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PHOTO: Man flees from security van taking him to court

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A man was on the run tonight after he jumped out of a security van which was taking him to court. Adam Herbert absconded as he was being transported to Leicester Magistrates' Court this morning, where he was due to face a charge of burglary. Police said the 20-year-old, who has links to the New Parks area, escaped from the van as it was stationary at the junction of Highcross Street and Vaughan Way at 9am. Mr Herbert is white, approximately 6ft 2ins and of medium build. He has short brown hair and was wearing a grey tracksuit and black trainers. Anyone with information of his whereabouts is urged to call police on 101.

PHOTO: Man flees from security van taking him to court


Leicester City 1 Tottenham 2 - reaction: Nigel Pearson refuses to play 'bad luck card' following 'galling' Premier League defeat to Spurs

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Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson believes he should have been "talking about a win" after his side fell to a 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham.

Christian Eriksen's 70th-minute free-kick, against the run of play at the King Power Stadium, extended City's winless streak to 13 Premier League games.

It had taken former City loanee Harry Kane less that a minute to come back to haunt his old club before Leonardo Ulloa leveled the scoring just after the restart.

City, though, created numerous chances throughout, with Ulloa and Riyad Mahrez both hitting the woodwork either side of half-time.

Hugo Lloris was also on hand twice to deny Jeff Schlupp, as well as saving Wes Morgan's header late on, after the City skipper had previously failed to find the net from five yards out.

"Once again, I have been very proud of how the players have gone about the game," said Pearson.

"We have had our chances and it remains very frustrating for us because I think in the second half, in particular, we were by far the better side.

"I think I should be sitting here talking about a win, but I'm not, I'm talking about a defeat.

"That is even more galling for us. But that is how it is and you can't spend too much time moaning about how things go, you've got to do something about it.

"I am loath to play the bad luck card. I don't like to talk too much about luck. I think people who play the luck card are probably kidding themselves.

"We are close to making things happen. What we have got to do is continue to push our performance levels to make things happen."

The result leaves City five points adrift at the bottom of the table, and six points shy of safety going into Sunday's clash at relegation rivals Hull.

"There is still a long way to go and one of the danger is people in our position, internally, start listening too much to how everyone else sees the situation," said Pearson.

"I am not sticking my head in the sand, or trying to paint the picture that it is a lot more positive than it is. We are in trouble at the moment.

"The players have had a number of performances of late where we have played pretty well and not had the rewards for it, so it is going to be a test of their resolve as much as anything, in terms of their own belief."

"But the performances would suggest that we have the capability of turning it around."

Leicester City 1 Tottenham 2 - reaction: Nigel Pearson refuses to play 'bad luck card' following 'galling' Premier League defeat to Spurs

Photo: Firefighters release cow stuck on a fence near Glenfield Hospital, Leicester

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Firefighters went on the move today after a cow got stuck on a metal fence.

Two fire crews were called out after police were alerted to the animal being stuck on wright iron fencing in Whittington Road, on the Bradgate Heights estate near Glenfield Hospital in Leicester.

A crew from Western station and the technical rescue unit for Southern station released the cow.

The animal, which was not badly hurt, was handed over to the RSPCA and the police who were trying to find the owner. 

Photo: Firefighters release cow stuck on a fence  near Glenfield Hospital, Leicester

Traffic chiefs appeal for motorists to drive carefully in the snow

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Traffic chiefs and police have appealed to drivers to take extra care on the roads tonight after snow hit the county.

Tailbacks formed and traffic was very slow moving across Leicestershire and Rutland as snow fell in the early evening.

At one point, there was a long tailback on the A50 at the junction 22 with the M1 at Markfield.

Some traffic appeared to be having trouble getting onto the M1 northbound at that junction.

A spokesman for Area Traffic control said: "There have been delays because of the snow.

"We would urge people to drive to suit the weather.

"People should slow down and leave longer for each journey in the wintry conditions. If you don't need to go out, don't."

A police spokesman said: "We would echo the advice of Area Traffic Control and ask drivers to slow down and drive more carefully and be patient."

Traffic chiefs appeal for motorists to drive carefully in the snow

New treatment could lead to breakthrough in stroke treatment

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A Groby grandfather has made stepped into the medical history books at the city's Glenfield Hospital.

John Parker, 81, has had a special "umbrella" type device inserted into his heart to stop clots forming and causing a stroke.

If it is successful it could pave the way for patients to come off the blood thinning drug warfarin which can cause a number of side effects.

Glenfield Hospital is one of just 10 centres nationally chosen to evaluate the procedure.

Mr Parker was the first to have the procedure on November 26 when the device - known as the Watchman device - was implanted by consultant cardiologist Dr Jan Kovak.

The jelly fish like device is inserted by a catheter through the groin and into the heart.

Mr Parker said: "We are very lucky to have someone so expert in this field in Leicester.

"It took me by surprise when I was told I was the first person to have this procedure, but I just didn't have any other option."

Mr Parker, who has three children and three grand children, was first prescribed warfarin in 2008 for atrial fibrilation - irregular heartbeat - to guard against blood clots forming and causing a stroke.

He said: "The problem was that I kept having nose bleeds.

"It must have happened about 50 times and on occasion my nose would just bleed and bleed.

"It didn't matter what you were doing they would just suddenly start and I found it really difficult to cope.

"Sometimes it was so bad that I would have to have it cauterised - there was nothing else which could be done."

