Police are appealing for witnesses after a vehicle collided with a house in Leicester. Officers received a call at 12.47am on Sunday 18 April regarding a road traffic collision in Hungarton Boulevard. It was reported a white Mercedes A class had left the road before colliding with a parked car and a house. Three people inside the house - a man and two young children - were taken to hospital with minor injuries. A woman inside the house sustained serious injuries although her injuries were not described as life changing or life threatening. She has since been discharged from hospital. A 21-year-old woman from Rothley has been arrested on suspicion of drink drinking and has been released under investigation. PC David Brown is investigating the collision and asking anyone with information to get in contact. He said: “Our enquiries are continuing into the collision and I would like to speak to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or anyone who may have seen a white Mercedes A class being driven at that time around the area of Hungarton Boulevard. Anyone who may have any dash cam footage of the vehicle or the collision is also encouraged to make contact with us. “If you have any information which may assist our investigation, please get in in touch.” Anyone with information can contact police on 101 quoting 21*211165. Alternatively you can report online by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/

Detectives investigating an assault on Easter Sunday (4 April) have issued images of five people they want to speak to in connection with the incident At around 10.50am, the driver of a van was assaulted in Hinckley Road, close to the junction of the crossroad with Braunstone Lane and Ratby Lane. The driver had got out to speak to a group of people. As a result of the assault, he suffered serious facial injuries. Detective Constable Sian Harris-Ley, from West Leicester CID, said: “Following our previous appeal for information, five people I would like to speak to have been identified. “Do you know any of the people pictured – or is one of them you? If so, then please get in touch. “I believe you may have information that could help my investigation.” You can report crime online by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 21*185142. Alternatively call 101.

