A newly-born foal was stolen from a farm in the south of Leicestershire this morning.
The animal was only about 12 hours old when it was taken between 5am and 9am today.
It was taken from an outbuilding at a farm on Gilmorton Road in Willoughby Waterleys, near Lutterworth.
Harborough Police say it needs much care and attention due to its age.
A police spokeswoman said: "The foal was reported missing at about 9.30am this morning."
Anyone with information is urged to call officers on 101.
Thieves steal newly born foal from Willoughby Waterleys farm
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More fire strikes tonight and tomorrow in Leicestershire
A scaled-down service is being maintained tonight and tomorrow during the latest strikes by firefighters.
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said seven appliances and a small fires unit would provide cover.
The vast majority of firefighters will walk out today at 6pm and return at 10pm.
They will repeat the action tomorrow in a dispute over changes to their pensions.
Assistant chief fire and rescue officer Steve Lunn asked people not to make unnecessary 999 calls.
He said: "Your emergency calls will continue to be answered by our fire control operators. However, our response times may be slightly longer than they would normally expect.
"We would ask residents and businesses to take the time to look at our strike web pages as these safety tips will help to reduce the risk to homes and businesses."
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has pledged that striking members of staff will return to duty in the event of a major incident.
These will be the fifth and sixth strikes since the end of September.
FBU general secretary Matt Wrack said: "This action is entirely the responsibility of the Government."
www.leicestershire-fire.gov.uk
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New CCTV footage released in hunt for men who attacked doorman in Braunstone Gate, Leicester
Police investigating a savage attack in which a doorman suffered a fractured skull have released new CCTV footage of a man they want to speak to.
The assault took place just after midnight on Sunday, November 3, outside Mobius Bar, in Braunstone Gate, West End, Leicester.
The 40-year-old victim was working outside the bar when he was approached by four men of Middle Eastern appearance whom he refused to let into the premises.
Shortly afterwards, three of the men assaulted the victim, who was hit with the weighted end of a metal barrier pole.
Police have previously released CCTV footage of the attack, which can be viewed below, and a 37-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident and released on police bail pending further inquiries.
Officers have now issued a second clip of CCTV, which shows a man they want to speak to about the attack.
Police believe the men involved might have visited a pub in nearby Western Road shortly after the incident, before travelling onto the Beaumont Leys area in a taxi.
Detective Constable Matt England, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was a nasty assault which left the victim with a significant injury to his head.
"No-one should be subjected to violence of this nature especially at their place of work.
"We would urge the public to take a look at the footage and contact us if they recognise any of the men, witnessed the incident or have any details about this new information. Any calls received will be treated in confidence."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC England on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.Police released this footage of the attack when they launched the investigation:
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Police want to speak to these men about a robbery attempt in Leicester
Police have released CCTV images of three men they want to speak to about an attempted robbery at a business premises in Leicester.
The incident happened at about 5pm on Sunday, December 1, in Rowsley Street, Highfields.
Three men entered premises and tried to steal the victim's phone before assaulting him and dragging him across a room in the premises.
The victim's knee was cut and bruised and his chest was hurt in the incident.
The three men then ran off into Rowsley Street, towards Evington Road, where they were chased for a short distance by members of the public.
The suspects are black, tall, of slim build and aged around 20.
Nothing was taken in the incident.
Detective Constable Joy Hooseman, who is investigating the incident, said: "I would ask people to take a moment to look at these CCTV images and see if you recognise the men in them.
"If it is you, or you know who they are, please get in touch. Even the smallest details could help with our inquiry into this incident."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Hooseman on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
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Fire crews in action within an hour of latest firefighters' strike
Fire crews in the city and county were called to deal with incidents within an hour of the start of the latest firefighters' strike tonight.
A single crew and a small fires unit were called to a road collision involving two cars in Burleys Way, near St Margaret's bus station in the city centre at 6.55pm - less than an hour after the four-hour strike began at 6pm.
Two casualties had already been helped from the vehicles by police and ambulance crews and one casualty was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary.
At 7.15pm a fire crew responded to an automatic fire alarm which went off at Waitrose supermarket in John's Court, Blaby, after a strong smell of smoke was reported.
