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Leicestershire Police is today (Wednesday 26 June 2019), launching a campaign tackling Modern Slavery. Modern Slavery is exploitative behaviour that places one person in control of another. It can affect people of any age, gender or race. However, most commonly, slavery affects people and communities who are vulnerable to being taken advantage of. It is estimated that at any given time, there are 40.3 million modern slavery victims worldwide, therefore Leicestershire Police is proactively looking to address the issue. The force campaign focuses on raising awareness around the key signs of Modern Slavery and what to do if you believe you may be a victim or someone you know is. Long labour hours, chaperoning, lack of personal possessions, malnutrition, and abuse are the main areas identified as part of the #KnowTheSigns tag line, which police hope will alert people to come forward with information surrounding the issue of modern day slavery. Detective Superintendent at Leicestershire Police, Matt Ditcher, said: “It is really important that we address Modern Slavery. Unfortunately, there are people out there who take advantage and exploit other people. Modern Slavery is a very broad topic, but can often be seen in three main areas: labour and employment, human trafficking and sexual exploitation. “We hope that by identifying five, really key signs of Modern Slavery, it will make more people aware of what could be going on around them on a regular basis in day-to-day life. “I would absolutely encourage anybody who thinks that they have spotted the common signs that we have identified as part of Modern Slavery, to come forward and bring it to the attention of the Modern Slavery helpline by calling 0800 121 700 or by reporting online. Police and Crime Commissioner, Lord Willy Bach, added: “It is shocking that in 2019 slavery in any form is still flourishing in this country. We must do everything we can to help those who are being forced into a lifestyle of servile misery for the financial benefit of others. We must encourage those affected to seek support and we must ensure that the public know what to look for and how to report it if they suspect anything is wrong.” Find out more about Modern Slavery. source: Leicestershire Police #knowthesigns #leicesterpolice

The pipes and drums of the Seaforth Highlanders lead the parade through Leicester city centre on Saturday (22 June) to mark the start of National Armed Forces Week. Service personnel, veterans and cadets Joined the parade, after taking part in a special service at Leicester Cathedral that was attended by the Lord Lieutenant, Mike Kapur OBE, the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Cllr Annette Byrne, and the Chairman of the County Council, Pam Posnett. The 400-strong parade set off from Jubilee Square at around 11:40am, making its way along High Street – where the Lord-Lieutenant took the salute, before continuing to the Clock Tower and Gallowtree Gate. Thousands of spectators lined the streets and applauded the Parade on a Beautiful sunny afternoon. Check out our facebook page for more pictures. www.facebook.com/leicestermediaonline

Leicestershire Police approach the third weekend of month long Summer Drink Drug drive campaign. Leicestershire Police have made 63 drink and 8 drug drive arrests, this is considerably more than on the same day in June 2018 when there had been 34 drink and 6 drug arrests: · 44 of the arrest have been in the Leicester conurbation (38 drink/7 drug) along with clusters in these County districts, Charnwood (8 drink), North West Leicestershire (5 drink / 2drug) and Hinckley and Bosworth (6 drink) · 18 of the arrests have been made following an RTC · 14 involved a driver aged 24 or under · 60 of those arrested have been male · One of the highest roadside breath tests has been 124, over three and a half times the legal limit. Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Road Safety Partnership said, “The number of arrests so far this month is already much higher compared to last June and with the approach of another weekend we fully expect this to increase significantly.” “Quite clearly drivers are still not getting our road safety messages, if you choose to drink or drug drive you will get caught. Patrols are operating around the clock, across the Police force area, making arrests in not only Leicester City but also our towns and villages, it is just not worth the risk.” Facebook.com/LLRRoadSafety

