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

Weather for Leicester and Leicestershire

0
0

Today: Windy and feeling cold with sunny spells and scattered showers. Clouding over later with outbreaks of rain and hill snow arriving for the evening. Maximum Temperature 6C.

Tonight: Spells of heavy rain with snow over hills, and perhaps also down to lower levels at times, particularly later in the night. Rain and snow starting to clear later. Minimum Temperature 0C.

Friday: Any early rain or snow soon clearing but leaving a risk of icy stretches at first. Then breezy with sunny spells and just the odd wintry showers. Still feeling cold. Maximum Temperature 6C.

Weather for Leicester and Leicestershire


National Lottery numbers: Lotto draw for Wednesday, December 10

0
0

Here are last night's winning numbers for the Lotto draw:

14, 15, 31, 36, 42, 47 and the bonus ball was 1.

The jackpot was £8,466,374 and 139,358 lucky ticket holders have won prizes.

Did you win big? Let us know by e-mailing: newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

If you missed last week's numbers, for Wednesday, December 3, here they are again:

04, 17, 19, 25, 35, 37 and the bonus ball was 07

National Lottery numbers: Lotto draw for Wednesday, December 10

Cases at Leicester Magistrates' Court

0
0

Mohammed Shakir Manjra (38) of Thornville Close, Leicester, pleaded guilty to failing to give information relating to the identification of a driver alleged to have committed an offence on August 19 2014. He was fined £300 with £85 costs, £30 victim surcharge and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for six months.

Lewis Bennett (19) of Kirkland Road, Braunstone Town, pleaded guilty to driving at Imperial Avenue, Braunstone, on June 2 2014 while unfit through drugs. He was fined £165 with £85 costs, £20 victim surcharge and was disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for 22 months. Bennett also pleaded guilty to driving without third-party insurance on the same date and was given no separate penalty.

Natasha Tylapp (27) of Kettering Road, Market Harborough, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at the King's Head, Church Street, Market Harborough, on May 17 2014. She was fined £55 with £85 costs and £20 victim surcharge.

Juneyd Mungur (40) of Wentworth Road, Leicester, was proven guilty in absence of failing to give information relating to the identity of a driver believed to have committed an offence on August 25 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and his driving licence was endorsed with six penalty points.

Derrick Munyaka (19) of Bendbow Rise, Braunstone, was proven guilty in absence of failing to give information relating to the identity of a driver believed to have committed an offence on May 21 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and six penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Tomaz Nizinski (30) of Foxcroft Close,Rowley Fields, was proved guilty in absence of exceeding 30 miles per hour at Leicester on May 1 2014. He was fined £70 with £85 costs, £29 victim surcharge and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for six months.

Nimesh Odedra (33) of Brewer Close, Leicester, was proven guilty in absence of exceeding 30 miles per hour on the A563 Colchester Road, Leicester, on March 25 2014. He was fined £200 wi5h £85 costs, £20 victim surcharge and three penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Cases at Leicester Magistrates' Court

0
0

Lee Trevor Wakefield (32) of Wellinger Way, Braunstone, was proven guilty in absence of failing to give information relating to the identity of a driver alleged to have committed an offence on July 7 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and six penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Karen L. Barrow (50) of Wharncliffe Road, Loughborough, was found guilty in absence of using a vehicle at Charnborough Road, Coalville on April 2 2014 where the manner in which passengers were carried was likely to cause danger to them. She was fined £400 with £85 costs, £40 victim surcharge and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for two months..

Florin Berki (35) of Willow Grove, Mountsorrel, was proven guilty in absence of failing to give information relating to the identity of a driver alleged to have been guilty of an offence on August 21 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and six penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Lee Andrew Collins (27) of Woodland View, Oakham, was proven guilty in absence of using a vehicle without third-party insurance at Lands End Way, Oakham, on April 11 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and his driving licence was endorsed with eight penalty points.