Firefighters, using a thermal imaging camera to search for any heat source,discovered no evidence of a fire.
A Waitrose spokeswoman said the store was evacuated for about half an hour before it was re-opened.
A total of seven appliances and a small fires unit are providing cover across the city and county until 10pm when the latest in a series of strikes by firefighters comes to an end.
A second four-hour stoppage is scheduled between 6pm and 10pm tomorrow.
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Leicester City v Burnley: Nigel Pearson urges side to rediscover best form
Nigel Pearson has urged his Leicester City side to rediscover their formula for success when they take on league leaders Burnley at the King Power Stadium today (12.15).
Pearson admits some of his players have lost form, but said the only way to get through such a spell was by rediscovering their prolific work-rate, especially against a side that is as committed as Sean Dyche's Burnley.
"The important thing is and, I think the players recognise this, they have to look at what has got us success in games so far," said Pearson.
"If we all reflect on the last couple of games, we probably haven't done that often enough.
"Some of the goals we have conceded have been pretty cheap. We have had unforced errors, which is out of character but it happens. Players aren't always in form. A loss of form from time to time is something some players can play through, but others can't.
"We can't afford collectively to be under par, and we have been in the last two games.
"I think the players recognise that. We all want to achieve success and to do that you have to work hard.
"We are playing against a side who have an exceptionally hard work-rate."
City will be waiting on whether Wes Morgan recovers from illness, but Chris Wood (hamstring) is definitely out.
However, right-back Ritchie De Laet should return after a shin injury.
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Leicester City v Burnley - match preview: Next seven days will not define our season, says Jamie Vardy
It is vital Leicester City get back on a winning run and pick up valuable points before Christmas, says striker Jamie Vardy.
Having lost back-to-back games, City face league leaders Burnley today and second-placed QPR next weekend, with the visit of Manchester City in the Capital One Cup sandwiched in between.
Vardy believes it is a vital time for Nigel Pearson's men.
However, he says it is not a season-defining week as the pressure is on all season long.
"People say you have to pick up points over Christmas but you have to pick them up all season long," he said.
"It is a long, hard grind this season. We hopefully will pick up some points over Christmas, starting with Burnley today, and then kick on and get a point at QPR.
"Then we have two more home games, and we have been doing very well at home.
"The league is the most important thing. We want to be in the top two. We will take Burnley first and then focus on Man City straight after."
Vardy believes City must put their defeats behind them and focus on regaining their status as Championship leaders.
"We have lost two on the bounce now but we need to forget about that and sweep it under the rug," he said.
"We need to start with a clean slate and, hopefully, go on another good run."
Burnley boss Sean Dyche, meanwhile, still believes City are the team to beat even though his Clarets side sit one point above them.
He says City are in even better shape this season than last, when they reached the play-offs, and applauded the owners for not panicking and sticking with manager Nigel Pearson.
"I think there's a different kind of expectation just because of the resources they've spent previously, the squad they've got, the size of the club, the crowds etc," said Dyche.
"You put them in the category with the bigger end of the market with QPR, Nottingham Forest, big resources, big clubs.
"They've got very experienced players, they've got a lot of players who can affect games, they've got a very strong squad and a very strong bench. You can understand why there's an expectation."
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Leicester City v Burnley - live
Leicester City face a huge run of games coming up which includes the Capital One Cup clash against Manchester City as well as a trip to Championship contenders QPR.
But kicking off that crucial seven-day spell is a home game against league leaders Burnley at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.
City go into it on the back of two away defeats and having slipped to third in the table, so they will be keen to redress the balance and get their promotion bid back on track.
If you can't get to the game, we'll be covering the match live with text commentary.
Match-day commentator James Sharpe will be providing details of the action and analysis of the game.
You can put your questions, views and comments to James during the game here or you can tweet him @TheSharpeEnd
The action will start at 12.15pm on Saturday with the announcement of the teams and pre-match build-up.
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Leicester City v Burnley - match preview: Gaffer has livened up training, says Nugent
Nigel Pearson has been true to his word and personally taken responsibility for 'livening up' his players ahead of today's visit of league leaders Burnley.Leicester City were knocked off top spot by the Clarets following last week's loss at Brighton and, after back-to-back defeats, Pearson vowed to pull his troops together during training this week.
