Police have issued a warning after a military distraction grenade was thrown towards a group of youths in Sileby.

The incident occurred in the Seagrave Road area of Sileby at about 12.30am yesterday. No-one was injured.

The incident involved a distraction device, commonly known as a flash bang, being thrown in the direction of the youths.

The device is used by military personnel to distract the enemy.

It is activated when the handle is pulled and emits bright lights and deafening sounds.

It contains an explosive charge and can cause serious injury if it goes off in the hand.

Detective Sergeant Scott Cairns of the Force serious crime team, said: "The device is for military and crowd control use and not available to the public.

"Inquiries are ongoing into the circumstances surrounding the incident and how the device came to be where it was."

He added: "Fortunately we haven't received any reports of anyone being injured. But from inquiries we've conducted, we have been informed that the device has a one second delay from release of handle until detonation and as such can cause serious injury if held."

He stressed: "If anyone has any information about the device or has seen any similar devices they are asked to contact the police on 101 so they can be destroyed safely."

Tributes have been left at the site where a man was found with fatal injuries.

The man, whose identity is not being released by police, was believed to be in his 40s.

He was found lying on the ground near a convenience store in Aikman Avenue in New Parks, Leicester just after 8.30pm on Friday.

Paramedics called to the scene attempted to revive him and he was taken away in ambulance, but later died.

Police sealed off the area around the Ricky Store while forensics officers examined the site.

Officers also conducted house to house investigations in the area.

The police have said the cause of death was not suspicious and the cordon was lifted later in the weekend.

The incident has shocked residents living in the area near the roundabout junction with Letchworth Road.

Tributes, including two cuddly toys, flowers and loom bands have been left outside the shop.

One tribute red "RIP Mate. Love from Jordan"

Resident Joanne Barton saw the emergency crews try to revive the man.

She said: "There were large numbers of police and two ambulances.

"I saw the paramedics tending a man on the ground near the shop trying to revive him.

"They were pumping his chest for some time before he went away in an ambulance.

"We do not know what happened but I believed the man who has died was local."

Mother of four Annette Bausor, who lives close to where the man was found, said she and her daughters were woken up by police arriving outside her home shortly before 9pm.

She said: "There were police everywhere and they went knocking on doors asking people if they saw or heard anything."

Neighbour Keith French said: "I know the man involved by sight as he is local. He is in his 40s. I was told he had hit his head on the ground. But no-one knows exactly what happened."

The shop, which was in the middle of the cordoned off area, was closed all Saturday.

A spokesman for the police said officers were called to Aikman Avenue at 8.44pm.

He said: "The man subsequently died and the area was cordoned off for forensic examinations."

A post mortem examination on the dead man was carried out on Saturday.

The police spokesman added: "The death is not being treated as suspicious. A file has been prepared for the coroner."

Thousands of cyclists of all ages took over the city streets for Leicester's sixth annual Sky Ride.

The five mile traffic-free route started at Bede Park and took in the King Power Stadium, the Town Hall, Cathedral Gardens and the Cultural Quarter.

There were attractions, free bike checks and the chance for people to test their riding skills during the six hour event.

People had the chance to cycle along with Olympic gold medallist pursuit rider Steven Burke and see BMX champion Keelan Phillips demonstrate his skills.

First timer Caitlin Geraghty,12, of Stoneygate said: "I have never done anything like this before. It is absolutely amazing."

Dad Mark Geraghty, who used to cycle to work in the city before his job changed, said: "I have lived in the Leicester for 12 years and this is the first time I have taken part.

"It is so enjoyable and very well organised. It's great."

Oliver Cadby-Lynch, six, of South Knighton, was cycling around the five-mile course with his dad Darren and mum Shean.

Oliver, who took part last year, said: "I like it. It is really cool."

Shean, 35, said: "It is a great family event that everyone can enjoy. There are lots of things you can pick up and you have a card which you can swipe to show all the places on the route you have visited."

Darren said: "It is a very healthy thing to do, to promote cycling and it is free."

Mum Caroline Tebbutt, 27, from the Narborough Road area, was taking part in her first Sky Ride on her newly-bought bike.

She said: "My children did it last year, I got the bike in the summer and I thought I must take part this year.

"It has been wonderful to be able to cycle freely around the city and to ride around the pitch at the King Power Stadium."

Keith Lakin of the Cyclists' Touring Club (CTC), which was running an information stall, said: "This is a tremendous event which allows cyclists to come out and ride the city streets in safety.

"We take the opportunity to give away information and safety aids like reflective strips so people can be seen in the dark."

Sky Rider participants could join a treasure hunt along the route with five family tickets to the King Richard III visitor centre up for grabs. A £1,000 electric bike was also on offer in a prize draw.

The event was organised in partnership between Leicester City Council, British Cycling and Sky.

City Mayor Peter Soulsby, who led off the event, said: "I know that thousands of people enjoy the Sky Ride every year.

"I'm very pleased that we're able to take this opportunity to illustrate just how accessible and welcoming our city centre is, as well as showcasing new attractions such as Cathedral Gardens and the King Richard III visitor centre.

"I'm also very grateful to Leicester City Football Club for offering us the chance to cycle through their stadium and celebrate their arrival into the Premier League." 

What is the score going to be when  Leicester City travel to Chelsea in their first away game of the Premier League season?

