7.50am: Heavy traffic on A47 St Nicholas Circle in Leicester at the Bath Lane junction, because of a traffic light failure.

7.09am: There are currently no new incidents to report.

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Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a disused factory in Belgrave, Leicester.

The fire service were called to Ross Walk just before 1am this morning.

A single-storey disused factory containing tyres and other commercial materials was on fire.

A spokeswoman from Leicestershire Fire Service said the building was located near to Holden Street.

Crews left the scene at around 2.15am when the fire had been put out.

The building was moderately fire and heavily smoke damaged.

The cause is believed to have been deliberate ignition and investigations are ongoing.

The fire service will be returning to the scene this morning to liaise with police.

This is the second factory fire in the Belgrave area in a week.

Last Thursday crews were called to a huge fire at a factory on the corner of Melton Road and Woodbridge Street.

It has not yet been confirmed whether police are connecting the two incidents. 

Police were forced to taser a dog after it savagely attacked a man and his pet.

Chris Whyley, of Braunstone Town, was walking his four-year-old German shepherd, Reno, when the white bull terrier-type dog went for them. It attacked Reno before biting Mr Whyley on the leg.

The terrier was not on a lead or wearing a collar. When the police arrived they were forced to taser it twice. It later died.

It is the first time a dog has been tasered by police in Leicestershire

Mr Whyley was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary by ambulance, where puncture wounds were due to be operated on yesterday.

Reno was taken to the vet with severe bruising and puncture wounds to his body and face.

Mr Whyley, who has owned Reno since he was a puppy, said he was walking his pet in The Chase just after 7pm on Sunday.

He said: "The dog made a beeline for us, then locked his jaws on Reno. He kept on biting his face and back." He said Reno, who was on a lead, was wearing a muzzle so could not defend himself.

"He just had to stand there and take it," said Mr Whyley.

"I was trying to get the dog off Reno by spinning him round but he just wasn't getting off."

Mr Whyley said at one point the bull terrier let go of Reno and latched on to his leg.

"I gave him a couple of knocks to try to get him off me but he barely flinched. There was nothing we could do."

The bull terrier then began attacking Reno again. Horrified onlookers said the attack went on for about 20 minutes.

Police said firearms officers sent to the scene were forced to taser the bull terrier to prevent further injuries.

Mr Whyley said doctors had told him the bull terrier had narrowly missed a tendon.

Reno had to stay at the vets for one night and Chris said the bill has already added up to more than £700.

Mr Whyley said: "It was a bit hit and miss as to whether Reno was going to make it.

"He was better yesterday but I don't know what he's going to be like when we get him home.

"I just wanted to make sure he was okay. We walk that way every day and nothing like this has happened before."

The attack took place outside Danielle and Mark Robinson's home.

Mrs Robinson, 30, said she watched as her 35-year-old husband tried to help Mr Whyley and Reno.

"It was horrendous," she said. "The dog had his jaw round the other dog's face and was biting into his stomach. It just wouldn't give up.

"There was a lot of blood everywhere.

"At one point it looked as if the injured dog was going to fall over.

"He kept on putting his head down – he didn't retaliate at all."

She said her husband threw a bucket of water over the dog to get him off and when that did not work, they tried to separate the pair and pull Reno into their house.

"I was clapping my hands to try to startle the dog," said Mrs Robinson.

"But I was worried what the dog would do. I was scared it would attack another dog or another person.

"After a while, we all realised there was nothing anyone could do to stop it."

Mrs Robinson said after the dog was tasered twice it "stumbled" on to her drive and collapsed.

The dog was later pronounced dead.

Mrs Robinson said: "They tasered it once and that didn't do anything so another policeman had to go in from the other side and taser it again."

Lucy Underwood, 18, of Kingsway, who saw the attack said: "The attacking dog's face was covered in blood.

"I think if somebody had tried to stop it, it would have gone for them."

The bull terrier's owner was not believed to have been with it at the time of the attack.

A post-mortem examination was to be carried out on the dog to determine the cause of death.

A police spokeswoman said inquiries were ongoing.

An electrician has made the perfect garden getaway after building a shed complete with games, a bar and multi-gym.

Michael Woods, 44, of Humberstone, said he had spent about £8,000 creating the perfect "lad's pad" at the bottom of his garden.