Mr Parker added: "Dr Kovac told me about the Watchman device but it has been a long process to get the funding approved."

All appears to be going well but Mr Parker will not know until a further test on January 7 how the new device has settle down.

He said: "At the moment I am still on the warfarin but it is looking positive.

"I am extremely grateful to everyone who has made this possible and I hope it will lead the way in a lot of other patients being able to have this procedure."

Dr Kovac, a consultant cardiologist at Glenfield Hospital said: "There is great potential for preventing strokes and saving many patients' lives.

"Strokes are also very expensive to treat medically and in the community.

"For some patients taking warfarin puts them between a rock and a hard place - they need to reduce the risk of stroke but it can cause severe bleeding."

The cost of the device is about £5,000.

Dr Kovac said: "It's not cheap but if it can help prevent patients having strokes it is a good thing.

"Mr Parker is the first of 15 patients to have this procedure by the end of March and the following year we are planning to do about 40 procedures.

"It is a very good start. Glenfield is very privileged to have one of the centres chosen for this evaluation.

"It is good for our patients and it is another feather in our cap."

Trudie Lobban, chief executive of the Atrial Fibrillation Association, said: "This is excellent news for patients who cannot be anticoagulated with medication and therefore are at very increased risk for stroke. We hope this innovative treatment will soon be available to all patients who need it and will benefit from it as AF-related strokes are often more devastating than other types of strokes. This treatment option will not only improve the quality of life of patients suffering with AF but could reduce the economic burden on the NHS."

New treatment could lead to breakthrough in stroke treatment

Police eBay shop sells crooks' possessions for £270,000

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Leicestershire's Police's eBay 'shop' has generated more than £270,000 in the past year by selling goods seized from criminals. The force has auctioned sports cars, computers and designer jewellery and clothing which, courts had established, had been paid for with criminal cash. Many of the items were confiscated thanks to tip-offs from the public, who became suspicious of people who were living the high life despite having no obvious legitimate income. Some buyers have bought high-powered cars for tens of thousands of pounds, others designer jewellery for hundreds, while others have snapped up DVDs. The force reported this week that the total value of the sales since January was £273,247. The Leicestershire force was the first in the UK to use eBay to sell seized criminal assets. It opened the shop in September 2009 and the total raised since then is more than £1.2 million. In the past year, it has sold an Aston Martin DB9 car for £63,000, an Audi A5 for £29,500 and a Range Rover for £15,500 and a Mercedes car for £7,751. A Rolex watch sold for more than £13,000 while a Frank Sinatra autograph was bought for £260. Paul Wenlock, the head of Leicestershire Police's economic crime unit, said the site had been a "huge success". He said: "The site is also a daily reminder we will take civil as well as criminal action to ensure criminals do not benefit from their crimes. "In some cases, we have been able to seize goods and sell them where we have not managed to secure a criminal conviction. "All the money the site generates goes back to fund crime-fighting work. "Often the inquiry starts from information from members of the public. "If you know anyone who appears to be living a lifestyle beyond their visible means, we would like to know. We can take both civil and criminal action to be sure they do not benefit from these activities." Everything the force has sold had been seized and formally confiscated by the courts under the Proceeds of Crime Act after officers proved they were bought with criminal cash. The cash is used to fund further crime-fighting, while some is donated to good causes, including organisations which support victims of crime. The police's eBay seller rating – which reflects its customers' satisfaction levels – is 99.8 per cent. That means almost all of the people who have bought items from the force have been happy with their experience. The force uses eBay to sell other items in its possession. It made £39,209 by selling surplus police equipment and £24,050 on unclaimed lost property. Contact Leicestershire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police eBay shop sells crooks' possessions for £270,000

Campaigners win fight to keep Oadby urgent care centre

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Campaigners are celebrating after health officials announced that the urgent care centre in Oadby is to stay.

There had been fears that the centre might move to Wigston when East Leicestershire and Rutland clinical commissioning group (CCG) took responsibility for it in April next year.

However, following a public consultation and a petition to keep the centre in Oadby bosses have agreed.

They have also announced that opening hours for the centre will remain from 8am-8pm during the weekend and over Bank holidays.

However, it will be open longer, from 8am-9pm, during the week.

The preferred bidder for the contract to run the service is Northern Doctors Urgent Care.

The value of the contract is approximately £1.8 million a year for three years with the option of extending for a further two years.

Tim Sacks, chief operating officer for East Leicestershire and Rutland CCG said: "During and after our public consultation we had a lot of feedback about the proposed new opening times for the urgent care centre in Oadby and Wigston.

"We've listened to what people said and looked at updated usage figures for the centre.

"As a result we are pleased to confirm that the centre will open 8am-8pm on weekends and bank holidays instead of the hours of 9am-7pm as we had proposed.

"We really value the feedback we get from local people and will continue to listen as we work towards the launch of the new service on April 1, 2015."

He added: "We are confident we have selected the best organisation to supply the urgent care service to our region.

"Northern Doctors Urgent Care demonstrated a number of ideas that were both innovative and practical which they had implemented in other areas where it provides services."

Zuffar Haq, a member of the Leicester Mercury Patients' Panel, campaigned to keep the centre in Oadby and for opening hours not to be cut.

He said: "I have been really impressed by the manner in which the CCG has listened and sensibly discussed both location and medical provision at the Oadby centre and now agreeing to the change in opening hours.