Striker David Nugent confirmed that the City boss has done just that this week, and said: "We've not shown the work-ethic in the last couple of games so we need to put that right.
"The gaffer has been taking charge of the sessions, he's been trying to get us going again.
"Shakey (assistant manager Craig Shakespeare) usually takes the sessions and the gaffer watches at the sides, but the gaffer has taken over again during this week. He has got us going.
"Training has been very high-tempo and we are looking to take that training form into the game."
Nugent is hoping his happy knack of scoring against his former clubs will continue this afternoon.
The 28-year-old spent a season on loan at Turf Moor when they were in the Premier League, in 2009-10, and since then he has scored four times in six games against them.
Nugent admits he has been surprised to see Burnley make such an impressive start to the campaign, especially after losing top-scorer Charlie Austin, but believes they can stay the course.
"I have a good record against them," he said. "I always seem to score against my former clubs so, hopefully, that can continue.
"They have done ever so well this season. No-one expected them to be up there at this stage of the season.
"They have lost Charlie Austin as well, but fair play to Danny Ings and Sam Vokes, who have come up with the goods and scored the goals which have fired them up there. I can't see why they can't carry it on. They have lasted this long so far.
"It is always the Christmas period which defines your season because there are so many games in such a short space of time.
"After that period, people will look at where you are in the table and, if you are doing well, people will expect you to keep that going into the second half of the season.
"We know it is a really big period coming up and, if we can do well, I am sure we can get one of those top two spots," said Nugent.• Follow live coverage of the League Championship match between Leicester City and Burnley at the King Power Stadium on Saturday, December 14, 2013.
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Fire service responds to all emergency calls during strike
Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service say they responded to all emergency calls received during the Fire Brigades Union strike action yesterday.
Seven fire appliances and the small fires unit were stationed across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for the duration of the latest strike, between 6pm and 10pm.
A fire service spokesman said: "Whilst the response times were slightly longer than the public would normally expect, the service's contingency arrangements ensured that all incidents were attended."
The fire service received 11 calls about eight incidents with fire crews called out to deal with four of them.
They were; to a two-car collision in Burleys Way, near St Margaret's bus station in the city centre at 6.55pm. Two casualties were freed by paramedics before they arrived, with one person taken to hospital;
Also at 6.55pm a crew was called to an automatic fire alarm at Waitrose supermarket in John's Court, Blaby after a smell of smoke was reported. The supermarket was evacuated for about half an hour and no evidence of a fire was found.
At 7.40pm a crew was called to a car fire on the hard shoulder of the southbound M1 between junctions 22 and 23. The car received minor fire damage to the engine because of a blown turbo;
And at 9.50pm, ten minutes before the strike was due to end, a crew responded to reports of a house fire in Badger Court, off Brook Lane, Loughborough, but no fire was found.
Chief Fire and Rescue Service Officer Dave Webb said: "The plans we enacted to deal with today's strike action worked well and at no time were we fully stretched.
"I would like to remind everyone to not make unnecessary 999 calls and consider whether it is an emergency situation before calling for help. Every 999 will be answered, however, the resources available to us during periods of strike action are reduced and I would advise residents that our response times may be longer than they would normally expect.
"We are extremely grateful for the ongoing support and co-operation of the public, businesses and our partners."
Another four-hour strike is due to take place between 6pm and 10pm tonight.
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Derelict pub in Eyres Monsell transformed into row of shops
A derelict pub which was a magnet for vandals has been transformed into a row of shops.
The arcade in Sturdee Road, Eyres Monsell, includes a supermarket and a fish and chip shop, and they will soon be joined by a pharmacy, a bookmakers and a charity shop.
Yesterday, deputy city mayor and Eyres Monsell ward councillor Rory Palmer cut the ribbon to officially open the arcade.
The shops stand on the site of the former Invincible pub, which shut in 2006.
Coun Palmer said the new shops, built by developer MF Strawson, were the first phase in brightening up the area.
He said: "I'm very pleased with it.
"After six years of hard work trying to make this happen through the economic recession, it's been terrific to see it take shape and I'm getting lots of positive feedback from residents."
People shopping at the arcade for the first time yesterday were mainly impressed.