Work, which was all done by Michael, started in October and was completed in May.

The shed is more than 15ft long, by 13ft wide and about 8ft tall. As well as the multi-gym and bar, it has a football table, fruit machine, television, games consoles, spotlights on the ceiling and a couple of sofas.

The shed also has an outdoor decking area with chairs.

Michael said: "It is money well spent. It is looking good and I am really pleased with it.

"I decided to build it for my sons, so their friends could come round and they're not hanging around on the streets."

He said sons Daniel, 16, and Adam, 13, are down there every day.

"The other day we had 20 of my sons' friends down there. It is nice and quiet in the house now."

Michael said, as an electrician, he sees lots of things people build and this gave him inspiration.

His wife Wendy said the outdoor retreat was amazing.

She said: "He knocked the old shed down and built this from scratch.

"I am really proud of what he has done. I was a bit surprised at how big it was, but now it is all finished I think it is fantastic.

"Sometimes I just sit down there and relax. It is my birthday in September, my friends are coming round and we are going to have a girly night down there.

"The dog lives down there, too."

Michael got in touch after the Leicester Mercury launched a campaign asking people to contact us about their special outdoor spaces.

Another person who entered the competition was Dave Mason, who converted the back of his garden into an American diner with a games room on the side.

Do you have a yard or garden, shed or outhouse to escape from the stresses of modern-day life?

Whether you've filled an acre of land with beautiful blooms or turned a tiny courtyard into an oasis of calm, we want to hear from you.

Tell us about how you have lovingly transformed your outdoor area into a relaxing space.

E-mail or tweet your pictures to reporter Samantha Fisher at:

samantha.fisher@leicester mercury.co.uk

@SamanthaCFisher

Gerry Taggart has left BBC Radio Leicester as the station's football summariser just a few days before the start of the new season.

The ex-Foxes centre-half joined the team last month following the departure of Alan Young, but said he had been offered a better job which he "could not turn down".

Taggart will be temporarily replaced by former City defender Matt Elliott, who played at the club from 1997 until 2005.

In a statement released by BBC Radio Leicester, it said: "Gerry Taggart got a job in the professional game at very short notice, which he felt he couldn't turn down.

"He loved the brief spell that he worked with us as summariser, and we very much enjoyed having him.

"We'd like to thank him for his contribution as he hands over the mantle for the moment to Matt Elliot and we wish him well in his new job."

Operating theatre staff at Leicester Royal Infirmary had to be treated at their own hospital after being overcome by a leak of anaesthetic gas.

Staff in two operating theatres were treated at the hospital's accident and emergency department today.

Ten people - eight members of staff and two observers - suffered nausea, dizziness and irritation to the eyes.

Hospital bosses, who have launched an investigation into the leak of an anaesthetic gas, said no patients were affected.

Both affected operating theatres remained closed today but were expected to re-open tomorrow.

It's been reported, however that some staff were complaining of headaches yesterday.

One anonymous source told the Mercury it was treated as a "major incident".

He said: "LRI operating theatres were evacuated because of fumes today.

"Apparently it affected operating rooms and apparently staff affected have been sent home. "

He added: "Staff went to accident and emergency where they were given blood tests.

"People were complaining of headaches yesterday, apparently, and there are some people who are very poorly suffering thumping headaches and light-headedness."

He added: "Staff have been given a right good roasting - they were told the hospital didn't want anything to come out about this."

A member of staff approached by the Leicester Mercury said she was aware of an incident, but directed any enquiries to managers in the accident and emergency department.

Richard Mitchell, chief operating officer for Leicester's Hospitals, said: "At around 9.30am this morning, a leak of an anaesthetic gas occurred in operating theatre 0.

"Eight members of staff and two observers were affected, experiencing nausea, dizziness and irritation to the eyes.

"They were all taken to our urgent care centre for treatment and have since been discharged. No patients were affected."

He added: "During the time of the leak, an operation was underway in the nearby operating theatre 1.

"The procedure was completed without interruption and the patient is doing well.

"Both operating theatres are currently closed. Our estates department is working hard to fix the leak and it is expected that both theatres will be open as normal tomorrow.

"A full investigation into the cause of the leak is being undertaken by our health and safety service."

Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Kenny Jackett has said the deal to take Leicester City striker Chris Wood Molineux has collapsed.

City and Wolves were discussing a possible permanent deal, believed to be worth £1.25 million, but tonight the Wolves boss said he was now looking at other targets.

"It looks like that deal is passed now and we are moving on," said Jackett.

"We didn't get a deal agreed with the club or the player.

"We did make an offer but we haven't settled anything and it looks like we have to move on.

"It is what it is and we have to accept it.

"It is something which has come out publicly which we understand and it's a situation which I was asked about – we did make a bid and were close.

"That one hasn't come off and it looks like we are moving on."

Single mum Aishah Adams has jetted out on her first holiday with her two disabled children – thanks to the Mercury.

The 31-year-old mother, from Goodwood, Leicester, feared she would not be able to go on the week-long holiday to Majorca yesterday because her passport had not been processed.

Ms Adams contacted the Mercury last week after saying she had made countless phone calls to the Passport Office trying to get her travel document sent to her.

She said she applied for her passport on June 12, after being told on the helpline it would be there within six weeks.

She said: "After six weeks, I started phoning the passport office to ask about my passport.

"I was getting passed from pillar to post. I was getting very worried and was at the end of my tether with worry."

The mum-of-two said she applied for a passport after her sister, Charlene, booked a week's holiday as a surprise treat.

She said: "I must admit I cried because it was such a lovely thing to do and because I have never been on holiday with my boys because I can't cope on my own.

"She had won at bingo and decided to treat me."

The Mercury contacted the Passport Office and Leicester East MP Keith Vaz, who helped to get Ms Adams's document processed in time.

Ms Adams collected her passport from Peterborough on Monday morning.

She said: "Thanks to the Mercury, I am able to take my children on our first holiday.

"I also appreciate the help Mr Vaz was able to give me. Taking my boys on a holiday in the sun is a dream come true and one I thought would not be happening."

Mr Vaz said he had visited the Passport Office last week to try to understand why so many people are still waiting for their passports to be returned.

He said: "I was told the backlog stood at 300,000. I am deeply concerned at this delay.

"It is not acceptable for people, who have paid a fee, to wait months for their passport, especially when on a straightforward case it takes eight minutes to check an identity."

A spokesman for the Passport Office said: "We will not issue a passport until all checks have been completed. We advise customers don't book travel until they have their passport."

Burglars broke into a house specifically to steal a family's Staffordshire bull terrier puppy.

Intruders snatched three-month-old Reggie when they broke into owner Simon Taylor's Leicester home.

Mr Taylor said the burglars took nothing else, even ignoring a new television.

The 44-year-old was on holiday when an intruder broke into his house in Dunbar Road, Northfields.

Reggie, pictured, was being cared for by Mr Taylor's partner's son, who nipped out of the house for a few hours leaving a kitchen window partially open.

Mr Taylor said: "He was only out of the house for a short time and someone came in through the kitchen window.

"They took the dog and nothing else, which is really strange. We're really upset he has been stolen. I keep going downstairs to see him and then I realise again that he's not there. So, I'm a bit lost in the clouds at the minute. We'd only had him a few weeks, but we loved him. We had taken him out for walks, so we don't know if someone had seen him and decided to come into our house and steal him."

Reggie, who is chipped, was stolen between 11.30am and 5.30pm on Sunday.

Previously, national charity Dog Lost, which runs a website on which people can post details of lost or stolen pets, has told the Leicester Mercury that dog thefts are becoming more common.

Spokeswoman Nik Oakley said: "We hear of burglaries happening where the sole purpose is to steal a dog.

"Bulldogs are popular breeds with thieves, as are gun-dogs, Yorkshire terriers and pugs.

"They can be sold in pubs, but also quite a lot are sold online."

Pc James Highton said: "The family have been left devastated by the theft of their family pet.

"If you recognise the description of the puppy and you have any suspicions about its whereabouts then we need to speak to you.

"We would also like to speak to anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity around Dunbar Road on Sunday.

"Any calls received will be treated in confidence."

Contact Pc Highton on 101 or Crimestoppers, which is anonymous, on 0800 555 111.

A group of graduates has made it to the second stage of Sky 1 show Got to Dance, presented by Davina McCall.

