When the current Chief Constable David Sandall was in the vicinity of a local football match in Burbage earlier this year, he didn’t expect to be apprehending a knife wielding teenager. But that’s exactly what happened during the afternoon of Sunday 22 March. The match was just ending when a 17-year-old boy who was playing was approached by a player from the opposition team and slapped across the face. Chief Constable David Sandall The victim sustained a cut to his lip and swelling to the face. Shortly afterwards another teenager came onto the pitch and pulled out a ‘Rambo’ style knife, he was seen to be making swinging motions with the knife towards the victim. As soon as T/CC Sandall saw what was happening, he ran across the pitch and shouted at the suspect to drop the knife and made him aware he was a police officer, he then proceeded to chase the suspect still holding the very large knife out of the ground. T/CC Sandall pursued the suspect with the assistance of some other members of the public, including his father, a retired police officer. He contacted the Contact Management Department and relayed the incident to them as he was running through Burbage. Shortly afterwards T/CC Sandall arrested the suspect, who had dropped the large knife nearby, but was found in possession of a further smaller knife and detained him with his father until officers arrived at the scene. When a knife-wielding teenager entered a football pitch in Burbage, T/Chief Constable David Sandall acted immediately. Following an investigation two 17-year-old youths, who can’t be named for legal reasons, were charged. At a hearing yesterday (Monday 27 July) at Leicester Youth Court the defendant carrying the knife pleaded guilty to threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place. He was sentenced to a Youth Referral Order for 12 months and he will be the subject of a restraining order for 12 months. He was also issued with a depravation order for the zombie style knife and ordered to pay costs. The second defendant pleaded guilty to common assault by beating. He will also be the subject of a restraining order for 12 months, a Youth Referral Order for four months and ordered to pay compensation. Speaking after the case concluded T/CC Sandall said: “This incident could have had far worse consequences and luckily no one was more seriously injured. I know that many police officers in Leicestershire and up and down the country, on or off duty, would have also intervened and placed themselves in a position to protect the young people and children on the park. “It is the brave members of the public that helped give chase and protect others, without a thought for their own safety that deserve our real thanks. For them to step forward to help prevent people being harmed and protect the young people was extremely brave. “This was a traumatic incident for the victim and everyone who witnessed what happened, many were children. “There is no place for knives on our streets, the defendant chose to carry a knife that day and he had no qualms about using it to cause harm and threaten the victim. My hope now is that they can get the support and intervention they need to help prevent them commit future criminal offences that place others and themselves in such danger. “There are always consequences from our actions and I hope this deters them and others from this type of behaviour.” Following the conviction the 17-year-old victim’s mother, said: “Myself and my family would like to sincerely thank the quick thinking of the off-duty police officer, David Sandall, and the wider public whose actions that day were both brave and commendable. Without your intervention we may well have been telling a different story today. We are eternally grateful to you all.” Detective Constable Joe Elliott was the investigating officer, he said: “During the interview with the defendant who was carrying a knife, he denied swinging the weapon at the victim, when confronted with the evidence from several witnesses he refused to comment further. It was down to the weight of evidence from witnesses that the defendants had no choice but to plead guilty. “I reiterate T/Chief Constable Sandall’s comments about the defendants reflecting on their actions and the consequences. This was a serious offence in a public place, which didn’t need to happen. A previous falling out is no excuse to carry a knife, if you carry such a weapon, you have the intention to use it. “The force’s long-standing campaign to deter knife crime, Lives not Knives, continues to be a priority. We remain committed to reducing knife crime offences and aim to deter people from carrying knives and educate them about the dangers of doing so.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 16:05 28/07/2026