That's the question we are asking Leicester Mercury sports writer James Sharpe, who gives us his prediction and casts his eye of the rest of the weekend's action. This year our man is going head-to-head with some of Leicestershire's biggest sporting names. First up, is City legend Steve Walsh.

It's three points for a correct score and just one point for getting the right result. Don't agree? Think you can do better? Have a go yourself. Put your predictions in the comments section and see if you can beat them.

Last year's winner was Mercury reader foxmanlondon, who will be out looking to defend his title.

Steve Walsh on City's chances against Chelsea: "You have got to be positive. I have always said we could upset a few teams this year. We have the ability to surprise a few.

"I have backed Chelsea to win the Premier League this season so it is a massive ask for us to get anything from the game.

"Everyone expects us to come away with absolutely nothing but this early in the season, you just never know what can happen.

"I watched the Burnley game and Chelsea showed they have some world-class talent in their side, they should win, but I just have a feeling if we can play at the top of our game, we could just nick a point.

Verdict: As away trips go, they don't get much tougher than this one. City showed excellent character to come from behind twice to pick up a point against Everton on the opening day of the season. Even with some key players missing - Jamie Vardy, Matty James, Marc Albrighton and then Danny Drinkwater for most of the game - they were driven on by the raucous home crowd and thoroughly deserved their draw.

Tomorrow is going to be a whole new test. Chelsea were irresistible in their 3-1 victory at Burnley on Monday with Eden Hazard, Oscar, Diego Costa, and Andre Shurrle all at their vibrant best. And then with Cesc Fabregas pulling the strings in the midfield, they looked a formidable outfit. That pass, too.

That midfield is one of the best in the world and, with all credit to Andy King and Dean Hammond, who did a fine job against Everton, I think they could well struggle here. Ritchie De Laet was given a torrid time by Leighton Baines and Stevan Pienaar and his task gets no easier with Hazard and co this week.

Remember, too, this is a ground on which Jose Mourinho has lost just once in the Premier League as Chelsea manager.

City do have the capability of causing teams upsets this season - I just don't see this being one of them. No one is expecting them to get anything and as long as they put in a good performance and show what they can do, then I think fans will be happy.

Prediction: 3-1

Aston Villa v Newcastle Villa Park, Saturday, 12.45pm

Verdict: Aston Villa were expected to suffer defeat to Stoke on the opening day, but came away shock winners. However, it is their home form that is the worry, though - they won there just six times there all last season.

With Christian Benteke still sidelined with an Achilles injury, Paul Lambert is relying heavily on Andreas Weimann to provide the goals, which he did last Saturday.

Newcastle, however, lost their first game of the season 2-0 at home to Man City. The Magpies put plenty of pressure on the champions but failed to register a single shot on target. They are another side who need more firepower up top but I still feel they can get something from the game.

Prediction: 1-1

Crystal Palace v West Ham Selhurst Park, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: I suppose this all comes down to how easily Palace can keep off-field matters from affecting their performances on the pitch. It looks as if Keith Millen will be in charge again after the proposed appointment of Malky Mackay fell through after allegations over sexist, racist and homophobic texts with former Palace director of football Iain Moody.

Both these teams were unfortunate to come away from the opening day with nothing, with either side conceding the decisive goal in injury time. West Ham missed a penalty, too. Again, both teams have suspensions to crucial players following red cards last week. Palace's creative spark Jason Puncheon misses out while West Ham will be without some solidity in James Collins.

Both sides have grit in abundance and, while Big Sam has been encouraged by the owners to play a more attacking brand of football, I can still see him making his side to tough to beat.

Prediction: 0-0

Southampton v West Brom St Mary's, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: It was always going to be intriguing, last week, to see how Southampton would fare against the side that signed pretty much all their key players. After their summer firesale, some feared they could become real relegation contenders, especially with having to bring so many new faces into what was a very cohesive team last season. But I thought they played well. They looked solid against a vibrant Liverpool side and were no slouches going forward either.

Saido Berahino was the star man for West Brom, notching a brace on the opening day. While their penalty was extremely soft, they had looked by far the better side and, if they can repeat that level of performance, will provide a stern test for the Saints. As it is, though, I'm backing the home side.

Prediction: 2-1

Swansea v Burnley Liberty Stadium, Saturday, 3pm

Verdict: Swansea picked up the result of the weekend on the opening day, pouring a huge bucket of cold water over Louis van Gaal's first game in charge. And, on the balance of the game, they deserved it.

What a signing Gylfi Sigurdsson looks to be. I know it's early days but he has a proven record of scoring goals in the Premier League and is already becoming a Fantasy Football bandwagon.

Burnley, on the other hand, were on the receiving end of a Chelsea side in irresistible form. In a 25-minute period in the first half, despite the Clarets taking the lead, Mourinho's men simply tore them apart at will. As soon as the game was won, Chelsea took their foot off the pedal and coasted to the win. At one stage it looked like it could be eight.

Thankfully, for Sean Dyche, this weekend's test should not be quite as brutal. Burnley will be well-organised, tough to break down, but if Swansea can play with the pace, especially in wide areas, that they did against United, I fancy them to come away with the points.