"It is fantastic news."

He added: "This walk in centre is vital for providing around 34,000 patients a year with out of hours care.

"I would like to see the Merlyn Vaz and Loughborough centre more widely advertised."

Anne Bond, from Oadby, who gathered a petition of more than 2,000 signatures to keep the centre in Oadby, said she was pleased it was now staying.

Northern Doctors Urgent Care is part of the Vocare Group which provides services in Staffordshire, Bath and North East Somerset.

John Harrison, chief executive of Northern Doctors Urgent Care, said: "We are delighted that we have been chosen as the preferred bidder.

"Our focus is to improve access to urgent healthcare for minor injuries and illnesses."

The urgent care service will also see all 33 GP practices providing minor injury and illness care.

In addition the urgent care centres in Melton, Oakham and Market Harborough will open 5-9pm. Monday to Friday and 9am-7pm at weekends and on Bank holidays.

Campaigners win fight to keep Oadby urgent care centre

EuroMillions Boxing Day results 2014: are you a winner?

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Draw details for Fri 26 Dec 2014

Jackpot: £19,781,351

BALL NUMBERS

  1. 17 
  2. 26
  3. 27
  4. 45
  5. 49

LUCKY STARS

  1. 02
  2. 03

There were also 10 UK Millionaire Maker prizes of £1 million and a Northern Lights luxury trip.

PRIZE BREAKDOWN

Match 5 + 2 Stars: 1 Prize per UK winner: £0.00

Match 5 + 1 Star: 11 Prize per UK winner: £0.00

Match 5: 15 Prize per UK winner: £24,683.80

Match 4 + 2 Stars: 35 Prize per UK winner: £5,289.30

Match 4 + 1 Star: 1,045 Prize per UK winner: £155

Match 4: 1,738 Prize per UK winner: £93.20

Match 3 + 2 Stars: 2,196 Prize per UK winner: £52.60

Match 2 + 2 Stars: 32,804 Prize per UK winner: £16.20

Match 3 + 1 Star: 45,631 Prize per UK winner: £11.10

Match 3: 84,049 Prize per UK winner: £10

Match 1 + 2 Stars: 178,200 Prize per UK winner: £8.40

Match 2 + 1 Star: 730,726 Prize per UK winner: £5.50

Match 2: 1,312,313 Prize per UK winner: £3.10

  • 0 UK Jackpot winners
  • Jackpot winning ticket purchased from Belgium

EuroMillions Boxing Day results 2014: are you a winner?


Husband of Melton mother Lynda Wade, one of two people killed in Christmas Day crash, pays tribute to his 'beautiful and wonderful' wife

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The husband of Leicestershire woman Lynda Wade, who was killed in a car crash on Christmas Day morning, has paid a moving tribute to his 'beautiful and wonderful' wife.

Trevor Wade's 48-year-old wife Lynda was driving along the A606 Oakham Road, near Langham, in Rutland, shortly before 9am on Christmas Day when her car and another vehicle were involved in a collision. Mrs Wade, of Melton, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the other car, Mark Price, 51, of Rothley, was also pronounced dead at the scene.

Police have not released any information about the circumstances surrounding the crash. They are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

In a message posted online, Mr Wade paid a moving tribute to his wife on behalf of himself and the couple's children, Laura and Ryan.

He wrote: "To my beautiful and wonderful wife, it is so heart breaking that we have lost you in a car crash at Christmas. You were a fantastic wife, sister, daughter and friend to so many. RIP You will never be replaceable love Trev, Laura & Ryan xxxx"

Shocked family friends also paid tributes online to Mrs Wade, describing her as a "wonderful lady" and a "fantastic woman".

One of the many tributes read: "She loved and raised an amazing family that she will always be part of she will watch over you all xxxx"

Mrs Wade was the managing director of first aid training company and family business PSE Plus.

Police said that both Mrs Wade and Mr Price were travelling alone at the time of the crash. No other vehicles were involved.

The road, which links Oakham and Melton, was closed for several hours on Christmas Day as officers examined the scene.

Police have urged anyone with any information to come forward.

Peter Duncan, county councillor for the Langham area, said: "It's a most awful tragedy to happen on Christmas morning.

"In one way or another, a tragedy like this affects so many people.

"There will be a very real sense of shock at this news."

Jeanne Douglas, Melton borough councillor for the Craven ward, the area where Ms Wade lived, said: "It is just a terrible thing, my thoughts go out to the family.

"What a terrible shock, you just can't believe it at Christmas.

"I can't imagine what her family are going through, it is really sad. I hope they are bearing up.

"Every Christmas from here onwards we will think of her no doubt."

Leicestershire Police has urged anyone who saw the incident or the vehicles beforehand to contact its serious collision investigation unit.

Mr Price was driving a Toyota Auris and Ms Wade was driving a Ford C-Max.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said: "Officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the collision."

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Constable Pete Davies, who is conducting the investigation, on 101.

Husband of Melton mother Lynda Wade, one of two people killed in Christmas Day crash, pays tribute to his 'beautiful and wonderful' wife

Snow and sleet bring chaos to roads in Leicestershire and Rutland - and more freezing weather is to come

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Snow and sleet brought chaos to roads in parts of Leicestershire and Rutland on Boxing Day evening.

Police received 28 weather-related calls between 6.30pm and midnight on December 26, with some drivers stuck in cars on snowy roads.

