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Islamic Relief apologises after Leicester Lord Mayor John Thomas leaves charity event over 'misunderstanding'

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Islamic Relief has apologised after Leicester's Lord Mayor John Thomas waked out of one of its charity events.

It came after Labour councillor for Belgrave John Thomas reportedly walked out of an Islamic charity event after being told he could not sit with his female consort.

According to the Daily Mail, Councillor John Thomas left a lunch hosted by Islamic Relief UK last Sunday, after he discovered he would have to eat separately from his consort, Margaret Corley.

However, Islamic Relief has told the Mercury the incident was due to a "misunderstanding", and has said it will apologise to the Lord Mayor in writing this week.

When the Mercury contacted Coun Thomas, Labour councillor for Belgrave, to ask him about the incident, he said: "I don't wish to say anything about it whatsoever."

The event, which was held at Devonshire Place, in London Road, Leicester, marked the end of Charity Week, an annual fund-raiser supported by Islamic organisations.

The Daily Mail claimed that when Coun Thomas and his consort arrived at the event, they were told the mayor would have to dine upstairs in the function room with male guests, while his consort would be seated downstairs with the other women.

The newspaper added: "A source at the event said the Mayor had 'insulted' other guests by walking out."

Today, Martin Cottingham, of Islamic Relief, told the Mercury: "The Mayor left before the event started.

"What happened was a complete one-off, an unfortunate misunderstanding for which I want to apologise to the Lord Mayor on behalf of Islamic Relief and Charity Week, and we will apologise to him in writing this week.

"Islamic Relief has a long and positive history over many years of events that engage successfully not only with the local Muslim population but also with representatives of other faiths and with the wider civic community in Leicester."

He added: "None of the Charity Week organisers told the Lord Mayor he could not sit with his partner, and if anyone else at the event did then they were mistaken.

"The Lord Mayor and his consort would have been more than welcome to enjoy this event sitting together, as I have myself with my wife at Islamic Relief events."

Guests at the event, who paid £6 a ticket, were told that the week of fundraising to help orphaned and disadvantaged children raised more than £730,000.

Islamic Relief apologises after Leicester Lord Mayor John Thomas leaves charity event over 'misunderstanding'


Leicester 93 Glasgow 82: Riders gain revenge - match report

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Leicester Riders 93

Watson 25, Hassan 18, Washington 16, Wright 10, Anderson 6, Rowe 6, Losonsky 4, Lamble 4, Bernardini 3, Williams 1, Noel, Gamble.

Glasgow Rocks 82

Smith 19, Achara 18, Freeman 16, Ogedengbe 14, Huffor 11, Egwuonwu 4, Grieve, Bunyan, Glass.

A scintillating third-quarter onslaught by Leicester Riders saw them maintain the pressure on Newcastle Eagles at the top of the table.

Riders posted 17 points without reply in a three-minute spell that turned the game on its head and sent them on their way to a 93-82 win over Glasgow Rocks – a side that had beaten them twice already this season including a late win to end Leicester's BBL Cup reign.

The first quarter was an exercise in trading scores, Rocks led for the most part but by no more than four, although Tyler Bernardini's three-pointer meant Riders were 23-22 ahead at the first break.

The highlights of the opening period came from the new signings as TrayVonn Wright scored a three-pointer with his first shot attempt on hisdebut and Yorick Williams showed he had lost none of his fire after a confrontation with JuJaun Smith which saw the Rocks' man pick up two quick fouls.

The first meaningful run of the game came at the start of the second period as the visitors poured in 10 points without reply to lead 32-23, but Riders replied immediately with nine of the next 11 points.

The scores were level just before half-time but Glasgow hit 11 in a row early in the third quarter to open the biggest lead of the game at 55-41.

Riders quickly responded though and a three-point play by Neil Watson was quickly followed by a long range effort from Conner Washington to cut the gap to six.

Tayo Ogedengbe stretched the visitors' advantage to 11, before Riders took control.

Wright hit from behind the arc and close range and Watson bagged another eight points, including his first three-pointer of the game after missing his first eight attempts, as Riders rattled off a 17-0 run in under three minutes.

Watson was in full flow by this stage and a second three-pointer gave Riders a 71-61 lead early in the fourth.

A third Watson long range effort saw Riders 80-72 ahead, but back-to-back threes from Smith made it a two-point game at 80-78 with three-and-a-half minutes to play.

Jamell Anderson's three sparked a run of seven in a row by Riders to lead 87-78 and the victory was secured.

Watson, despite struggling to convert his shots in the first half, led all scorers with 25 points as well as contributing six assists, five rebounds and four steals.

Rashad Hassan posted a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, as did Wright with 10 and 10 as well proving his billing as an above the rim player was not oversold. Washington's 16 points from the bench was also vital.