Te Veo Pronto a Sonrisa is opening soon here in Leicester. A landmark Grade II-listed building close to the site where King Richard III was discovered has been redeveloped into a high-end Argentinian bar and restaurant, creating over 35 jobs in the process and welcoming nearly £1million investment into the heart of the city’s Cathedral Quarter. The concept, Sonrisa, has been created by Jabbar Khan, 45, a multi award-winning restauranteur from Birmingham. Jabbar shot to food fame when his inaugural restaurant, Lasan Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar, won Gordon Ramsay’s F Word contest beating off 10,000 restaurants to be crowned as Best Local Restaurant. Since then, he has gone on to become one of the industry’s most accomplished and influential operators with a growing portfolio including Fiesta del Asado; the long-established Indian cafe, Raja Monkey, and his new Portuguese-Indian venture, Estado da India. Sonrisa represents Jabbar’s first foray into Leicester. Jabbar Khan, owner, comments; “We are thrilled to launch Sonrisa into Leicester. In Buenos Aires, ‘Buena Onda’ refers to good food, good times and good company. It’s a catch-all phrase for anything that puts a Sonrisa (smile) on your face, and we can’t think of anything that makes people smile more than ‘buenos aires’ (good air), delicious food and fine wine. We know from experience that Leicester is a city of many cultures and cuisines, and we hope to build on that premier league reputation for sensational food and give you plenty of reasons to smile from the inside out”. “There’s something special about Latin dishes and delights that tempt, tease and leave you hungry for more. Arrive early for a light, lingering lunch, a delicious coffee perk-up, or stay late into the night, grazing on the colourful sights, musical sounds, small plate delectables or large sharing plates. This is Comida Argentina done right”. “There’s no other city like Buenos Aires. Between its ability to breathe life and fire into its culture and its chic neighbourhoods like Palermo Soho and San Telmo, Buenos Aires has a way of winning over people’s hearts. So, we created Sonrisa, a modern café-bar haunt that makes the perfect spot for social gatherings — Buenos Aires-style. Kick back with a cocktail, meet friends old and new, or order a strong cup of coffee. We promise you won’t ever want to leave. “Eat some delicious food or drink some wine. Sway to the intoxicating music that dances out of the bar and spills into the busy street. At Sonrisa, friends old and new gather to raise a glass. So go on — grab a friend, grab a drink, and stay as long as you like”. Standing confidently at the crossroads of the Cathedral Quarter and The Lanes – the heartland of Leicester’s independent retail and hospitality sector - Sonrisa boasts impressive bone-structure architecturally, with its Grade II-listed features enhanced further under the design direction of Mel Spencer of Spencer Swinden Design. The former Leicester Savings Bank, which dates back to 1873, has been sensitively and beautifully transformed with a bright, airy feel – thanks to the large picture windows and stunning double-height, glass feature ceiling. They’ve brought a lushness to the venue with exotic greenery and an eclectic mix of furniture and furnishings in gorgeous shades of teal, mustard, navy and wood. It creates a picture-perfect, comforting vibe that’s as perfect for lunch and dinner, or just as special for cocktails or as a late-night café-bar hang out. The venue is given further pizazz with the open kitchen, which creates a striking focal point at the centre of the design and from which you can see, hear and smell the heavenly dishes being prepared by the skilled brigade of Sonrisa chefs. With an authentic menu bursting with new-favourites, diners can expect much more than perfectly cooked steaks like the mouth-watering Marucha Flat Iron served with buttery potato terrine, tangy pickled shallots, aioli and picante chimichurri; or, if you want to share, the stunning 900g Sirloin on the bone served with garlic and potato terrine, caramelised red peppers, padron peppers and picante chimichurri. If you’re of a more nautical persuasion, you could be tempted with the freshest wild Atlantic prawns with garlic, butter, red chilli and fresh parsley served on toasted Galician bread; or the mouth-watering Plancha grilled halibut with olives, onion and potato in a spiced tomato sauce. But let’s also not forget the sensational Iberian Lamb loin, or Secreto Acorn Pork, which are menu highlights, too. Served throughout the day from noon to 11pm, Sonrisa can sit and serve 120 people inside of the venue, and a further 40 outside on its sun-soaked, wrap-around terrace; perfect for whiling away the hours and people watching with a coffee, or one of their trademark cocktails. Simon Jenner, Director of BID Leicester comments; “Leicester has fought hard to create a reputation, among foodie circles, as being one of the hottest cities on the culinary map. That our unique city has attracted the attention of one of the industry’s most talented restauranteurs to launch this brand-new concept is thrilling and testament to the growing confidence of the city”. To tickle the tastebuds of the city, Sonrisa will launch with a month-long, 50% off dining offer, subject to availability. To register for this offer, visit www.sonrisa.uk (Terms and Conditions apply) Sonrisa is part of the Lasan Group of restaurants. For more information on Lasan, Fiesta del Asado, Estado da India or Raja Monkey, visit www.lasangroup.com Review press release via Fraser Urquhart Media dated 22/04/21

Officers investigating a report of assault in Leicester are asking for anyone with footage of the incident to come forward. At around 11pm on Friday 9 April, a woman in her 30s was punched in the face by a man and then pushed to the floor. The incident happened in Walnut Street, close to the junction with Havelock Street. A 26-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident and has since been released on bail while enquiries continue. PC Elliot Gooden, the investigating officer, said: “From enquiries carried out to date, I believe there were a number of cars that passed by while this incident occurred. I would like to speak to anyone with dashcam footage or anyone who saw what happened. “I also believe there was a woman stood near the Leicester Royal Infirmary at the time and who witnessed the incident. “Any information you have could help my investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 21*195667. Alternatively call 101.