This morning, however, the snow gave youngsters the opportunity to have some fun, with many taking to the hills with their sledges.

Problems faced by motorists on Boxing day evening included vehicles struggling to get up the slip road onto the northbound carriageway of the M1 from the A50 at Markfield because of heavy snow.

Driving snow dramatically reduced visibility for motorists heading north through Leicestershire on the M1 from about 6pm, and lane markings were obscured by fallen snow, making progress especially hazardous. Most drivers stayed in the inside lane, where the speed was a steady 25mph through the county.

Blizzard conditions on the A47 between Houghton-on-the Hill and Uppingham caused drivers many problems. A tailback formed on the A47 between Houghton-on-the Hill and Tugby as vehicles struggled to get up hills on the city-bound carriageway at about 8pm.

A Met Office spokesman said that up to 8cm of snow had fallen in some parts of the county. However, the city remained largely unaffected. Leicester had a dusting of snow at about 6pm, but that quickly disappeared, leaving no indication of the chaos that was affecting more northerly parts of the county.

A Leicestershire Police spokeswoman said the force had received a call to a car stuck on the A47, near the junction with the road to Belton in Rutland, at about 7pm.

She said: "It was man stuck in the car in the snow. He had children with him and was worried about getting home.

"We attended and helped him get on his way again."

Mercury journalist Adrian Troughton encountered problems as he drove home along the A47 between Leicester and Uppingham at about 8pm.

He said: "There were cars with their hazard lights on all along the road.

"There were cars that could not make it up some of the hills.

"People were getting out and helping push the vehicles which were stuck in the snow. It was a pretty chaotic scene."

The police were again called out to help when two cars got stuck in snow at 10pm on the A607 at Thorpe Arnold near Melton.

The spokeswoman said: "There were a lot of problems on the road which were caused by the snow and sleet.

"We also had calls to anti-social behaviour with people throwing snowballs at house windows in Loughborough and Leicester."

A driver travelling from Leicester to Derbyshire on Boxing Day eve was among those caught up in the chaos on the M1 in Leicestershire.

She said: "I joined the northbound carriageway of the M1 at Fosse Park just after 6pm. Driving to the junction had been problem-free - there was no snow, just a bit of rain.

"But on the motorway, things changed almost immediately. The conditions were appalling. The lane markings were obscured by thick, slushy snow. Heavy falling snow battered the windscreen constantly. Most drivers stayed in the slow lane, where the speed never went above 25mph.

"Further north in Leicestershire, I could see drivers were having a problem negotiating sliproads onto the carriageway because of the thick snow.

"Unfortunately, it was a journey I had to make, so I battled on to my destination in Derbyshire, where things were even worse. Very heavy snowfall had made some roads impassable.

"Some drivers were simply stuck with their car's wheels spinning as they tried to get up hills or sliproads.

"Many drivers were stuck at the side of the road with their hazards on, presumably either having broken down or simply given up.

"On my way back to Leicester that evening, a lane on the M1 was cordoned off as police dealt with a car which appeared to have spun round in the slush and ice.

"I was astonished to see, when I got back into the city at about 11pm, that there was hardly a trace of snow in the city.

"You had to see the weather in the north of the county to believe it."

Simon Partridge, a Met office forecaster, said Leicestershire and Rutland were on the edge of the weather system where the warm air met the cold air.

He said: "These counties were on the southern edge of the deep low pressure system.

"Below that line was just rain, above it was snow."

He said the worst of the snow had now hit the county, but that it would get much colder over the next few days.

He said: "From Sunday the temperatures will drop - and people will feel it.

"It will be cold with maximum temperatures at about 2 deg C through the day and we might see temperatures drop to as low as -8 deg C at night."

Andy Hargreaves, who lives in Long Whatton, near Kegworth, was out clearing the snow from his driveway this morning.

He said: "It started snowing at about 6pm yesterday and was still snowing at midnight. When we got up there were a good couple of inches.

"I am clearing it away so I can give my father a lift home after he has been with us for the Christmas break."

It was not all bad news however, as some people used the snow to get in a spot of sledging.

Mum Danielle Leigh, of Shepshed, took her daughter Kimi, seven, and eight-year-old Brooke out into the fields.

She said: "It was Kimi's birthday on Christmas day and one of her wishes, as it is every year, was for snow.

"She is absolutely delighted that we have had snow as we didn't get any last year.

"We all went out to a field off Tickow Lane with the sledges and had a great time. It was brilliant."

Snow and sleet bring chaos to roads in Leicestershire and Rutland - and more freezing weather is to come

Hundreds of shoppers queue from 5am for bargains in Leicester city centre sales

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Hundreds of bargain hunters braved the cold from 5am to among the first in line at the annual Fenwick's sale in Leicester today.

About 700 people were queuing along Market Street, down Belvoir Street and into Bowling Green Street before the store opened its doors at 8am.

Shoppers also headed to Highcross where John Lewis was launching its clearance sale with big discounts on offer.

Richard and Karen Moseley, from Groby, went away happy after taking up their position in the queue outside Fenwick's at about 6am.

Mr Moseley, 50, said: "We saw and advert in the Mercury about a bed sale and we wanted a new double bed so we can give our old one to our son.

"We got here nice and early and got a £899 double bed for just £134. It was worth getting out of bed for."

Alison Lockton, of Desford, made her annual pilgrimage to the Fenwick's sale to add to her collection of Waterford crystal.