Leicester 93 Glasgow 82: Riders gain revenge - match report

Aston Villa 2 Leicester 1: City's miserable run goes on - match report

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Aston Villa (1) 2

Clark (17), Hutton (71)

Leicester City (1) 1

Ulloa (13)

Leicester City's miserable run continued with a 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa  - a 10th game without a win.

The defeat leaves them two points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League, with just two points from the last 30.

Leo Ulloa put City ahead on 13 minutes before Ciaran Clark's headed equalised just four minutes later. Full-back Alan Hutton secured Villa's win in the 71st minute with his first-ever goal for the club.

To compound City's day, they hard Paul Konchesky sent off towards the end of the game after clashing with Hutton - who was lucky to stay on.

Danny Simpson made his first Leicester start since signing from QPR in the summer.

The defender had played just 26 minutes for the Foxes this season and replaced the ill Ritchie de Laet.

Liam Moore replaced suspended captain Wes Morgan and David Nugent was well enough to take his place on the bench after illness.

Matty James and Benteke fired over in a quiet opening 10 minutes before Benteke's brilliant first-time volley dropped inches wide.

But the visitors took the lead on 13 minutes when Villa failed to shackle Riyad Mahrez and Guzan spilled his deflected effort straight to Ulloa who tapped in.

It was a gift but Villa levelled five minutes later when Clark was granted the freedom of the area to head in Ashley Westwood's free kick from six yards.

Mahrez shot wide as Leicester responded but Villa had the measure of a spirited, if limited, Foxes side who relied on the pace of Jamie Vardy to threaten.

And the striker was involved a flashpoint late in the half as tempers flared at Villa Park.

First, he clattered into Westwood - forcing the midfielder to be carried off - and was lucky to only receive a caution.

Then Clark caught Ulloa in a strong tackle which forced the striker off at the break, with Nugent his replacement.

Mercifully for referee Craig Pawson, half-time arrived to stop the game spilling over.

Tom Cleverley, who had a loan spell at Leicester in 2009, drove over three minutes into the second half before Jeff Schlupp skewed horribly over for the Foxes.

Villa looked the more likely to edge ahead and Kasper Schmeichel kept the visitors level when he raced out to deny Benteke, who had run onto Sanchez's through ball.

It was another warning for the Foxes who, after going ahead, had failed to seriously test Villa.

The pace of Agbonlahor continued to stretch Leicester and his angled drive was deflected away by Schmeichel after 55 minutes.

But Guzan had to save Villa when he brilliantly turned over Nugent's wonderful 18-yard volley as Leicester suddenly sparked.

Their threat faded, though, as Villa completed their comeback on 70 minutes - following more shoddy defending from Foxes.

Benteke was given space and time to pick out the unmarked Hutton at the far post and the defender smashed past Schmeichel.

Benteke nearly added a third six minutes later, only to be thwarted again by Schmeichel's point blank save and from the corner the keeper stopped Clark's header.

And Leicester's hopes all but disappeared with 10 minutes left when Konchesky was dismissed.

The defender tackled Hutton and then clashed with the Villa man, who forced his head into Konchesky's before pushing him.

But to the Foxes' amazement, Konchesky was sent off while Hutton escaped with a yellow card and Villa held on.

TEAMS

Aston Villa (4-3-3)

1 Brad Guzan; 21 Alan Hutton, 5 Jores Okore, 6 Ciaran Clark, 23 Aly Cissoko; 8 Tom Cleverley, 15 Ashley Westwood, 24 Carlos Sanchez; 28 Charles N'Zogbia, 20 Christian Benteke, 11 Gabby Agbonlahor

Subs: 31 Shay Given, 07 Leandro Bacuna (for N'Zogbia, 76min), 17 Chris Herd, 18 Kieran Richardson (for Westwood, 44min), 34 Matt Lowton, 37 Calum Robinson, 40 Jack Grealish (for Cleverley, 62min)

Leicester City (4-4-2)

1 Kasper Schmeichel; 17 Danny Simpson, 18: Liam Moore, 27 Marcin Wasilewski, 3 Paul Konchesky; 26 Riyad Mahrez, 8 Matty James, 19 Esteban Cambiasso, 15 Jeff Schlupp; 9 Jamie Vardy, 23 Leonardo Ulloa:

Subs: 12 Ben Hamer, 4 Danny Drinkwater, 10 Andy King: 11 Marc Albrighton (for Schlupp, 78min), 14 Nick Powell, 35 David Nugent (for Ulloa, half-time), 39 Chris Wood (for Vardy, 66min)

Yellow cards: N'Zogbia, Sanchez, Hutton, Agbonlahor  (Villa); Vardy, Cambiasso, Schlupp, Wasilewski (City)

Red card: Konchesky (City)

Att: 27,692

Referee: Craig Pawson (South Yorkshire)

Aston Villa 2 Leicester 1: City's miserable run goes on - match report

Leicester 25 Toulon 21: Tigers record famous victory over European champions - match report

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Leicester Tigers (13) 25

Tries Thorn Pens Williams (6) Conv Williams

Toulon (13) 21

Tries Habana, Mitchell Pens Sanchez (3) Conv Sanchez

Leicester Tigers put in their best performance of the season to down European title-holders Toulon 25-21 in the Champions Cup.

