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

Leicester Mercury Photo Competition: When a forest landscape is not quite what it seems

0
0

Birds in flight, close-ups of flora and fungi, plus a forest landscape which isn't quite what it seems, are all part of readers' latest entries to our Natural World photography competition.

Graham Freer, of Fosse Road, Leicester, took the picture of what appears to be a stand of conifers – but it's condensation on the glass of his flat window.

He said: "I was in two minds whether to send it in but condensation is still part of the natural world, after all."

Arthur Payne, of Melton, captured a group of fungi in a small spinney near his home.

He said: "Fungi are my favourite subject to take.

"I try to get the delicacy of their form and spend a lot of time clearing away the debris around them to show them in their best aspect.

"Sometimes you only have a day to take them. The most difficult part is identifying them. I always treat all fungi as though they are poisonous."

Janine Lee, of Thurnby, used her phone camera to take her landscape shot including a tree and rainbow from the Thurnby to Scraptoft footpath. She said: "I'm picture-mad, I take photos wherever I go, but this is the first time I've entered a competition. It's just a bit of fun."

Regular contributors Ashley Watson, of Whetstone, and Philip Gratrick, of Braunstone, contributed photos of a close-up daisy at the Leicester Botanical Gardens, Oadby, and a pigeon coming in to land at Bradgate Park, while Stephen Langton photographed a local red kite in flight.

Lucy Robinson, of Wigston Magna, sent in a detailed globe thistle and Elaine Whiting, of Birstall, entered her photo of a deer in Bradgate Park. Entries of up to five photographs marked "natural world competition" should be between 500kb and 3mb and be accompanied by the photographer's name, address, contact number and a short description of the subject.

Cash prizes of £100 for the winner and £50 for two runners-up are being provided by Leicester Photography.

Usual Leicester Mercury competition rules apply.

Please send your photographs to:

photocompetition@ leicestermercury.co.uk

Leicester Mercury Photo Competition: When a forest landscape is not quite what it seems


Police to probe legal highs

0
0

Police have launched an operation to lift the lid on the market in legal highs.

Officers are urging the public to let them know who is selling the substances, which often come in the form of powders, pills or herbal mixes.

Some of the substances, which have been linked to deaths across the country, have been declared illegal under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

Others have not yet been classified illegal drugs, but Leicestershire Police and local trading standards officers said yesterday selling potentially harmful substances was covered by other laws.

Testing of samples obtained by Leicestershire Police showed some contained illegal drugs or harmful chemicals.

The force said many people buy the substances online, while a number of shops in the city and county stock them.

Officers also believe they are being sold at car boot sales.

A number of shops known to stock them have been warned they are breaking the law and told to remove them from sale.

A former user who now helps people overcome drug addiction is backing the campaign, which is called Operation Nitrox.

Luke Miller, who works with the Leicestershire Criminal Justice Drug Team, said: "I'd started smoking this one called 'Black Mamba' and within seconds my heart started racing.

"It got faster and faster. I felt like my heart would explode. Then my legs started to buckle.

"I was used to using all sorts of drugs, but this was really awful."

"All drugs are dangerous, but these so called 'legal highs' are constantly being changed to avoid being classified so they're even more unpredictable."

Detective Superintendent Andy Lee, who is in charge of the operation, said: "Deaths from using these so called 'legal highs' are increasing and we shouldn't underestimate the danger posed by these substances.

"Anecdotally we're beginning to hear that much younger people than we previously thought are experimenting with these chemicals, and this has to be addressed."

The campaign will also include visits to schools and colleges across the city and county to highlight the risks of using the substances.

Trading standards officials will target businesses and importers.

Ronald Ruddock, of Leicester City Council's Trading Standards team, said: "We've started by sending letters to the shops telling them about our concerns and the aims of Operation Nitrox.

"We have also pointed out that there is a range of legislation at our disposal, which we can enforce, to ensure that the public is protected against these substances."

Police to probe legal highs

Directors of Leicester burglar alarm firms facing jail over sales scam

0
0

The directors of two burglar alarm businesses are facing possible jail sentences after being convicted of a sales scam.

A Leicester Crown Court jury found Dean Michael Mayes and Nadeena Campbell guilty of fraudulent trading and conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation.

