2018. The Denmark goalkeeper was out of contract this summer and his performances during the last three years with City led to several offers from other clubs, but the 27-year-old has committed his future to Leicester. "I'm tremendously proud to sign for this great club again," he said. "Leicester has felt like home since the day I arrived three years ago and always felt like the right choice for me. "I was always confident that my future would be sorted once we achieved our objective of winning promotion to the Premier League, and I'd like to thank the owners and the manager for making it happen. "I can't wait to play for this club in the Premier League. With the management team we have and the squad already here, plus new additions arriving, we've got a great chance of having a great season."

Kasper Schmeichel signs four-year contract at Leicester City

Motorbike involved in fatal Loughborough crash was stolen

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A high-powered motorcycle involved in a fatal crash which killed its 26-year-old rider had been stolen, police have confirmed.

Luke Gibbs died when he lost control of the bike in Belton Road, Loughborough, in the early hours of Sunday.

The father, who lived in the town, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics, who were called to the scene by a member of the public.

An investigation into the circumstances of the accident is continuing.

A police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm the motorcycle had been stolen.

"However, we cannot confirm the man who died in the fatal collision was responsible for stealing the bike.

"That is part of our ongoing investigation."

The machine involved in the crash was a yellow, limited- edition Suzuki GSXR 600cc Supersport race bike, one of only 1,500 made.

It belonged to a 22-year-old factory worker, from Sileby, who contacted the Mercury about the theft. Mr Weir, who did not want us to print his first name, said the bike cost him £2,620.

He said he had bought it in April after saving for two years.

"I was staying at my girlfriend's house in Loughborough on Saturday night," he said. "My bike was parked outside with a steering lock and heavy steel chain.

"The first I knew about it being stolen was when my girlfriend went downstairs to make a drink and looked out of the window.

"She came flying up the stairs screaming the bike had gone.

"I checked for myself and couldn't believe it.

"They must have used a bolt-cutter on the chain and there was a heavy iron bar nearby which could have been used to break the steering lock."

Mr Weir did not learn of the fatal accident until he received a panicked call from his mother.

"When I checked my phone I had loads of missed calls from my mum. I rang her back and she was absolutely hysterical," he said.

"The police had been round to my home at about 5.40am. They were really cagey with her, asking things like what did my bike look like and if she could describe me.

"As you can imagine, she put two and two together and thought I'd had an accident and was either unconscious or dead. She feared the worst.

"It absolutely terrified her. She was beside herself with panic."

Mr Weir said he was shocked to find out someone had been killed on his bike.

"It's a tragedy," he said. "I've been racking my brain, thinking could I have done anything make my bike more secure?

"If I had, I'd have my bike and this lad would have his life."

A police spokeswoman confirmed that as part of the force's initial attempts to identify the rider, officers visited the address of the registered keeper of the vehicle.

The crash happened at the junction with Ratcliffe Road and Meadow Lane at 4.50am.

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.

Motorbike involved in fatal Loughborough crash was stolen


Fire alert at East Midlands Airport

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East Midlands Airport was evacuated in a fire alert this morning. Three fire crews from Loughborough and Shepshed responded to reports of smoke seen coming from an area of the airport at about 9.45am. A spokesman for the airport said: "An automatic fire alarm went off, it was nothing serious. "Everyone is back in now, it lasted about 30 minutes. Aircraft are being loaded and we're back to normal." A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the three crews had reached the airport but were not needed.

Fire alert at East Midlands Airport

Leicestershire weather: More rain forecast for weekend

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A weather alert has been issued by the Met Office for Leicestershire this weekend. Heavy rain is set to hit the county and the rest of the East Midlands this Saturday.

The Met Office alert urges residents to be aware of the potential for localised flooding due to the intensity of these storms.

Today should remain dry and sunny  resulting in a clear and chilly night . Tomorrow should be another dry day with sunny spells in the morning and becoming cloudy by the evening. 

See the latest four-day weather forecast for Leicester and Leicestershire.

Meanwhile, two flood alerts were issued this morning by the Environment Agency after heavy rain. The alerts were in place for the lower River Soar including tributaries from Cossington to Redhill at the River Trent and the River Sence and tributaries from Billesdon to the River Soar at Glen Parva.