A large cannabis factory has been discovered by police this morning on Henley Road in the old power sub station near Fosse Recreation Ground in Newfoundpool. Two men were arrested this morning during the Police raid where over 600 plants have been removed from the propery along with all the growing equipment and lighting systems. Police were alerted my concerns from members of public to the strange goings-on at this building. Its believe that the electricity was being bypassed at the meter. A police spokesperson said’ “Police executed a warrant under the Misuse of Drug Act at a premises in Henley Road earlier today (22 January). Once entering the address, in excess of 600 cannabis plants were discovered along with cannabis growing equipment. Two men were arrested at the address on suspicion of producing cannabis and remain in police custody where they will be questioned. Officers remain at the property while their enquiries continue.” Updated News 23/01/21 Two men have been charged after a quantity of cannabis was discovered in a property in Henley Road, Leicester. Artinist Cenaj, 22, and Jurgen Dervishi, 27, both of no fixed address, have been charged with abstracting electricity and production of class B drugs. They were remanded into custody to appear Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (Saturday 23 January). To report a crime Click here or call 101

Three men have been jailed for their part in an assault where one of the victims was pushed from a first floor window. During the evening of Friday 29 January the two victims answered the door to three men who barged their way into the property in Fosse Road South, Leicester. The defendants launched an attack on the two victims. When one of the victims tried to escape through a first floor window he was pushed and landed on to the ground outside. The second victim remained in the property and was kicked and punched in the head and body a number of times. Officers arrived at the scene after they were called to a disturbance, the three defendants were arrested and charged within hours. One of the victims sustained a fracture to his eye and heavy bruising. The second victim sustained grazing to his head and legs. Last month the following all pleaded guilty to Section 20 Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) and Section 47 Assault occasioning Actual Bodily Harm (ABH). They were sentenced yesterday (Tuesday 20 April) as follows:- Josh Kelb, 24, formerly of Fosse Road South, Leicester, was sentenced to 12 months in prison. Craig Gee, 28, formerly of Cannon Street, Leicester, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and an additional four months for beaching a suspended sentence in relation to an unrelated matter. Jason Grant, 41, formerly of Evington Road, Leicester, was sentenced to 12 months in prison and additional two months for breaching a suspended sentence in relation to an unrelated matter. Detective Constable Robert Smith from CID, said: “This was an isolated incident where all parties were known to each other. The defendants came with the intention of causing some serious harm. “This was a violent offence which could have resulted in far serious injuries. “We are pleased those involved have admitted their involvement in the attack and we hope this reassures the wider public that we do take these offences seriously. The courts and police will use the powers available to prosecute the perpetrators.”

Detectives investigating a burglary in Leicester have released an image of a man they want to speak to in connection with the incident. It happened in Grasmere Street at around 7.30pm on Monday 22 March. An Apple Macbook was stolen from a ground floor bedroom. Detective Constable Rob Smith, the investigating officer, said: “I would like to speak to the man pictured as I believe he may have information that could help my investigation. “Do you know who he is, or are you the person pictured? If so, please get in touch.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 21*160835. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News 21/04/21

A number of arrests have been made following a week of action where search warrants were executed by officers in North-West Leicestershire under Section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act. On Monday 29 March, a warrant was executed at a property in Swannington Road, Coalville. A 52-year-old man and a 26-year-old woman, both from Coalville, were arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply and a quantity of what is believed to be cannabis was recovered. They have both been released under investigation. On Wenesday 31 March, a warrant was executed at a property in Abbey Close, Ashby-de-la-Zouch, where a suspected cannabis grow was found. A 26-year-old man and a 21-year-old man, both from Ashby, were arrested on suspicion of possession of cannabis with intent to supply. A small number of what are believed to be cannabis plants were recovered. They have both been released under investigation. And on Thursday 1 April, a warrant was executed at a property in Melrose Road, Thringstone where a quantity of what is believed to be cannabis was recovered. A 37-year-old woman, of Thringstone, was dealt with by out of court disposal. Inspector Richard Jackson, Neighbourhood Policing Area Commander for North West Leicestershire, said: “We are working hard to bring down drug crime in the area and have worked closely with North West Leicestershire District Council and housing providers. “Despite the Covid pandemic the local policing team have remained focused on responding to a number of community concerns and we have now executed 83 warrants over a 12 month period. This has had a significant positive impact on the local community. “We urge everyone to contact us with any concerns about possible drug crime.” Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 or visit https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/. Leicestershire Police News 20/04/21

