Connor Black (Family photo) A man who died following an incident in Syston has been named as 24-year-old Connor Black. Police were called by East Midlands Ambulance Service at 11.06pm yesterday (Saturday) following a report that a man had been stabbed. Officers attended and Connor was found inside a property in St Columba Way. He had suffered stab wounds to his chest. Connor was taken to the Queens Medical Centre, Nottingham, by ambulance where he sadly died during the early hours of this morning (Sunday). A 21-year-old man, from the Charnwood area, was arrested at the scene at the time of the incident on suspicion of attempted murder. Following the death of the victim, the man has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and currently remains in police custody. It is understood that the man arrested and Connor were known to each other. Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage. Enquiries are continuing into the incident and an appeal for information was made by detectives earlier today. Anyone with any information in relation to the incident is urged to call 101 quoting incident 828 of 27 February

Leicestershire police are aware of a number of incidents in recent weeks in relation to thefts or attempted thefts of dogs. These are extremely distressing incidents for owners and we understand the devastating impact these crimes have and the concern that they raise. As a force we are carrying out a number of enquiries both in relation to individual incidents reported to us as well as into how the crimes are affecting the force area as a whole. During the past two weeks, eight offences have been reported to Leicestershire Police with 13 dogs being reported stolen. This includes five Basset Hounds being taken from kennels in South Kilworth overnight between 17 and 18 February. An appeal and images were issued last week in relation to the incident and our enquiries remain ongoing including checking CCTV in the area. An appeal was issued in relation to Logan, a cockapoo who was stolen from kennels in North Kilworth on Friday 12 February. Thankfully, Logan was safely reunited with his owner the day after the appeal was issued. Assistant Chief Constable Julia Debenham said: “Many of us in force are dog owners and we therefore know the important part they play in your family and fully understand the distressing and devastating impact this crime has. “We are fully investigating reports made to us to ensure dogs are safely reunited with their owners and to find those responsible for these crimes. “Please remain vigilant and please continue to report any incidents to us as well as anyone you see acting in an unusual manner. We will continue to act on this information received. Please also inform us of any adverts you see regarding dogs for sale where information is limited.” You can report online to us at www.leics.police.uk or by calling 101. You can also pass information on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency. Below are a number of steps dog owners can take to protect themselves and their pets. Keep an ID tag on your dog at all times Make sure your dog is micro-chipped and their details are updated so that they can be returned if they are stolen and subsequently found. Ask your vet to check your dog’s microchip every year to ensure your details are accurate and up-to-date. Keep all documentation relating to your dog(s) in a safe place. Take lots of photographs of your dog from different angles, paying particular attention to any distinguishing markings on your dog. This is to prove ownership if it’s stolen, Never leave your dog in the garden unattended and make sure fences and gates are secure and in good repair Avoid leaving dogs in an outside kennel if possible. If not possible then make sure the kennels are alarmed. Never leave a dog tied-up and unattended such as outside a shop and avoid leaving your dog unattended in a car When out, always know where your dog is. Remain vigilant and be mindful of anyone who may be trying to distract your attention from your dog or to attract your dog’s attention away from you. Leicestershire Police News 26/02/21

Detectives investigating a report of assault in Barrow upon Soar are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. It happened in South Street at around 2.45pm on Thursday 21 January. The victim, a man in his 50s, was riding a metal scooter on the pavement, when he was assaulted by a man who then used the scooter as a weapon. As a result, the victim suffered a broken arm during the incident. An investigation began and earlier this month, a 42-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent but later released under investigation. Detective Constable Maggie Langton, from Charnwood CID, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened that afternoon. “The victim was going to collect a child from school and I believe there will have been other people in the area doing similar and who will have witnessed the incident. Please cast your mind back. “I would also like to speak to anyone who may have captured the incident on a dashcam. Any information you can provide could help my investigation” Information can be passed on by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 21*48356. Alternatively, call 101. Leicestershire Police News 23/02/21