On a famous evening at Welford Road, Leicester were the better side throughout, particularly in the set piece, and a crowd of over 22,000 lapped it up.

Tigers more than matched their illustrious, star-studded opponents for physicality with the likes of Julian Salvi, Brad Thorn and Jamie Gibson heroic at the breakdown.

Leicester stood toe-to-toe with the Frenchmen and, although they were outscored two tries to one, they fully deserved their win and fly-half Owen Williams booted 20 points on his way to the man-of-the-match award.

Tigers began with more intensity than they had showed at any stage of the season so far and an early Williams penalty gave them the start that deserved.

They were gifted another three points on 15 minutes when former Tiger Martin Castrogiovanni waded into a ruck late and referee Nigel Owens reversed a Toulon penalty.

Williams made it 6-0 and just three minutes later, Welford Road was in raptures.

Toulon messed around in their own 22 and winger Drew Mitchell was hammered as he tries to pick up a bobbling ball. Brad Thorn picked it up and forced his way over the line for a rare try.

When Williams added the conversion, Leicester were well on top and had their tails up. It was just the start they would have dreamed of before kick-off and if they had bagged the next score, it would already would be looking tough going for the champions.

A penalty at the other end from Nicolas Sanchez finally got Toulon on the board though and then a risky offload from Williams nearly led to a try for the visitors if it were not for some wonderful pace and defending from Ben Youngs.

Sanchez pulled it back to 13-6 on 32 minutes before Williams missed a kick from in front of the Holland & Barratt Stand where the ground was very heavy under foot.

Four minutes before the break, Tigers made the sort of mistake that has settled many a European game in the past.

On half-way, Williams flung a long pass along his backline which fell inbetween his attackers and was picked up by Bryan Habana who ran the ball in untouched from 60 metres.

Sanchez converted for 13-13 and Tigers' lead had vanished, along with the noise of a stunned crowd.

Williams had the chance to put his side back in front on the half-time whistle but he missed and it was level at the break with Toulon feeling the better of the two sides.

The Welshman made amends early in the second half to make it 16-13 but Tigers shot themselves in the foot once again to let Toulon back in it.

Losing a scrum on their own put in, Tigers got exposed on the blindside and Sebastien Tillous-Borde fed Mitchell for an easy score. Sanchez missed the ensuing conversion but Toulon led for the first time in the game on 49 minutes.

Leicester remained well on top in the set piece though. Their line-out was superb both in attack and defence and the scrum was full of aggression and determination.

Two more Williams kicks within seven minutes put them 22-18 ahead, only for Sanchez to drag the deficit back to a point on 70 minutes.

The closing stages were full of drama and high-octane tackling. Tigers were simply wonderful as they never stepped off their intensity and threw their bodies into tackles left, right and centre.

Niki Goneva tried a horrible drop-goal with two minutes left but Leicester won a penalty soon after and Williams stroked it inches over from the half-way line to calm any nerves and secure a 25-21 scoreline.

They will do it all again on Saturday in Toulon.

TEAMS

Leicester Tigers

15 Mathew Tait, 14 Blaine Scully, 13 Matt Smith, 12 Anthony Allen, 11 Vereniki Goneva, 10 Owen Williams, 9 Ben Youngs (c); 1 Marcos Ayerza, 2 Tom Youngs, 3 Dan Cole, 4 Brad Thorn, 5 Graham Kitchener, 6 Jamie Gibson, 7 Julian Salvi,8 Jordan Crane,

Reps: Ghiraldini (54min for T Youngs), Rizzo (71min for Ayerza), Balmain, Parling (59min for Kitchener), Barbieri (54min for Crane), Harrison (79min for B Youngs), Burns, Benjamin

Toulon

15. Delon Armitage; 14. Drew Mitchell, 13. Mathieu Bastareaud, 12. Maxime Mermoz, 11. Bryan Habana; 10. Nicolas Sanchez, 9. Sebastien Tillous-Borde; 1. Xavier Chiocci, 2. Guilhem Guirado, 3. Martin Castrogiovanni, 4. Bakkies Botha, 5. Ali Williams, 6. Mamuka Gorgodze, 7. Steffon Armitage, 8. Chris Masoe (c)

Reps: Orioli (70min for Guirado), Fresia (58min for Chiocci), Hayman (50min for Castrogiovanni), Smith (68min for Gorgodze), Wulf, Suta (71min for Taofifenua), Esande, Taofifenua (58min for Botha).