Led by choreographer Josh Pilmore, from Groby, the troupe, known simply as Base, are now being mentored by Kimberly Wyatt, formerly of the Pussycat Dolls.

They will now go on to the live shows where they are hoping their hard work will impress an audience of 6,000 at London's Earl's Court, as well as television viewers at home, who will be able to vote for their favourite act.

Josh, 22, who has just graduated with a dance degree from the Creative Academy in Berkshire, where he met his fellow Base members, said: "It was exciting and surreal to see ourselves on TV. We all watched it together at university, which was nice and there was plenty of screaming going on.

"We need all the votes we can get now and are hoping the people of Leicester will get behind us and show their support."

A total of 14 dancers make up the troupe – five of whom hail from Leicester.

Josh said: "It was amazing to be picked by Kimberly. We really wanted her as our mentor and she kept saying we gave her chills.

"She's been really helpful in our rehearsals for the live shows. I'm trying to make it as visually spectacular as I can, so there's more kicks and tricks and, hopefully, a few surprises for the audience, too.

"We've got a minute-and-a-half to impress people and we're using music from Neon Jungle, Busta Rhymes and Icona Pop."

The dancing talent show, which uses a panel of judges from the creative industries, has prize money of £250,000 and sees individuals, dance groups and duos showcasing all types of dance.

Josh said: "It's been extremely hard work up to now and we know it won't get any easier if we go further in the competition. Hopefully, it will all be worth it.

"I've changed the moves for the live show so many times, but my dancers keep going with it and giving 100 per cent."

Other judges from the show are Adam Garcia and Ashley Banjo.

Base will next appear on Sky 1's Got to Dance on August 26, with the finale on August 29.

A landlord's "complete failure over every aspect of fire safety" jeopardised the lives of his tenants.

Firefighters had to rescue three people from a smoke-logged three-storey building owned by Haresh Rambhai Patel when a fire broke out.

Other tenants had to clamber out of the back of the building, comprising two properties, in Evington Street, Highfields, Leicester.

A court heard the building contained a total of 11 bedsits, but had no emergency lighting or working smoke alarms.

Emergency exits were blocked, fire doors were missing, left open or jammed and a fire extinguisher in the hall had not been inspected for 25 years.

Patel (57), who has 16 other rental properties in a £2.5 million property portfolio, pleaded guilty to seven offences under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, at Leicester Crown Court.

He will be sentenced next month.

Naomi Gilchrist, prosecuting for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: "There was an abject failure on the part of the defendant to address the question of fire safety.

"There was no risk assessment, no evacuation strategy and the alarm system wasn't working.

"He carried out no checks. He did not have licences to run multiple-occupation houses and because he had no licences he wasn't on the fire safety register and received no official fire safety visits."

The court was told Patel, formerly of Southernhay Road, Stoneygate, Leicester, was fined £38,000 by magistrates earlier this year following a separate city council prosecution, for failing to have the necessary licences to run his business.

Miss Gilchrist said at 3.40am on May 8 last year nine tenants were in the building when a fire – possibly caused by an electrical fault – broke out in the kitchen of an unoccupied ground-floor bedsit.

She said: "Firefighters saw fire and smoke coming from the first and second floor."

One trapped occupant was rescued from the first floor.

Miss Gilchrist said: "The entrance lobby was heavily smoke-logged, with almost nil visibility, so breathing apparatus and thermal imaging equipment were used.

"A divan bed was against a wall blocking an exit.

"Communal doors were open or missing, allowing smoke to quickly spread to other floors.

"A couple had to be rescued from the ground floor, with a woman in bare feet having to be carried to avoid broken glass.

"Other occupants, unable to get out of the front, climbed out of the rear.

"No alarm sounded as the system wasn't working.

"There were a number of obstructions, furniture and combustible items, in the corridors and exit routes.

"The basement stored car parts and tyres and had the fire spread there would have been significant danger from toxic fumes.

"There were holes in walls which would allow fire to spread and the walls between compartments were not up to the 60-minute standard.

"There was a complete failure of every aspect of fire safety, putting people at risk of serious injury or death."

An enforcement notice forced Patel to shut down the property and tenants were relocated.

The court heard in interview Patel admitted failing to take any fire safety steps, but sought to blame the local authority for not having told him.