She said: "I got a photo frame that should have been £100 for £40.

"In all I spent about £200 on various items and saved about £150. It is fabulous."

Chris Navarro was able to rest easy after grabbing a duvet and two pillows in the sale.

Mr Navarro, of Clarendon Park, said: "I got a quality duvet and two duck and down pillows for £54 and they should have been £120 all in.

"I am very pleased with my savings. I am going to the races so that money will come in handy."

Simla Devi, from Rushey Mead, had queued early to stock up on aftershave presentation packs for birthdays.

She said: "I have spent £100 on gift sets for male relatives in the family.

"I have saved more than £100 on them and got good names like DKNY and Paco Rabanne."

Across the city James Whitty was happy after investing in a couple of pairs of cut-price jeans from John Lewis.

Mr Whitty, 42, of Thurnby, said: "I heard there was a sale and just had a wander round.

"I saw these Diesel jeans. I paid £80 for two pairs and saved myself £96. I am very happy with that."

Martin Benn and Amy Powell, of Wigston, were at the John Lewis sale with their three children Morgan, nine, Tilly, six and four-year-old Hattie.

Mr Benn said: "We have saved about £30 on towels and face cloths and a pan but we are here for the children.

"They all have vouchers and they are desperate to see what they can spend them on."

Hundreds of shoppers queue from 5am for bargains in Leicester city centre sales

Leicester Tigers squad hit by late withdrawals at Sale

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Leicester Tigers were forced to make two late changes to their squad for the Aviva Premiership trip to Sale Sharks.

Defensive lynchpin Anthony Allen and line-out caller Graham Kitchener were both pulled out of the starting XV before kick-off.

Fijian international Seremaia Bai replaced Allen to form a fascinating centre pairing with fellow Fijian, Niki Goneva.

While Sebastian De Chaves came into the line-up for Kitchener.

On the bench, Adam Thompstone replaced Bai and new signing Greg Peterson, an American international, came in for a possible debut to replace De Chaves.

The changes meant seventh-placed Tigers would start against an in-form Sale side with eight changes from the team that lost at Northampton last weekend.

The home side's AJ Bell Stadium was heading towards its first ever sell out in the three years that Sale have been based there.

Leicester Tigers squad hit by late withdrawals at Sale

Driver taken to hospital after being freed from car by firefighters on A1 near Stretton

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A driver was taken to hospital today after being released from the wreckage of his car by firefighters.

The man was freed from his car after his vehicle had left the northbound carriageway of the A1 near the junction with the B668 for Stretton this morning.

Fire crews from Oakham and Stamford in Lincolnshire were called to the incident at 10.33am.

The man was taken to Peterborough City Hospital by a paramedic.

No other vehicle was involved in the incident.

Driver taken to hospital after being freed from car by firefighters on A1 near Stretton

Premier League predictions - with European Tour golfer Jason Palmer

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What is the score going to be when Leicester City travel to Hull tomorrow in what is a crucial battle in the Premier League survival race? 

That's the question we are asking Mercury sports writer James Sharpe, who gives his prediction and also casts his eye over the weekend's action.

It's 3pts for getting the correct score and just 1pt for only getting the right result.

Every week, we are inviting a guest to go up against him. This week, the challenger is European Tour golfer Jason Palmer.

The Kirby Muxloe professional, who famously chips one-handed, is a lifelong Leicester City fan and is backing Nigel Pearson's men to start turning their form around at the KC Stadium tomorrow.

Last week, Sharpe came out on top against Leicester Tigers club captain Ed Slater. The full results will be published at the bottom of the page shortly.

Premier LeagueScoreSharpePalmer
SUNDAY
Spurs v Man Utdx-x1-21-2
Southampton v Chelseax-x0-20-1
Aston Villa v Sunderlandx-x1-12-0
Hull v Leicesterx-x2-21-2
Man City v Burnleyx-x3-04-0
QPR v C Palacex-x2-03-1
Stoke v West Bromx-x2-11-1
West Ham v Arsenalx-x1-12-1
Newcastle v Evertonx-x1-21-2
MONDAY
Liverpool v Swanseax-x1-12-0

Hull v Leicester City KC Stadium, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: I am still not quite sure how Leicester didn't get anything from yesterday's game against Spurs. City were on top for large periods, created so many chances, but somehow failed to take them. A combination of the woodwork and Hugo Lloris had much to do with that. Then, as has happened on so many occasions recently, they got punished for their mistakes at the back. The result makes tomorrow's game even more massive. If City lose, it will put them nine points behind Hull and at least seven points adrift of safety. Hull picked up a huge victory at Sunderland yesterday, which ended a run almost as bad as Leicester's. That will give them a huge confidence boost at just the wrong time for Leicester. But if City can replicate the performance they did yesterday, I honestly do believe they can get something from the game.

Sharpe's prediction: 2-2

Palmer says: 1-2


Tottenham v Man Utd White Hart Lane, Sunday, 12pm

Verdict: Even Mauricio Pochettino admitted his side needed a bit of luck to get the better of Leicester yesterday. But they also have two players in Christian Eriksen and Harry Kane who, time and time again, drag their side out of trouble. City, though, created so many chances against Spurs' suspect defence so I expect Wayne Rooney, Robin van Persie and co will have even more joy.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-2

Palmer says: 1-2


Southampton v Chelsea St Mary's Stadium, Sunday, 2.05pm

Verdict: After a recent slump, losing five games on the trot, Ronald Koeman's side is back in form with back-to-back victories, with comfortable performances against Everton and Crystal Palace. They face their toughest test of the season tomorrow though against the league leaders, who are showing no signs of letting up their ruthless charge towards the title. Mourinho's men have conceded just one goal in their last seven Premier League games. Another victory here.