Referee: Nigel Owens

Att: 22,114

Leicester 25 Toulon 21: Tigers record famous victory over European champions - match report

How safe are the roads in your area? Find out here

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A tool has been launched to help people find out how safe the roads are in their area.

Developed by AXA and Road Safety Analysis, which independently collated and analysed hundreds of thousands of pieces of data from a variety of sources, the Local Road Safety Index 2014 launched today.

Search the Local Road Safety Index map below to find out how safe your local area is:

To search the index, put in your postcode and press 'search'.

You will also be able to see the schools local to your postcode – these are indicated by the blue pin markers. Click on the school pin markers and a box will appear, showing specific information relating to road accidents that have occurred within 500m of that particular school between 2008 and 2013.

The map works with all modern browsers including Firefox, Chrome, Safari and IE 9 and above.

Map Key

Your local school

Total number of accidents between 2008 and 2013

Total number of pedestrians involved in road accidents between 2008 and 2013

Total number of children involved in road accidents between 2008 and 2013

Total number of cyclists involved in road accidents between 2008 and 2013

Annual average crashes per km of road

Incidents

Local Road Safety Index Data

AXA's Local Road Safety Index has been created using data from Road Safety Analysis. This data refers specifically to roads that are within a 500 metre radius of British schools. Statistics have therefore been generated by analysing these roads. Figures take into account all incidents within this 500m anchor point including those that occur outside of school term times, and incorporate child, adult and cyclist casualties. The child casualty numbers don't necessarily relate to children attending that particular school.

Road Safety Analysis used GIS mapping technology to analyse the 500m of roads around each school. For further information about the methodology behind the map, please visit www.roadsafetyanalysis.co.uk or email info@roadsafetyanalysis.co.uk.

The data consists of all road related incidents that are reported the police as well as official Government statistics from the Department for Transport between 2005 and 2013.

How safe are the roads in your area? Find out here

Tasty match-ups all over the place as Toulon face Leicester Tigers in the Champions Cup

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Leicester Tigers and Toulon were unchanged as they named their teams to face off in the Champions Cup clash at Welford Road.

That meant there were very tasty match-ups all over the pitch at a freezing cold Welford Road.

Top of the billing was South African lock Bakkies Botha against Tigers' All Black World Cup-winner Brad Thorn. The two men have done battle on many occasions and their collision would be eagerly awaited.

Two old mates were going head-to-head in the front row as Marcos Ayerza and Martin Castrigiovanni, part of the same Tigers scrum for seven years, faced each other.

Julian Salvi's tussle with Steffon Armitage in the back row would hold one of the keys to success and was just one of some mouth-watering match-ups.

Toulon are reigning European champions while Leicester cannot afford another defeat after losing at Scarlets in the last round.

Tasty match-ups all over the place as Toulon face Leicester Tigers in the Champions Cup

Aston Villa 2 Leicester City 1 - Premier League: as it happened

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Leicester City's dismal form continued as they fell to a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa, their 10th game without a win. For the third time in a week, City failed to hold on to a lead, which had been given to them courtesy of a Leonardo Ulloa tap-in. But Nigel Pearson's men were in front for only five minutes as poor marking allowed Ciaran Clark to head Villa back on level terms. Alan Hutton was then left totally unmarked at the back post to fire home his second-half winner. The game was not without controversy, though, as Paul Konchesky was shown a straight red following an altercation with Hutton. Here is how the action unfolded:
Live Blog Aston Villa v Leicester City - Premier League LIVE!
 

Aston Villa 2 Leicester City 1 - Premier League: as it happened

Tributes paid to Anna Haefeli and Anastasia Besedovskaya, Oakham schoolgirls killed in car crash

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Tributes have been paid to two teenage girls who died in a car crash on Friday.

The girls, named locally as Anna Haefeli, 18, and Anastasia Besedovskaya, 17, were pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash happened at about 1.25pm, in Empingham Lane, Tickencote, Rutland, and involved a blue Peugeot 206 and a single decker bus.

The girls, who attended Oakham School, were the only occupants of the car.

The school said in a statement: "Understandably, the school community is extremely upset by the tragic loss of two such wonderful young adults.

"The police have very strict protocols regarding communications and therefore we are unable to give any detailed comments to the press at this incredibly sad time for us all in the Oakham School community."

All school events, including sports games and the choral society's performance of Handel's Messiah, were cancelled on Saturday as a mark of respect.

Friends of the popular girls have paid tribute to them via social network sites.

One friend, Pip Lashbrook, posted a collage of photos of herself and Anna on Instagram.

She wrote: "Anna (pod) you are truly one of the funniest, kindest, loving and craziest people I have met.

"I have the best memories with you and I will never ever forget them.

"I will always love you with all my heart and I will never ever forgot you. Thank you for just being you babe. Love you loads my angel.