Paul Eaton (57) of Latimer Street, Westcotes, was proven guilty in absence of exceeding 30 miles per hour on the A47, King Richards Road, Leicester, on May 31 2014. He was fined £400 with £85 costs £40 victim surcharge and six penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Jonathan Greenaway (28) of Stanton Road, Elmesthorpe, was proven guilty in absence of failing to given information relating to the identity of a driver alleged to have been guilty of an offence on September 3 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and six penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Abdikadir Hussain (36) of Rannoch Close,Beaumont Leys, was proven guilty in absence of exceeding 40 miles per hour on the A50, Leicester Road, Groby, on May 27 2014. He was fined £170 with £85 costs, £20 victim surcharge and four penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Jacek Janusz (31) of Marshall Street, Woodgate, was proven guilty in absence of using a vehicle on King Richards Road, Leicester without third-party insurance on August 19 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and his driving licence was endorsed with eight penalty points.

Daljit Kaur (48) of Goodwood Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to failing to give information relating to the identity of a driver alleged to have committed an offence on April 14 2015. She was fined £225 with £85 costs, £23 victim surcharge and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for six months.

Carl Tony Kendell (48) of High Street, Lutterworth, was proven guilty in absence of using a vehicle on the A426, Lutterworth, without third-party insurance on April 28 2014. He was fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge and eight penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Ashley Locke (29) of Thornborough Road, Coalville, was proven guilty in absence of failing to give information relating to the identity of a driver alleged to have committed an offence on May 21 2014. They were fined £600 with £85 costs, £60 victim surcharge with six penalty points on their driving licence.

Jack Longmuir (20) of Sandown Road, Glenfield, was proven guilty in absence of using a vehicle at Viscount Road, East Midlands Airport, without third-party insurance. He was fined £175 with £85 costs, £20 victim surcharge and disqualified from holding or obtaining a driving licence for six months,

Riyad Mahrez (23) of Watkin Road, West End, pleaded guilty to exceeding 30 miles per hour on the A47 King Richards Road, Leicester on April 12 2014. He was fined £750 with £85 costs, £75 victim surcharge and three penalty points were put on his driving licence.

Eco-homes plan for £1 former allotment site off Leicester's Saffron Lane to be approved

0
0

Plans for an estate of low cost eco-homes on former allotment land are set to be approved next week.

Westleigh Developments wants to build 68 properties on a 13 acre plot of land next to Heathcott Road near Leicester's Saffron Lane.

Officers at Leicester City Council have recommended the project be approved by councillors on the authority's planning committee when they meet on Thursday.

The site is owned by the council and is worth around £1.5 million but the authority has agreed to sell the land for £1 as it says it will allow much needed homes to be build on disused and overgrown land.

If planning permission is granted a deal will see the land, between Whittier Road and Heathcott Road, transferred to Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council (SLNC), a charity set up for the benefit of people on the estate.

It is anticipated the development will cost £7 million.THe properties would be managed by East Midlands Housing.

A report by planning officers says there have been no objections to the scheme.

The homes are to be built to what is described as Passivhaus meaning they will have high levels of insulation and carefully controlled ventilation standards.

The council says it will be the largest affordable Passivhaus scheme in the country.

A Westleigh spokesman said: "This will result in high quality dwellings to provide a good living environment for families.

"It will bring much needed affordable living to the area."

Critics have said the council ought not to be selling such a valuable plot of land for a nominal sum and should seek the market value

However assistant mayor for housing Andy Connelly previously told the Mercury the development would be "an important development for the city".

He said: "It will help provide much-needed affordable housing, built to the extremely high standards of energy efficiency.

"It is important we support Saffron Lane Neighbourhood Council in making this scheme a reality.

"Our contribution to this scheme is the underused land itself and that will help attract about £7 million of investment in the city and the completed scheme will stand as a beacon for sustainable and affordable housing."

The Homes and Communities Agency is contributing £1.5 million to the project.

SLNC will also extend its Saffron Acres Project, a community allotment and food production scheme, that will run alongside the eco-home development.