They were also convicted of conspiracy to engage in unfair commercial practice.

During a six-week trial, the court heard how homeowners were persuaded into signing burglar alarm contracts, costing between £2,000 and £3,000.

Some customers were conned during "cold calls" into thinking they were being offered free alarms under a Government-backed crime awareness campaign.

Others were wrongly told there was a "special promotion" in their area.

To close a deal, sales staff would falsely claim only a few alarm units were left, which customers had to sign up for on the spot or lose out.

Mayes was director of Wilson Phillips (UK) Ltd, trading as Practical Security, and his then partner, Campbell, later took over as director of Practical Security Solutions Ltd.

The offences took place between April 2010 and June 2013.

One of their salesmen, Mark Sidney Durant, was also convicted of one count of engaging in unfair commercial practice, between May and June 2012, by using "undue influence" to sell an alarm system to a couple in their late 80s, who suffered from ill-health and already had a council-funded life-line alarm fitted.

The court heard they paid out £2,699 for a Practical Security alarm system they did not need.

Their daughter spotted the second alarm control box during a visit.

Her attempts to get the system removed were ignored.

Durant was acquitted of conspiring with Mayes and Campbell to commit fraud by false representation and conspiracy to engage in unfair commercial practice.

Judge Philip Head adjourned the case until September 25 for the preparation of pre-sentence reports.

Releasing all three on bail, he said: "These are serious matters and certainly for Mayes and Campbell it's likely to be a custodial sentence."

The defendants denied the charges, claiming they acted in good faith and had many satisfied customers.

The directors claimed sales canvassers had acted "off piste", going beyond official company instructions about what to say to prospective clients during cold calling.

John Hallissey, prosecuting, told the jury: "They preyed upon the fears and insecurities of homeowners."

Mr Hallissey said Mayes (37) and Campbell (34), who were both living at Browning Street, Narborough, jointly ran the companies.

Practical Security was based at Black Seam House, St John's, Enderby, from April 2010 until it ceased trading in May 2011.

Practical Security Solutions Ltd, based in Morris Road, Knighton Fields, Leicester, "arose from the ashes".

Durant (48), of Conalgen Road, Aylestone, Leicester, was a salesman who delivered sales pitches. Mr Hallissey said: "Customers were cold called out of the blue.

"They were misled to get a salesman into their house."

Mr Hallissey told the jury: "Practical Security was prepared to say whatever was necessary to sign people up for their alarms and take the money."

After the verdicts, Gary Connors, legal affairs manager for Leicestershire County Council trading standards, said: "The guilty verdicts are the culmination of an intensive and challenging investigation.

"A number of victims were also required to give evidence, some of whom were elderly, and we pay tribute to them for their resolve.

"Trading standards will continue to investigate rogue trading and, where appropriate, bring criminal proceedings against those who choose to trade unfairly and dishonestly."

Directors of Leicester burglar alarm firms facing jail over sales scam

Leicester Tigers go back to basics as new season looms

0
0

Leicester Tigers assistant coach Geordan Murphy said the squad's skills sessions have been "stripped right down" to basics as they attempt to improve on one of last season's Achilles heels.

Leicester created plenty of chances during the 2013-14 campaign but their inability to finish some of them cost Tigers dearly in the race for the top two spots in the Aviva Premiership.

The club's coaching staff have set out to improve that this time around and the former Irish international, who many people view as one of the most skilful players the game has ever seen, is at the forefront of those attempts.

"You have to learn to crawl before you can walk and then walk before you can run, so we have stripped things right back," he said.

"We have been catching and passing, and then the decision-making comes on top of that.

"They are all working on the skills they will be using during the season and they are conditioning hard too.

"It's a tough old time for them. Pre-season was a lot more 'old school' when I started.

"We went to Bradgate Park and we ran around until we threw up – and then we ran some more."

Murphy is now in his second year as assistant coach after a 15-year playing career.

He feels at home after putting his debut season as a coach in the bag and refreshed after a summer touring Vietnam and America.

"I feel more settled-in this year," said the 36-year-old. "My feet are not under the table just yet but I learned a lot last year and the coaches were very good.

"Paul Burke in particular was brilliant throughout the year.

"We want to perform better than we did last season because we feel like we let ourselves down.