Leicestershire weather: More rain forecast for weekend

Car and van involved in Whitwick crash

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A collision involving a car and a van saw one of the vehicles crash in to a bungalow. Emergency services were called to Hall Lane, in Whitwick, near Coalville, just before 6pm, yesterday. A police spokeswoman said: "The collision involved a black Citroën and a red van. She said: "One of our officers came across the incident before alerting the other emergency services. "The two vehicles were involved in a collision and one of them then crashed into a property." A crew from Coalville Fire Station attended the incident but on their arrival were not required. The police could not confirm if anyone was injured in the collision or the extent of the damage to the home.

Car and van involved in Whitwick crash

Leicester Tigers duo in England team to face New Zealand

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Leicester Tigers duo Manu Tuilagi and Geoff Parling have been recalled to England’s starting line-up after missing the Six Nations through injury.

They are two of three Tigers in Stuart Lancaster’s XV that will take on New Zealand on Saturday in Auckland.

 

They are joined by Tigers’ new signing from Gloucester, Freddie Burns, who is preferred to Sale’s Danny Cipriani at fly-half.

 

There is the possibility of a fourth Tiger appearing in the starting line-up as Harlequins scrum-half Danny Care will need a late fitness Test to keep the No.9 shirt.

 

Ben Youngs is set to be moved up from the bench if Care’s injury gets the better of him.

 

Tuilagi starts alongside Bath’s Kyle Eastmond in the middle of the field, while Parling partners Joe Launchbury in the second row.

 

Before the end of the domestic season, Parling said he was “desperate” to get back into the England set-up, now is his chance against the world champions in their own back yard.

Leicester Tigers duo in England team to face New Zealand

Leicestershire slump to defeat in LV County Championship match with Gloucestershire

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Leicestershire crashed to a nine-wicket defeat against Gloucestershire on the final day of the LV County Championship match at Grace Road. The game seemed to be heading for a draw but the County declared on 241-5 in their second innings, setting the visitors a target of 251 from a minimum of 39 overs after tea. Gloucestershire made a mockery of that with captain Michael Klinger making an unbeaten 129 and Benny Howell smashing 78 not out from just 59 balls easing their side home with 10 balls to spare. Leicestershire's bowling and fielding during the run chase was a long way from where it needed to be - they did not manage a single maiden in the 37 overs completed. The County seemed certain of at least a draw earlier in the day when a career-best 96 from Angus Robson and an unbeaten 50 from Josh Cobb put them in control of proceedings. However, they handed that over to Gloucestershire late in the day, suffering their second consecutive home championship defeat.

Hinckley house builders urged to improve security after series of break-ins

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Police have urged building firms to step up their security after a number of housing developments were targeted by burglars and vandals. Officers in Hinckley issued the alert after a number of break-ins in the town and the surrounding area recently. At some sites thieves have stolen new homes' fitted kitchen equipment as well as plumbing materials. In some cases show homes have been broken into and vandalised. Detective Constable Matthew Wiggins said: "We would like to hear from anyone who has any information about this type of crime. "If you live near a new housing site and spot anything suspicious please call the police straight away. "We are also urging owners and site managers of new build housing estates to consider extra security measures to try to avoid them becoming a target in the future." Security measures suggested by police include fitting CCTV and alarms, removing items of value and giving consideration to employing security guards. Contact Det Con Wiggins on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Hinckley house builders urged to improve security after series of break-ins

Teenager assaulted man, 55, who told him off for urinating in a Melton park

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Police are searching for a teenager who assaulted a 55-year-old man who had challenged him for urinating in public. Officers said the man saw the youth relieving himself while walking his dog on Melton Country Park. The youth turned violent when the man challenged him. The victim was not injured in the assault, which happened at 8.25pm on Friday, May 9 in the Willow Drive park. Pc Davey Rawlings said today: "There were a number of other teenage boys and girls were in the park at the time, if you witnessed the incident or you have any information about who may be responsible we would like to speak to you." The suspect is white and approximately 14. He was wearing a black hooded jacket, black tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. Police believe he may be called Liam. Contact Pc Rawlings on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Teenager assaulted man, 55, who told him off for urinating in a Melton park