Sharpe's prediction: 0-2

Palmer says: 0-1


Aston Villa v Sunderland Villa Park, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: After such a great derby-day win against Newcastle, Sunderland followed it up with a dismal defeat at home to Hull. They really were dreadful. But they have picked up more points on the road this season so will be confident going to an Aston Villa side, who also slipped up against Swansea yesterday. I reckon this could be a tight one.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-1

Palmer says: 2-0


Man City v Burnley Etihad Stadium, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: They may not actually have a striker in their side, but that is not stopping the champions from banging in the goals. Having a fit David Silva back in the side has been so key to their lift in creativity while Yaya Toure is now back to his bullying best. Burnley did pretty well despite their defeat to Liverpool and they will go to Man City with the plan to be resilient, organized and hard to beat. That won't be enough. It's just a question of how many for the champions.

Sharpe's prediction: 3-0

Palmer says: 4-0


QPR v Crystal Palace Loftus Road, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: So, we have had the first managerial casualty of the Premier League season today as Neil Warnock has been relieved of his duties at Crystal Palace. Tim Sherwood is the bookies' favourite to replace him but how Warnock's departure will affect the players, it is yet to be seen. QPR are a fine example of the old adage that winning your home games is key to Premier League survival. In Charlie Austin, too, they have a genuine goalscorer who has already proven he can win games on his own. At home, with Austin in form, against a side in turmoil, this should be a banker home win.

Sharpe's prediction: 2-0

Palmer says: 3-1


Stoke v West Brom Britannia Stadium, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: Stoke took advantage of a really out-of-sorts Everton side on Boxing Day to pick up a superb 1-0 victory. They have not been as impressive at home recently, though, with just one victory in their last five in all competitions at the Britannia. They should fancy their chances against a West Brom side with just one win in their last eight games.

Sharpe's prediction: 2-1

Palmer says: 1-1


West Ham v Arsenal Upton Park, Sunday, 3pm

Verdict: West Ham have surprised everyone this season, and no one ever even contemplated they would be sitting in the Champions League places come Christmas. But even their fine form was not good enough to beat a rampant Chelsea. Arsenal were left hanging on to beat QPR, despite holding a 2-1 lead and Rangers should actually have had a penalty in injury time. The Gunners will be without Olivier Giroud who was sent off for a ridiculously stupid headbutt. But in Alexis Sanchez they have a player of immense quality who lifts the players around him. This will be a really tough test and I think it will be a close game.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-1

Palmer says: 2-1


Newcastle v Everton St James' Park, Sunday, 4.15pm

Verdict: After their earlier lift in form, Newcastle are suffering another poor run of results with four straight defeats in all competitions. Everton, meanwhile, have big problems of their own. They are 13 points worse off than they were at this stage last season. There were even calls on BBC 606 from the odd Everton fan saying they would get rid of Roberto Martinez. That's ridiculous. Everton have some injury concerns, with Tim Howard, Phil Jagielka and Kevin Mirallas all suffering problems. They should have enough to come through though.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-2

Palmer says: 1-2


Liverpool v Swansea Anfield, Monday,

Verdict: Liverpool only just sneaked past Burnley in their Boxing Day victory and are still desperate for the return of Daniel Sturridge. Their form at Anfield has been anything but impressive recently with three straight draws in all competitions. Swansea have returned to form with back-to-back victories, albeit narrow, over Hull and Aston Villa. This will be a tougher test, though, and I fancy it to be a tight one.

Sharpe's prediction: 1-1

Palmer says: 2-0


Premier League predictions - with European Tour golfer Jason Palmer

PHOTO: Please help police find missing 83-year-old Jack Foster

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Police from Lincolnshire believe a missing 83-year-old man may be in Leicestershire.

Officers searching for Jack Foster believe the pensioner, who went missing four days ago, may have boarded a bus to Bottesford.

Inspector Richard Hammond, from Grantham police station, has appealed to people in the county to be on the look out for Mr Foster.

He said that someone who knows Mr Foster saw him at Grantham bus station.

Insp Hammond said: "That person was on the Long Bennington bus and saw Jack waiting at Stand 5 – from where buses go to Bottesford in Leicestershire – and thought it strange that Jack was not getting on the Long Bennington bus.

"It is not known if Jack caught the Bottesford bus or was just using stand 5 whilst waiting for another bus.

"He could have even returned to Grantham town centre, the trail stops at this point in time."

That sighting was at about 2.35pm on December 23 when Mr Foster was wearing the clothes in the latest photograph.

He was wearing a brown three-quarter length anorak type coat with a hood, what appears to be a green deer stalker hat, dark trousers and brown shoes.

Insp Hammond, who is leading the search for Mr Foster, said: "If Jack has not had shelter for the last four nights since he was last seen – particularly last night when it snowed heavily – we are concerned he possibly could not have survived that weather.

"We have previously asked people living in the north part of Grantham to check their outbuildings and sheds for any trace of someone sheltering there.