"When it came to the crunch, we lost by a point in the semi-final and that was a bitter pill to swallow.

"We have re-grouped and we will try to do better this season.

"We have made some good signings and, hopefully, they can help us develop our game."

Leicester Tigers go back to basics as new season looms

Richard III: Samworth Brothers charitable trust commits £500,000 towards cost of reburial

0
0

A charitable trust started by a prominent business family has committed £500,000 towards the costs of reburying Richard III.

The Samworth Foundation has promised to underwrite part of the expense of remodelling the cathedral to accommodate the tomb.

The foundation was launched by Sir David Samworth and his brother, John, of the Samworth Brothers food empire.

Clergy at Leicester Cathedral are seeking to raise £2.5 million to pay for the reinterment of the king next spring.

A spokesman for Sir David said the money had been pledged to the cathedral before the bones of the king were identified, but he was happy the cathedral used it as it saw fit.

Cathedral spokesman Liz Hudson said: "David Samworth has been extremely generous.

"It would be illegal to take on contractors without having the resources to pay them and David's participation has helped us enormously.

"He is very proud of Leicester."

Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, who has agreed to commit £250,000 of city council cash to the reinterment, if required, said: "David Samworth has been very generous in his donations to the church.

"As a city we are enormously grateful to him."

Leicestershire County Council will also underwrite £250,000.

None of the underwriters will necessarily have to contribute if the cathedral can raise the money it needs through private donations.

The Diocese of Leicester has agreed to pay £500,000. Mrs Hudson said: "The money is coming in and there are a number of potential donors.

"For some people it is a very private matter but we will be looking to do a book to register all donations, from £500,000 to £10."

Richard III: Samworth Brothers charitable trust commits £500,000 towards cost of reburial

Golf: Title joy for Adcock

0
0

Glen Gorse's Phil Adcock is the new County seniors champion.

He won the title over his home course with his 76 card.

There was a three-way tie on 77 between Phil Gray (Birstall), Martin Hall (Scraptoft) and Gilbert Scoular (Cosby).

Adcock was also a member of the winning team shield, run in conjunction with this championship.

He was joined by Nigel Oldman, who carded 78, and Peter Wynn with his 81 return for their 235 total.

There were also age group awards: 55-59 years – Martin Hall (Scraptoft) 77 gross, Peter Wynn (Glen Gorse) 71 net; 60-64 years – Phil Gray (Birstall) 77 gross, Nigel Oldman (Glen Gorse) 70 net; 65-69 years – Charles Parker (Rothley Park) 81 gross, Peter Charles (Lingdale) 73 net; 70-plus years – Eddie Hammond (Kirby Muxloe) 81 gross, Brian Fagin (Glen Gorse) 68 net.

Golf: Title joy for Adcock

Judge blocks Leicester woman's holiday in India over child abduction fear

0
0

A mother has been forbidden from going on holiday by a judge after her ex-husband and father of her six-year-old son objected, saying he feared he might never see them again.

The woman, who is in her 30s, insisted she had absolutely no intention of abducting her British-born son and keeping him in India, where she was born.

However, Judge Clifford Bellamy has come down in favour of the father and banned the mother's trip.

The father, also in his 30s, was born in Leicester and the mother has lived in the city for nine years since their arranged marriage.

However, the mother is now living alone with her son.

The Family Court heard the father was engaged in a running battle with his ex-wife over contact with their little boy.

All three have UK passports.

The mother told Judge Bellamy she was desperate to take her son to India to meet his wider family and "explore his cultural roots".

Denying any intention not to return to Britain, she said she no longer viewed India as her home.

The judge was told her son was doing well in an English school and that, for 18 months, she had been in a new relationship with a man who had a steady job in the UK.

He was also told that divorced single mothers were disapproved of in India.

However, Judge Bellamy said India had not signed up to the Hague Convention – which enshrines the international ban on child abduction.

If the mother failed to return to Britain with his son, the father would face a formidable challenge fighting his case through the Indian courts, the court heard.

Experts had reported that it was in the boy's best interests, culturally and emotionally, to form a strong relationship with his father.

Despite her new relationship and her British citizenship, the mother had no family ties in the UK and spoke only broken English, the court was told.