Le-Anne Cullinan, 32, said: "I've been watching it being built and it's very nice to see it finished.
"I've just been to the Co-op supermarket for the first time and it's really nice inside.
"They've tided the area up a lot."
Stacey George, 23, who was shopping with three-year-old son, Isaac, said: "It's been a few years of waiting but it's really good.
"It looks much cleaner and newer and, hopefully, it will stay that way."
Ann Butler, 87, said: "The shops look very smart and it's about time we had something nice around here.
"We're fed up with the rubbish. The pub was an eyesore and a lot of trouble so we're glad to see it gone."
However, another pensioner, who did not want to be named, was not impressed by the shops.
When asked what she thought of them, she said: "Not much."
The next stage is to demolish the west wing of the 1950s Exchange shopping arcade, previously home to the old Co-op, and build houses. The council then intends to pull down the east wing and relocate the post office.
Coun Palmer said: "The plan now is to move forward with removing the Exchange and making the land available for housing.
"There are retail premises in the east wing with leases that are still running and they have a right to stay until their leases end.
"We have also ensured people we are determined to find a new home for the post office on the estate."
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Retired teacher Graham Butterworth sexually assaulted teenager in showers at Leicester health club
A retired primary school teacher who sexually assaulted a teenager in the showers at a health club has been jailed for two years.
Graham Butterworth (67) cornered the naked teenager in a cubicle, ignoring the youth's plea to "go away".
The teenager was unable to escape from being molested.
Butterworth warned his victim if he told anyone he would subject him to "the same thing" the following week.
The defendant, of Lewis Way, Countesthorpe, denied the offence at Nuffield Heath Centre, University Road, Leicester on September 9, 2011, but was found guilty by a jury of sexually assaulting the teen.
Mary Prior, prosecuting, said the victim was deeply traumatised by the attack and is receiving treatment.
Leicester Crown Court heard the boy's father was having a cup of tea in the centre's café while waiting for his son.
The distressed victim did not immediately report the incident but, a few days later, he sought help from the GovTeen website and was advised to go to the police, which he did.
Sentencing Butterworth, a former primary school teacher in Countesthorpe, Judge Robert Brown said: "Your defence case was that the victim consented to what happened, but the jury believed him and rejected your account.
"The boy's ordeal of the witness box, for him, would have been very considerable indeed.
"I must have regard for the on-going psychological consequences that I've read about.
"I accept you're a rather lonely and isolated person, unlikely to get help or support from friends or family."
Philip Gibbs, mitigating, said: "There was no prior contact and no sexual grooming. It was a one-off encounter.
"He wants medical help to control his sexual urges which he has no outlet for.
"It happened over two years ago and there's been no suggestion of any repetition."
He said the delay was due to "certain lawyers deeming it not fit to be charged".
Mr Gibbs said: "He's never had a relationship. His only sexual experience was casual (adult) male encounters, the last being over 20 years ago."
Judge Brown placed the pensioner on a sexual offences prevention order, banning unsupervised contact with males under 16. He will also be registered on a sex offenders' list.
Addressing the victim's family, the judge said: "I hope he can now begin to look forward and not dwell on the past."