"In view of the new information from the bus station, we are now widening our search into Leicestershire and asking our colleagues there, particularly in the Bottesford area to conduct similar searches and enquiries to the ones we have been making."

Mr Foster went to Grantham Hospital on Tuesday 23rd December 23 for treatment to a fractured shoulder.

Due to that and his age he has very limited mobility and tends to shuffle rather than walk.

Insp Hammond said: "He has a distinctive gait and that coupled with the deer stalker hat, long brown anorak type coat anyone seeing him should remember him.

"We need to hear from anyone with any information and we ask them to call 101 and quote Lincolnshire Police Incident number 392 of December 23."

PHOTO: Please help police find missing  83-year-old Jack Foster


Church warden said branch snapped off through weight of snow could have killed someone at St Mary's Church, Melton

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A church warden has said it was lucky nobody was killed when a sixteen foot branch fell off a tree in a graveyard.

Ian Neale said the branch fell off under the weight of snow on Boxing Day in the graveyard at St Mary's Church in Melton.

Mr Neal said: "The church yard is a public right of way so people, use it all the time.

"It is very lucky that no-one was walking through when the branch fell down.

"The branch was so big that if it had hit anyone it would have proved fatal."

Mr Neale said the branch, which had a diameter of two feet at its thickest, fell off at about 8.30pm on December 26.

He said: "I was at home when I got a call.

"A nearby resident called to tell me the branch had fallen down.

"I went to see and then went to the police station to tell them. Not only had the branch fallen down but it had snapped through Christmas lights cables.

"This meant there was the danger of live cables there."

Mr Neale said the police helped sort out the situation. A tree surgeon removed the branch today.

Mr Neale said: "It was also lucky that the branch hit a buttress on the side of the church.

"If it had hit any of the stained glass windows it would have gone straight through and caused a lot of damage.

"As far as I can tell it has not caused any damage to the church."

He said the branch had damaged steel railings outside the church.

St Mary's Church is the largest parish church in Leicestershire, with visible remains dating mainly from the 13th-15th centuries.

The stonework in the lowest section of the tower, which has Norman windows, dates from 1170.

Church warden said branch snapped off through weight of snow  could have killed someone at St Mary's Church, Melton

Match report: Sale Sharks 30 Leicester Tigers 32

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Leicester Tigers overturned a 15-point second-half deficit to secure a 32-30 bonus-point Aviva Premiership win that could be the making of their season.

Flanker Julian Salvi piled over from close range with just 80 seconds left and Owen Williams' conversion put Tigers ahead to complete an astonishing turn around of events.

Sale had played their best rugby of the season and torn the visitors to shreds at times as they opened up a 30-15 lead just four minutes into the second half.

Leicester found some territory and possession though and took the momentum away from the rampant hosts to turn the game on its head.

And tries from Miles Benjamin and Salvi made for a thrilling finish that took the visitors, momentarily at least, up to fourth place in the Aviva Premiership table.

Leicester made a dreadful start and were 5-0 down within the opening three minutes.

Ben Youngs' reverse pass went to ground and, as the home side attacked, several tackles were missed as Sale marched down to the line and scrum-half Chris Cusiter dived over in the corner.

Danny Cipriani missed the conversion and his opposite number Freddie Burns did likewise with a penalty at the other end soon after.

Tigers were level on 11 minutes as Leicester showed patience and good handling to rumble through 15 phases to create space for Seremaia Bai – a late inclusion for the injured Ant Allen - to ghost over.

Cipriani kicked Sale 8-5 ahead on 15 minutes only for Tigers to take the lead for the first time as Mat Tait dived over in the corner after quick hands from Ben Youngs at the back of a maul.

Burns made it 12-8 but Tigers' lead lasted only two minutes as they were ripped apart down the right-hand side and Will Addison sped in. The extras put the home side 15-12 ahead.

Burns leveled it up with his first penalty of the day but Sale scored 10 points in the final 10 minutes of the half.

Dan Cole was pinged on 36 minutes and Cipriani made it 18-15 and then Jamie Gibson – who had been superb for his team in the opening half – was sin-binned for a ruck offence near his own line.

Sale made the most of their man advantage and Nathan Hines barged over for his team's third try. Cipriani kicked the Sharks 25-15 ahead on the whistle and it was no more than they deserved going into the break.

Things got worse for Leicester after the interval as Sam Tuitupou picked up a ball at a ruck and ran down the blindside untouched for his side's fourth and bonus-point try.

Gibson returned to the fray from the sin-bin and Tigers changed the whole of their front row as they looked to overturn a 15-point deficit in 30 remaining minutes.

The shake-up seemed to do Leicester good and they began to get more ball and territory.

Their third try came on 56 minutes as Miles Benjamin dived over in the corner to complete a stunning finish and Burns whacked over another conversion from a tough angle.

When Tigers went through a dozen phases, won a penalty and Owen Williams kicked it through the posts, there was just five points in it at 30-25 with nine minutes to go.

Leicester were now well on top and had completely stolen the momentum from a Sale side that had been starved of possession and were beginning to tire.

Winger Will Addison was sin-binned with five minutes to go for a professional foul at a ruck and Tigers won two penalties to set up a five-metre line-out.

Their initial attempts to drive it over failed but they re-grouped and a series of close-quarter carries ended with flanker Julian Salvi being pushed over to level the scores at 30-30.

Williams knocked over a simple conversion with 45 seconds on the clock but Cipriani chipped a delicate re-start in just the right place and Sale grabbed it.