Blocking her holiday plans, the judge said there was "a risk" that she might try to keep her son in India.

No date set for return of Leicester City defender Matt Upson

0
0

Leicester City are not putting a date on when defender Matt Upson will be back in action.

The former England international has missed nearly all of City's pre-season preparations with a foot injury.

Assistant manager Craig Shakespeare said it had been a very frustrating time for Upson.

Upson, who had his injury problems earlier in his career, enjoyed a relatively injury-free campaign for Brighton last season.

The centre-half is now likely to miss the start of the Premier League season.

"It has been very tough for Matt because, after joining us, he hasn't been able to train," said Shakespeare.

"He has spent most of the time having treatment, which makes it harder for him to integrate with his new team-mates because, while they are on the training pitch, he is inside.

"We aren't putting a timescale on when he will be available but, hopefully, it will be sooner than later because he is a defender with great experience and a lot of quality who will add to the squad."

There was better news on striker Jamie Vardy and French winger Anthony Knockaert.

Vardy was taken off during Saturday's friendly at Preston as a precaution after picking up a thigh strain, while Knockaert was helped off the pitch with an ankle knock at Rotherham on Tuesday night.

It is not clear yet whether either will be available to face Werder Bremen at the King Power Stadium on Saturday as City complete their pre-season fixtures, but Shakespeare said both should not be out of action for long.

"We decided not to risk Jamie at Rotherham and he is still being assessed, but we are hopeful to have him in training later this week," said Shakespeare.

"Initially, Anthony's injury doesn't look serious and he will also be assessed. If he has his way, he will be training again immediately.

"He had a little knock on it earlier but said he was okay. We brought him off at the end as a precaution.

"Any injuries in pre-season are a concern but during the past few seasons we have been quite good with that sort of thing.

"We don't want injuries going into the start of the season, and the players will want to make sure they are ready to say 'pick me' as they fight for places."


Live traffic and travel updates from Leicester and Leicestershire

0
0

2.55pm: Loughborough Road between Redhill Circle and Thurcaston Road is partially blocked due to an accident. There are long queues. 

7.12am: M1, J24 Kegworth - Care needed around the M1 island at J24 in Kegworth because the traffic lights there not working at the moment. Busy on approaches.

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 - CLICK HERE.

LIVE CAMERAS: Check the M1 through Leicestershire with our live traffic cameras - CLICK HERE.

NATIONAL RAIL: For live UK train updates - CLICK HERE.

FLIGHT INFORMATION: For East Midlands Airport visit: CLICK HERE.

WEATHER: See the latest five-day weather report for Leicester and Leicestershire

CONTACT NEWSDESK: Send us your news and pictures. Tweet us @Leicester_Merc or email newsdesk@leicestermercury.co.uk

Live traffic and travel updates from Leicester and Leicestershire

Leicester City's Leo Ulloa will be big hit in premier league, says Craig Shakespeare

0
0

Leo Ulloa will be a big hit in the Premier League for Leicester City, assistant boss Craig Shakespeare has declared.

The Argentine striker scored his first goals in a City shirt on Tuesday night after his club-record move from Brighton.

Shakespeare said he believes the 28-year-old is starting to get into his stride just in time for the kick-off of the Premier League season a week on Saturday.

Ulloa scored twice in the first half of City's 3-1 friendly win at Rotherham and Shakespeare said the confidence was now growing in City's £8million man.

"We are absolutely delighted he was able to get his first goals for the club," said Shakespeare.

"He could have had more but he took his two goals very well and showed what he is capable of.

"He is a very likeable guy and he has settled in very well, but you know with strikers, scoring goals gives them confidence and that will do Leo the world of good.

"His conditioning is coming on nicely, as it is with all the lads as we get closer to the start of the season.

"Leo has played a lot in the last few seasons up front on his own, but we told him we want him in the box and we want crosses coming in.

"We have been encouraging the wide players and the full-backs to get crosses into the box."

Ulloa has certainly made an impact on his new team-mates.

Defender Ritchie De Laet said Ulloa has settled in immediately with City's close-knit group.

"He is a great lad and from the first moment he came in he was in the group straight away," said the Belgian full-back.

"He has the quality, as we saw at Rotherham. He can hold the ball up and it is easy for us to put a cross in knowing he will be there.