A police cordon has been in place since last night on Kamloops Crescent after residents heard a gunshot. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: “Just before 6.30pm yesterday (Monday 27 July) police received report that a firearm was discharged in Kamloops Crescent. No injuries were reported. Following further enquiries, a 26-year-old man was arrested this afternoon (Tuesday) in connection with the incident. He remains in custody and enquiries into the circumstances are continuing.” Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Fraud officers have praised the actions of a taxi driver who helped protect an elderly woman and prevent her suffering further financial loss after she was targeted by fraudsters. More than £3000 had been taken from the woman’s account after she was scammed by someone pretending to be from her bank. Police were first made aware of the incident after receiving a call on Saturday (25 July) from a concerned Uber driver. He had been booked to collect an envelope from a woman in her 80s at her home in Earl Shilton and was to deliver it to an address in London. After leaving the property, the driver suspected the envelope contained the woman’s bank card and that she may have been the victim of fraud. Officers attended the woman’s home and she explained she had received an initial phone call on Wednesday 22 July from a man claiming to be from her bank reporting fraudulent activity on her account. Over the next few days, the same man contacted her multiple times to gain information before informing her that a new bank card was being sent out and her old one was going to be collected to be destroyed. It is thanks to the actions of the Uber driver sent to collect the card, officers were able safeguard the victim and prevent the fraud from escalating further. DC Dan Thorpe, from the force’s specialist Economic Crime Unit (ECU), said: “We would like to thank the driver involved for his vigilance and quick thinking. Although he had been booked to carry out what appeared to be a straightforward collection, he trusted his instincts when something didn't feel right. “While the woman had already lost around £3,000, the driver's intervention allowed us to attend, safeguard a vulnerable victim and prevent what could have been significantly greater financial losses. “The woman explained that she was initially suspicious of the call she received but she became more trusting as the caller was able to provide her with personal information, including her date of birth. “The same person then called her several times over the next few days before arranging for her bank card to be collected. Believing she was speaking to a genuine member of staff from her bank, she did as she was asked and handed the envelope over to the Uber driver.” The incident highlights the important role taxi drivers can play in helping to prevent this type of criminality, known as courier fraud. Officers in the ECU work closely with taxi firms and private hire companies to highlight these type of offences and the signs to look out for as part of Operation Blue Mountain. DC Thorpe added: “Criminals carrying out these types of offences often exploit legitimate taxi and private hire services without the driver's knowledge. This case demonstrates the vital role drivers can play in identifying suspicious circumstances and protecting vulnerable members of our communities. “Typically, the suspect persuades the victim into handing over bank cards or other valuables and tells them they will arrange for a taxi to come and collect the items. “The taxi driver is then told they are collecting an item left at a relative’s address. The victim, having been socially engineered by the scammer, is provided with a cover story and specific wording to ensure consistency when handing over the item. “Unbeknown to the driver, they collect bank cards which are usually prepared by the victim in an envelope, and deliver them to the offender, believing they are simply assisting with a legitimate task. “As part of Operation Blue Mountain, we are working with firms to raise awareness of this type of criminality and we are asking that anyone who is sent to collect a package asks the sender what the item is and whether they have been asked to send it by someone they know personally. “As in this case, any drivers who have concerns are asked to report them to police.” Anyone with suspicions is asked to contact 999 and quote Blue Mountain, providing their taxi registration number, location and destination. Taxi drivers are also being encouraged to raise awareness of these types of offences amongst their everyday elderly or vulnerable passengers and to consider unusual repeat fares to local banks. Family and friends of elderly or vulnerable people are ask to spread the vigilance message and ask people to be mindful of these types of offences and the steps they can take to reduce their chances of falling victim. Further information about courier fraud can be found here - https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/courier-fraud/