They went through 10 phases trying to set up a drop goal but a knock-on ended the game and Tigers had grabbed an astonishing victory to the delight of a noisy away following.

Match report: Sale Sharks 30 Leicester Tigers 32

Hull 0 Leicester City 1 - as it happened: Premier League winless run ends with dramatic rear-guard action

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Leicester City ended their 13-game winless streak in the Premier League in dramatic fashion with a thrilling 1-0 victory at Hull.

Nigel Pearson's men were hanging on for dear life in the final stages at the KC Stadium as Hull had chance after chance to equalise, after Riyad Mahrez had opened the scoring in the first half.

It was a sublime strike from the Algeria international, who beat two players before curling a left-footed shot into the corner of the net.

Both sides were reduced to 10 men late on as Paul Konchesky was shown a second yellow card for a foul on Jake Livermore before Stephen Quinn was shown a straight red for a handball as the last defender.

Danny Simpson and Marcin Wasilewski both made goal-line blocks while Hull hit the post twice late on, while Nikica Jelavic missed two great chances from close range.

The result sees City stay bottom of the Premier League but move to just three points from safety.

Here is how the action unfolded:

Live Blog Hull v Leicester City - Premier League LIVE!

 

Hull 0 Leicester City 1 - as it happened: Premier League winless run ends with dramatic rear-guard action

Search for volunteer special constables launched by Leicestershire Police

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Police hope to recruit more than 100 new volunteer special constables to patrol the streets of Leicestershire. The force currently employs approximately 270 specials, who are involved in a range of policing roles, but hopes to swell the ranks to 400. Specials give their time freely to help the fight against crime and have all the powers of regular officers, wear the same uniform and carry the same equipment. However, they combine their unpaid roles as police officers with family life, full-time jobs or studies. Leicestershire Police is organising a series of recruitment events in the coming months for those who are interested in joining up. The force is losing millions of pounds from its budget as a result of public spending cuts and now employs several hundred fewer police officers than it did before the spending reductions were introduced. Sir Clive Loader, Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "Specials are a real asset to Leicestershire Police. I'm extremely grateful of the time they give to keeping communities safe and I fully support the recruitment of further officers." A number of Leicestershire officers began their careers as specials, including Chief Inspector Martyn Ball, who is now one of the most senior officers in the city. He previously told the Mercury: "My dad was a police officer in Leicestershire for 30 years and my grandfather was in the Royal Military Police. "All I ever wanted to be was a police officer. I became a special constable when I was at university in Leicester. "It gave another dimension to being a student and it gave me a head start in my career." Two forthcoming recruitment seminars for prospective officers are being held at the force's headquarters in Enderby. One will take place on Wednesday, (JAN 7) and the other on Tuesday, February 10. Both events will begin at 6pm and are expected to last up to two hours. For further information about the Special Constabulary, go to: www.leics.police.uk or call 0300 330 1330.

Search for volunteer special constables launched by Leicestershire Police

National Lottery results, winning Lotto raffle ticket numbers and prize breakdown for Saturday, December 27

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Here are the National Lottery results and prize breakdown for the draw on Saturday, December 27:

BALL NUMBERS

  1. 11
  2. 23
  3. 28
  4. 30
  5. 32
  6. 46

BONUS BALL

  1. 49

PRIZE BREAKDOWN

Match 6: 0

Match 5 + Bonus: 5 Prize per winner: £66,314

Match 5: 218 Prize per winner: £1,291

Match 4: 12,996 Prize per winner: £114

Match 3: 250,660 Prize per winner: £25

There were also 50 LOTTO RAFFLE winners, who each get £20,000.

The winning tickets are:

    • AQUA 1257 5257
    • AQUA 2543 1246
    • AQUA 4742 6847
    • AQUA 6467 2903
    • AQUA 6570 2680
    • AQUA 7755 7238
    • AQUA 7782 5691
      • BLUE 0714 8602
      • BLUE 2249 7807
      • BLUE 3436 3426
      • BLUE 3835 7463
      • BLUE 4487 0446
      • BLUE 5708 1059
      • BLUE 8069 6503
        • GOLD 3270 7157
        • GOLD 6290 3305
        • GOLD 6624 9420
        • GOLD 8897 2470
          • GREY 3757 5338
          • GREY 7479 1692
            • JADE 0939 2516
            • JADE 7039 2239
            • JADE 7063 0219
            • JADE 7894 7896
            • JADE 8071 8336
              • LIME 3780 9664
              • LIME 7367 6770
                • NAVY 2801 5150
                • NAVY 2904 9496
                • NAVY 5251 9601
                • NAVY 7659 0535
                  • PINK 2144 3331
                  • PINK 2480 5512
                  • PINK 3359 3666
                  • PINK 4198 5190
                  • PINK 9092 9007
                    • PLUM 4990 4292
                    • PLUM 6349 5982
                    • PLUM 7987 3558
                      • ROSE 0249 8376
                      • ROSE 0448 9094
                      • ROSE 7036 0465
                      • ROSE 8183 1678
                        • RUBY 0854 7068
                        • RUBY 1616 0788
                        • RUBY 2259 6450
                        • RUBY 8891 6233
                          • TEAL 2863 5366
                          • TEAL 3202 0049
                          • TEAL 3711 4404

National Lottery results, winning Lotto raffle ticket numbers and prize breakdown for Saturday, December 27

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