Prediction: 2-1

Everton v Arsenal Goodison Park, Saturday, 5.30pm

Verdict: This should be a cracking game. Everton will still be without Ross Barkley but Romelu Lukaku should be getting somewhere back to full fitness – that is, of course, if he's managed to climb out of Wes's pocket yet. Kevin Miralles and Seamus Coleman will be in contention to start and that will be a huge boost.

Arsene Wenger has admitted that new signing Alexis Sanchez is still finding his feet, and yet to fully get into sync with his new team-mates' style of play. They also had to deal with a tiring trip to Turkey in midweek, which may be tough to get out of the system. But the triumphant Germans Mesut Ozil, Per Mertesacker and Lukas Podolski will be back in contention.

Everton are a very formidable force on home soil, losing just three times there last season. But City showed the Toffees can concede if you put them under pressure.

Prediction: 2-2

Hull v Stoke KC Stadium, Sunday, 1.30pm

Verdict: Hull were landed with a huge injury blow last week as Steve Bruce revealed that Robert Snodgrass could be out for up to six months after dislocating his knee cap. That will sap the Tigers of some serious creative influence in the midfield.

Stoke were highly fancied against an Aston Villa side that many have tipped to be well in the relegation mix this season but came away disappointed. But Mark Hughes, if the end of last season is anything to go by, is moving the Potters on from the grim, boring shut-out merchants of previous campaigns.

Hull may find it difficult to come to terms with midweek Europa League commitments, especially with a trip back from Belgian side KSC Lokeren. I don't anticipate the greatest of games.

Prediction: 1-1

Spurs v QPR White Hart Lane, Sunday, 1.30pm

Verdict: The story of this game, is more about the managers than the contest. Harry Redknapp returns to White Hart Lane, with another former Spurs boss, Glenn Hoddle, by his side. QPR were unlucky to come away with nothing at the weekend, Charlie Austin's late penalty saved by Allan McGregor.

Harry is still splashing the cash – but he's not a wheeler dealer, remember – with Leroy Fer the latest signing through the door. He provided an effective attacking threat for Norwich last season and could make his debut.

Spurs did not look comfortable in their opening-day victory at West Ham but I fancy them on home soil here.

Prediction: 2-0

Sunderland v Man Utd Stadium of Light, Sunday, 4pm

Verdict: As mentioned earlier, United were meant to be welcoming in their new saviour last weekend, the man charged with tacking them back to the pinnacle of English football. Swansea, though, hadn't read the script.

LVG has brought 3-5-2 with him but that was always going to take some time to bed in, especially with centre-backs who have not used that system before. He moved back to 4-4-2 at half-time. But he has since signed Marcos Rojo, who could well be handed a debut.

Sunderland battled well for a draw against West Brom but I think United, with a point to prove, will be just too strong, especially if Robin van Persie is fit enough to come off the bench.

Prediction: 1-3

Man City v Liverpool Etihad Stadium, Monday, 8pm

Verdict: We have to wait until Monday night for the game of the weekend between last season's champions and runners-up. City were not at their vibrant best against Newcastle but, even so, were still able to conjure up two pieces of class to make sure of the victory.

Liverpool only just made it past Southampton but with Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge getting off the mark early, it bodes well for the Reds' up top.

It also looks likely that Mario Balotelli will be the next new face at Anfield. It seems Brendan Rodgers couldn't cope with the departure of one loose cannon, Luis Suarez, and felt the need to replace him with the next best thing. But Rodgers showed he could handle Suarez, and get the best out of him, so if anyone can do the same with Mario, it's him.

Both sides have got goals in them and I don't see one side as clear favourite.

Prediction: 2-2

A man from Leicestershire has died in a diving incident in a disused quarry in north Wales.

The man, who has not been identified, was recovered early this morning after a lengthy search.

He was diving on Saturday with two others at Aber Las, a disused quarry in the Nantyr area of Llangollen, when it is believed he got into difficulties.

His friends raised the alarm shortly before 2pm and specialist rescue teams, including divers from Yorkshire flown in by the RAF, took part in the search.

Chief Inspector Siobhan Edwards of North Wales Police said: "During the early hours of this morning the body of a man was recovered from the disused quarry.

"The next of kin have been informed."

Chief Insp Edwards added: "North Wales Police are not treating the death as suspicious at this time. However, officers will continue to undertake inquiries on behalf of the coroner. A file will be submitted in due course."

She said North Wales Police would like to thank all agencies and volunteers who assisted.

A man sexually assaulted 25 years ago has described the relief of finally seeing his abuser brought to justice.

Garren Meredith was assaulted by the older man when he was just 14 or 15 years old.

His abuser, Steven Jeremy Foster, 53, was jailed earlier this month for his attacks on Garren and a second boy in the 1980s.

Garren, 41, has waived his legal right to anonymity to speak to the Leicester Mercury about his ordeal, which Foster inflicted on him in Loughborough.

He said counselling had helped him overcome a sense of guilt he carried for many years, a period in which he turned to drink and drugs and attempted suicide.

Garren, who lived in Loughborough at the time but now lives in Long Eaton, first reported Foster's crimes against him in 2006.

The Crown Prosecution Service said at that time there was insufficient evidence to prosecute.

But last year, Foster's other victim – whom Garren does not know – came forward.

With two victims giving similar accounts of abuse, the CPS believed it had grounds to prosecute.

Foster, of Ratcliffe Road, Loughborough, admitted three counts of indecent assault and was jailed for three years and four months.