What's most important to you? Give your views on our future priorities. Residents, businesses and communities across Leicestershire are being urged to have their say on Leicestershire’s big priorities for the next four years. Leicestershire County Council has launched a consultation which will help shape its plan to 2031, setting out the long-term priorities for the county. The survey asks people what matters most to them, their families, their businesses and their communities. The questions cover a range of themes, from supporting children and families to helping people live independently, keeping communities safe and connected, growing the economy, and making sure the council is efficient and ready for the future. Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council said: "There may be change on the horizon for local government in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, but understanding what’s important to Leicestershire residents has never mattered more. Whatever future structures look like, councils will continue to provide vital services people rely on every day, and we’ll make sure future priorities reflect real needs, hopes and concerns. I want to know what people value, the places they care about and the kind of county they want to live, work and raise a family in. I would encourage everyone to take a few minutes to share their views. Whether you use council services every day, run a business, support your community or simply care about the future of the county, your voice matters. Please take part and help shape Leicestershire’s priorities." The council wants to hear from as many people as possible before the consultation closes on 9 October 2026, so that the final plan is shaped by broad, honest and practical feedback from across the county. The draft plan focuses on four broad outcomes: supporting people to live well and achieve their full potential keeping Leicestershire safe, connected and community-minded building a strong economy with capacity to grow being efficient, responsive and ready for the future Feedback from the consultation will be used to refine the plan before it is considered by the council’s Cabinet and full Council later this year. This consultation runs from Monday 27 July to Friday 9 October 2026 Leicestershire County Council News - Monday, 27 July, 2026

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following a fatal collision in Hamilton this afternoon (Monday 27 July). Police were called to Preston Rise, close to the junction with Cranesbill Road, just before 12.15pm following a report of a collision involving an e-bike, and two other vehicles. The rider of the e-bike, a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the scene. No other injuries were reported and no-one was arrested. The road was reopened around 6.20pm. Officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or who has relevant dashcam footage to contact police. You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ and quoting incident 240 of 27 July. Alternatively you can call 101. Leicestershire Police - Published : 19:53 27/07/2026

Officers are urging a number of people who were in a village park to get in touch after a man was assaulted. During the evening of Friday 10 July, the victim was walking his dog in Little Bowden Recreation Ground in Scotland Road, around 7.50pm when he was involved in a verbal altercation with another dog walker. The victim was then pushed to the ground and kicked, sustaining a broken rib. The suspect has been described as a white man, in his 60s, about 5ft 6ins tall and of medium build, he had strawberry blonde hair which was greying. He was wearing a blue t-shirt, green shorts and cream trainers. He was walking a chocolate brown Labrador dog at the time. We are releasing an image of a man we would like to speak to in connection with the incident – we appreciate it doesn’t show the man facially, but someone may recognise his build or the dog. There were several people in the park at the time of the incident who may have witnessed what happened, officers are urging them to come forward. Anyone with any information is asked to contact PC 515 Charlotte Holyoak on 101 or via www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime number 26*407650. Leicestershire Police - Published: 15:34 27/07/2026

Leicester’s Caribbean Carnival and parade take place this weekend and motorists are being advised there will be some temporary road closures in place. The popular annual event – which will be held on Victoria Park on Saturday 1 August – will include a colourful carnival parade starting at the park from midday, before heading into the city centre and back again. The parade route includes Granville Road, London Road, part of Waterloo Way and St George’s Way, Charles Street and onto Humberstone Gate and Gallowtree Gate, before returning to Victoria Park via Granby Street, Northampton Street and back onto London Road. Rolling road closures will be in place along the parade route from around 12.30pm to 4pm. And temporary parking restrictions will be in place along the route throughout the day, to allow the parade to pass safely. Some city centre bus services will also be using alternative routes during the carnival parade. Affected bus services include: First Bus services 14/14A, 15, 16, 17, 21, and 38/28A; Arriva services 31/31A/X3, 48/49, 84/85/X84/X6, and 87; and Centrebus services 22/22A, 20, LC7 and the Hospital Hopper. The vehicle entrance and exit to Leicester Railway Station will be closed throughout the procession, from around 12pm to 4pm. During this time, drivers and taxis wishing to drop-off and pick up passengers from the station will be diverted to Conduit Street and Glebe Street at the side and back of the station building. The ticketed event on the park will continue until 8pm, with parking and waiting restrictions nearby remaining in place throughout. The event is organised by Leicester Caribbean Community Caribbean Carnival. People can find out more or buy tickets at leicestercarnival.com LCC News - 27th July 2026