Eco-homes plan for £1 former allotment site off Leicester's Saffron Lane to be approved

Man who raped and beat woman in three hour ordeal jailed for 11 years

0
0

A man who kept a woman prisoner for three hours while he raped and beat her has been jailed for 11 years.

Serwan Abdullah repeatedly assaulted the woman in a house in Leicester in May this year. The woman's young child was present throughout the attacks.

Her ordeal ended when she managed to escape from the house, clutching her child.

She was taken to safety by a passing motorist.

Police have praised the woman's "immense bravery" and the motorist's "quick thinking and kindness".

Abullah, (28), of Narborough Road, Leicester was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court earlier this month. He had been convicted of a series of crimes at an earlier hearing.

Leicestershire Police released details of the case today.

Officers said the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had endured a three hour ordeal at Abdullah's hands.

He said he intended to kill her, officers said.

Believing he intended to carry out the threat, the woman ran into the street holding her young child and managed to flag down a passing motorist, who was on his way to work.

He took her to safety and alerted the police.

Abdullah was tracked down and arrested.

In November he was convicted of one count of rape, two counts of assault by penetration, one count of threats to kill and one count of actual bodily harm.

Detective Constable Michael Buckey, who led the investigation, said: "The victim was left traumatised by these events.

"She has shown immense bravery throughout this investigation and has had to relive the events when giving evidence at the trial.

"The passing motorist should also be recognised for his help to the distressed victim.

"His quick thinking and kindness assisted her in coming to no further harm for which I am sure she is extremely grateful.

"I am pleased with the verdict and I hope that it goes some way in helping the victim move on with her life and put the events of that night behind her."

Poetry helps transform lives of men who have mental health problems

0
0

An innovative arts project using poetry to help transform the lives on men with mental health problems has close the year with a performance.

The Leicester-based group, Showcase Smoothie, showcased its work to the public at a poetry reading event at the city's Embrace Arts.

More than 100 people attended the evening, which featured rhythmic wordplay, accompanied by music and illustrated by film.

The project, which is based around literature and music, aims to help men who have experienced mental health issues to tell their stories and discover their talents through performing arts.

For many of the nine men who took part in the show, it was the first time they had read their poetry to an audience.

Mohammed, who suffers from bipolar disorder, joined the group a year ago.

He said: "At first I found performing difficult but it's now something I really enjoy and I look forward to coming here every week.

"I've met and worked with a diverse group of people and developed good friendships and extra support. It's changed me a lot."

He added: "You have to give people with depression something to make them feel better about themselves and to get them back into life. This programme has done that for me."

The Showcase Smoothie project was set up six years ago by the Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (LPT), together with a range of arts, health and educational organisations.

Its initial focus was on young black men living in Leicester, but is currently helping a group of men of diverse ages, ethnic backgrounds and cultures.

Internationally-acclaimed Jamaican dub poet and Showcase Smoothie patron, Jean 'Binta' Breeze was in the audience at the Embrace Arts event, on the campus of the University of Leicester, alongside Dr Peter Miller, chief executive of the NHS Trust,

He said: "We were we were able to celebrate inspiring, powerful and moving stories of people recovering from mental health problems.

"It's an honour to be a champion of such important work, supporting and helping people reach their potential through the power of words and music."

Lydia Towsey, co-director of Showcase Smoothie and the LPT's creative arts coordinator, said: "The end of year finale was a huge success, and demonstrated how the arts can clearly contribute to boosting wellbeing – opening a dialogue and challenging the stigma that can still sometimes surround mental health issues."

She added: "We've received incredible feedback from a number of audience members and are now focused on looking to make sure this vital work continues."

Showcase Smoothie's artistic programme of activities – launched in 2012 as a two-year pilot, after receiving major Arts Council England funding – includes regular workshops, group work and one-to-one mentoring.

Members have also joined together to create the 'Showcase Collective' of artists who put on public performances, some of which are based around their anthology of writing 'Poems To Read - Before U Die'.

Ms Towsey said: "The project has transformed so many people's lives and has had such a positive impact.