A 43-year-old man has been jailed for thirteen-and-a-half years after pleading guilty to firearms offences. Keon Campbell has been jailed after appearing at Leicester Crown Court today (Monday 22 February), where he pleaded guilty to: Possessing prohibited firearms for sale or transfer Possessing articles for use in the conversion of imitation firearms Possessing ammunition for sale or transfer On 13 August 2019 Campbell – who is also known as Leon Hall – was arrested by police while driving his car in Cooks Lane, Wigston. Information received suggested he had been involved in the supply of class A drugs. As part of the investigation, two addresses in Blaby linked to him were searched by police. Officers subsequently found pistols, ammunition and drugs. At a previous court appearance Campbell, of Cross Street in Blaby, admitted: Being concerned in supplying a controlled drug to another Possessing a controlled drug of class B (cannabis) with intent to supply Possessing prohibited firearms Possessing ammunition when prohibited Detective Sergeant Jason Fell said: “Despite Campbell initially telling us the drugs we recovered were for his own use, there is no doubt in my mind that they were destined for the streets of Leicester, Leicestershire, Rutland and beyond. “We also recovered guns and ammunition that Campbell shouldn’t have had – and which could have been used with fatal consequences. “I am glad that he has today admitted his crimes and hope the public can take some reassurance from the fact he is now serving a custodial sentence.” Leicestershire Police News 22/02/21

Thirteen members of a 25 strong Leicester based organised crime group have been sentenced this week for their role in large scale drug supply across the county. The 12 men and one woman – who were convicted or pleaded guilty to offences at earlier hearings – appeared at Leicester Crown Court between 17 – 19 February where they were sentenced. Officers from East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) spent an undeterminable number of hours investigating the whole group, who used dedicated phone lines in order to facilitate the supply and distribution of heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine throughout the county between July 2017 and September 2018. Those previously convicted or who pleaded guilty and sentenced this week are: Adam Mayat, 31, of Halstead Street, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to 19 years imprisonment Yusuf Khan, 26, of Jellicoe Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment Amir Yusuf, 24, of Cross Hedge Close, Leicester pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession of class B drugs and was sentenced to 13 years imprisonment Jignisha Jivan, 27, of Sunberry Green, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment Bhavin Jivan, 24, of Sunberry Green, Leicester, was convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to eight years imprisonment Abdur Limalia, 28, of Chandos Street, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment Abdur Sidat, 31, of Mere Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 12 years imprisonment Qader Osman, 24, of Mundesley Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment Dharmesh Bharakhda, 47, of Dovedale Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to nine years imprisonment Sanawaz Faquirbhai, 23, of Hartingdon Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and and possession with intent to supply class B drugs and was sentenced to 11 years and nine month imprisonment Rajesh Mahi, 45, Swithland Avenue, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to nine years and nine months imprisonment Aquib Faquirbhai, 28, of Hartingdon Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced to 11 years imprisonment Harshad Varia, 55, of Yorkshire Road, Leicester was convicted of conspiracy to supply class A drugs and sentenced to eight years imprisonment Those previously sentenced are: Michael Slaney, 34, of Hopper Way, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced on 12 February 2020 to five years in prison Paul Stephens, 53, of St Bernards Street, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced on 12 February 2020 to three years and nine months in prison Mohammed Waka, 22, of Mount Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and was sentenced on 7 February 2020 to five years and five months in prison Shaun Tully, 38, of Beatrice Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class A drugs and was sentenced on 13 December 2019 to five years and two months in prison Gemma Cooney, 30, of Beatrice Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs and was sentenced on 13 December 2019 to three years in prison Melissa Mathieson, 29, of 74A Faire Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to assisting an offender and was sentenced on 31 January 2020 to 15 months imprisonment suspended for two years and 120 hours unpaid work Haroon Ahmed, 24, of Larchmont Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to permitting the use of premises for the supply of a controlled drug of class B and was sentenced on 13 November 2019 to eight months imprisonment suspended for two years Adam Pelaria-Gheswala, 23, of Bodnant Avenue, Leicester, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of class B drugs and was sentenced on 11 December 2019 to nine months imprisonment suspended for 18 months Katiane de Matos, 45, of Queniborough Road, Leicester, pleaded guilty to converting criminal property and was sentenced on 14 August 2020 to 10 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months, 80 hours of unpaid work and a victim surcharge of £100 Imran Karim, 43, of Elmfield Avenue, Leicester, pleaded guilty to allowing his premises to be used to supply class A drugs and was sentenced on 14 August 2020 to 10 months imprisonment suspended for 20 months and a victim surcharge of £100 Two other men, Mohamed Makodia, 23, of Asfordby Street, Leicester, and Nitesh Vara, 43, of Lynmouth Drive, Leicester, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs at earlier hearings. They will be sentenced at a later date. A 30-year-old man, of Leicester, was found not guilty of conspiracy to supply class A drugs at an earlier hearing. In January 2018, officers became aware that the gang had a dedicated ‘dealer’ line manned by gang ringleaders, Adam Mayat and Mohamed Khan. The phone line was used by ‘customers’ looking to buy drugs. An order would be placed with the dealer who in turn used a separate mobile phone to contact one of the runners in the group. The runner would be sent to meet with the customer and exchange drugs for cash. The quantities ordered from the dealer line indicated that the customers were dealers in their own right who, in turn, would be selling the product onwards at street level. As enquiries progressed, it was established that members of the gang were instructed to travel outside of the county, to Manchester and Sheffield, to buy drugs in weights of a kilo at a time. The drugs would be cut down and packaged in one of two Leicester ‘safe houses’ – in Mere Road and Chandos Street – before being distributed to paying customers. When officers searched the property in Mere Road – home address of Abdur Sidat – they recovered a shotgun and live ammunition in a kitchen cupboard. Also found was a large quantity of controlled drugs, a drugs press, a hammer, scales and other drug paraphernalia. In July 2018, officers searched the Chandos Street safe-house – home of Abdur Limalia – where they recovered a quantity of drugs. As part of the investigation officers searched Bhavin Jivan’s and Jignisha Javin’s car and recovered a kilo of heroin estimated to be worth £17,000 to £23,000. As the investigation continued it was further established, through extensive call data analysis, that the gang had been actively supplying drugs since the summer of 2017, with one of the ringleaders playing his part, while out of prison and on licence. The calls into the dealer line were continuous, and text messages between members of the group suggested that half a kilo of heroin could be sold, every five days, at a cost of £17,000 a time. Detective Inspector Lee Hunt, from EMSOU, said: “This gang ran a highly organised outfit and for a while they prospered. What they didn’t bank on was our determination to thoroughly investigate and destroy their operation bringing all those involved before the court. “The outcome of this lengthy and complex investigation proves our commitment to tackling those whose intent is to flood our streets with illegal drugs.” Reporting restrictions were put in place at Leicester Crown Court postponing reporting of the case until conclusion of the third and last trial. Leicestershire Police News 19/02/21