In December 2018, inspectors from Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Service (HMICFRS) assessed Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service in three areas – efficiency, effectiveness and people. As part of the assessment they looked into all areas of fire and rescue service work carried out by firefighters and staff at all levels. Today (Thursday 20 June), HMICFRS published the report with their findings. The report has graded Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service in the three areas, and the judgement in these is reported as ‘Requires Improvement’. The Service welcomes the report and recognises that, even though it is graded ‘Requires Improvement’ overall, the service is ‘Good’ in the following areas: Understanding the risk of fire and other emergenciesPreventing fires and other risksResponding to national risksMaking the fire and rescue service affordable now and in the future The report also positively identified that the Service: Has a good understanding of safeguarding responsibilitiesIs the National lead for Virtual RealityPrioritises high risk premises for inspections and takes effective action against those that do not comply with fire safety regulationsIs engaged with mental health training for staff to help recognise those with difficulties supports its staff with good equipment and personal protective clothing. The Service is now in the process of reviewing the report and is looking at how they can address the findings of HMICFRS in the best way, in order to enable them to continue to give the most effective and efficient service to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Rick Taylor, Chief Fire Officer at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “I welcome this report which highlights good practice and identifies areas for us to focus on in order for us to improve as a Service. “We deliver a cost effective, efficient service to the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and this has been tested to good effect by a number of very serious and tragic incidents including the Hinckley Road explosion and the LCFC helicopter crash. “We now look forward to addressing the areas requiring improvement over the coming months and I know our staff will continue to work hard to deliver the service’s purpose of ‘Safer people, Safer places’ within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.” You can view the report in full by visiting leics-fire.gov.uk/HMICFRS

The brother of a man who was left seriously injured after being struck by a car in Humberstone Road, Leicester, has made an appeal for anyone with any information to come forward. Mazoomy Mohamed remains in hospital following the non-stop collision which happened at around 1am on Thursday 30 May. His 15-year-old son, Aakif, who was also struck in the collision sustained a minor injury. Today, Mazoomy’s brother Manaz urged anyone who has any information and has not yet made contact with police to come forward. He made a video appeal with his niece and Mazoomy’s daughter Haala Mohamed, aged eight. He said: “My nephew Aakif sustained minor injuries to his feet. My brother, a father to four young lovely children, is lying in a hospital bed with life-changing injuries. He has undergone six life-saving operations. He is having the seventh one at the moment and the family are providing as much love and support possible to bring him back to good health. “My brother’s life will never be the same again due to the life-threatening injuries he sustained. His children’s life and the family life will be permanently affected. His children want their father back home and we are living in constant fear. His wife is so grief-stricken and distressed that she has no strength to even make this appeal. The whole episode has been heart-breaking and painfully traumatic.” The incident happened near to the junction with Spinney Hill Road. The car, which failed to stop at the scene, is believed to be a three-door blue Seat Leon Cupra. Manaz, who thanked the emergency services for their prompt response to the incident, said: “We humbly make this appeal for any information about the driver of the car or the whereabouts of the car to come forward. The perpetrator is somewhere among us. “Please come forward and help us to find the person who ruined my lovely family’s life. This should not have happened and should not happen to any other human being. We beg anyone with even the smallest amount of information to please come forward and pass on what you know to police.” A 23-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving in connection with the incident. They have both been released under investigation. Enquiries remain ongoing. Detective Constable Michael Archer said: “Manaz and his family are suffering a horrendous time and we are determined to find out who is responsible. “We do believe there are people out there who have information which could help us. If this is you, we urge you to come forward. “Did you witness the incident but have not come forward as you don’t think the information you have is significant? Or did you see the vehicle around the time of the incident? Have you checked any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area at the time? “Or do you think you have seen the vehicle involved? It may have been damaged in the collision and it may have since been abandoned. Has there been a car matching the description parked in your street over the past couple of weeks that wasn’t there before? “If you have any information at all, we urge you to get in touch – it is not too late to do so.” The incident is not being treated as terrorist related and we would ask that people do not speculate about the circumstances while it remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 19 of 30 May.