"He is strong and he can take a man on and finish as well."

Leicester City's Leo Ulloa will be big hit in premier league, says Craig Shakespeare

Major fire closes Melton Road, in Leicester

0
0

A massive fire at a factory in Melton Road, Leicester,closed the major route into the city this morning.

The blaze, which could be seen across the city skyline, closed the A607 between Troon Way and Checketts Road.

The fire, was reported at about 7.15am, and caused significant damage to the four-storey former furniture factory in Woodbridge Road.

Leicestershire Fire Service tackled the blaze using 10 pumps.

Police and ambulance crews were also at the scene. There were no reports of injuries.

Police advised people to avoid the area.

The building is close to a petrol station and nearby homes were evacuated.

Residents living in the Stafford Street, Lancashire Street, St Michaels Avenue and Sandringham Avenue have been evacuated.

Anyone intending to travel towards the area is being advised to avoid the area. Melton Road at the junctions with Troon Way, Windsor Avenue, Checketts Road and Gypsy Lane has been cordoned off.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

Video by Vishal Chauhan

Major fire closes Melton Road, in Leicester

Leicester City's £8m Leo Ulloa is 'a fantastic, top-class footballer'

0
0

Leicester City's record signing Leo Ulloa is a "top-class footballer" according to winger Marc Albrighton.

Argentinian striker Ulloa, bought for £8million from Brighton last month, scored his first goals in a City shirt on Tuesday with a double in the 3-1 win at Rotherham.

The 28-year-old had failed to make a mark in his previous pre-season friendly appearances against Everton, Walsall and Preston, but his performance at the New York Stadium gave City fans a glimpse of his qualities.

Fellow summer signing Albrighton was full of praise for Ulloa, believing he has shown why the club were so keen to acquire his services.

"Ulloa's looked brilliant," he said. "You can tell by his touch that he's a top-class footballer.

"Everything will come with it. It does take time to adjust but he'll have no problems in doing that.

"He's a top-class footballer, he proved that last year with Brighton and he'll be a good addition to the squad."

Albrighton, who joined on a free transfer from Aston Villa in the summer, has been with City since the start of pre-season training. The 24-year-old feels that he has settled into life in Leicester and hopes to kick on in the final week of pre-season in order to secure a starting berth in City's opening Premier League game against Everton a week on Saturday. "It's fantastic how I've settled in," he said.

"You're a bit worried at the start with how everyone's going to take you, but the club have treated me, my family and everyone around me so well and it just makes us all feel so comfortable.

"First impressions count for a lot. You get judged a lot in your first few games at a new club, I'm sure.

"If I can impress in pre-season then, hopefully, I can get into the starting line-up for the Everton game on the first day of the season."

Having played 86 league games for Villa, Albrighton has experienced considerably more Premier League football than most of City's squad.

Only Paul Konchesky and Matthew Upson have more appearances in the top flight.

Although many of City's key players are embarking on their debut season in the Premier League, Albrighton believes they are on the right track for a successful campaign.

He said: "They seem to be coping well so far. When the season starts, if there's any opinions that need to be put out there, then everyone will put them out there and I'll be included in that.

"We'll wait and see what the season brings, but everyone's up for it and everyone is looking good.

"Everyone is getting the game-time they need and I think we're giving a good account of ourselves."

Leicester City's £8m Leo Ulloa  is 'a fantastic, top-class footballer'

Richard III reinterment to take place on March 26, 2015

0
0

The remains of King Richard III will be reburied at Leicester Cathedral on March 26, next year.

The announcement was made yesterday by the Dean of Leicester, the Very Rev David Monteith, to a large gathering of press and broadcasters at St Martins.

He also revealed that the current Duke of Gloucester, a title once held by Richard III, will be the patron of a fund-raising effort launched by the diocese to cover the £2.5 million needed for the reburial and cathedral alterations.

It has raised about £1 million so far.

The Dean said: "This is a day that I've waited for for some time.

"I'm particularly thrilled and pleased that the Duke of Gloucester has agreed to be our patron.

"King Richard's reinterment in Leicester Cathedral will proclaim afresh his Christian hope in the resurrection.

"We are now preparing with great care to offer him lasting sanctuary and peace."