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Leicester City 1 Burnley 1 - match report: City left to rue missed chances against Championship leaders
Leicester City: 1 (David Nugent - 14')Burnley: 1 (Danny Ings - 47')
Leicester City were left to rue a string of missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Championship leaders Burnley. David Nugent scored his seventh penalty of the season to give City the lead in a first half that was dominated by the hosts. The league leaders came out much stronger in the second period and just two minutes after the restart they were level when Danny Ings slotted home after Kieran Trippier's cross. Both sides had chances to win it as Sam Vokes was denied by Kasper Schmeichel one-on-one while Jamie Vardy headed wide from close range. City continued to knock on the door in the closing stages but their problem was that, once it opened, they failed to step inside. Of their 19 shots on goal, crucially, only three of them were on target. Nigel Pearson made four changes to the side that was beaten convincingly at Brighton last weekend with Ritchie De Laet returning from a two-month absence at right-back instead of Marcin Wasilewski while Liam Moore was reinstated alongside captain Wes Morgan. Matty James and Anthony Knockaert came back into the starting line-up for Andy King and Dean Hammond as the City boss reverted back to playing 4-4-2. The difference was instant as City flew out of the traps. They looked a class apart, attacking at pace through Vardy, Lloyd Dyer and De Laet while Anthony Knockaert's creativity caused Burnley constant problems. It was unbelievable to think this was the same City that had been so poor against Sheffield Wednesday and in the first half at Brighton. The hosts took a deserved lead after 14 minutes when Vardy was bundled over in the box by former City loanee Ben Mee and referee Andy D'Urso pointed to the spot. Nugent stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way as he slotted home for his 11th goal of the season in all competitions. Burnley, while outplayed for the majority of the first half, still showed signs of how dangerous they can be. They came close to leveling just before the half-hour mark when Ings's header hit the post. But the exhilarating City went into the break ahead with the only issue being that they were not already out of sight. And so it proved to be in the second half when City failed to clear Trippier's cross, letting it bounce in the box, and allowing Ings to fire home from the edge of the six-yard box. For all the momentum that Pearson's men had in the first half, it was definitely Burnley that had it in the second and they should really have gone ahead when a misplaced backpass from De Laet was intercepted by Vokes. The striker tried to slot the ball past Schmeichel but the Dane stood tall and beat the ball way with a strong left hand. It was then City who squandered the chance to win the game when Dyer got to the byline and pulled the ball back to Vardy and he somehow headed wide from five yards out. The hosts had the majority of the possession in the dying minutes but struggled to break down a hard-working Burnley side. On the balance of the whole game, a point was probably a fair result but City will probably be thinking they should have put it to bed sooner.
Leicester City: (4-4-2): Schmeichel, De Laet (Wasilewski - 70'), Konchesky, Morgan (c), Drinkwater, James, Vardy (Schlupp - 83'), Dyer, Moore, Knockaert, Nugent (Taylor-Fletcher - 69').Unused Subs: Hammond, King, Miquel, Logan. Bookings: De Laet Burnley: (4-4-2): Heaton, Trippier, Mee, Marney, Duff, Shackell, Arfield, Jones, Vokes, Ings, Kightly (Treacy - 72')Unused Subs: Lafferty, Stanislas, Cisak, Edgar, Stock, Long. Bookings: MarneyReferee: Andy D'Urso Attendance: 23,143
Leicester City were left to rue a string of missed chances as they were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Championship leaders Burnley. David Nugent scored his seventh penalty of the season to give City the lead in a first half that was dominated by the hosts. The league leaders came out much stronger in the second period and just two minutes after the restart they were level when Danny Ings slotted home after Kieran Trippier's cross. Both sides had chances to win it as Sam Vokes was denied by Kasper Schmeichel one-on-one while Jamie Vardy headed wide from close range. City continued to knock on the door in the closing stages but their problem was that, once it opened, they failed to step inside. Of their 19 shots on goal, crucially, only three of them were on target. Nigel Pearson made four changes to the side that was beaten convincingly at Brighton last weekend with Ritchie De Laet returning from a two-month absence at right-back instead of Marcin Wasilewski while Liam Moore was reinstated alongside captain Wes Morgan. Matty James and Anthony Knockaert came back into the starting line-up for Andy King and Dean Hammond as the City boss reverted back to playing 4-4-2. The difference was instant as City flew out of the traps. They looked a class apart, attacking at pace through Vardy, Lloyd Dyer and De Laet while Anthony Knockaert's creativity caused Burnley constant problems. It was unbelievable to think this was the same City that had been so poor against Sheffield Wednesday and in the first half at Brighton. The hosts took a deserved lead after 14 minutes when Vardy was bundled over in the box by former City loanee Ben Mee and referee Andy D'Urso pointed to the spot. Nugent stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way as he slotted home for his 11th goal of the season in all competitions. Burnley, while outplayed for the majority of the first half, still showed signs of how dangerous they can be. They came close to leveling just before the half-hour mark when Ings's header hit the post. But the exhilarating City went into the break ahead with the only issue being that they were not already out of sight. And so it proved to be in the second half when City failed to clear Trippier's cross, letting it bounce in the box, and allowing Ings to fire home from the edge of the six-yard box. For all the momentum that Pearson's men had in the first half, it was definitely Burnley that had it in the second and they should really have gone ahead when a misplaced backpass from De Laet was intercepted by Vokes. The striker tried to slot the ball past Schmeichel but the Dane stood tall and beat the ball way with a strong left hand. It was then City who squandered the chance to win the game when Dyer got to the byline and pulled the ball back to Vardy and he somehow headed wide from five yards out. The hosts had the majority of the possession in the dying minutes but struggled to break down a hard-working Burnley side. On the balance of the whole game, a point was probably a fair result but City will probably be thinking they should have put it to bed sooner.
