Search Results

Firefighters say blaze which damaged Markfield nature reserve was arson. Leicestershire fire Service was busy last night tackling a Grass and Woodland Fire Hill Lane Markfield, surrounding Hill Hole Quarry. The Fire service received multiple calls at 17.30pm tonight fire and smoke seen. 4 fire appliances and the water carrier attended. Information: approx 150sq meters of grass and woodland involved in fire, 3 water jets in use. Pictures by Leicester Media Drone aerial photography © 2019 Our media team arrived on site around 8pm and by then the fire was under control. fire service was damping down and cutting away was in progress. We deployed our aerial drone and captured some amazing images and video of the area of the fire. #FireMarkfield #LFRS #HillHoleQuarry

Two brothers have today (Monday 29 April) been jailed for a total of 30 years for a string of non-recent sexual abuse. Peter Mackenzie, 57, was sentenced to 16 years at Leicester Crown Court while his brother, 60-year-old John Mackenzie, was given a 14-year sentence. Both men had been found guilty of numerous sexual offences, including rape, indecent assault and indecency with a child on 21 March following a trial. Peter Mackenzie, of Borve, Isle of Lewis, was found guilty of six counts of indecent assault, six counts of indecency with a child, five counts of rape and one count of causing actual bodily harm. John Mackenzie, of Pondthorpe, Coventry, was found guilty of five counts of indecency with a child, three counts of rape and two counts of indecent assault. They began abusing their young victim in the 1970s when she was a child, continuing until she was around 14 years old. Detective Constable Anna Blockley, from Leicestershire Police’s Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU) was the investigating officer. She said: “This abuse happened more than 40 years ago and I believe that both Peter and John Mackenzie thought that their victim would never speak about what happened. “But, she found the courage to speak to police and speak in great detail about what the brothers did to her. “I hope that, all these years later, she can still take some comfort from the fact that they have finally been jailed for their crimes.” There are a number of different agencies who are able to offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. UAVA United against Violence & Abuse http://www.uava.org.uk/get-help/ Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence can be found by visiting http://leics.police.uk #LeicesterPolice

A stabbing on Evington Road at the junction of Kingston Road Leicester, which happened about 6 pm tonight (Sunday 28th April 2019) Large Police presence, bystanders said that a man was stabbed in his head outside on the street early this evening, just outside the side of the Chinese shop on the corner of Kingston Road. Police are combing the Scene of the stabbing and forensics officers are collecting evidence. Police statement: Updated 29/04/19 A man suffered serious injuries after he was stabbed during an incident in Kingston Road, Leicester. Officers were called to the scene, near the junction with Evington Road, at around 6pm on Sunday 28 April where the victim, who is in his 20s, was found. He was taken to hospital where he currently remains. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A cordon remains in place at the scene while enquiries continue. Detective Sergeant David Speight said: “The victim has suffered serious injuries and currently remains in hospital. “Our investigation remains ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident and we are appealing to anyone who has any information to make contact. “Were you in the area at the time? Did you see or hear anything which caused you concern? If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, we urge you to get in touch.” Anyone with any information should contact 101 quoting incident 19000215881. #EvingtonRoad #EvingtonRoadStabbing #LivesNotKnives

A teenager convicted of attempted murder after planning to kill a man he met on a social networking app has been sentenced to serve 13 years in prison. Chad Gurney, 19, wrote a “murder plan” setting out eight ways he wanted to kill people, including slitting a man’s throat with scissors. This was the plan he attempted to carry out when he met his victim – who made a lucky escape – on the evening on Sunday 29 July last year. Gurney, of Saffron Lane, Leicester, was found guilty of attempted murder in January this year following a trail at Leicester Crown Court. And today at the same court, he has been sentence for his crime. He must serve 13 years in prison, with an additional five years to be served on licence. During the trial the court heard how Gurney and his victim started talking on the dating app Grindr and arranged to meet in Aylestone Leisure Centre car park in Knighton Lane East, Leicester. Shortly after meeting they engaged in consensual sexual activity in a nearby park before walking back to the place they had first met. It was then, shortly before 8.10pm, Gurney attacked his victim with a pair of scissors. Luckily, despite attempting to stab the man, the defendant only caused minor injury to his victim’s neck before the victim realised what was happening. Gurney attempted to stab him a second time but his victim had moved away and then fled the scene. At 10.40pm that evening, the defendant walked into a Euston Street police station and admitted the crime, telling officers he had intended to kill his victim. He later claimed he had made a false confession. He was arrested and when officers carried out a search of the scene the scissors were located. His victim reported the incident to police in the early hours of the following morning. During a search of Gurney’s address officers found a “planning a murder” notebook, along with a diary containing thoughts of murderous intent. When being interviewed by officers Gurney also admitted he had twice made plans to kill somebody. On one occasion he followed someone over a bridge and was going to attack him from behind but was unable to go through with it. The second time he planned to lure someone to a disused building but the person never showed up to the location. In Gurney’s diary he also talked about having already murdered someone but when questioned told officers this was a lie. Officers have conducted preliminary searches in relation to this which have proved negative. Source Leicestershire Police 29/04/2019