Channel 4 will broadcast the service live and as well as showing highlights later that evening.

The ceremony itself will be by invitation only, but organisers have suggested a large screen could be placed outside St Martins for the gathering crowds to watch the royal occasion live.

The seven day programme of events will commence on Sunday, March 22.

The University of Leicester will transport Richard's remains from Leicester to Bosworth - the location of his death at the hands of Henry Tudor's army - to remember his final moment.

The lead-lined coffin which will hold the fragile 500-year-old skeleton will then be carefully transported to a number of villages in the county which featured in the last days of his life.

But the memorial parade has not inspired praise from everyone involved in the week-long reburial programme.

Chairman of the Richard III Society Dr Phil Stone said: "I am slightly concerned about the plans to take the remains over to Bosworth because I don't want it to become some sort of jamboree.

"I have no problem with it if it is done properly with dignity and honour, which I'm sure it will be, but it is the only part of the reinterment which could be a concern."

Following the procession, the medieval bones will be received into the cathedral, where they will lie in repose, for the public to come and pay their respects, for three days.

The former King of England will then be reinterred on the morning of Thursday, March 26, in front of an invited group of guests, which will include members of the Royal family.

The following day, the tomb will be revealed once the remains are secured safely below the ground, and a service will be held to mark the end of the reinterment events.

The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens said: "Our cathedral has been consistently committed to providing a fitting, dignified and memorable ceremony for the reinterment of King Richard.

"We can now see how this works out in detail and our city and county look forward to all the events of next spring."

Richard III reinterment to take place on March 26, 2015

Niall O'Brien century leads Leicestershire Foxes to win over Hampshire in RL50

0
0

A six-wicket win over Hampshire at the Ageas Bowl in the Royal London One-Day Cup looks a fairly straightforward result.

But Leicestershire Foxes had to take a circuitous route to get there after the weather threatened to wreck the game on the south coast.

Fortunately, the rain relented and having been set a revised Duckworth/Lewis target of 186 in 25 overs – Hampshire having originally posted 275-9 in their 50 overs – Niall O'Brien steered the Foxes home with a magnificent unbeaten 105 from just 72 balls.

Leicestershire started brightly and with James Sykes taking 3-24 they reduced the home side to 171-7 and there was a real prospect of the Foxes having to chase down a modest target of around 200.

However, Sean Terry dug in for his side and his 63, coupled with 27 from Chris Wood, saw the home side put a competitive score on the board.

It appeared as though it was all irrelevant, though, when early evening rain began to fall. However, it cleared in time to leave the Foxes their new target which O'Brien set about with relish.

He received good support from Greg Smith (34) in a second wicket stand of 95 but without the injured Scott Styris there was still plenty of work to be done down the finishing straight.

O'Brien, though, was the man of the moment and he hammered the first two deliveries of the final over for four and six, moving past three figures and banking the points in the process with four balls to spare.

The win took the Foxes into fourth place in Group A with the top four sides from the two qualifying stages moving into the quarter-finals later this month.

They now face Yorkshire Vikings at Grace Road tomorrow before Northants pay a visit on Sunday.

Niall O'Brien century leads Leicestershire Foxes to win over Hampshire in RL50

Mystery of the low-flying helicopter over Leicester is solved

0
0

The mystery of the low-flying helicopter has been solved - it was an RAF chopper in training.

According to the RAF press office, it was a Merlin Helicopter from RAF Benson.

A spokeswoman said: "It would have been on a routine or training sortie."

RAF Benson is based near Benson in South Oxfordshire.

The helicopter was seen swooping low over the Leicester city centre before flying off across the county.

Residents in the Welford Road and Clarendon Park areas of Leicester, as well as Oadby all reported spotting the helicopter.

Aaron Carter's video of the chopper near De Montfort University

Mystery of the low-flying helicopter over Leicester is solved


Man confronted by knife-wielding raiders in his Burbage home

0
0

A man was confronted by knife-wielding raiders in a terrifying robbery at his home.

Police say the man, in his 40s, wasn't seriously injured in the robbery in Robinson Way, Burbage, near Hinckley at 11.30pm on Monday.(4)

Two valuable designer watches, a Rolex Sky Dweller and a Rolex Chronograph, together worth tens of thousands of pounds, were stolen in the raid.