A 17-year-old man has been arrested after a teenager was stabbed in a Leicester street. The arrest was made today (12th June) in connection with the incident which happened in Linford Street on Thursday 6 June. Police had been called to the street at around 6pm following reports of a small number of men attacking another man in the Belgrave area of the city. It is believed the incident started in Thurcaston Road before the victim, a 17-year-old man, was found with serious injuries in Linford Street. He was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition. The man arrested currently remains in police custody. Enquiries are continuing in relation to the incident and officers are continuing to appeal for information. Two cars believed to be involved in the incident – a white Vauxhall Insignia and a black Renault Clio – were seen heading along Loughborough Road and Belgrave Road after the incident took place and were being driven dangerously. Both vehicles have since been recovered and are being examined by police. It is understood the people involved in the incident are known to each other. Detective Inspector Mark Parish said: “This arrest has been made but the investigation remains very much ongoing. If you have still not spoken to police but have information you think could help us, then please come forward. “This incident happened last Thursday in daylight in a busy area of the city when many people would have been returning home from work. “If you saw or heard anything which caused you concern – or saw the vehicles described – please make contact. Your information could help us. “Similarly, if you have any CCTV or dashcam footage from the area, please check this.” Anyone with information or footage should call 101 quoting incident 534 of 6 June. 🔴 Updated News 13/6/19 Update - man released on bail following stabbing in Linford Street, Leicester.

Leicestershire Police is planning a live question and answer session on Facebook and Instagram to help offer advice and guidance about Child Sexual Exploitation and how to stay safe online. The session will take place from midday until 1pm on Tuesday 18 June and you can join in the conversation on www.facebook.com/leicspolice and www.instagram.com/leicspolice and follow the discussion by using the hashtags #AskBrecksMum and #BrecksLastGame The event follows on from the success of Breck’s Last Game, a four-minute film which tells the tragic story of 14-year-old Breck Bednar who was murdered by a man he met on an online gaming site. Lorin La Fave, Breck’s mother, will be sharing her experiences and answering questions during the live Q&A. She will be joined by Donna Smalley, Service Manager at the Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) hub in Wigston, who will also be on-hand to share professional information and advice. Lorin said: “Breck’s story truly is a ‘life lesson’ every child needs to be aware of to help them stay safer online. I am thrilled with the success of Breck’s Last Game but it is bound to have led to further questions and I am delighted to be given the opportunity to help answer them. “Breck’s precious life could have been saved if he and his support system had received the right education and empowerment. I am always happy to answer questions and offer help to support young people to be able to ‘play virtual, live real’, the Breck Foundation’s motto.” Donna added: “We’d like to hear from anybody who wants to find out more about the warning signs of grooming and CSE and have questions about what to look out for, what to do if you have concerns and where you can go for support. We’d be happy to answer questions from parents and carers who are seeking advice to help them keep their children safe. “Breck’s Last Game was a reminder that grooming online is not confined to girls and we also welcome questions from boys and young men who often suffer in silence rather than seek help, which means they don’t receive any support.” Breck’s Last Game has now been viewed more than 1.8 million times since it was launched online to the public in April. Leicestershire Police collaborated with forces in Northamptonshire, Surrey and Essex to make the film which was produced with the support of Lorin La Fave, who runs the Breck Foundation in memory of her son. It was made to help protect children from online grooming and exploitation. During the Q&A we will be covering the below topics, answering questions and sharing advice on: How to spot the signs of CSE and grooming How to stay safe onlineExploitation among boys and how grooming methods can vary How to get help and support if you’re a CSE survivor or the parent of someone who isAny other, relevant questions. Questions can be submitted live on June 18. You can do this on Facebook by posting your question in the comments section on the Q&A live stream. On Instagram you can post a question or comment on the story as it is being broadcast. However to help guarantee your question is asked, you can submit it early in one of the following ways: By emailing AskBrecksMum@leicestershire.pnn.police.uk By direct message on the force’s Facebook or Instagram account. By posting directly on the comments section of the Ask Breck’s Mum Facebook event, using the hashtag #AskBrecksMum