A man who punched a woman in her own flat – resulting in her losing an eye – has today been jailed. James Squires was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years when he appeared at Leicester Crown Court today (Monday 29 April). Squires, 39, of Avon Street, pleaded guilty to one count of causing grievous bodily harm at the same court on 1 April. On the evening of 21 February this year, Squires accepted an invite from his victim to go to her flat where he could have something to eat and a hot drink. The victim believed that Squires was homeless and was acting in good faith by offering him food and some shelter. But, after they spent time having a drink and chatting, he lashed out when asked to leave, causing her to lose consciousness. Detective Constable Sarah Jones, the investigating officer, said: “This was a horrific attack which has had a major impact on the victim’s life. As a result of the vicious assault carried out by Squires, she has lost one eye and also suffered a broken jaw. “Squires was invited into her home in an act of generosity – she had offered him food and a drink. But, in fact, he had no regard for her whatsoever. She had only asked him to leave as she wanted to go to bed, which for whatever reason, he took exception to. “I hope that she can take some comfort from the fact that Squires has now been jailed.” Source Leicestershire Police #LeicesterPolice

Police are appealing for any witnesses or information. A man suffered serious injuries after he was stabbed during an incident in Kingston Road, Leicester. Officers were called to the scene, near the junction with Evington Road, at around 6pm on Sunday 28 April where the victim, who is in his 20s, was found. He was taken to hospital where he currently remains. His injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. A cordon remains in place at the scene while enquiries continue. Detective Sergeant David Speight said: “The victim has suffered serious injuries and currently remains in hospital. “Our investigation remains ongoing to establish the circumstances of this incident and we are appealing to anyone who has any information to make contact. “Were you in the area at the time? Did you see or hear anything which caused you concern? If you have any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, we urge you to get in touch.” Anyone with any information should contact 101 quoting incident 19000215881. #LeicesterPolice #StabbingEvingtonRoad #LivesNotKnives

Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision in Loughborough involving a bus and a coach. Officers were called just after 5.30pm yesterday (27 April) to a report of collision involving an Arriva double decker bus and a white single deck coach on the A512 Ashby Road. The ambulance service were in attendance and the driver of the bus was taken to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham where he remains with serious injuries. A passenger on the bus sustained minor injuries. The coach driver was not injured and there were no passengers travelling on the coach. At the time of the collision the bus was travelling along old Ashby Road onto the A512 while the coach was travelling on the A512 towards Loughborough. The road was closed while emergency services responded at the scene and has since been reopened. Detective Constable Alison Briance, the investigating officer, is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision and hasn’t as yet spoken to police or anyone who may have seen the vehicles prior to the collision to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 474 of 27 April. #BuscollisionLougborough

Two buses have collided this afternoon around 5.45 on the Ashby Road A512. One Driver was trapped and other driver received minor injuries and both were taken to hospital. The trapped drivers injuries are unknown at this time. The collision happened on the Junction of Ashby Road and Old Ashby Road. One of the buses at some point went down the Central reservation destroying about 14 small tree bushes. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service has confirmed that both buses involved were passenger buses. It is not known if any passengers were on board either bus at the time. In an incident update, the fire service said: “One bus driver ejected from vehicle and driver of other bus trapped due to injuries. “EMAS and fire crews extricating the trapped driver. “Air ambulance in attendance.” 🔴 Updated News Sunday 28th April The driver was taken by road ambulance to Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham where he remains seriously ill today. There were several passengers on the Arriva double-decker bus. A number of passengers received minor injuries in the collision. Police Appeal Police are appealing for witnesses to a road traffic collision in Loughborough involving a bus and a coach. Officers were called just after 5.30pm yesterday (27 April) to a report of collision involving an Arriva double decker bus and a white single deck coach on the A512 Ashby Road. The ambulance service were in attendance and the driver of the bus was taken to the Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham where he remains with serious injuries. A passenger on the bus sustained minor injuries. The coach driver was not injured and there were no passengers travelling on the coach. At the time of the collision the bus was travelling along old Ashby Road onto the A512 while the coach was travelling on the A512 towards Loughborough. The road was closed while emergency services responded at the scene and has since been reopened. Detective Constable Alison Briance, the investigating officer, is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed the collision and hasn’t as yet spoken to police or anyone who may have seen the vehicles prior to the collision to get in touch. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting incident 474 of 27 April. #BuscollisionLoughborough

Police are appealing for information to locate a number of trains stolen in a Great Glen burglary. Sometime between 10pm and 11pm on Tuesday 23 April, burglars entered a property in Stonehill Court. 11 trains were stolen including a Hornby R3404, Hornby R3595, Hornby R3553, Hornby R3525, Hornby R3559, Bachmann 32951 and Bachmann MR111. PC Ross Lovett, the investigating officer, is appealing for information about the burglary and the whereabouts of this stolen property. He said: “These trains were stolen from an elderly man who has been left feeling angry and upset at their loss. These trains mean a great deal to him and he is desperate for their return. “I am urging for anyone who may have any information about this burglary or may know where these stolen items are to contact police. Similarly, if you have been approached by someone selling similar trains in suspicious circumstances, I’d urge you to get in touch.” Anyone with information is asked to contact PC 4387 Ross Lovett on 101 quoting 19000206918.