Officers from the West Leicester CID are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a man was attacked in a city park yesterday afternoon (Thursday 18 February). Between 3.30pm and 4.15pm, the victim – a man in his 20s – was walking in The Rally close to the BMX track when he was approached by three men. An argument then occurred, before the group attacked him, striking him with a bladed weapon. The victim chased the suspects, who left the park at the Tudor Road entrance. He was taken to hospital to be treated for serious cuts to his hand and arm. His injuries are described as life-changing. Two of the men were white, wearing black hooded tops. The third man was black and was riding a pushbike. PC James Brennan, the investigating officer, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who was walking through The Rally yesterday afternoon and saw what happened. “This happened at a time when people may have been making their way home from school or work or were out walking their dog. I believe there are people who witnessed this incident – or saw the group leave the park – but have not yet come forward. “Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you think it may be, could help our 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*98117. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News 19/02/21

Officers have released photographs of five dogs who have been stolen from kennels on Walcote Road, South Kilworth and are appealing for information to help find them. Between 5pm on Wednesday 17 February and 7.30am on Thursday 18 February entry was gained to the property via a hedgerow and two male and three female Basset Hounds were stolen. All the dogs - Landlord, Bashful, Lattice, Drama and Banish - were microchipped. Sergeant Paul Archer said: “This is another upsetting incident for the owners of these dogs and we are carrying out investigations to try and find them. “We would urge anyone who has seen the dogs or has any information that could help us find them to get in touch. “We would also ask all dog owners – and particularly those operating kennels – to ensure their property is secure. ”Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 21*97226. You can also visit https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/. Leicestershire Police News 19/02/21

Officers are appealing for information after a dog was stolen from kennels in Station Road, North Kilworth. Between midnight and 6.30am on Friday 12 February, entry was forced into the kennels via a neighbouring farm and a three-year-old cockapoo called Logan was stolen. The male dog, who has been microchipped, was last seen wearing an orange collar with a blue acrylic tag that had the owner’s details written on. PC Hayley Stokes said: “We are carrying out investigations to try and find Logan. “This has been a very distressing incident for his owner and were are eager to speak to anyone with information. “We believe Logan may be being kept locally and urge anyone who may have seen him to contact us.” Anyone with any information is asked to call 101 quoting reference 21*86518. You can also visit https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/. UPDATED NEWS 17/02/21 - Found safe and well. Officers searching for a dog that was stolen from North Kilworth have found him safe and well