"Yesterday we lost two fantastic girls far to early and they will both be missed massively.

"RIP Anna and Anastasia. God has gained two beautiful angels."

Another Instagram user, Alina Kicheava, posted a picture of the two girls, with the message: "Dear Anna and Anastasia, Oakham will never be the same without you two. I don't know how to describe my feeling.

"I will always remember you two as the happiest and nicest girls in this school which could have made others smile at any time."

Hattie Merriman posted on Instagram: "My beautifuls. You will be missed eternally. You were both the sweetest most caring people."

Em Stern, wrote on Instagram next to a picture of Anna: "I miss you so much. You were always there to pick me up when I was feeling down.

"I still don't want to believe that you're not coming back because I expect you to run round the corner laughing as if nothing has happened.

"Your laugh was so contagious. And your personality too. Love and happiness radiated from you."

Jenna Mohan posted on Instagram: "RIP Anna and Anastasia. It was a privilege to have known you and you are two people I will never forget.

"You were taken too soon from this world but you will live on in my heart."

The driver of the bus, and eight passengers, suffered superficial injuries.

Detective Constable Pete Davies, of the East Midlands Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: "The car was travelling along Empingham Lane towards Empingham and the bus was travelling in the opposite direction towards Tickencote when the collision occurred.

"We would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or saw either vehicle beforehand to contact us."

The road was closed for several hours while the emergency services dealt with the incident.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call police on 101.

Tributes paid to Anna Haefeli and Anastasia Besedovskaya, Oakham schoolgirls killed in car crash


Aston Villa 2 Leicester City 1 - reaction: Nigel Pearson confirms "conflict" over Paul Konchesky red card in "frustrating" Premier League defeat

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said he will await the referee's report before deciding whether to appeal Paul Konchesky's red card.

The full-back was sent off during City's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa – their 10th Premier League game without a win – following an altercation with defender Alan Hutton.

Konchesky was originally penalised for a foul but was unhappy with Hutton's reaction and the two clashed heads.

Referee Craig Pawson showed Konchesky a straight red while only booking Hutton.

Pearson said there was "a bit of conflict" over whether Konchesky was sent off for the tackle or the coming together of heads.

"Initially, we were under the impression it was for the challenge," said Pearson. "If that is the case, I think that would be very harsh.

"Then you have got the coming together of players' heads. Certainly, Paul Konchesky is not the instigator for that.

"It was because he was pushed away, and they continued to keep contact.

"The prudent thing for me to do is to wait to see what is in the report.

"I think it would be difficult to have a decision like that rescinded in all honesty. I also think it would lack a bit of class to be asking for retrospective action against another player."

City's defeat at Villa Park was their eighth in 10 Premier League games without a win, leaving Pearson's side bottom of the table and four points adrift of safety.

For the third time in a week, City failed to hold on to a lead, after Leonardo Ulloa had opened the scoring, tapping in after Brad Guzan had spilled Riyad Mahrez's shot.

But their lead would last just five minutes when poor defending from a free-kick allowed Ciaran Clark to head Villa level before Hutton was given acres of space at the back post to score the second-half winner.

"It was another frustrating day for us," said Pearson. "You cannot get away from that. With such a difficult run for us continuing, it is a tough one to take.

"We have taken the lead in the last three games, and got nothing out of them. We have to look at ourselves in terms of the defending, especially in terms of the first goal, so quickly after taking the lead. We have got to defend that first contact in the box a lot better.

"You can see that the players do care. The players are very down today. They are really hurting."

Ulloa had to come off at half-time after being injured in a thumping challenge from Clark. Pearson said after the game that he was confident Ulloa would be fit for the visit of Man City on Saturday.

"I don't think there is a great deal wrong with the tackle. It is a bit of a clash of knees and he has got a knock on his calf as well. I would think it is more bruising rather than anything more serious."

Pearson also confirmed that Ritchie De Laet should be fit for Saturday after missing the game through illness. 

Aston Villa 2 Leicester City 1 - reaction: Nigel Pearson confirms

Martin Castrogiovanni "paid £100,000 of his own money" to leave Leicester Tigers - fires broadside at Richard Cockerill

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Former Tigers prop Martin Castrogiovanni has defended his departure from the club and fired a hard-hitting broadside at Leicester's director of rugby Richard Cockerill in the process.

The 33-year-old came out of the changing rooms at the end of his side's 25-21 defeat and announced that he paid £100,000 to get out of his contract in the summer of 2013.

The tight-head prop joined Toulon with one year remaining on a three-year deal after protracted negotiations.

"I paid a lot of money to leave this club. I don't need money to play rugby. I paid my own money to leave this club," he said.

"I paid £100,000 from my pocket to leave this club because I wanted to play rugby and I never had the chance to say that (when I left).

"No player will be bigger than this club. But I never had an opportunity to defend myself when I left because people talk rubbish and Cockers was talking about money.