Leicester City: (4-4-2): Schmeichel, De Laet (Wasilewski - 70'), Konchesky, Morgan (c), Drinkwater, James, Vardy (Schlupp - 83'), Dyer, Moore, Knockaert, Nugent (Taylor-Fletcher - 69').Unused Subs: Hammond, King, Miquel, Logan. Bookings: De Laet Burnley: (4-4-2): Heaton, Trippier, Mee, Marney, Duff, Shackell, Arfield, Jones, Vokes, Ings, Kightly (Treacy - 72')Unused Subs: Lafferty, Stanislas, Cisak, Edgar, Stock, Long. Bookings: MarneyReferee: Andy D'Urso Attendance: 23,143
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Leicester City 1 Burnley 1 - 'We lacked killer instinct,' says Pearson
Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson said his side lacked that "killer instinct" as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home to Burnley.
Pearson's men were exceptional in the first half but went into the break with just a one-goal lead thanks to David Nugent's seventh from the penalty spot this season.
For all their dominance in the first half, Burnley responded well in the second and levelled through Danny Ings.
City created plenty of chances but failed to take them as only three of their 19 attempts on goal were on target.
"You look at the game in its entirety and it is another good illustration of you have got to score when you're on top," said Pearson after the game.
"We created some very good goalscoring opportunities and, unfortunately, we weren't able to capitalise when we were on top. You need to do that when you play against top sides.
"We just missed that little bit of killer instinct, I suppose. We have had some very good chances today.
"I am not going to complain too much. It is about taking your chances. The good thing is we are creating plenty of them.
"I was pleased with the players' application today. I thought the first-half performance, in particular, was excellent. I think we finished the game pretty strongly.
"All in all, I still think it was a game we should have won but we were playing against a very good side, who have good levels of resilience."
City went ahead in the 14th minute when Jamie Vardy was bundled over by Ben Mee inside the box.
"It was a penalty, it's as simple as that. I don't know how you could argue that it wasn't. I thought the referee did well today," said Pearson.
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Mobile speed camera locations in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland this week
Mobile speed camera sites for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, week commencing December 16
Core Sites
Fosse Road South, Leicester
A6 Abbey Lane, Leicester
B5366 Saffron Lane, Leicester
A563 Lubbesthorpe Way, Braunstone (40mph)
A426 Aylestone Road, Leicester
A563 New Parks Way, Leicester
A50 Groby Rd, Leicester (40mph)
Beaumont Leys Lane
A6 London Road, Leicester
B568 Victoria Park Road, Leicester
A594 St Georges Way, Leicester
A47 Hinckley Road, Leicester
Fullhurst Avenue / Braunstone Avenue, Leicester
A5460 Narborough Road, Leicester
A6030 Wakerley Road / Broad Avenue, Leicester
A47 Uppingham Rd, Leicester (Spencefield Lane)
A563 Colchester Rd / Hungarton Blvd, Leicester
A607 Melton Rd, Leicester (40mph)
A607 Melton Rd, Leicester (30mph)
Community Concern
Braunstone Lane East, Leicester
Ethel Road, Leicester
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Leicester Riders 91 London Lions 78. Home sweet home for Riders
Leicester Riders capped off their home campaign for 2013 in fine style with a 91-78 victory over London which saw them leapfrog the Lions in the table.
It means this year has been Riders' best ever in front of their home fans, with a stunning 20 wins from 22 games over the last 12 months.
Their previous best came only last year when they went 19-3 during 2012. Given the previous mark had stood for 25 years, it's a testament to how dominant the Riders have been at John Sandford over the last couple of years.
And the charge was led by a man who might not have even played the game, Anthony Downing overcoming a nagging foot injury to lead the way with 24 points and five assists.