This Saturday 8th of June sees new wholetime firefighters from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service take part in a ‘Chief’s Challenge’. They did it. Watch the video. Newly appointed firefighters will be attempting to pull a fire engine weighing approximately 18-tonnes through Leicester City Centre, not once, not twice but three times! The challenge will take place in Humberstone Gate at 1pm on Saturday 8 June. The team will then attempt the same challenge again at 2pm and 3pm, with the aim to improve the ‘pull’ each time. At the beginning of their firefighter training, Chief Fire and Rescue Officer Rick Taylor, set a challenge for the new recruits to come up with a charity event. The trainees could choose the event, but they had to raise money for The Fire Fighters Charity, who provide care, support and relief for current, retired and past firefighters. The team are also raising money for the Bodie Hodges Foundation, who support families who have been bereaved of a child of any age and promotes organ donation. Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, Rick Taylor said: “I set the challenge for our newest recruits to raise money for ‘our’ charity; The Fire Fighters Charity. I wanted them to do a challenge that would allow them to grow together, not just as a group but as a team. “I am really pleased they came up with the idea of the fire engine pull and have also decided to raise money for another fantastic cause. “Not only will they be tested physically and mentally in doing this challenge, they will also be showing great team work and commitment. I, along with the rest of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service wish them all the best and we hope that the community will come along and show them support.” Newly appointed wholetime firefighter Jamal Masri, said: “We are currently over half way through our firefighter training and will be joining our stations in July, but this challenge set by the Chief has given us another opportunity to push ourselves and work well as a team. “We would greatly appreciate any support from our communities – either by coming down and supporting us on Saturday or making a donation to our chosen charities.” As well as the Chief’s Challenge, there will be plenty of fun things to do with the family including fire engines to look around, prizes to be won and a chance to talk to Fire Cadets and wholetime firefighters. To find out more about the Chief’s Challenge and to donate, visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/FirefightersEnginePull.

Teenager is fighting for his life after being stabbed last night. Officers are appealing for witnesses after a teenager was found with stab wounds in Linford Street, Leicester. Shortly after 6pm yesterday (6 June) police received reports of a small number of men with knives fighting in the Belgrave area of the city. It is believed the fight started in Thurcaston Road before the victim, a 17-year-old boy, was found with serious injuries in Linford Street. He was taken to hospital and is currently in a critical condition. Two cars believed to be involved in the incident – a white Vauxhall Insignia and a black Renault Clio – were seen heading along Loughborough Road and Belgrave Road after the fight took place and were being driven dangerously. A short time later the Insignia was reported abandoned in Heybridge Road. It has since been recovered by police. Police are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident but from initial work it is believed the people involved in the incident were known to each other. Detective Inspector Mark Parish said: “At the time of the incident we received a number of calls but anyone who may have some information that could assist with our investigation is asked to get in touch. “If you were in the area of Thurcaston Road or Linford Street at around 6pm and saw a fight take place or saw people making off from the area, I would urge you to make contact. “We are also keen to track down any dash cam footage of the cars believed to be involved. They left the area and headed towards the city using two main roads, Loughborough Road and Belgrave Road, at a busy time of day – around 6.05-6.10pm. “Again if you were driving in this area and think you saw the cars and have any dash cam footage please come forward.” A cordon remains in Linford Street while officers continues to examine the scene. Anyone with information or footage is asked to call 101, quoting incident 534 of 6 June. Pictures by Leicester Media © 2019 #LivesNotKnives #LeicPolice