Speaking about the abuse, Garren said: "I was perhaps 11 years old at the time and Jerry – we always called him that – befriended my family.

"My mum and dad had separated a few years before.

"He had no relationship with my mum. In fact, he had very little to do with her. But, within a year, he had his own front door key and seemed to be manipulating me away from my family.

"He would give me treats – driving lessons, take me to the pub and buy me alcohol."

The first incident happened after a party at a house in Woodhouse Eaves.

Garren said: "It was all adults and there was lots of drinking going on.

"I began to feel really ill because of the alcohol and he was angry, saying I was going to be in a lot of trouble.

"He said I would have to stay the night at his house. And that's where it happened for the first time.

"I was terrified. I remember lying there as still as I could be, hoping it would stop."

The second assault happened about 18 months later.

"It led me to withdraw completely," Garren said. "Although I was very young, I began drinking and using drugs.

"I dropped out of school at 15, whereas a couple of years earlier I was top of the class and loved every minute of being there.

"I couldn't cope with being in groups of people because I would become paranoid and anxious.

"It has taken years of counselling for me to lose that sense of guilt I carried around with me."

Garren, a divorced father of three, went back to college in 2008 and obtained a degree in biology and zoology last year. He is now studying for a Phd.

"I still go to counseling and I still have the occasional bad day," he said. "Once you understand that what has happened to you was the result of that person's choices, not yours, you no longer carry that guilt."

Garren wanted to tell his story to encourage other victims of sexual abuse not to be afraid of speaking out.

"I think a big point I would like to make is that you will be taken seriously by the police," he said. "Even though the CPS originally said they were not going to prosecute him, I was offered plenty of support.

"Then, a few years later, the second victim came forward and his evidence enabled the police to piece the whole story together.

"We don't know each other, but we've both played our parts in bringing this man to justice."

Sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, Judge Robert Brown told Foster: "This is a clear case of abuse by you in your position as an older man.

"There was planning and you contrived circumstances in which those boys would be in your company and, when given alcohol, they succumbed to your advances.

"What started as friendship became abuse on three separate occasions."

Stephen Mejzner, mitigating, said: "He's bitterly ashamed and desperately embarrassed about his behaviour."

The Leicester Festival reached a colourful climax over the bank holiday weekend, with a wide range of activities at venues across the city centre.

The 10-day mix of music, drama, art, sport and seaside fun drew thousands of people to the city.

A colourful carnival showing the city's cultural heritage drew crowds to Jubilee Square on Saturday.

There was beach-themed entertainment in Orton Square from Friday evening onwards.

While on Sunday, a Sports Fest gave hundreds of people the opportunity to try out new activities.

Businessman Jed Spittle helped to organised the Cultural Quarter events, which started with a Caribbean beach party.

He said: "We wanted to start the bank holiday with a bang.

"The weather was good, so it was a great night for some laid-back music, good food and dancing on the beach."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: "The beach was a popular part of last year's City Festival – and this year we thought we should let the grown-ups enjoy it, too."

While adults enjoyed the sand in the evenings, children had the beach to themselves during the daytime.

Buckets and Spades at Orton Square attracted hundred of children over the weekend.

Leon Greenwood, six, joined scores of other children to enjoy the beach while parents could relax in deckchairs.

His mum Sabrina, who lives in the Hinckley Road area of Leicester, said: "He really enjoyed playing with the bucket and spade on the beach."

On Friday and Saturday, Spark Arts for Children presented End of the Pier Delights during two days of beach-based fun which also featured story-telling and competitions.

Sports Fest was on show in the newly-revamped Humberstone Gate West on Sunday.

Professional coaches and local clubs helped people have a go at a range of different sports.

Sophie Patel and her family from Anstey enjoyed the activities on offer.

Mrs Patel, said her daughters Charu, 11, and Saiya, eight, loved the boxing and the fencing.

She said: "Saiya enjoyed herself so much she slept in the car on the way home. We all thought it was great."

Piara Singh Clair, assistant city mayor for culture, leisure and sport, said: "Sports Fest is a fantastic showcase for community sport and a great way for people to try out activities."

Local musicians also took to the stage in Humberstone Gate East.

Leicester City must adapt quickly to life in the Premier League, boss Nigel Pearson has admitted.

City matched star-studded Chelsea for an hour at Stamford Bridge and created some superb chances, most notably when David Nugent was clear on goal in the second half.

Chelsea's quality told in the end as goals from Diego Costa and Eden Hazard clinched the points.

However, Pearson said his side had demonstrated they could compete in the Premier League, although he said they had to learn how to win close games.

"The key is always going to be whether we can (learn quickly)," he said.

"It is whether you are able to adapt quick enough but I think our performances would suggest we are a capable side.

"We have some very good individual players but our main strength last year was our collective spirit and belief, but we do have capable players.

"It shows you what a difficult league this is to operate in, but I have every confidence in my players."

As well as missed opportunities, City weren't helped by losing influential midfielder Dean Hammond to severe cramp in the second half and City missed his presence in the closing stages.

Pearson said Hammond should be fit for the visit of Arsenal next Sunday, and he could have Danny Drinkwater, Jamie Vardy and possibly Matty James all back from injury.

However, he insists he is still keen to bolster his squad this week but admits he doesn't know whether they will be able to complete the signing of midfielder Esteban Cambiasso. "They might be available next week," he said.