Leicester Market will be hosting tradition Chinese celebrations and taster sessions of the art of Tai Chi this weekend. To mark world Tai Chi Day on Saturday, April 27, the New Market Square will be hosting a traditional Chinese lion dance at 10am, followed by a demonstration of Tai Chi (Taijiquan) by renowned local instructor Sifu Derek Freason and DMU’s Confucius Institute. Free Tai Chi taster sessions will then take place up until 11am with Sifu Frearson, who runs sessions at the Peepul Centre Leicester and has been practicing Tai Chi for over 50 years. From Saturday, May 4, New Market Square will also host free early morning Tai Chi sessions, from 9am to 10am, giving visitors the chance to start the day with the healthy, ancient exercise. The sessions will take place at the same time each Saturday morning through the summer months. Tai Chi is a gentle, low-impact form of exercise which was developed in China, and combines deep breathing and relaxation with flowing movements and positions. It is believed to help reduce stress, improve balance, posture and mobility. Participants don’t need to book in advance, and just need to wear comfortable clothing. The sessions are being run for the third year in a row, following the popularity of previous schemes, and are suitable for all ages and abilities. Visit the Leicester Market Event on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/events/2242739762435649/?ti=icl Source : Leicester City Council

Drivers coming into Leicester this weekend are being warned of possible traffic disruption due to a series of events taking place. On Sunday, April 28, the city centre will host a St George’s Day parade by local Scouts, the annual Vaisakhi parade attended by thousands from the city’s Sikh community, the Leicester 10k run, the Leicester regatta along the River Soar, the Open Streets festival in Greyfriars, and a Premiership football match between Leicester City and Arsenal. Leicester City Council is liaising with police on traffic management for the day, to ensure the city’s road network remains open and able to cope with the impact of each event. The first event to take place – the Leicester 10k run – will take place in Abbey Park, meaning Abbey Park Road will be closed to traffic westbound (towards Abbey Lane) between 8am and 11.20am. Meanwhile, on the Mile Straight of the River Soar, the Leicester Regatta will get underway from about 8.30am. Some parking restrictions will be in place on Eastern Boulevard, and extra traffic is expected in the area around Upperton Road and the Swann Roundabout. From about 11.45am the Vaiskakhi parade will get underway in the city centre. It regularly involves up to 10,000 participants and thousands of spectators, and will begin making its way across the city from about 11.45am. As in previous years, the procession will travel from Holy Bones near the Vaughan Way slip road, to St Nicholas Circle, High Street, Gallowtree Gate, Granby Street, Northampton Street, Charles Street, St George’s Way, Swain Street, St Peter’s Road, and arriving at East Park Road at about 3pm. It means St Nicholas Circle, on the city’s inner ring road, will be closed to traffic for about one hour from about 11.45am, and St George’s Way closed from about 1-2pm. Leicester City Football Club will kick-off against Premiership rivals Arsenal at the King Power Stadium, off Raw Dykes Road, at 12noon. Elsewhere in the city, the Open Streets event from 1pm to 4pm will see the Greyfriars and Leicester Market areas come alive with heritage tours, celebrations of Leicester’s history, as well as activities, street food, a free bike-fixing service and free rickshaw rides. Parking and driving restrictions will be in place from 12noon to 5pm on streets including parts of Peacock Lane, Loseby Lane, Market Place Approach, Every Street, Rupert Street, Marble Street, Millstone Lane, Berridge Street and Friar Lane. Finally, local Scouts will be embarking on their annual St George’s Day Scout parade in the area around the Old Town and River Soar from about 3pm. The parade will take place along Western Boulevard (between Braunstone Gate and The Newarke), The Newarke itself, which will be closed to all traffic and parking for the day, and onto Castle View and Castle Street, which will also be closed to all traffic. Director of City Highways at Leicester City Council, Martin Fletcher, said: “This weekend there are a large number of events all taking place on the same day, and we’re liaising with the police to ensure they can all go ahead safely, while also ensuring the impact on the city’s road network is kept to a minimum. “Some of these events such as Vaisakhi and the Scouts’ parade, take place every year so we have experience of managing the impact caused to other road users. The additional traffic coming into the city for the football match and the other events means people will need to allow extra time, and think about how they will travel into the city. “It may be better to use public transport, or to cycle or walk into the city during this busy time, or to plan visits to avoid the worst of any traffic disruption and delays.” More information and travel options are available at: http://www.choosehowyoumove.co.uk/ Traffic and travel updates are available from Leicester’s Area Traffic Control on Twitter via @ATCLeicester

At Leicester Cathedral tonight was a Vigil for victims of Sri Lanka bombings on Easter Sunday. The Bishop of Leicester, Rt Revd Martyn Snow, was joined by civic leaders and leaders from other faith communities as the Cathedral provided a opportunity to gather to remember those affected. Pictures by Leicester Media © 2019 #LeicesterCathedral #Vigil #SriLankaTerrorAttack #LeicesterCathedral