He blamed tenants for leaving clutter and breaking alarms.

Judge Robert Brown asked to see the defendant's business accounts, but was told only 2010-11 figures were available – and that Patel had not filed his accounts with the Inland Revenue since then.

Alison Downs, mitigating, said the Evington Street bedsits were still unoccupied but the required work and checks were due for completion soon.

She said: "He's spent £36,000 refurbishing his properties.

"He now carries out fire risk assessments weekly. He knows he has the lives of people to consider and he can't take risks."

Sentencing was adjourned and Patel was released on bail.

The charges he admits relate to failing to take general fire precautions to ensure the safety of the premises, which caused a risk of death or serious injury.

He also failed to make a suitable fire risk assessment; failed to make fire safety arrangements; failed to ensure that in the event of danger tenants were able to evacuate quickly and safely; failed to establish appropriate procedures for serious and imminent danger; failed to ensure the premises had safety equipment that was suitably maintained; and failed to ensure anyone was appointed to assist in undertaking preventative and protective measures.

One of the most eagerly-awaited seasons in Leicester City's history is about to kick off. The waiting for the fans is almost over and, after all the pre-season build-up and friendlies, the real action is set to start.

The warm-up games have been vital for the squad's preparations but for supporters they have offered little insight into how City will line up against Everton on Saturday.

Each supporter will have their own idea of how they think City will – or should – shape up for the Toffees.

So here is my City team to take on Everton and, hopefully, get City's Premier League season off to a victorious start.

Manager Nigel Pearson has tried several different formations during pre-season.

At times, City have shaped up in a 4-4-2 formation while also utilising the same 4-2-3-1 system they tried towards the end of last season.

The 4-2-3-1 system, or variations where the midfield becomes packed, is certainly en vogue in the Premier League, where keeping possession is so vital.

City may need that extra man to drop back into midfield when they are out of possession and deny the play-maker and anchor midfield players from dictating play.

Therefore, the 4-2-3-1 system could be the right way to go for City.

Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel and captain Wes Morgan are certainties to start on Saturday, while it would also be a major surprise if Ritchie De Laet and Paul Konchesky did not occupy the full-back positions.

The one question mark is who will start alongside Morgan at the heart of the City defence?

Marcin Wasilewski is a commanding, physical and experienced centre-back who just loves to defend.

He will not let City down if called upon, but I would go with Liam Moore.

The home-grown defender has come on in leaps and bounds during the past year. He is strong and quick, and his athleticism will be a valuable asset against the superior movement of Premier League strikers.

It is a close call, but Moore's dynamism gives him my nod.

Danny Drinkwater is a definite starter and, after forging such a potent partnership last season, Matty James deserves the chance to line-up alongside him. The duo grew up playing together at Manchester United and complement each other superbly.

James' natural defensive awareness has allowed Drinkwater more attacking opportunities and the freedom to get on the ball and make City tick.

Who should play above them and off the main striker is the real area of debate. Andy King and Gary Taylor-Fletcher have both been used in that position during pre-season, and Taylor-Fletcher certainly knows how to play that role, but I would go with David Nugent.

Nugent is a live-wire and versatile forward, constantly moving and working for the team. He has the experience to keep his discipline when City are out of possession but, when they are on the ball, his natural attacking instincts will become an asset.

As his stats for last season demonstrate, he can find a team-mate in and around the penalty box, create chances for others and score spectacular goals. The role is tailor-made for him.

Injuries to Marc Albrighton, Anthony Knockaert and Jamie Vardy have reduced City's options here, which means that Riyad Mahrez is the most likely starter on one flank.

City will check on the fitness of the others and, as long as Albrighton's groin problem was just a scare last week, then he gets the nod for the other wide position.

Vardy has missed the last two weeks of pre-season with a thigh injury but, if he is fit to play, he could have a role as an impact substitute.

If neither are fit, City may look at either Jeff Schlupp or possibly Taylor-Fletcher for the other wide berth, but let's assume Albrighton is okay.

Having spent £8million on Leonardo Ulloa, it would be a big surprise if he does not start on Saturday. In the last two friendlies he began to show he is coming up to speed since his move from Brighton, and his two goals at Rotherham demonstrated why City bought him.