Innovative projects that will support people and businesses in Leicester can now bid for a share of the Government’s £220million UK Community Renewal Fund. Set up to boost the 100 communities most in need across the UK, the fund is part of the Government’s bid to level up access to opportunities across the country. To be eligible to apply for funding, projects must provide innovative ways to boost investment in skills, local businesses, communities and places – or must support people into employment. Voluntary and community sector organisations in Leicester, together with local councils, universities and business support organisations, will be able to register their interest in bidding for a share of the funding from today (Friday 16 April). The scheme will be administered locally by Leicester City Council, which will prioritise the city’s bids into a shortlist with a total value of no more than £3million that will be submitted to the Government for approval. Cllr Danny Myers, assistant city mayor for jobs, skills and policy delivery, said: “We want to make sure that Leicester takes advantage of every bit of funding that’s available to help us bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic. “This new opportunity could provide £3million to fund innovative projects in Leicester that would boost the local economy, improve opportunities for local people and support our priorities around employment and business. “I would encourage any local groups and organisations with big ideas to go to our website and find out how they can bid for a share of this funding and make their ideas for positive change a reality.” Each bid for funding should seek a minimum of £250,000, with a preferred bid size of £500,000+ – and all successful projects must be complete, and funding spent, before the end of March 2022. Applicants are asked to register their interest to bid by 30 April, and should complete the full application form by 21 May. The Government is due to make its funding decisions in late July. The application documents, which should be read carefully, are available on Leicester City Council’s website at www.leicester.gov.uk/communityrenewalfund. Questions about the fund or the application process can be emailed to CRFund@leicester.gov.uk The UK Community Renewal Fund will be administered nationally by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, which hopes the scheme will help local areas prepare for the launch of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund next year. The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is the Government’s response to supporting people and places across the country, following the COVID-19 pandemic and Britain’s departure from the European Union. Leicester City Council News

The senior officer responsible for ensuring the UK is protected against the threat of terrorism is warning businesses and the public that they must be alert to more than just the threat of Covid-19 this summer. Counter Terrorism Policing’s Senior National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare, Deputy Assistant Commissioner Matt Twist, believes the easing of lockdown restrictions could provide a greater opportunity for terrorists to operate. He is appealing for business owners and the public at large to support the police’s 24/7 efforts to keep the country safe by remaining vigilant, and reporting anything that doesn’t seem right to security staff or the police. The threat to the UK from terrorism remains at SUBSTANTIAL, meaning an attack is likely, and as public places such as non-essential shops, hospitality and sports events begin to open up, the security experts at Counter Terrorism Policing have launched a new vigilance campaign to encourage everyone to help the police tackle terrorism and save lives by reporting any concerns. DACSO Matt Twist said: “Following a year of restrictions impacting all our lives, we recognise people will be keen to get out and about as the lockdown begins to ease, and the importance of businesses being able to return to more regular trading patterns. “But we must continue to follow public health guidance and remain vigilant, not just against the threat of the virus but against the threat of terrorism as well. “Terrorism will understandably not have been high on anyone’s mind in recent months, and I would describe the threat as temporarily suppressed during lockdown, because it was difficult to go out in public and actually do anything. “But that means that as the crowded places which have traditionally been the target for terrorists start to fill with people again, there is always the potential for that risk to come back. “The best defence against the terrorist threat is a collective community effort - where police, security staff, businesses and the public come together to minimise the chance of attack, and that is why Counter Terrorism Policing are launching this campaign.” Much of CTP’s campaign activity will be focussed on encouraging businesses to play their part in the collective effort by reviewing and updating their security plans, and properly risk-assess existing sites or any new areas such as outdoor spaces opened to meet Covid safety rules. The public can do their bit in protecting the UK from terrorism by completing the official Action Counters Terrorism online e-learning for free. Taking just 45 minutes to complete, the online training provides the latest advice from CT experts, informing how to react in the unlikely event of a terror attack and how to spot and report suspicious activity and behaviour. Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK have already participated. Visit https://ct.highfieldelearning.com/ to register for access. “This training could save your life, or the lives of others,” added DAC Twist. “Regrettably, we know all too well that a terror attack can happen anywhere and at any time. At Counter Terrorism Policing, we work with other national security partners to disrupt those intent on causing harm to our communities, but we need your help to do that effectively. “Taking part in our free training and remaining vigilant when you’re out and about this summer helps keep us all safe, and creates a hostile place for terrorists to operate.”