Leicester house fire deaths: Murder trial defendant claims he had no knowledge of plan to fire bomb house

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A man accused of killing four people in a house fire has said he had no involvement in the crime and "felt sick" when he found out the blaze had been fatal. Aaron Webb (20) admits being present when the Taufiq family home in Wood Hill, Spinney Hills, Leicester, was set on fire on September 13 last year. Today Webb told Nottingham Crown Court his co-accused Tristan Richards started the fire and that the only plan he was aware of was to throw bricks at the house. The attack was meant to target a man named "AP" who was believed to be responsible for stabbing Webb's friend Antoin Akpom several hours earlier. Webb described how all eight defendants, with their hoods up, went along Wood Hill and Richards, who had a jerry can, asked repeatedly which house belonged to AP. Webb said: "I can remember Richards looking through the letterbox. The house was dark with no lights on. "I saw Richards pouring the can on the door. "I said to him, 'Yo, what are you doing? There's a camera'. "He was still pouring it. I made out there was someone in the window. I was trying to put him off. "Then it just went up. I started to run down the hill." Webb said he was driven back to his home in Saltersford Road, North Evington, Leicester, and he went to work as normal the next day. He told the court: "The next morning I was talking to a colleague of mine and heard it over the radio that four people had died in a house fire in Spinney Hills. "I felt sick. I felt sick for the people that died." Webb's barrister, Christopher Hotten QC, asked him why he had gone to Wood Hill with the others that night. Webb replied: "I thought the house was going to get bricked. "I wasn't going to throw any bricks myself." Mr Hotten asked him: "Did you know of any plan to use petrol to start a fire?" Webb said "no", adding that he had no conversations with Richards (22), of Sparkenhoe Street, Highfields, Leicester, before the eight arrived in Wood Hill. Webb said: "I didn't speak to him. He doesn't speak much." Webb, Richards and six other defendants deny killing Shehnila Taufiq, 47, her daughter, Zainab, 19, and sons Bilal, 17, and Jamal, 15. The other six defendants are Jackson Powell (20), of Burnside Road, Saffron Lane estate, Leicester, Nathaniel Mullings (19), of Farrington Street, off Humberstone Road, Leicester, Shaun Carter (24), of Franche Road, Dane Hills, Leicester, Kemo Porter (19), of Browning Street, West End, Leicester, Akeem Jeffers (21), of Car Mills, Buslingthorpe Lane, Leeds and a 17-year-old who cannot be named for legal reasons. The trial continues.

Elderby woman confronted by burglar in her Kirby Muxloe home

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An elderly woman came face to face with a burglar in her home. The woman heard her front door opening and went to investigate, finding a man in her hallway. The man made his excuses and left the woman's home in Barbara Avenue, Kirby Muxloe. She then discovered a number of valuable items were missing. The stolen items included a black metal tin which contained a number of items, including a Christmas card and a letter her deceased husband had given to her 70 years ago. The woman's bus pass, a mobile phone, red LOROS diary were also taken. The incident happened on Monday, June 2, shortly before 2pm. The suspect is white, approximately 5ft 10ins, thin and in his early-30s. He has short dark brown hair and was cleanly shaven. He was wearing a white T-shirt with a small blue 'Nike' tick on the right side of the chest, possibly with a blue trim around the edge of the sleeve and dark navy or black trousers or jeans. The victim has told police the man had a slight speech impediment, having trouble to pronounce the letter 'r'. Detective Constable Jess Rippington said: "We would like to hear from anyone who recognises the description of this man or who might have seen him in the area at the time in question. "Although the items are not extremely valuable, the box especially holds a lot of sentimental value to the victim so we would like if possible to be able to return this to her. "We would also like to stop him targeting other elderly or vulnerable people." Contact Det Con Rippington on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Elderby woman confronted by burglar in her Kirby Muxloe home

Leicester City to hold talks with Cardiff striker Frazier Campbell

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Leicester City have triggered a release clause in the contract of Cardiff striker Frazier Campbell, the Mercury understands. Sources close to the player have confirmed that City have met the £800,000 release figure in the 26-year-old's contract and will hold talks with the former Manchester United academy graduate. Campbell is keen to remain in the Premier League after Cardiff's relegation. City are looking to strengthen their striking options and have also had three bids rejected for Brighton's Leonardo Ulloa.