If City can get quality balls into the box he looks dangerous. He is also used to playing a lone striker role and that is why he will lead the line for City.

That is the side I would send out on Saturday, but City fans may have different ideas...

Rugby fans were granted access all areas at a Leicester Tigers open day.

Thousands of supporters took the opportunity to meet their heroes as the Welford Road club threw its gates open on Saturday.

Tigers players Manu Tuilagi, Owen Williams, Anthony Allen and Jordan Crane modelled the team's new home shirt at the event.

Dan Sykes, of Lutterworth, took his sons Josh, nine, and Harry, six along to meet the players.

Dan said: "Josh plays rugby and is a big fan of Manu, who he got to meet on the day.

"It was his ninth birthday so going there was part of his present.

"He got his shirt covered in lots of autographs from players. But he loves the new shirt so much he wants to get one with his birthday money.

"Harry is not such a big rugby fan but he really enjoyed himself. His favourite player was Tom Briscow.

"Me and Josh are season ticket holders at Tigers and to get to wander about and meet the players was brilliant."

Universities are gearing up to help students through the clearing process when A-level results are released tomorrow.

Dedicated teams will be on call to deal with students who might have missed out on their place because their results were not high enough or those who did better than they thought.

At the University of Leicester, the phone lines will open at 6.30am, and 70 advisers will be on hand.

There are no spaces left on courses such as medicine, but others still have room for high-achieving school-leavers.

A spokesman said: "We're likely to have spaces on most courses for students with grades of ABB, BBB or better.

"We would expect all to go quickly and to be full by Saturday."

At De Montfort University, 70 phone lines will be open from 7am.

Mel Fowler, director of student recruitment, said: "We're committed to helping students to make the most of clearing.

"We know how important A-level results day is. Students and their parents can also come into our visitors' centre and talk to our staff in person.

"Interest from students wanting to be part of DMU has been high and we have several hundred places available which we expect to be able to offer to strong candidates."

Loughborough University said it would have a "handful of places available" to students with ABB grades or better.

Phone lines open at 8am and 40 staff will be dealing with calls.

A spokeswoman said: "We're expecting places to go quickly, with the majority filled by the end of Thursday."

The clearing process runs until October 22, provided students have made an application by September 20.

The University and Colleges Admission Service provides a unique number for each student going through the process.

Students must contact universities directly to talk about the courses available and whether their application might be accepted.

If an offer is made, each university will provide them with a course code, institution code and a time period for which the offer is valid, usually 12 to 48 hours.

When they have decided which offer to take up, they must enter the details on UCAS Track.

If they missed their firm and insurance offers but either one decides to take them with lower grades, students cannot enter clearing without first arranging to be released from their existing confirmed place .

Once they have added a clearing choice on Track, it can take a short while for the university to accept the application.

Students will receive an e-mail to confirm their place, and their UCAS Track will show "Clearing Accepted".

Students are encouraged to take time to weigh up their options and make the right decision to suit their needs.

For details, go to:

www.ucas.com

A beautiful rainbow over the dark sky of Leicester has provided a captivating image.

This photograph was taken outside Masjid Umar mosque, in Evington Drive, Leicester, about 7.30pm on Monday by Mercury photographer Alex Hannam.

He said he liked the symmetry in the picture and how it captured the rainbow directly above the mosque.

"I knew there would be a rainbow because behind me it was sunny and in front of me it was dark," said Alex.

Today, the weather is set to be cloudy until lunchtime followed by afternoon sunshine.

However, tomorrow, sunny spells mixed with outbreaks of rain could create more rainbows.

Police investigating an arson attack which led to an explosion at a house one year ago have arrested a 54-year-old man.

The blast happened shortly before 3.45am on August 12, 2013, at the British Sign Language Learning Centre in Aldridge Road, Burbage.

A man and woman were pulled through a window by police officers before fire crews tackled the blaze.

Neighbouring homes were evacuated and gas and electricity supplies cut.

The arrested man has been released on police bail while further inquiries are carried out. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det Con Rebekah Cortez on 101.

The Voice contestant Bizzi Dixon has been made an Honoured Citizen of Leicester for work he does with young people in the community.

The 43-year-old father-of-two, from Humberstone, was presented with the award by Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Ted Cassidy, in a ceremony at the Town Hall yesterday.