"Dean will be available next week as well so we will see how we go.

"Hopefully Jamie could be as well. I was disappointed he wasn't available today because I think he would have added to the game.

"Having pace within the squad at this level is important. The way we counter-attacked at times was proof of that.

"We have tried to bring players in, but it has been a very problematical window to get deals done. It is not that we haven't been trying. It is clear we do need one or two more players going into this final week and we will endeavour to add to the squad.

"But I can't give you any updates on Cambiasso. It has proved to be exceptionally hard to find a solution to the negotiations.

"There seems to be so many representatives now for players it is finding out who exactly is doing the deal. That has been the problem for us."

A Romanian man who had life-saving heart surgery in Leicester as a five-year-old boy in 1993 has thanked the city.

Alexandru Neculai, who was brought to Leicester by county-based charity Orphan Aid to have the operation at the then Groby Road Hospital, said he owed his life to the people of Leicester.

Alexandru, now 26, spoke out after a member of the charity team that helped bring him over to the UK got back in touch with him.

Clive Langley, of Newton Harcourt, who was with Orphan Aid, said he spoke to Alexandru a month ago.

Alexandru told Clive: "I owe my life to the people of Leicester.

"I don't remember much about the whole thing but do recall coming to the city.

"I do remember the operation and being quite scared.

"I remember going home and then recovering and my family being very happy."

Alexandru told Mr Langley that he has now got two degrees and is living with his parents in the eastern Romanian city of Bacau.

Mr Langley said the charity brought Alexandru over for the operation after his mother, Maria, wrote to Orphan Aid saying her son had a hole in his heart and could not have life-saving surgery in Romania.

Surgeons waived their fee and the £15,000 cost of the surgery was paid for by the Groby Road children's ward support group, Heartlink.

Mr Langley said: "It was about a month ago and I got a call out of the blue from my old pal, Christi Isaila, who is from Romania and acted as a translator when we dealt with Alexandru's parents.

"At the charity, we received a letter in Romanian and Christi translated.

"When he did, it was this heart-rending appeal from a mother pleading for help to save the life of her son."

Mr Langley said when Mr Isaila got in touch with him about a month ago, he asked if he knew what had become of Alexandru.

"He just called and I asked him if he knew whatever became of Alexandru," said Mr Langley.

"He said he had only spoken to him two days before.

"Before I knew it, Christi called Alexandru and we chatted on the phone.

"It was magical. It was great to hear his voice and to hear that he was doing fine."

After the operation, Alexandru's father, Costel, wrote a letter of thanks to the charity.

He said: "I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you have done to save my son's life.

"Your helping hand meant a response for our prayers because otherwise there were no chances for Alexandru to live.

"Words cannot describe the feelings I have for you but believe me I'll always think of you and your warm support."

Mr Langley said he intended to stay in touch with Alexandru in the future.

He said: "It was a story that touched everyone and it is lovely to know the people of Leicester helped out and that help was appreciated."

A man who "died" after suffering a heart attack at the wheel says he owes his life to fellow drivers.

Alan Clarke, of New Parks, Leicester, was travelling home when he collapsed at the wheel as his van waited at traffic lights.

The 55-year-old suffered a heart attack and then went into cardiac arrest, which meant his heart stopped beating altogether.

Within seconds, several drivers – including an off-duty doctor and nurse – stopped to help.

They managed to move Alan from his van on to the ground before performing CPR.

It took about 10 minutes for the doctor to get Alan's pulse back and bring him back to life.

Alan, a father of four and grandfather of four, said he wanted to publicly thank everyone who helped him.

"I wouldn't be here today without those people, I really wouldn't," he said. "They didn't just save my life, they saved my family, too."

Alan, a self-employed landscape gardener, was driving home along Groby Road, Leicester, when the drama unfolded on Friday, August 8.

He was visiting a friend, called Albert, and left at about 6pm.

"The last thing I remember is leaving Albert's house," he said. "I don't even remember getting into my van."

Two men, a car driver and a motorcyclist, noticed Alan "slouched" over his steering wheel as they drove past.

They stopped and pulled him out of his van and on to the ground.

By this time, doctor Lloyd Abood, who had just finished a shift at Glenfield Hospital, had also stopped.

Doctor Abood said: "I drove past the van and noticed something wasn't right, so I turned round and went back.

"When I arrived, Alan didn't have a pulse and his heart had stopped beating."

Doctor Abood is a foundation year one doctor, who had just finished the first week of his first job in the medical industry when he came across the incident.

He instantly began performing CPR on Alan, while the other drivers called the emergency services.

"It was my duty of care as a doctor to respond that way," Dr Abood said. "I forgot I was just in the middle of the street – I went into doctor mode."

In the meantime, a nurse who was also driving past had stopped to help. She performed mouth-to-mouth on Alan while Dr Abood carried out chest compressions. An ambulance then arrived.

After about 10 minutes, Doctor Abood, the nurse and paramedics had managed to get his pulse back.

"If we hadn't have been there at that time, it sounds like it could have been a completely different outcome," said Dr Abood.

Alan was rushed to Glenfield Hospital, where he was given a life-saving operation.

His wife, Denise Clarke, 57, said: "I was told to prepare for the worst by the hospital.

"Without those people who helped him, we could've been arranging his funeral today. It really is a miracle."