The three men broke into the home and confronted the man before threatening him with a knife and stealing the two watches.

The victim received minor injuries but didn't require medical treatment.

The copper-coloured Rolex Sky Dweller has a brown leather strap.

The Rolex Chronograph has a gold and silver strap with three dials on the face.

All the suspects were white, one of them was of large build, about 6ft 2ins tall, he was wearing a blue and grey hooded top and the second and third suspects were of slim build and 5ft 7ins - 5ft 8ins tall.

Detective Constable Pip Lynch, who is investigating the incident, said: "This was an upsetting incident for the victim in his home and although he wasn't seriously injured he was threatened with a knife which in itself is distressing.

"From enquiries we've conducted it's believed that the suspects may have been using a light blue Peugeot 206 or 106 type car.

"If you saw anyone fitting the description of the suspects or any vehicle acting suspiciously in the Robinson Way area on Monday (August 4) then please get in touch."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

Man confronted by knife-wielding raiders in his Burbage home

VIDEO: Leicester City's summer goal fest

0
0
Leicester City's pre-season summer travels have seen them play teams in Thailand and closer to home – with one final game against German side Werder Bremen this weekend. It's not quite six wins out of six for Nigel Pearson's men. A single 1-1 draw against Preston North End on August 2, is the only minor blemish on the team's otherwise prolific winning record. The Foxes' victorious run has included a 1-0 win over Everton – who they play on August 16, in their first Premiership game for 10 years. And a 3-2 win over Walsall at the end of July, which included an absolute screamer from 29-year-old striker David Nugent. To watch the goal, click on the man himself below...

VIDEO: Leicester City's summer goal fest

Leicester City bid to sign former Inter Milan and Real Madrid star

0
0

Leicester City are in the mix to sign experienced Argentine midfielder Esteban Cambiasso, the Mercury understands.

The 33-year-old former Inter Milan and Real Madrid is a free agent and City are understood to be among a host of clubs trying to secure the services of Cambiasso, who has been capped more than 50 times by Argentina.

Unconfirmed reports suggest City have offered the defensive midfielder a two-year contract.

Cambiasso is the most decorated Argentinian player ever with more than 20 official titles, more than the legendary Real Madrid star Alfredo Di Stefano.

City boss Nigel Pearson has stated this summer that he wouldn't rule out making a marquee signing and Cambiasso would certainly fit the bill.

Leicester City bid to sign former Inter Milan and Real Madrid star

Melton Road remains closed after huge factory fire

0
0

Melton Road remains closed tonight following a huge blaze at a factory in Belgrave this morning.

The fire broke out at a four-storey building, on the corner of Woodbridge Road and Melton Road, shortly before 7.15am.

Police say Melton Road will be closed overnight and possibly over the weekend too.

The building is close to a petrol station therefore homes in the immediate vicinity were evacuated this morning.

Emergency services evacuated residents living in the Stafford Street, Lancashire Street, St Michael's Avenue and Sandringham Avenue to Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre, in Rothley Street.

Residents were allowed back into their homes gradually, but people living in one half of Stafford Street and those in buildings on Melton Road directly opposite the blaze are still unable to return.

Police officers are hoping residents will be able to go home tonight but, dozens of people face the prospect of being placed in emergency accommodation. 

Melton Road remains closed after huge factory fire

Hunt for thugs who threw brick at car from bridge

0
0

Police are searching for thugs who threw a brick at a car from a railway bridge.

The brick was thrown from the disused bridge in Grange Road, Hugglescote, near Coalville, at 4.15pm on Thursday, July 31.

It smashed an approaching car's windscreen. The driver was not injured but was "shaken up", police said.

Police want to trace four boys, thought to be aged 12 to 16, who were in the area at the time. Two of them were riding bicycles and two of them were on foot.

Police community support officer Robert Inman said: "Although the driver of the car was not injured, he was shaken up.

"Clearly, this reckless action could have had serious consequences and I would ask that anybody who has information about this to contact us.

"We are also anxious to trace the four boys who were seen in the area about this time as they may have witnessed the incident or have information about who is responsible.

"If you know who they are, or you are one of them, please contact us."

Contact Pcso Inman on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

Viewing all 9894 articles
Browse latest View live




Latest Images