"When I left this club, they had Coley (Dan Cole) and they had me. A good tight head prop playing for England and a hairy Italian who they made look like I want to play for the money.

"I never want to speak with Cockerill any more. If you are not clear with me I never want to talk to you ever again.

"In the last two years here, people have been getting the sack. They used to respect people, now they have been sacking people.

"When I came to this club, everything was about the shirt and the badge. I didn't leave for the money."

Castrogiovanni also admitted that he still "loved" the club, thought his positive reception from fans was "beautiful" and that he "left half his heart here" when he departed, he also said he was looking forward to welcoming Tigers "back home" in Toulon next Saturday.

"They played quite a good game and they set the standards. They were quite physical but they have won just one game. It's just one game," he said. "They played the game of their lives but they need to come to us next week and we will see what happens.

"Everyone wants to win against us. We are the best. We have won everything."

Responding to his comments, Cockerill said: "Castro was released from his contract and there was a fee involved in that that was sorted out between Simon Cohen (chief executive) and Toulon.

"Castro came here and he has been fantastic for the club. I have a lot of time for Castro but I pick on merit. Dan Cole was third choice behind Castro and I said to him, when you are better that the others, I will pick you - and I did.

"Castro is a fantastic player and a fantastic icon for this club and I have nothing but praise for him. He is a great guy. One day, he will realise that is just sport.

"I have spent a lot of time with him and this club made him. I don't want him to feel bitter towards us, he is a great bloke and one day, we will have a beer and smile about it."

Martin Castrogiovanni

Woman treated by paramedics after arson attack in Sileby

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A woman was treated by paramedics after a flat fire in Sileby last night which was started deliberately.

Four fire crews, from Loughborough and Birstall, were called to Holmfield Road at 10.20pm.

Two firefighters wearing breathing equipment tackled the blaze, which severely damaged the hallway.

The Fire and Emergency Support Service vehicle was also called out. 

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "We are investigating an incident of arson at a flat in Holmfield Road, Sileby at around 10.34pm last night. No-one was injured and the investigation is in its early stages."

Woman treated by paramedics after arson attack in Sileby

Fuel thieves spark car fire in Stoneygate, Leicester

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Fuel thieves started a fire which destroyed a car parked in a city street yesterday.

A fire crew from Leicester's central fire station was called to Highway Road, Stoneygate at 8.53am to deal with the incident.

Fuel thieves spark car fire in Stoneygate, Leicester

Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White restaurant to open in Leicestershire

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Celebrity chef and restaurateur Marco Pierre White is to open a venue in Kegworth.

The Marco's New York Italian is expected to open at the Best Western Premier Yew Lodge Hotel, in Packington Hill, in April 2015 and will serve Marco's take on American-Italian food.

News on the restaurant's opening follows a deal between Black & White Franchising and the hotel's owner, who will run the new restaurant under a franchise agreement. Work to convert the existing restaurant and bar areas will start in the new year.

A spokesperson said: "Once open visitors will be able to choose from a selection of fresh pastas, steaks, seafood, burgers and handmade pizzas. The restaurant will replicate the hustle and bustle of a classic New York Italian restaurant, appealing to those looking for a relaxed, fun place to eat that has the added attraction of having the provenance of Marco Pierre White.

"Located just two miles from East Midlands Airport, Donington Park is also close by while those traveling by train can use East Midlands Parkway. Equidistant to Nottingham, Derby and Leicester, Loughborough is just down the A6."

Yvonne Hyde, hotel manager at the hotel said: "This announcement is great news and will strengthen the appeal of the hotel.

"Sitting at the heart of Kegworth village, the hotel is popular with a range of customers including business people, families, holiday makers traveling from the airport and race fans going to the famous Donington circuit.

"The Yew Lodge is also popular with those living in the local area whether it's for special occasions or a meal out and this new restaurant will only go to increase the overall appeal of the venue.

"The presence of a Marco Pierre White restaurant will bring an exciting vibe to the hotel and will sit well with those looking to do business in a relaxed setting as well as visitors taking in the many attractions that are on our doorstep."

Black and White Franchising has partnered with Marco Pierre White to roll out two of his restaurant brands, Steakhouse Bar & Grill and Marco's New York Italian, with the Kegworth restaurant be the 15th venue to sign a franchise agreement.

Owner and chairman Nick Taplin said: "The idea behind this restaurant is to create an environment where people can sit and enjoy their life, where diners can have a good time and enjoy traditional Italian favourites at any time of the day.

"This new restaurant is all about providing a place where people can go for some good, wholesome food and a nice bottle of wine in a relaxed, affordable and friendly setting.

"We want people to come here and make their visit as formal or informal, expensive or inexpensive as they wish. If a group of friends or work colleagues want a bite to eat then this is the place. Equally, business people wanting somewhere to take clients will find this the perfect venue.