It's been fantastic to have the support of Arts Council England for the last three years - their funding has been crucial in getting this ground breaking project off the ground. We're now exploring further possibilities to make it sustainable - and looking forward to a bright future.

She added: "It is great to be part of such an incredibly exciting project, which inspires artists and audiences alike. I find it a real pleasure to watch new talent emerge, grow and develop."

www.showcasesmoothie.com

Poetry helps transform lives of men who have mental health problems

Gambling addict raided the bank account of a good friend's mother

0
0

A gambling addict raided the bank account of a good friend's mother, by pocketing almost £7,000, a court heard.

Emma Marie Grogan, 32, used some of the cash to pay off hundreds of pounds worth of phone bills racked up through on-line gaming.

The former corporate travel consultant also withdrew cash and splashed out on iTunes and other items, including tickets to attend a celebrity function involving "a well known footballer."

There were 43 dishonest transactions, between June 2013 and May this year.

Grogan, of Elstree Avenue, Netherhall, Leicester, was given a six month jail sentence, suspended for two years.

She was also ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work.

Grogan pleaded guilty to fraud by falsely representing she was the authorised user of the victim's bank card.

Sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, Recorder Stuart Sprawson said: "This involved a breach of trust

"Through your friendship with the victim's daughter you became almost a family member and stayed at their home on a number of occasions.

"You assisted the victim to open an online bank account two years before you committed these offences, after becoming aware she'd received an inheritance.

"You took £6,988 without her consent.

"There was an element of greed and you exploited the trust the victim placed in you.

"I accept you have shown remorse and you have also lost your employment as a result of this."

Jonathan Dee, prosecuting, told Leicester Crown Court the friend's mother is 59 and suffers from glaucoma and cataracts.

She notified the police on realising sums of money were missing from her account - spotting high value mobile phone bills, payments to iTunes and tickets for an event "with a former well known Leicester footballer, whom the defendant knew," said Mr Dee.

When arrested she admitted having lost a lot of money gambling on her mobile phone.

Mr Dee said: "Although the offence is charged as fraud, it's more akin to theft."

Paul Tubb, mitigating, said: "She has no previous convictions and has been dismissed from her employment because of this.

"She was a corporate travel consultant dealing with government agency contacts, such as helping organise the NATO Summit by booking 45 hotels, helicopters and other transport."

Mr Tubb said she resorted to on-line gambling following the breakdown of a relationship.

He said: "She would blow a month's wages in a week.

"She made some gains, but also made huge losses and didn't realise she had a problem or that she could get help – which she has now done by contacting Gamblers Anonymous.

"She was also trying to help her father financially and took out pay day loans with escalating interest.

"She's ashamed, deeply regrets her actions, and wants to apologise to her friend's mother."

Mr Tubb said a number of friends and her brother had ceased contact with her because of her actions.

Gambling addict raided the bank account of a good friend’s mother


Motorist who deliberately ran down and killed a young cyclist had a fair trial, judges rule

0
0

A motorist who deliberately ran down and killed a young cyclist after hounding him over a drugs debt has failed to convince top judges his trial was unfair.

Karl Herbert, 25, was jailed for life at Leicester Crown Court in December 2011 after he was convicted of murdering Adrian Bridgeman.

The 25-year-old was struck down by Herbert's van while trying to get away on his bike in New Parks Boulevard, Leicester.

He suffered devastating head injuries in the March 2010 collision and his parents had to give medics permission to switch off his life support machine the next day.

Herbert, of Bland Road, New Parks, was ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years behind bars before he can even apply for parole.

In the Appeal Court in London this week his legal team challenged his murder conviction, arguing that the judge misdirected the jury on the crucial issue of intent.

Lady Justice Hallett, sitting with Mr Justice Popplewell and Mr Justice Edis, said Mr Bridgeman had been "targeted" by Herbert after clocking up a drugs debt.

"The prosecution case was that Herbert and his accomplice were drug dealers to whom their victim owed money," she told the court.