Emergency services are currently dealing with a serious Road Traffic collision on Preston Rise in Hamilton. The air ambulance service has landed near the Tesco Petrol station. The road will remain closed for sometime for investigation work to take place. Preston Rise at the junction of Maidenwell Avenue roundabout. This closure extends through Elms farm cottage. Please find alternative routes and updates will follow. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Two men have been jailed for a total of 18 years after posting incriminating videos of themselves on social media. Today (Monday 27 July) at Leicester Crown Court, 20-year-old Richile Vangu was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment plus a three-year extended sentence. Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, 19, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. The pair were each found guilty of a raft of offences on 19 June this year following a trial at the same court. Their crimes came to the attention of police in the early hours of 21 November 2026, when a report was received that a group had attended an open party in North Kilworth which had been advertised on Snapchat. Shortly after arriving, Vangu began threatening attendees with a knife and demanding they handed over designer clothing. He also forced them to transfer money into his bank account and made some of them dance for him, which was filmed on a mobile phone by another man. Some victims were then told to go to an address in Bath Lane in Leicester later that day after telling him they could not transfer money. When they arrived there, Vangu fired a BB gun at them and repeatedly whipped one of the victims with a belt. Some of the group were also punched repeatedly. This too was filmed by one of the group and uploaded to social media. Vangu, known on TikTok as ‘Trixta’, was arrested at an address in London on 27 November. During the ongoing investigation, officers found among those who had been with him were Akinrinola and two others who were then arrested between 3 and 15 December. Following the trial Vangu, of Bowes Road in Southgate, London, was found guilty of: Four counts of robbery relating to the events in North Kilworth. Six counts of blackmail at the same location. Four counts of blackmail at the events in Bath Lane. One count of causing actual bodily harm (ABH) relating to a victim in Bath Lane. He also pleaded guilty to a further count of causing actual bodily harm relating to another victim at a previous hearing. Akinrinola, of Slippers Place in Southwark, London, was found guilty of: Six counts of blackmail at the North Kilworth event. Three counts of the same charge at Bath Lane. Four counts of robbery in North Kilworth. Two counts of causing actual bodily harm to two victims in Bath Lane. Detective Constable Adam Battley, the officer in the case, said: “Vangu was very much the ringleader in both incidents and clearly thought he was above the law. “Thankfully his ego got the better of him and he decided to make sure videos of him committing his crimes were posted on social media – something which was key in securing the pair’s conviction at court. “I hope the victims and the wider public can take some relief that both men have now been locked up.” Two other men, both 19, were arrested and charged with offences in connection with this incident, but were found not guilty on all counts Leicestershire Police - Published: 15:29 27/07/2026

A historically significant Deltic locomotive will return to public passenger service for the first time in nearly 30 years when Great Central Railway welcomes D9015 Tulyar for a special weekend of diesel action on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August. Image Credit: Jason Cross The event, held in partnership with the Deltic Preservation Society (DPS), will see the iconic locomotive hauling passenger trains along the UK’s only double-track heritage main line, marking a major milestone in the preservation of Britain’s diesel railway heritage. Owned by the Deltic Preservation Society, D9015 Tulyar is one of the most historically significant surviving Deltic locomotives. Named after the Aga Khan’s famous racehorse, the locomotive has undergone extensive bodywork and mechanical repairs as part of its long-awaited return to service. The special weekend will give visitors the rare opportunity to see Tulyar back in action, with the locomotive set to cover up to 96 miles on Saturday and 64 miles on Sunday, offering passengers the chance to experience the distinctive sound and power of a Deltic locomotive in full operation. Representatives from the Deltic Preservation Society will also be at the railway throughout the weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the volunteers behind the locomotive’s preservation, find out more about D9015 Tulyar and discover the work involved in protecting an important part of Britain’s railway history for future generations. Great Central Railway’s stations will also be bringing the atmosphere of a classic railway day out, with the on-board Refreshment Car serving real ales, hot and cold drinks, snacks and a selection of beers. At Loughborough Central Station, visitors can enjoy a freshly cooked barbecue, with hot dogs and burgers served with all the toppings. Malcolm Holmes, General Manager at Great Central Railway, said: “The return of D9015 Tulyar to public passenger service is a hugely exciting moment for railway preservation, and we are delighted to be working with the Deltic Preservation Society to welcome this remarkable locomotive to Great Central Railway. “To see Tulyar back on the main line, hauling passenger trains once again after nearly 30 years, is something that will have huge appeal for railway enthusiasts, but this is also a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a memorable day out. “With miles of running across our unique double-track heritage railway, the chance to meet the people who have helped preserve Tulyar and plenty of food and refreshments available, it promises to be a very special weekend.” Whether visitors are dedicated diesel enthusiasts keen to witness Tulyar’s long-awaited return or simply looking for a unique day out, the weekend promises an unforgettable celebration of railway heritage, with one of Britain’s most distinctive locomotives taking centre stage on the Great Central Railway. More information about the railway can be found at www.gcrailway.co.uk