Detectives from the force’s Complex Investigation Team (CIT) are appealing for information following an incident in Saffron Lane on Sunday night (14 February). Shortly after 10pm, a call was received stating a pedestrian – a man – had been hit by a vehicle close to the junction with Shakespeare Street. The car had then left the area. Prior to the collision occurring, it was also reported that a number of people had been fighting in the street. Officers were deployed to Saffron Lane, where a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of affray. He has since been released on bail. The victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to the University Hospital in Coventry to be treated for injuries that could potentially be life-changing. As a result of further enquiries in the surrounding area, a 33-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of affray at an address in Leicester. He has also been released on bail. Three other men were arrested in Leicester, also on suspicion of affray. Two men - aged 33 and 32 - have been released with no further action and a 31-year-old man has been released under investigation. Detective Sergeant Jenny Tattersall said: “While five men have been arrested, our investigation into this incident is very much continuing. “The car that left the scene but we believe there were other people involved who have not yet been identified and who left the scene in other vehicles. “I would ask anyone with information – no matter how insignificant you think it is – to come forward. I would like to speak to anyone who saw what happened or who has dashcam or CCTV footage of a fight taking place or vehicles leaving the area where this incident occurred.” 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*90723. Alternatively call 101.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses to come forward following a report of a firearm being discharged in Westleigh Road yesterday evening (Sunday 14 February). Shortly after 8.15pm, a report was received from a member of the public stating they had seen a man chasing another man – and that a firearm had been discharged. The person making the report then said he then saw the two men again in Narborough Road a short time later. This morning (Monday) casings – which are believed to be from blank rounds – were found in a car park in Narborough Road and in Westleigh Road. Scene preservations are in place at both locations. No injuries have been reported and nobody has come forward identifying themselves as a victim of crime. However, as part of ongoing enquiries, officers would like to speak to anyone who was in the area and saw what happened. Detective Sergeant David Speight, from the Central Leicester CID, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who was in Westleigh Road – particularly close to its junction with Narborough Road – shortly after 8pm yesterday. “Did you see what happened? Did you see anyone acting in a manner that seemed unusual or suspicious? “This incident happened in a main route in and out of the city, where there are number of businesses. I’d therefore ask anyone with CCTV footage – or motorists with dashcams in their vehicles – to come forward. “Any information you have could help with our 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*90670. Alternatively call 101.

A post mortem examination concluded Dharmendra died as a result of a stab wound. A woman, in her 40s, who was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder has been released on bail pending further enquiries. Enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the death are continuing and officers have been in the area of the incident carrying out house-to-house enquiries and collecting CCTV as they piece together the moments leading up to Dharmendra’s death. Detective Inspector Jenni Heggs from East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) said: “Dharmendra’s family are understandably devastated by his death and we are determined to find out exactly what happened. “His family have asked to be left alone at this difficult time.”

Work is due to begin on installing new traffic calming measures in two planned 20mph zones in Western Park. Schemes at Letchworth Road North and around Dovelands Primary School were delayed last year due to disruption from ongoing UK-wide coronavirus restrictions affecting the supply of rubber speed cushions central to the work. However, the traffic calming measures are now due to be installed in the coming weeks. Work on Letchworth Road North will begin on Monday, February 22, and will see speed cushions installed on Letchworth Road, from its junction with Glenfield Road to its junction with Aikman Avenue. The second scheme, around Christ the King and Dovelands Primary Schools, will begin on Monday, March 1, and will include speed cushions on Letchworth Road from its junction it Glenfield Road to its junction with Wynfield Road, and also on Westfield Road from its junction with Glenfield Road to its junction with Hinckley Road. Works at both sites should be completed within two weeks. The scheme, costing about £104k, follows a public consultation which saw strong support for the traffic-calming and speed-reductions measures. The consultation carried out in September 2019 showed that 86 percent of respondents in the Letchworth Road North area, and 89 percent in the area around Dovelands Primary School, supported the introduction of a 20mph zone. Leicester assistant city mayor for neighbourhoods, Cllr Kirk Master, said: “It was very disappointing to have to delay this work at the end of 2020 due to supply problems caused by the Covid-19 lockdown, but I’m glad we are now able to carry out this work as planned. “Residents have been calling for action to improve road safety at these two sites, and the scheme we are bringing in will help make the streets in this area safer for all road users, pedestrians and cyclists. “We want to encourage as many people to walk or cycle, particularly in residential areas and near schools, such as these examples.” Leicester City Council News 11/02/21