Mr Bridgeman initially left the Leicester area through fear of Herbert, the court heard.

And when he returned later on he was so wracked by fear that he covered himself with a blanket when travelling by car.

He and his family were both continually "pressurised" by Herbert and his fellow gang members.

On one of his rare outings, Mr Bridgeman was spotted by Herbert on his bike, said Lady Justice Hallett.

She added: "Herbert went home to fetch his van and followed his victim for some minutes and then deliberately swerved the van onto the pavement and into the victim".

The killer, who accepted he was a drug dealer and pursuing a debt, insisted his victim's death was a "tragic accident".

However, he admitted "being involved in an unlawful act and that he was therefore guilty of manslaughter".

Rejecting his conviction challenge, Lady Justice Hallett said there had been no misdirection by the trial judge.

"The jury could have been in no doubt what the issues were they had to determine. The evidence was overwhelming and the conviction is safe", she concluded.

Motorist who deliberately ran down and killed a young cyclist had a fair trial, judges rule

Cancer diagnosis 'felt more like winning a lottery'

0
0

Confirmation of a cancer diagnosis felt more like wining the lottery than a death sentence for Joe Bohen.

Having been given weeks to live a new diagnosis of a rare form of cancer actually provided a brighter outlook.

The 57-year-old from Markfield said: "I was diagnosed with primary lung cancer with secondary lung cancer in my spine.

"The prognosis was quite dire and I was looking at a matter of weeks rather than anything else.

"That really came as a shock."

Mr Bohen, a system developer, first went to his GP in April with a painful back.

Following a scan at Coalville community hospital he was admitted to Leicester Royal Infirmary."

Further tests showed that he actually had the more rare carcinoid cancer the prognosis changed from eight weeks to eight years.

He said: "To hear that news was like winning the lottery."

Mr Bohen is now having chemotherapy to manage his cancer but he and his family are being supported by Annie Law, an acute oncology advanced nurse practitioner at the infirmary.

She is a member of an acute oncology team funded to the tune of £160,000 by Macmillan Cancer Support.

It includes clinical nurse specialists and consultants, who provide expert care and treatment for people affected by cancer.

They also pass on this specialist cancer expertise to junior doctors, consultants and A&E staff.

Mr Bohen said: "I've seen lots of different people in hospital but it has been just so reassuring that we have had Annie, this caring person there, who has been the one constant.

"She has been able to explain to me what is happening and also provide support for my family."

Ms Law said: "One of the biggest differences we have been able to make is supporting patients admitted and diagnosed with cancer anywhere in Leicester's hospitals.

"When they hear the news they are not expecting - that they have cancer - it can be devastating for them.

"So our acute oncology team provides ongoing support and care to them and their carers at a very difficult time. We offer cancer advice and can co-ordinate their care until they are seen by the specialist team.

"Previously this group of people would have to wait for this support until they are seen in outpatients, maybe a few weeks later."

Maxine Astley-Pepper, Macmillan development manager in Leicestershire and Rutland, said that the team played a vital role in making sure that people cancer are seen quickly and receive the right care.

This in turn leads to them seeing cancer specialists sooner.

For more information on ways to help raise funds for the charity call Jo Anne Wilson, Macmillan fundraising manager for Leicestershire and Rutland, on 07595 001902 or e mail jowilson@macmillan.org.uk

For more information on the charity go to www.macmillan.org.uk

Cancer diagnosis 'felt more like winning a lottery'

Mum forced to flee burning flat with son tells of ordeal

0
0

A young mum forced to flee her burning home with her baby son in her arms has spoken of her terrifying experience.

Katie Price, 21, was awoken by the smell of smoke in the two-bedroom flat in Sileby, at 10.30pm on Monday.

Scooping up her sleeping one-year-old son, Callum, she alerted her upstairs neighbours at the Homefield Road flats before running to another neighbour for help.

Both escaped unharmed, although Katie suffered a panic attack outside neighbour Kirsty Staden's home.