Davey Wilson will take on an epic base to base bike ride to support the lifesaving missions of The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS). The Air Ambulance Service delivers lifesaving care through two vital services. The National Children’s Air Ambulance (NCAA) operates across England, Scotland and Wales, providing specialist transfers for critically ill babies and children. Your Local Air Ambulance (YLAA) brings rapid emergency care to communities across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. Davey is Technical Director at Sloane Helicopters and knows first-hand how vital the charity is to the local community and critically ill babies and children across the UK. Sloane Helicopters has a long and excellent reputation for providing helicopter EMS services and has been providing air ambulance support since 1999. They provide Agusta Westland 109’s for Your Local Air Ambulance and Agusta Westland169’s for the National Children’s Air Ambulance, together with maintenance support and trained air ambulance pilots. On 28 July Davey will begin his challenge at one of the National Children’s Air Ambulance bases in Gamston, cycling across to the charity’s Your Local Air Ambulance base in Nottingham – a total of forty-five miles. The second leg will take him from Nottingham to their second Your Local Air Ambulance base in Coventry, cycling another fifty-two miles. The Coventry location is currently facing closure, and the charity have recently launched the Big Bases Appeal to help secure the future of The Air Ambulance Service and their lifesaving missions. The final stage of this mammoth challenge will take him from Coventry and sixty-seven miles to the other NCAA base in Oxford – completing a total of one hundred and sixty-four miles. This challenge is in support of the charity’s Big Bases Appeal, which aims to build two brand-new, purpose-built operational bases. These new facilities will help ensure the charity can continue providing lifesaving pre-hospital emergency care for years to come. “I have been in aviation for many years, but this is my first time supporting with Air Ambulance charities. Having attended the Big Bases Appeal gala dinner, I was moved by the testimonials during the evening, explaining the fantastic work the charity delivers especially for those most in need such as the children. I really had no choice but to offer my pain for others gain,” said Davey Wilson. Marsha Gold, Capital Appeal Community Stewardship Executive for the charity said: “We would like to wish Davey the best of luck with his super-human challenge, and we are extremely grateful for his support for our lifesaving missions.” “With support just like this our crew and helicopters will remain operational 24/7, 365 days a year, continuing to help save lives” she added. If you’d like to support Davey and help The Air Ambulance Service Big Bases Appeal, you can donate here: https://events.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/fundraisers/daveywilson/davey--s-base-to-base-ride

A large Police presence was spotted at the Lidl store on Gipsy Lane earlier this evening (Sunday 26 July) Eyewitnesses say a man with a large hammer smashed 9 windows along the front of the store. It’s reported that a man has was arrested by Police. We have contacted Leicestershire Police for more details on this incident. There is no reports of any injuries at this time. More to follow. Update Leicestershire Police have confirmed this Morning (27 July) that a man Russell Skinner, 65, of Gipsy Lane has been charged with one count of causing criminal damage to property and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on 10 August. Pictures by Leicester Media Online