"People who go out to eat and spend their hard earned money deserve excellent service and good food at a price that is affordable. The dining experience is not just about the food. The customer wants to be entertained so the atmosphere has to be right and service is key."

"That's what Marco's New York Italian is all about."

Celebrity chef Marco Pierre White restaurant to open in Leicestershire

Lumbers jewellery store to move to Dominoes site

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A high-end jewellery store in Leicester is set to relocate to the former site of a toy shop next year.

Lumbers, which is based in Market Street, will more than double its floorspace when it moves to the former premises of Dominoes toy shop in High Street.

The company, which employs 14 people, is planning to build a jewellery, diamond and watch showroom, a gift department and a VIP lounge.

A kitchen will be installed on the shop's first floor so that the business can host private events for clients and businesses, and it will also have a champagne bar and tea and coffee available for clients.

The firm has taken a 20-year lease.

It is thought the conversion of the former toy shop will cost a six-figure sum.

Dominic Gomersall, managing director of Lumbers, said: "We have decided to move because, in the long term, it would be more secure for us to be closer to the Highcross stores than the current retailers in the area.

"Our current lease is also due to expire in 2015."

Mr Gomersall said the company had managed to negotiate a "favourable" deal on the new premises, as the new shop in High Street is said to be 25 per cent less expensive than their current Market Street store.

He said: "We are seeing an overhead drop of some £30,000, which is a substantial annual saving that we can pass on to our client base."

Lumbers will more than double its current space when it relocates from its 600 square metre store (6,500 sq ft) to the 1,500 square metre (16,000 sq ft) shop in High Street in August next year. Six new jobs will be created.

Mr Gomersall said: "We are delighted that all the build, from design to manufacture, will be done locally with Leicestershire businesses.

"We believe it is a great way to give something back to our community and our client base."

Matt Saunders, owner of the Queen of Bradgate gastropub, also in High Street, said Lumbers' decision to move to the High Street was "wonderful" news.

He said: "When I discovered it was Lumbers, I thought it was great. Not only is it a great family business, but it shows that High Street is a stronger place than Market Street.

"It reinforces how good our decision was to move here, and for someone like that to agree with us is fantastic."

Lumbers was founded in Loseby Lane, Leicester, in 1881 by John Lumbers. In 1915, it relocated to Granby Street before moving to 31 Market Street 34 years ago. It has been at its current address in Market Street for 14 years.

Last month, it was revealed the Dominoes toy store was set to reopen in Fenwick, in Market Street, on February 14 next year.

Owner Steve Sansom said the business, whose shop closed last year, would occupy 1,000 square feet on the first floor of the Market Street building.

Mr Sansom said: "It's a good fit for Fenwick because it gives them a toy department.

"A lot of people who go into the store have children or grandchildren, so it's a good fit for us, too. There are a lot of advantages."

Lumbers jewellery store to move to Dominoes site

Cooker blaze severely damages kitchen of Evington, Leicester home

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A cooker fire severely damaged the kitchen of a home in Evington, Leicester last night.

Two fire crews from the city's eastern fire station and the Fire and Emergency Support Service vehicle, manned by the British Red Cross, went to Pevensey Avenue shortly after 10.30pm.

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service say the blaze was started accidentally.

Cooker blaze severely damages kitchen of Evington, Leicester home


Man treated for ammonia gas leaking from fridge in Loughborough

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A man was treated for ammonia gas poisoning from a leaking fridge at his Loughborough home yesterday.

Two crews from the town's fire station wore breathing equipment to drag the fridge out of the home in Jubilee Drive and ventilate the property shortly before 2.30pm.

Crew manager Kev Askew said: "The gas is used as a refrigerant in older appliances and when it leaks it creates a white vapour.The man was treated at the scene by paramedics for the effects of ammonia poisoning."

Man treated for ammonia gas leaking from fridge in Loughborough

Police recognise "significant distress" caused to Leicester city councillors sent "Adolf Hitler" email

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Leicestershire police say they are consulting the Crown Prosecution Service to determine whether a crime was committed when an email signed off "from Adolf Hitler" was sent to city councillors.

The message entitled "Thanks for the Boycott from Adolf" was sent to all 54 members of Leicester City Council last week.

It followed the council's Labour group voting to approve a motion not to buy products from illegal settlements in the West Bank and to condemn Israel's Government for its treatment of the Palestinian people.

As previously reported by the Mercury, the email began, "I would like to thank you in continuing my work posthumously," and was signed off "From Adolf Hitler".

At least one of the councillors reported it to the authority's solicitor who in turn passed the matter onto the police.

A police spokesman said the matter was being discussed with the CPS to establish whether the letter constituted a crime.

A police spokeswoman said: "I has been recorded as a faith incident.

"We recognise a significant amount of distress has been caused to the recipients."