Katie, who has been inundated with offers of presents, clothing and furniture after an appeal was set up on Facebook, said: "I was just about nodding off when I could smell burning and I thought it might be something in the kitchen.

"When I got up, the whole flat was full of smoke and the front door was burning, with flames reaching the ceiling.

"I'd tried to put Callum in his cot in his own bedroom, which is next to where the fire was, but he has been a bit unsettled and wanted to come in with me.

"Thank goodness he did, otherwise things could have been a lot different.

"I don't want to think about it if he was in his own room."

Thankfully, Callum, whose favourite TV character is Fireman Sam, was unfazed by the drama.

Katie said: "He's two on January 2 and was oblivious to what was going on. At least he got to see the fire engines."

Katie, who is staying with her grandparents, in Loughborough, added: "I went back to the flat yesterday for the first time.

"It's not very nice."

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by Leicestershire Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service.

Katie said: "People are talking about it having been started deliberately, but I haven't got any enemies."

Katie admits to being overwhelmed by the public response to her pre-Christmas plight.

"I have practically lost everything, it's all smoke damaged, including Callum's Christmas presents.

"I've had a lot of donations and I can't thank everyone enough.

"I don't even know the lady who set it up, everyone has been so generous.

"Callum will probably end up with more presents than he would have had."

Mum forced to flee burning flat with son tells of ordeal

Live traffic and travel updates in Leicester and Leicestershire

0
0

7.15am: There are no incidents to report. 

For more local and national travel information and weather updates see the links below:

MOTORWAY UPDATES: For traffic updates on UK motorways and other key roads - http://www.highways.gov.uk/traffic-information/" target="_blank">CLICK HERE.

LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - http://www.thisisleicestershire.co.uk/traffic.html... target="_blank">CLICK HERE.

NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/... target="_blank">CLICK HERE.

FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: http://www.eastmidlandsairport.com/flightinformati... target="_blank"> CLICK HERE.

WEATHER: See the latest http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk.co.uk/weather" target="_blank">five-day weather report for Leicester and Leicestershire

CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us http://twitter.com/Leicester_Merc" target="_blank">@Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live traffic and travel updates in Leicester and Leicestershire

Weather for Leicester and Leicestershire today

0
0

Today: Starting cloudy and possibly windy with some rain, perhaps falling as sleet over the hills. It will brighten up during the morning with some sunny spells by afternoon but remaining breezy. Maximum Temperature 6C.

Tonight: The evening and night will stay dry, and with some long clear spells developing it will become frosty by Saturday morning. Minimum Temperature -3C.

Saturday: After a frosty start, Saturday will be dry with long sunny spells, but it will stay rather cold. Maximum Temperature 5C.

Weather for Leicester and Leicestershire today

Raiders try to force open Co-op cash machine - while staff and shoppers look on amazed

0
0

Two men tried to break into a village shop cash machine as staff and shoppers looked on in amazement.

The pair, who were wearing balaclavas, walked into the Co-op, in Pochin Street, Croft, and tried to open the machine with a crowbar and an angle grinder.

Two customers and a member of staff were present throughout the raid, which happened at 8.30pm on Wednesday.

The raiders, who reportedly told the three witnesses to stay back but did not harm them, spent up to three minutes trying to open the machine.

However, they failed to break into it and left empty-handed, escaping in a silver Vauxhall Astra or Vectra in the direction of Arbor Road.

One person, apparently one of the shoppers who witnessed the incident, posted on Facebook yesterday: "One of the scariest experiences of my life.

"Standing in the Co-op and two masked men with crowbars and an angle grinder smashed the shop up a little and proceeded to try to cut into the cash machine.

investigate

"If anyone knows any more, get in touch with the police."

A spokesman for Central England Co-operative said: "We are working with the police while they investigate this matter.

"Although shaken, no customers or colleagues were harmed during this incident.

"We would like to thank customers for their support while the store remained temporarily closed.

"The store is now trading as usual."

Police have appealed for help tracing the two men. One is about 6ft 2in, of muscular build and was wearing black clothing.