Alan returned home a week later and is now "back to his old self".

"It's just incredible how everything fell into place," said Denise.

Steve Szalai, 57, who was driving past with his wife, Maggie, was one of the men who helped Alan.

Maggie, 59, said: "The lights went green, but Alan's van didn't move. Steve thought it was very strange.

"We pulled up and ran over to him.

"When we got there, I thought he was dead.

"It's nice to think we've saved somebody's life."

Alan and Denise have met Maggie and Steve, as well as Dr Abood, to say thanks.

However, they are still searching for the nurse and motorcyclist who also helped at the scene.

"I'm so grateful to those who stopped," said Alan. "I want to speak to them face-to-face and thank them personally.

"I want to shake their hand and say thank you – that's the least I can do compared with what they did."

If you were the nurse or the motorcyclist who helped Alan, contact the Mercury by calling reporter Yasmin Duffin on 0116 222 4262. Or e-mail her at:

yasminduffin@ leicestermercury.co.uk

Homes and shops had to be evacuated last night after a gas leak was reported in a Leicester Street.

Fire crews were called to a property in Green Lane Road, North Evington shortly before 8pm.

Neighbours had reported a strong smell of gas coming from the locked building.

Fire fighters using hydraulic equipment cut through bars to gain entry to the property and shut off the gas and electricity supplies.

A fire service spokesperson said: "A cordon was set up around the property and a number of homes and shops were evacuated."

The Red Cross support vehicle was also drafted in to provide services for the residents.

The property was cleared of gas by ventilating the building and the incident was handed over to the National Grid. No-one was injured.

Seven cars have been badly damaged in a suspected arson attack on a garage on a Leicester industrial estate.

Fire fighters were called to the Oak and Ash Business Park in Highfields just after midnight this morning.

Crews wearing breathing apparatus used water and dry powder extinguishers to fight the blaze.

A fire service spokesman said: "The cause of the fire was deliberate and seven cars were severely damaged." No-one was injured.

He said the incident had been referred to the police.

"I knew it was the proper thing to have an interval during a show, so I gave out that there would be one of 20 minutes. 'Nonsense,' said a voice in the audience. 'Ten minutes is quite long enough.'

"I was furious with father for butting in like that."

A 1942 interview with the Mercury, recalling his first production, a show at St Barnabas Hall in Leicester

"It's part of my need to revolt against the early Dickie Attenborough fan image – you know, the Peter Puberty of Charm School, which I set to efface by deliberately playing middle-aged roles."

Interview before the release of The Bliss of Miss Blossom, 1966

"I found it harder growing up than Mickey Mouse. I was becoming haunted by the stigma of my simpering, whining image. Then, one day, I read a critic who said I had become the boy next door to dreariness and suddenly I knew my career was very sick indeed.

"I became a producer as I really believed that was the only way I could stay in the business."

Making the move behind the camera, 1969

"I had been on ARP duty and was walking back up to the side of Victoria Park where we had a house and suddenly I saw David and John pedalling towards me like crazy to tell me I had won it."

Discovering he'd won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art

"I'm upset that so many Indian filmmakers are worried. But let's get the facts straight. It has been a long time since Gandhi died and none of them has come up with a film."

The director decides the best form of defence is attack after taking flak for making his biopic of Gandhi

"I'm very passionate. I cry because I care. I feel things very deeply. I'm motivated by my emotions."

On his 'luvvie darling' image, 1992

"I came from a family who believed that in order to justify the sort of luxurious life that the majority of us have, related to the whole world, that you had to do something."

Interviewed on stage at the BFI in 2003 to mark his 80th birthday

"I'm not competitive with Dave. Not one iota. In fact, I think that's given me more joy than almost anything, Dave's unparalleled success."

Scoffing at the suggestion of inter-sibling rivalry in an interview with The Guardian in 2003

"David has asked me, a number of people have asked me, 'what performance do you like best?' or 'what's the best film you've made?' and so on and I don't really have any hesitation that the film I'm least embarrassed by and ashamed of or uneasy about is Shadowlands."

Picking a winner

"Of course, I'd rather have nice things written about me, but I'm not a great auteur, I'm not a great director. I'm a good director. I have an ability to make people examine certain circumstances."

A typically modest quote, from 2003

"At my age, the only problem is with remembering names. When I call everyone darling, it has damn all to do with passionately adoring them, but I know I'm safe calling them that. Although, of course, I adore them, too."

Attributed

I was actually mortified after reading the article 'Free entry for redheads as Twycross celebrates' (Leicester Mercury, August 20).

How on earth does the Mercury feel it is acceptable to publish this article knowing not only is it discriminating those who do not have certain hair colour, but may also offend people with red/ginger hair by comparing them with orang-utans.

So when my family and I are in the queue for the entrance to the zoo, I have to tell my children – who have brown hair – we have to pay because we have brown hair and a certain family gets in free because they have ginger, strawberry blond or fiery red hair.

This reminds me when black and white people had to drink from a different water fountain.

Absolutely disgusting and disrespectful.

Miss M Morris, Leicester.

I am sorry to hear one of your readers feels our promotion for World Orang-utan Day on Tuesday, August 19, was inappropriate – it was never our intention to cause concern.