Buoyed by their excellent recent form, London edged ahead in the early stages and led 15-9, only for Riders to post nine unanswered points to move in front. The Lions finished the quarter strongly, but a triple from Drew Sullivan early in the second period tied the game at 26-all.
A 9-2 finish to the first half had Riders four points clear at the break and a blistering start to the second half had them well in control. Jay Couisnard, who'd spent time on the bench after picking up two fouls in the first half, was keen to make up for lost time so came up with a steal, lay-up and three-pointer. Drew Sullivan also got in on act as Riders opened a 52-41 lead.
Leicester were in full flow at this point and only an excellent performance from Mike Martin kept the visitors in touch. Riders led by nine heading into the final quarter and they quickly stretched it back into double figures early in the fourth.
When Martin fouled out with still five minutes to play, any hopes London had of a comeback went with him and Riders opened an 18 point lead in the closing stages to ease home.
All of the starters hit double figures, led by Downing and Couisnard (17), with Sullivan again filling up the stats sheet with 11 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals.
Leicester Riders 91 v London Lions 78
BBL Championship
Saturday 14 December
Scorers:
Riders: Downing 24, Couisnard 17, Hassan 13, Sullivan 11, Anderson 11, Calvo 7, Rowe 4, Gamble 3, Lamble 1, Noel, Washington.
Lions: Martin 20, Free 15, Knutson 11, Joseph 10, Sturt 9, Brown 7, Smith 4, Ikhinmwin 2, Margai, Lawson, Irish.
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15 year old with 51 offences on his record jailed for Eyres Monsell and Saffron Lane robberies
A 15-year-old boy who mugged two young men in separate street attacks has been jailed for three years and four months.
Tommy Stephen Smith, who has 51 offences on his record, including several muggings, left both victims needing medical treatment.
One of them was threatened at knifepoint and the other received a cut face requiring 10 stitches, Leicester Crown Court was told.
Smith was with two accomplices when he accosted the first victim, aged 18, in the Caversham Road area of Eyres Monsell, Leicester, at 9.30pm on September 8 this year.
The man was grabbed from behind and his arms pinned behind his back.
Victoria Rose, prosecuting, said: "He was punched to the face and one of the robbers produced a knife and held it at his throat.
"They removed his phone, before punching him in the face causing him to fall to the floor.
"He was kicked in the stomach and legs."
He suffered swelling and bruising to his face, ribs and leg.
A short time later, Smith was alone in Saffron Lane when he stopped a man cycling home from a night shift at McDonald's Fosse Park.
He asked for a light for his cigarette and became intimidating, clenching his fists in a threatening manner.
Miss Rose said: "The next thing the victim remembers is waking up in the street covered in blood."
He suffered a cut to the face, needing 10 stitches, which has left him with scarring.
"He's now extremely self-conscious and feels vulnerable," said Miss Rose.
She said the police went to the children's home in Wigston where Smith was living and recovered the two victims' mobile phones from a bag hanging outside his bedroom window.
Smith pleaded guilty to both robberies.
Dominic Thomas, mitigating, said: "He's never had a father and has lived much of his life in institutions.
"He feels anger because he's been passed from pillar to post and never had any stability in his young life.
"He's an intelligent lad and when he sorts himself out he'll have a lot to offer."
Recorder Timothy Spencer QC said: "I've read about your upbringing and have sympathy with your position.
"It's, perhaps, not surprising you found your way into the criminal courts.
"You're still very young and there's hope for you.
"These are very serious offences and just imagine how you'd feel if you were on the other end of those robberies and if it was you going to hospital to have stitches.
"Your record, for someone of your age, is one of the worst I've seen."
The Leicester Mercury successfully applied for a court order - preventing Smith being named because of his age – to be lifted in the public interest, on the principal of "open justice."
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X Factor: Sam Bailey makes it to the final two in an emotional show featuring her grandmother
There wasn't a dry eye in the house as Sam Bailey made it through to the final two of X Factor, with her elderly grandmother in the audience to watch her.
The 36-year-old singer broke down in tears on stage after her first performance of the evening when the camera panned across to her proud nan Rita in the audience at London's Wembley Arena.