The other is 5ft 6in, skinny and was wearing a camouflage jacket.

Detective Constable Sarah Walker said: "Our inquiries into this incident are very much ongoing and we're keen to hear from anyone who saw the suspects as they fled the scene last night.

"The angle grinder used is described as large and petrol-powered and is believed to have been started outside the store.

"We are hoping someone may have heard its loud operating noise or seen the suspect with it in the area."

Contact the force's serious crime team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Raiders try to force open Co-op cash machine - while staff and shoppers look on amazed

Hollywood stars keep warm thanks to RST International in Leicester

0
0

The stars of two of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters are keeping their intimate parts warm, thanks to a Leicester-based thermal underwear manufacturer.

RST International has flown the flag for Britain by supplying underwear to Fury, starring Brad Pitt, and Dracula Untold, staring Welsh actor Luke Evans.

Based in Frog Island, RST International makes a high proportion of its thermal underwear at its Leicester factory.

Company spokesman Tom Morra said: "RST has a strong reputation among film production houses who often call the company thanks to past successes using their garments.

"The company delivers its best-in-class products to film sets worldwide and on very tight time scales.

"Alongside films, RST has a broad range of clients including blue-chip firms, state institutions, store groups, independent retailers, boutiques, television programmes and directly to some of the world's richest families.

"The firm has its factory in the heart of the city and is passionate about British products.

"The company strongly believes that, as well as its well-made products, it is the company's passion for British manufacturing that helps secure contracts and sell its garments."

He added that the business was urging the British Government to do more, both domestically and in foreign markets, to encourage consumers to buy British.

He said: "This not only helps our economy by giving people jobs, but also makes Britain less reliant on foreign factors which are increasingly volatile in today's world."


Two people taken to hospital after crash in Wymeswold

0
0

Two people were taken to hospital after a crash between a car and a lorry.

The incident happened on the A6006 in East Road, Wymeswold last night.

The driver of the lorry was uninjured but a man and woman in a four-by-four car were released from the car by firefighters using cutting equipment and then taken to the Queen's Medical Centre, in Nottingham.

One person has been arrested in connection with the incident. 

Two fire crews from Loughborough as well as two technical rescue crews were called to the scene. Police, paramedics and doctors were also there.

Fire crews left the incident shortly after 10pm after being called there just after 9pm.

Two people taken to hospital after crash in Wymeswold

Cycling clothing brand Vélobici goes global

0
0

A cycling fashion brand is now being stocked in stores around the world.

Bosses at Leicester-based Vélobici said the business was continuing its rapid growth with seven new stockists in the UK, Europe and globally.

The brand, which won this year's Leicester Mercury retailer of the year award, has added to its stockists with boutique stores in Solihull and Harrogate, Prague, Winterthur in Switzerland, New York and Hong Kong.

Brand owner Chris Puttnam came up with the idea for the clothing range when illness forced him to quit the double glazing firm, which he had run for 10 years from Western Park, Leicester.

He approached a friend's wife, Tara Love, who had worked in textiles for 20 years, with the idea of creating a range of fashionable clothing for cyclists.

Vélobici was launched in 2010, and since then the pair have created a collection which includes jumpers, trousers, T-shirts and accessories.

The products, made from merino wool, are manufactured by companies in Hinckley and Western Road, Leicester, and the business has a shop and headquarters in Francis Street, Stoneygate, Leicester.

Last year, it signed a deal to supply the highly-regarded Condor Cycles store in Camden, north London.

Chris, whose father Bruce had a knitwear factory in Glenfield, said: "We carefully vet all stockists to ensure they come up to Vélobici's high standards of product mix, ambience and style.

"All of these stores are beautifully presented and it is great that Vélobici is among their product ranges."

He said it was particularly exciting to move into the US market through the NYC Vélo shop in New York's bohemian East Village. The chain also has stores in Hell's Kitchen and Gotham West Market.

Chris said: "The US is the next big market for us. We already perform well in the Far East with stockists in Seoul and now Hong Kong, but entering the US, especially with a brand like NYC Vélo, is the perfect introduction for us."