World Orang-utan Day is celebrated internationally. It aims to highlight the beauty of these great apes and the dangers facing them in the wild, such as poaching and the illegal pet trade.

Sadly, the number of wild orang-utans has declined by 50 per cent in the past 60 years, and we are working hard to ensure their long-term survival and prevent further destruction of their forest habitat in both Asia and Africa.

On this occasion, we wished to draw the UK public's attention to the seriousness of their plight with a light-hearted campaign offering a benefit to those visitors with natural or dyed red hair.

As a charitable organisation and a visitor attraction, customer relations are very important to us and I want to reassure you we do not endorse any kind of racism or discrimination.

The promotion has, right from the start, extended to dyed red hair, so the offer is in fact open to anyone of any age, nationality or race who wishes to take part and join in.

We are pleased to say we have had an overwhelmingly positive response to this event from thousands of people and we hope that as many visitors as possible will join us on World Orang-utan Day to show their support for this endangered species.

Darren Wood, Head of Marketing, Twycross Zoo

Tributes are being paid to Lord Attenborough - one of Leicester's favourite sons - who has died at 90.

Leicester City ambassador Alan Birchenall was a player at Chelsea from 1967 to 1970 when Lord Attenborough was president of the London club.

The Birch said: "Any footballer will tell you that the hour before kick off is sacrosanct as you get ready for the match.

"On many occasions there would be a knock on the changing room door and Lord Attenborough would stick his head round.

"He'd say to Dave Sexton, who was the manager at the time, "Davie, lovey, do you mind if I come in?"

"Dave would have steam coming out of his ears but he couldn't say no to the club president.

"You never knew who he would bring in. It was all the Hollywood greats - Frank Sinatra, Clint Eastwood, Sammy Davis Jr.

"One day he bought Raquel Welch in and that certainly disrupted some of the lads' pre-match routines.

"When I left, he sent me a telegram saying thanking me. I still treasure it to this day.

"He was one hell of a lovely guy. He was just a lovely gentle man."

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby was a friend of Lord Attenborough.

Sir Peter said: "The first time I met him was when he was made a freeman of the city.

"He was incredibly passionate about Leicester and gave a huge amount to the city.

"He was the patron of the City Challenge programme which transformed the West End of the city - giving us Bede Park, the area where the football ground now is.

"But he did much more than lend his name to it. He gave very generously of his own time and energy.

"He also loaned the New Walk Museum his incredible collection of Picasso ceramics and when we made our bid to become UK City of Culture he supported us.

"His health had not been good but he talked warmly of this city and its diversity.

"He was a Labour peer and he was passionate about social justice.

"That shone through in his films like Gandhi and Cry Freedom.

"He was also a very clever director. His anti-war polemic Oh What a Lovely War which had hugely powerful imagery.

"He was an amazing man on a personal level."

Lord Attenborough, had a lifelong association with the University of Leicester.

He and his brothers were raised on the campus of the university of Leicester.

His father, Fred Attenborough, was the principal of the University College –the forerunner to the university and their former home, College House, is still located on the campus.

In 1970 he became an honorary graduate and in 2006 he was made a Distinguished Honorary Fellow – the highest award the university can bestow.

Lord Attenborough helped found the inclusive arts centre at the University of Leicester to which he gave his name.

The centre was opened in 1997 by Diana, Princess of Wales.

Lord Attenborough's brother, Sir David, is also associated is both an honorary graduate and Distinguished Honorary Fellow of the university.

His son, Michael, is also an honorary graduate and supporter of the university

Its arboretum is named after Sir David while the university's Attenborough Building is named after their father.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Bob Burgess paid tribute to Lord Attenborough's 'sheer energy and dynamism'

Sir Bob said: "There was a huge amount of warmth and a huge amount of contact – within seconds you felt you had known him all of your life.

"I remember walking out of a lecture theatre with him and thinking it is terrifically exciting because one of my first recollections of him was going to see one of his movies, Oh What a Lovely War, in the sixties and being terribly impressed with the movie.

"I never thought I would meet the person behind it.

"Dickie Attenborough was always very positive about Leicester but then if you think about Leicester, and you think about the values expressed in his movies, diversity and equality –that I would always say we are good at in Leicester- those are values that he held very dear and they are very clear in his movies and in what he said.

"It was really good that someone of his distinction, who was so distinguished, devoted so much time to Leicester.

"He was a regular attendee at the Richard Attenborough Centre Advisory Board and he made a huge difference. He was always aspirational about what we should be doing - he was inspiring and creative."

Eleanor Hartley, founding director of the Richard Attenborough Centre said: "I was very upset when I heard the news. He was such an influence on my life for the last 25 years.

"He believed in using his influence and resources to help people. He worked tirelessly to make the Richard Attenborough Centre a reality and changed the lives of many of us who were involved in the Centre, either as staff or students.

"He was a good person."