Coun Cassidy said: "I was delighted to present Bizzi with the Honoured Citizen award which is given by the Lord Mayor of Leicester in recognition of contribution to the community.

"He offers help and support to young people in the city, helping them to develop their music and dance skills, and I am delighted to recognise that.

"He is a wonderful inspiration to so many young people."

Bizzi said: "It means an awful lot to me to be recognised for my work with young people in the community.

"I'm Leicester born and raised – Leicester is my home. I'm looking to set up the Bizzi Dixon academy next year. I am passionate about encouraging young people to do what they can and lead by example.

"I enjoy doing things for young people in Leicester and Leicestershire and I am glad to be recognised for that."

Police have appealed for help tracing vandals who twice attacked a taxi driver's car.

The blue Toyota Auris was vandalised outside the owner's home in Pickering Close, Belgrave, Leicester.

The latest incident happened on Monday, July 7, when paint stripper was poured on to it.

Previously, all four of its tyres were slashed.

Police said CCTV footage of the latest incident showed an Asian youth riding past the car on a bicycle and pouring the liquid on to the bonnet.

A Leicestershire college has paid tribute to a talented former student killed in a crash on the M1 this year.

Trainee hairdresser Megan Marchant, 18, was passionate about her chosen career.

Now, Brooksby Melton College, in Melton, where she was studying, has created a special award – the Level 3 Creative Hairdresser of the Year. It will be presented annually to the student who demonstrates original and imaginative hair designs.

Megan's sister, Jodie, 22, helped present this year's award. She said: "It was a huge honour to be able to give out an award in memory of Megan.

"I'm sure it's something she would have been very proud of because she really enjoyed what she was doing."

This year's Level 3 Hairdressers competed in a photographic competition that was used to judge the winner of the award.

Both Megan's family and Elliott Hair Designs, which works with the college to offer students work placements, judged the standard of work and creativity to select a suitable stylist for the prize. The prize for this year's Level 3 Creative Hairdresser of the Year was awarded to Lucy Rose. Emma Balch, lecturer in hairdressing, said: "Megan Marchant studied hairdressing with us for two years and in that time we saw her grow and develop into a very talented and creative stylist. She was passionate about hairdressing and would spend endless amounts of her own time creating props for photo shoots and planning for the end of year show.

"We wanted to introduce an award for the most creative stylist of the year in memory of Megan and her creativity.

"Lucy has completed work that perfectly represents Megan's creativeness and natural talent as a hairdresser."

Megan, of Thurmaston, was a recently-qualified hairdresser. She was in a car alongside Destiny James Keeling, 14, of Braunstone, who was also killed in the crash, which happened when the car the pair were travelling in left the motorway in Leicestershire and crashed into trees.

Also in the car were Megan's boyfriend, Wade James Keeling, 18 – Destiny's brother – and their mother, Anastasia James, who was driving.

Both Anastasia and Wade suffered broken bones and bruising.

An inquest into their deaths is due to take place later this year.

A Mercedes ended up in flames after a police chase through the countryside.

Four men were arrested after officers used a "stinger" device to stop the car in Oadby, shortly before 11pm on Monday.

The car caught fire after it had been stopped. Police said the cause of the fire was being investigated and that nobody was injured.

Officers on the A47 in Wardley Hill, near Uppingham, spotted the vehicle at 10pm.

The black Mercedes, is thought to have been stolen in Leicester the previous day.

The officers called in help from colleagues, including the police helicopter, when they realised it was a stolen vehicle.

Oadby resident Zuffar Haq said: "The police were chasing the car around Oadby for 20 minutes, maybe half an hour, before they stopped it.

"There must have been at least a dozen police vehicles involved as well as the helicopter. They caught the men inside but the car caught fire. I don't know how.

"The fire was bad and it was well alight so I imagine the car was destroyed or in very bad shape afterwards."

Another resident said: "It looked really serious because there seemed to be police everywhere.

"I thought the way the police dealt with it was impressive."

A police spokeswoman said: "Officers on patrol on the A47 in Wardley Hill carried out a controlled pursuit of a vehicle.

"The Mercedes was stopped in Gartree Road, Oadby, and three men aged 22 and a 19-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle. They all remain in custody.

"There was a small fire in the Mercedes."