He said Vélobici remained committed to its British roots, with all clothing designed and manufactured here in the UK.

He said: "Our British heritage sets us apart and is a real selling point in the overseas market.

"We support the textile heritage and state-of-the-art manufacturing technology available in Leicester and other cities, and we believe this adds to the quality and finish of each garment."

Cycling clothing brand Vélobici goes global

Man taken to hospital after crash in Oakthorpe, near Ashby

0
0

A man was taken to hospital after a car crash.

The fire service was called to the incident on Thursday night at about 10.45pm where they found a car on its side in a ditch in Burton Road, Oakthorpe, near Ashby.

One man was trapped in the car.

Two crews from Ashby helped to release the man from the car. He was then taken to Queen's Hospital, in Burton - his injuries are not thought to be life threatening. 

Firefighters left the scene at about 11.30pm.

The road was closed while emergency services dealt with the incident. It was then re-opened at about midnight.

Man taken to hospital after crash in Oakthorpe, near Ashby

Leicester Market attack: Two teenagers released while victim remains critically ill

0
0

Two teenagers have been released after they were questioned about an attack in Leicester Market which left a man critically ill in hospital.

The two, aged 18 and 19, were released on bail yesterday.

Officers have made a renewed appeal for witnesses to the attack, which happened in Market Place at 12.20pm on Monday.

The 29-year-old victim remains in hospital in Coventry where he is said to be in a critical condition.

He and his attackers had left the scene, near Yorkshire Bank, before police arrived. He collapsed in a shop in Belgrave Gate two hours later.

Detective Sgt Simon Head said: "We have had people come forward but we are still encouraging witnesses, whether you are someone who works there or were passing through the area, to please get in touch.

"It doesn't matter how insignificant it may seem, we would like to hear from you.

Contact Det Sgt Head on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Leicester Market attack: Two teenagers released while victim remains critically ill

Review: Got, Not Got - the Lost World of Leicester City

0
0

Got, Not Got - the Lost World of Leicester City, by Derek Hammond and Gary Silke

Pitch Publishing, £12.99

Every now and again, one of the glossy women's mags will run a feature with a headline that promises to reveal What Your Man Is Really Thinking.

Here, to save you the bother of picking it up and being baffled by the meaningless guff you read inside, are the answers that will cover all the bases for many heterosexual men.

1. Nothing.

2. Where's the remote?

3. Rachel Riley.

4. Leave me alone, I'm on the toilet.

5. Hmmm. Do I need to buy myself a bra?

6. If I had to throw a grenade, which would be ace, do I count down from five or 10?

7. Modern football is rubbish.

Tapping into that last notion has proved a canny move for Leicestershire authors Derek Hammond and Gary Silke, the editor of the venerable City fanzine The Fox.

The two are steadily mining a rich seam of nostalgia which hankers for an era of muddy pitches, Star Soccer on the telly, clattering tackles on fleet-footed strikers from centre-halves to welcome them to the game, silk scarves tied round wrists, World Cup coin collections, collectable Esso club badges and paying a small fortune to ring Clubcall in the Eighties and Nineties just to hear a bloke "summing up back-page stories from yesterday's evening paper and this morning's tabs".

In a more enlightened age, they'd get a grant from English Heritage to start a museum of football. A proper one, that fans would actually want to go to. 

As it is, they're dedicated to cheerfully producing collections like this one, a treasure trove of Leicester City-related knick-knacks, whatnots and thingamabobs that's warm and wry, and every bit as comforting as a salt and vinegar-splattered chip cob on a chilly walk home from Filbert Street.

We're in the second week of December. Some of you may think you've finished all your Christmas shopping. Not if you've got a Leicester City fan on your list, you haven't; not until you buy them this.

Got, Not Got is on sale at local branches of HMV, Waterstones and WH Smiths. Or click here to buy direct from the publishers, with a 30% discount up until December 15. 

Review: Got, Not Got - the Lost World of Leicester City

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images