Following reports of antisocial behaviour in Blaby this evening (Friday 9 April), a Section 35 dispersal order has been put in place at two parks. The order, which allows officers the power to require people to leave an area, covers both Northfield Park and Bouskell Park – as well as several nearby streets including Welford Road and Church Street. The purpose of the order is to reduce the risk of causing harassment, alarm or distress to the local community. The order, which was authorised following reports of youths gathering in the area, is in place until 7am tomorrow (Saturday 10 April). Inspector Liz Perry said: “Following reports of antisocial behaviour this evening, a Section 35 dispersal order has been authorised. “Antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and we will continue to monitor the area and carry out regular proactive patrols. “I would ask anyone who has concerns to continue reporting matters to us.” You can report online at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps has today announced £18m for cycle training across the country to ensure children and their families have the confidence to choose active travel, as the Government encourages everyone walk or cycle where possible. The funding, which is managed by The Bikeability Trust charity, will go toward delivering high-quality, practical, on-road cycle training as a modern day equivalent of the ‘Cycling Proficiency’ scheme many parents will themselves have undertaken during their school days. Bikeability goes beyond the playground, teaching children to cycle safely on modern roads. At different levels, children learn to: Develop early cycle handling and awareness skills (Bikeability Balance) Master pedalling (Bikeability Learn to Ride) Prepare for on-road cycling (Level 1) Cycle on single-lane roads and simple junctions (Level 2) Handle busier streets, complex junctions and roundabouts (Level 3) For families looking to improve their confidence cycling together, local authorities can offer bespoke Bikeability Family training sessions with an instructor, to help them feel confident in a range of scenarios, from a weekend ride to commuting and taking the children to school. Today’s investment will help ensure children are road-ready on their bikes as schools and families prepare for the summer term. Physical activity like walking and cycling is proven to have numerous benefits, both in terms of fitness, wellbeing and attentiveness in school, and research into Bikeability cycle training specifically also shows that, after taking part, parents were more likely to feel confident in allowing their child to cycle independently. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Cycling is a fun and healthy way for pupils to get to school, and we want as many as possible to make it their choice of transport. With social distancing still a necessity, the more people who walk or cycle, the more we can ease pressure on public transport as people return to normal life. “But we know not all children, or parents, feel bike-confident. Today’s funding will kick-start our plans to provide Bikeability training to all children by 2025, giving the next generation of cyclists a life-skill and the confidence they need to choose a more active way to travel.” Since its launch in 2006, more than 3.5 million children have taken part in Bikeability training, learning basic cycle handling skills, assessing risks and how to ride safely and confidently on the road. Emily Cherry, Executive Director, Bikeability Trust said: “The commitment of Government to fund Bikeability in this next year is hugely welcomed as we seek to ensure that every child can access cycling as a life skill by 2025. This record investment will allow us to reach more children and, importantly, their families too, as a result of additional funding for our Family module. “Personally, I know the value of Bikeability cycle training for both children and their parents, having taken part in family training with my teacher husband and our children. Now, they cycle to school daily using the skills they learned from the training and as a family, we continue to enjoy cycling together. Bikeability is the first step to ensure that adults and children alike have the confidence and competence to cycle.” Pupils of all ages should consider walking or cycling to school, especially if they live a short distance away from their school or college. For those who live further afield and who are using public transport, plan ahead, allow more time for journeys and follow safer travel advice including wearing a face covering unless under the age of 11 or you are exempt, social distancing where possible and regularly sanitising your hands. For those who are driving, they should avoid sharing a car with someone outside of their household or support bubble.