Leicester City to hold talks with Cardiff striker Frazier Campbell

Leicester man killed in crash in Hampshire

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A Leicester man who left the city to pursue his dream of running his own post office has died in a car crash. Vasta Odedra and wife Shanti moved to Hampshire two months ago, where he became postmaster at Lymington post office. The 29-year-old died when his car left the road, hit a tree and burst into flames on the A337 at Everton, near New Milton, near Lymington, last Thursday.(May 29) He was pronounced dead at the scene. Mrs Odedra has released a tribute to her husband on behalf of his family. In reads: "Vasta Odedra, 29, has tragically suffered a fatal car accident. The former postmaster at the Lymington Post Office had only recently moved into the area with his loving wife and had lived in the area for less than two months with big aspirations of setting up his own business." The tribute added: "His dream had been to run his own post office and he had finally managed to realise his dream. "However, in the early hours of May 29 he was taken away from us from his trip back home after meeting friends in London. "He was a kind a friendly person and made friends wherever he went. He was loved by family and friends and he will be sorely missed after having only been with us so briefly." A spokesman for the Post Office said: "Post Office Ltd would like to offer its heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Vasta Odedra, operator of Lymington Post Office and native of Leicester, who was tragically killed in a road traffic accident in Lymington. "Mr Odedra and his wife took on Lymington post office on March 7 this year. He had exciting plans to modernise the branch, to create a new main-style open-plan branch with significantly longer opening hours to improve customer service. "The branch was due to close today for a two-week long refurbishment. Due to the very sad news those plans have now been put on hold." Post Office field change advisor Doug Loxton, who worked closely Mr Odedra on his transformation plans, said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened by Mr Odedra's death. My sincere sympathy goes out to Mrs Odedra and their family and friends. "Mr Odedra was one of our new operators. He was full of energy and had great plans for Lymington post office." Police in Hampshire are investigating the crash and have asked for anyone who might have stopped at the scene of the incident, or driven past it following the collision, to contact them.

Leicester man killed in crash in Hampshire

Weather: Flood warning ahead of weekend storms

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The Met Office is predicting a stormy start to the weekend with a risk of localised flooding in Leicestershire on Saturday. It has issued a code yellow warning for the county, as well as a large portion of the United Kingdom, which means residents need to stay vigilant to the risk of severe weather conditions developing. Met Office spokesman Dan Williams said: "We could see some heavy downpours with quite a lot of rain pouring in a short period. This could lead to localised flooding." He added that it would be difficult to determine where the worst affected areas would be until "closer to the event". Warm, humid air will be pulled northwards from France, Spain and Morocco late tomorrow and during Saturday. This could lead to thunderstorms because as the warm, moist air rises, it collects moisture in the atmosphere through condensation. As that warm, moist air meets the cooler air in the United Kingdom it creates an unstable atmosphere will be formed, causing conditions likely to bring about thunderstorms. However, Dan said that some areas covered by the code yellow warning could miss out on the worst of Saturday's storms. He said: "Right now we cannot determine which areas will be worst hit. There will still be a risk of heavy rain running right throughout the day though." Temperatures are not expected to dip too low tomorrow (Sat) with a predicted minimum of 13 deg C and a maximum of 20 deg C. Leicester City Council's annual Riverside Festival takes place this weekend, and is not being affected by the inclement weather predictions. A spokesman for the authority said the event, on the River Soar's Mile Straight and neighbouring Bede Park, on the edge of the city's West End, would continue as planned. The festival, which runs on Saturday and Sunday, is one of Leicester's biggest free events and usually attracts thousands of visitors to the area. Activities planned for this year's festival include boat trips on the River Soar, and live music stage and plenty of activities for children such as street performers and storytelling. The city council spokesman said: "We also have indoor activities planned. The river would have to completely flood over the banks for it to make a mess of our event."

Weather: Flood warning ahead of weekend storms

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