Just before she sang Lady Gaga's The Edge Of Glory, a video clip showed the prison officer travelling back to Leicester to see her family as she prepared for the final.
Sam thought her beloved grandmother would not be able to travel down to London to see her compete.
Speaking in a short video, Rita said: "Your grandad would have been so proud of you, Sam. I'm so sorry I can't come and see you on Saturday but I know you'll be incredible."
Sam was visibly delighted as the camera panned across to her proud nan Rita, who was sitting with Xtra Factor host Caroline Flack, after her first performance.
Wiping away the tears, Sam explained how close she was to her nan and admitted she was particularly touched by the gesture
Rita wore a T-shirt which said: "My granddaughter has got The X Factor."
Host Dermot O'Leary told Sam: "I know she said she couldn't be here, but there's someone very important in the audience for you."
Rita said: "I'm just sorry I look so old, I could listen to you forever and a day. I'm so proud of you, Sam. I love you so much. I love to hear you sing."
Sam, who was in tears, said: "I love you so much, too. I wish grandad could have been here as well."
Bailey wowed the judges with her performance of Lady Gaga's Edge of Glory.
Louis Walsh said she had a "world class recording voice". Gary Barlow added: "I think this is your weekend. Incredible performance."
While Nicole Scherzinger said: "You sang the pants off that song."
She also received a standing ovation after her duet with Nicole Scherzinger of And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going from Dreamgirls.
The prison officer was also supported by members of the Leicester City football team
Sam was announced as the first act through to tonight's grand finale, and will compete against
against Scottish teen Nicholas McDonald on tonight's night's live show after
Luke Friend was sent home.
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Fire severely damages bedroom of home in New Parks, Leicester
Three fire crews were called to deal with a fire in the bedroom of a semi detached home in New Parks, Leicester, yesterday.
Crews wore breathing equipment to tackle the blaze at the house in Amhurst Close shortly before 4pm.
The fire, which was started accidentally, severely damaged the bedroom.
Two crews from the nearby western fire station and one from the city's central fire station attended along with the Fire and Emergency Support Service vehicle.
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Audience members give De Montfort Hall's Aladdin the thumbs up
Audience members at the opening performance of De Montfort Hall's first panto in nearly two decades have given the show the thumbs up.
Aladdin began a three-week run this weekend and was given a warm welcome by theatre goers at yesterday's matinee.
Heading up the cast as The Empress of China is funny woman Jocelyn Lee Esien, star of BBC 3 hidden-camera show 3 Non-Blondes and Little Miss Jocelyn.
She is joined by comedian Hardeep Singh Kohli as the Genie of the Lamp and BBC Radio Leicester's Martin Ballard as Pong the policeman.
Theatregoer Amanda Ward, 37, of Stocking Farm, Leicester, was there on an outing with friends, said: "It was really good and it's nice to see panto in a big venue like this in Leicester."
Sue Goodacre, 53, of Anstey Lane, Leicester, said: "It was a bit quiet to begin with but the cast and the audience started to warm up as the show went on."
Friend Julie George, 55, of Groby, said: "It's really good to have panto back in Leicester after all these years."
Johnny Murphy, 75, of Western Park, Leicester was there with wife Elaine, 71 and great grandchildren Liddia(c) Murphy and six-year-olds Izzy and Chloe Docherty.
He said: "It's very good, we enjoyed it. We've been going to the one in Loughborough over the years with various children and now great grandchildren. It's nice to have one a bit closer to home."
Izzy said: "It was really good when Aladdin got stuck in the cave."
Liddia said: "The best bit was the panda" and Chloe said: "I liked all of it."
Gabrielle Miller, of De Montfort Hall, said: "The opening weekend is very busy with near capacity audiences for the two shows today.
"The bigger venue means a bigger production and it's good for Leicester to have its own big panto production so people don't have to travel elsewhere."
Aladdin tells the tale of a young street urchin who discovers a magic lamp.
From it, he unwittingly unleashes a wild and wacky genie who grants him three wishes.
The script is by Hackney Empire artistic director Susie McKenna, who is from Leicester.
Aladdin – De Montfort Hall, Leicester. Until January 5. Tickets on 0116 233 3111 or: www.demontforthall.co.uk
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