Leicestershire Police and the Road Safety Partnership has today (Tuesday 4 June, 2019) launched a brand new road safety campaign encouraging all road users to respect each other. The initiative known as, ‘Share the Road’ focuses on every type of road user, from rambler and horse rider to motorist and cyclist. It aims to reduce the number of traffic collisions and foster mutual respect among all those who use the roads. PC Shaun Gent, from the Safer Roads Team said: “Now is a good time to launch the campaign because we tend to see a rise in road traffic collisions over June and July as more people are out and about during the lighter evenings and warmer weather. This is very much an educational campaign which is looking to change the way that people behave on the roads, rather than simply punishing people. This will be reflected in our operational work." Lord Willy Bach, Leicestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, added: “Public highways are just that, public. They are there for everyone and we should all respect every road user’s right to travel in safety. This campaign will help to get that message across.” Life size cut outs of every road using community have been created and will be displayed on notoriously dangerous routes. The safer roads team will then assess road behaviours and respond appropriately. The force has joined up with some key partners to help share the messages among road users. Jenny Vincent, Head of Participation at British Triathlon, said: “We are fully supportive of Leicestershire Police and the Road Safety Partnership’s ‘Share the Road’ campaign; echoing their beliefs that the road is for everyone. Many triathlon events take place on open roads across Great Britain and we hope the campaign will support educating more road users, triathletes or otherwise, in how to be more respectful of each other. We hope, in turn, the number of road-related accidents will reduce and we can continue to attract even more participants into our growing sport.” Alan Hiscox, Director of Safety at The British Horse Society, said: “Last year alone, 87 horses and four people were killed on UK roads and 73% of the 845 incidents reported to the British Horse Society occurred due to vehicles passing by too closely. “By collaborating on this new campaign we hope more drivers will be aware that when they are faced with a horse on the road they should slow down to a maximum of 15mph, be patient and ensure they pass the horse wide and slow, before driving slowly away. We also encourage riders to play their part by wearing high visibility clothing at all times and by thanking all road users that pass by safely.” Jim Freeman, chairman of the British Motorcyclists Federation, said: “The BMF welcomes all initiatives that support the rights of vulnerable road user groups. As bike riders, we know what it's like to be ignored by mainstream road users, so we respect those on foot, with four legs and pedals. Equally we realise that the forbearance of those on four or more wheels depends on our respecting the rules and not flouting traffic laws, designed to protect all of us.” Rodney Kumar, spokesman for IAM RoadSmart, the UK’s biggest independent road safety charity, agreed. He said: “The only way we will make sure there are fewer victims on the road is to share it well.” Joe Stanley from the National Farmers Union, urged those using rural roads to “expect the unexpected” and pay attention to farm traffic. Show support for Share the Road by placing one of our campaign car stickers on your window – available from your local police station. For any further information of Leicestershire Police’s Share the Road campaign, please go to: https://www.leics.police.uk/sharetheroad

A teenager has received a nine-year sentence after he stabbed a man following an incident in Melton Mowbray. Michael McCarthy, 18, of Bramley Close, Melton Mowbray, pleaded guilty to wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to the man when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court in May. He also admitted possession of an offensive weapon – namely a knife. Yesterday (3 June), at the same court, he was sentenced to a total of six years detention with a three-year extension period. The incident happened in the area of Shepherd’s Croft, Melton Mowbray, on the morning of Sunday 31 March when McCarthy stabbed the victim in the street. The victim, who was known to the defendant, suffered from multiple stab wounds to his leg, arms and chest. Police were called to the incident by a witness at around 10.30am and McCarthy was arrested near the scene. The man was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries. He has since been discharged. Officer in the case, Police Constable Vik Patel said: “The victim suffered a number of stab wounds and the consequences of this attack could have been far worse. “I am grateful to those that have assisted with this investigation, including the victim of the offence, which has helped in ensuring these guilty pleas were entered. “Carrying a knife or offensive weapon is extremely dangerous. The force remains committed to tackling knife crime and action will be taken against offenders as this case has shown.” For more information and advice regarding tackling knife crime, visit https://www.leics.police.uk/police-forces/leicestershire-police/areas/leicestershire-force-content/c/campaigns/2019/knife-crime/ #LeicesterPolice

1940 Wartime Weekend at Quorn and Woodhouse Train Station. 1940s Wartime Weekend event Great Central Railway Quorn Leicestershire Watch our video of this great event. The 1940s was brought back life with an evocative commemoration of life in wartime Britain. Dance to the music of time gone by with live acts to entertain you throughout the weekend. Filmed Sunday 2nd June 2019 this video includes the remembrance service. Pictures by Craig Thorpe for Leicester Media online #Wartime #GreatCentralRailway #GCR