A number of councillors have told the Mercury they did not consider the email to be a crime and its investigation was a waste of police time.

The email was sent by Naomi Cohen who is Jewish and lives in Liverpool.

She said: "I am glad there have been complaints. I am glad it has gone to the police. I am more than happy for them to come round here and talk to them if they want.

"It wasn't satire, I wasn't trying to be deliberately provocative.

"I was just saying things as I see them.

"I don't agree with or believe in everything Israel does but why is Leicester City Council singling out this issue?

"Why are they boycotting goods they don't even buy?

"This is what happened in the 1930s when people were told not to buy from Jewish shops.

"It is just Israel bashing and Jew hating and I am sick of it."

The city council's Labour group has denied its motion was anti-Jewish and aimed at the Israeli Government not the Jewish people.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby has said anyone interpreting the motion as anti-Jewish had grossly misunderstood it.

Police recognise

Madeleine McCann: Police interview 11 people in Portugal

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Detectives investigating the disappearance of Madeleine McCann today began interviews with 11 people in Portugal. The interviews are the latest development in the seven year search for Madeleine, who was three when she disappeared from her family's holiday apartment in Praia da Luz in the Algarve in May 2007. It was widely reported today that British detectives have travelled to Portugal to question the 11 people. They are said to include a number of British ex-patriates as well as former employees of the Ocean Club, where the McCanns were staying when Madeleine went missing. Some of the people have previously spoken to detectives about Madeleine's disappearance. It is the biggest number of witnesses to be interviewed since the Metropolitan Police took over he search for Madeleine, of Rothley, in 2011. The interviews are expected to be conducted by Portuguese detectives with advice, including 250 specific questions, from their British counterparts. In Portuguese law, if officers suspect an individual's involvement in a crime but are not in a position to arrest or charge, they are given "arguido" status - giving them the right not to answer questions and to legal representation. In June police conducted a 10-day search of land near the holiday apartment. The search yielded no trace of the youngster but Mr and Mrs McCann, who live in Rothley, said the activity reinforced their belief Madeline is still alive.

Madeleine McCann: Police interview 11 people in Portugal

Transfer Rumours: Leicester City chase AFC Bournemouth defender and striker says no to a move to the King Power Stadium

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Leicester City have been linked with a move for AFC Bournemouth defender Steve Cook.

The London Evening Standard claim City have been tracking the 23-year-old centre back's progress along with Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion.

Meanwhile, reports in Italy state that Croatian striker Andrej Kramaric has rejected a move to City after his club Rijeka agreed a fee of £8.5 million with City on Monday.

The reports suggest Kramaric would prefer a switch to Italian giants Juventus.

Leicester MP Keith Vaz calls for end to ban on mango imports from India

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Keith Vaz has said the time has come to end the controversial ban on Indian mangoes.

The Leicester East MP has been campaigning to get the European Union to drop the mango ban since it was put in place in May this year.

The ban was introduced after pests including fruit flies were repeatedly found in hundreds of shipments into Europe.

UK politicians backed the ban because they were worried the flies could damage this country's £321 million tomato and cucumber industry.

But the UK restaurant industry that used the imported fruit said the ban was bad for their business as well as Indian companies, who export thousands of tonnes of mangoes each year.

Mr Vaz, whose parents were from India, described the ban as "Euro-nonsense and bureaucracy gone mad".

Since May, the Indian government has introduced new monitoring systems and in September the EU's own experts went to inspect the new systems.

The EU is currently discussing whether to lift the ban and a decision is expected in the coming days.

Mr Vaz said: "The investigation by the European Union Food and Veterinary Office has created an important opportunity to end this damaging and unnecessary ban, which I and others have repeatedly campaigned against.

"Businesses across the United Kingdom and India have been harmed by the decision to ban imports earlier this year, with costs from lost trade in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions.

"I am pleased to see recognition of the improvements made by India to guarantee these exports are safe, and strongly urge the European Union to once again allow this delicious fruit to be imported by member states.

"Furthermore, I hope the UK government demonstrates their commitment to our relationship with India and make representations to the European Union on this matter."

Mr Vaz's campaign to lift the ban has included a trip to Brussels to see the relevant EU commissioners.

He also tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons, calling on the UK government to support the removal of the import ban, which affected alphonso mangoes, aubergines, taro plants, bitter gourd and snake gourd.

Maynesh Rayarel, director of Laxmi Enterprises GB Ltd, trading as ATC Retail, in Melton Road, Belgrave, said he was looking forward to the ban being lifted as soon as possible.

He said: "We are still keeping an eye on the situation as this affects us a lot and we would very much like to see the ban lifted.

"There are no mangoes like Indian mangoes, so while this ban is in affect we're not importing any at all.

"We sell to restaurants but they're not interested in mangoes from anywhere else."

Leicester MP Keith Vaz calls for end to ban on mango imports from India

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