Actor and director Richard Attenborough – one of Leicester's most famous sons – has died at the age of 90. In a career that spanned 60 years, Lord Attenborough was both a leading actor, appearing in films such as Brighton Rock and 10 Rillington Place, and award-winning director, most famously for Gandhi in 1982. According to reports, he died at lunchtime on Sunday and his family was expected to make a full statement on Monday. Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted a tribute saying: "His acting in Brighton Rock was brilliant, his directing of Gandhi was stunning – Richard Attenborough was one of the greats of cinema." Lord Attenborough was educated at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys, in Leicester, along with his two younger brothers, naturalist Sir David, and John, who was an executive at car firm Alpha Romeo. His enthusiasm for acting was clear from an early age as he performed in productions at Leicester's Little Theatre, where his mother Mary chaired the board and where he held the position of honorary life president. He has appeared in a number of films over the years, making his screen debut in the war time classic In Which We Serve. Lord Attenborough also directed Young Winston (1972) and A Bridge Too Far (1977), among others. However, it was in 1982 that he realised a personal ambition to direct a film depicting the life of Mahatma Gandhi. It was awarded Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture. He was also Distinguished Honorary Fellow of the University of Leicester, life president of Chelsea Football Club, president of the National Film and Television School and a freeman of the City of Leicester. In recent years he has been in a nursing home with his wife, actress Sheila Sim, who he married in 1945. He was also struck by tragedy in 2004 when the Boxing Day tsunami in Asia killed his granddaughter, elder daughter and her mother-in-law. In 2007, he gave a priceless collection of Picasso ceramics to the city of Leicester to commemorate their lives, which was put on display at the New Walk Museum. Tonight, Leicester South MP Jon Ashworth tweeted: "Deeply saddened at news Richard Attenborough has passed away. A man of great principle, talent and much loved especially across Leicester."

Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said there has been "some progress" made on signing Esteban Cambiasso.

The deal to bring in the 34-year-old had stalled after Pearson said representatives were "coming out of the woodwork".

The City boss said he was now more hopeful than he was over the weekend of bringing the former Inter Milan and Real Madrid midfielder to the club.

"Cambiasso is still a possibility," said Pearson. "There's been some progress over the weekend so I'm more hopeful than I was on Friday and Saturday."

Pearson acknowledged the need to bring in more players before the transfer window shuts next week, with injuries currently ravaging the midfield, but the City boss insisted he would not simply bring in new faces for the sake of it.

"Two or three. It would be nice to be able to achieve those sorts of additions. But we will have to wait and see," said Pearson, whose side play Shrewsbury tomorrow night at the King Power Stadium in the second round of the Capital One Cup.

Dean Hammond went off with severe cramp at Chelsea at the weekend after feeling unwell earlier in the day but Pearson said the midfielder would be "fine" for this week.

Danny Drinkwater will return to training later this week, which Pearson said would "bode well for the weekend", while Matty James' shin is still sore and the City boss said they would take that "at the right pace" with an international break coming up.

Jamie Vardy is also making progress with his thigh injury and may be in contention for Sunday's visit of Arsenal.

A cocaine and steroid user who subjected his girlfriend to a relentless "course of terror" has been jailed for six years.

In one incident, Elliot Field, of Sketchley Road, Burbage, throttled the victim and gave her a black eye.

He also threatened to wrap her in a carpet and dump her in a quarry on several occasions.

Months of harassment and violence culminated in a terrifying ordeal in which he tied the victim's hands together and attempted to force her into his van.

Field (23) pleaded guilty to charges of putting the victim in fear by harassment, false imprisonment and possessing a bladed article at Warwick Crown Court.

Judge Alan Parker told Field: "Your behaviour towards this victim over a period of months, while of the most grave and truly distressing kind, did not arise out of mental disorder but out of the effects of your voluntary consumption of class A drugs, steroids and alcohol.

"You destroyed a young woman's life.

"Your behaviour increased in its severity and depravity. The extent of the violence got worse and worse and worse.

"You subjected her to a course of terror. You controlled her and stopped her living her own life.

"You were completely out of control. I think it is about as bad a count of harassment as there could be."

Field met the victim in October last year, and was violent and aggressive from an early stage, the court was told.

Between October 15 and January 7, he sent her more than 2,000 text messages.

Prosecutor Timothy Harrington told the court: "On some days, when she was working, she received up to 68 messages over a few hours, and he would turn up unannounced when she was at work and angrily demand that she go home or go with him.

"On at least one occasion, he grabbed her by the arm to take her away because he wanted her to be with him, not at work."

In one incident, Field pushed the woman into a fence, causing her to hit her stomach. She was pregnant with his child at the time.

In another incident, he throttled her and hit her in the face, giving her a black eye.

And on another occasion, after he had been making threats, she went to the bathroom and was shocked on her return to the living room to find he had hanged himself.

"She later described considering, for a moment, whether to leave him in that position, feeling relieved that her torment would be over," Mr Harrington said. "But she didn't. She saved him."

Field's violent behaviour reached a climax on January 7, in what Mr Harrington described as "a terrifying ordeal in which she seriously feared she was going to be killed".

After arriving at the victim's home, he kicked the door in and attacked her, using cable ties to bind her hands together. He then forced a sock in her mouth, and tried to bind her legs as well.

However, the victim managed to struggle free.

Police were alerted and as officers arrived, Field fled in his van - in which officers later found a sword.

He initially denied any wrongdoing, claiming it was the victim who had been violent towards him after becoming 'hormonal and hysterical'.

Field's pre-sentence report said he was using both cocaine and steroids.

Paul O'Keefe, defending, said: "While he does not suffer from mental illness, the effects of the steroids, cocaine and alcohol he was taking at this time may well have affected his behaviour and his thinking".

Field was made subject to an indefinite restraining order, banning him from having any contact with his victim.