Leicestershire fire and rescue service were called to reports of a fire on Watkin Road Leicester. just after 9am this morning. Residents were reported trapped by fire and Fire Control gave fire survival guidance to callers over the phone has they were unable to exit the building. The fire was reported to have been started on the ground floor but flames and smoke quickly reached the 4th floor, by the rear stair well coming out by burning through a door on the top roof. We have no reports of any injuries. The firefighters safely rescued and evacuated all of the residents. Fire crews from Central, Eastern and Western stations and the Command Support Vehicle from Shepshed station attended. The evacuated residents are being cared for in a nearby building arrange by the building owners. The cause of the fire is currently being investigated. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said ten people were rescued, and stressed the importance of ensuring that all fire doors are closed at all times, and that escape routes, stair wells and corridors are kept clear from rubbish and obstructions.

A man who forced his way into an address in Thringstone, subsequently threatening the occupants with a knife, has been jailed for five years. On 9 July last year, 29-year-old Liam O’Brien forced his way into a property in Loughborough Road, Thringstone, carrying a knife. He began making threats towards them, punching one of the victims. Outside the property, he threatened one of the occupants with the knife, lunging forward in an attempt to stab him. O’Brien then left the address with two other men who had entered the property with him. After they had gone, one of the victims realised both his mobile phone and wallet had been taken. An investigation began and on 13 July officers visited an address in Alan Moss Road in Loughborough to arrest a woman wanted by police. On arrival, it was found that O’Brien – who was also wanted – was inside. O’Brien, of Waterside Close, Loughborough, told police he was in possession of a firearm and tried to escape by claiming down a drainpipe – but was detained in a nearby garden. Yesterday (Monday 18 January) at Leicester Crown Court, he pleaded guilty to robbery, affray and possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place. Detective Constable Nick Robbins was the officer in the case. He said: “Two of the victims in this case were threatened in their own home – a place where anyone is entitled to feel safe. “While O’Brien tried to flee from police when an attempt was made to arrest him, I am pleased he has taken a degree of responsibility for his actions. “He is now serving a custodial sentence and I hope the local community can take some reassurance from this." • Two other men were arrested in connection with this incident and later released with no further action Leicestershire Police News Release 14:00 19/01/2021

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a report of a sexual assault in the area of Elmhurst Avenue, Melton Mowbray, on Saturday evening. Officers received a call just after 8pm on Saturday 16 January reporting that a woman in her 20s had been walking in the area when she was sexually assaulted by a man. The woman managed to push the suspect away and from enquiries it is understood the suspect then left the scene making his way along Elmhurst Avenue by foot and turning onto Welby Lane. The victim did not require hospital treatment. Officers have been providing full support to the victim and are carrying out full enquiries into the incident. A 22-year-old man, of Melton Mowbray, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He has since been released on conditional police bail. Detectives are appealing to anyone with any information in relation to the incident to contact police. Detective Inspector Gareth Goddard said: “We are appealing to anyone who was in the area of Elmhurst Avenue or Welby Lane between 7pm and 8pm on Saturday to think back to anything you may have seen or heard which could assist our investigation. “If you have any CCTV or dashcam footage from this area at this time, we also urge you to check this and make contact with us.” Anyone with any information should contact 101 quoting incident 21*38860. You can also report online at www.leics.police.uk

A man, in his twenties, was pronounced dead at the scene after a car hits tree and burst into flames on Coleman Road, in Evington last night at around 11.30pm. Two other men were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. A man in his 30s is being treated for life-threatening injuries, while a man in his 20s is in a serious but stable condition. The car involved split in half and burst into flames after the collision, with firstly a street sign and then a tree. We at LM News was sent a video of the incident but due to the graphic nature of the video, we have chosen not to publish it. Police have release the following statement and appeal. Detectives investigating a fatal collision in the area of Leicester are appealing for witnesses – or anyone with dashcam footage – to come forward. It happened in Coleman Road, close to the junction with Avonside Drive, shortly after 11.30pm last night (Sunday 17 January). A dark-coloured Seat Leon collided with a tree. One man, in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other men were taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. A man in his 30s is being treated for life-threatening injuries, while a man in his 20s is in a serious but stable condition. This morning Coleman Road remains closed at its junctions with Broad Avenue and The Langfield, as well as at the junction with Avonside Drive, while officers carry out further enquiries. Detective Sergeant Paul Hawkins, from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who saw a dark-coloured Seat Leon travelling around Evington late last night. “I’d ask anyone who saw it prior to the collision – or who saw the collision occur – to come forward. I am also keen to speak to any motorists with a dashcam installed in their vehicle or, given it happened in a residential area, anyone with CCTV at their address. “Any information, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could help our investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ and quoting incident 651. Alternatively call 101. 🔴 Updated News 19/01/2021 Two men remain in a serious condition in hospital following this fatal crash.

Reports of a orange glow in sky over the West side of Leicester. People in Leicester were left puzzled after seeing a "strange" orange glow in the sky since New year‘s Eve. Social media users from across the city shared photos of the glow online and began sending us messages at Leicester Media The mystery has now been solved by us tonight, we sent our reporter to investigate to get to the bottom of this, and he’s taken pictures of the light source which is coming from the King Power stadium. It has not been confirmed by LCFC exactly why the lights are on but the light is definitely coming from the pitch lighting system. The above picture shows some form of high intensity lighting system. Probably designed to make the grass grow or for defrosting the pitch. We believe the next game is Saturday 16 January at King Power Stadium is Leicester -v-Southampton. If you have any News stories please contact our 24 hour News desk on 0116 233 9000 or email news@leicestermedia.online So to all the residents of Leicester you can sleep well tonight, now knowing we’re not being invaded by aliens. Stay safe and Happy New year to you all. #LCFC #OrangeGrowInSky #LMNews

Sign up for alerts, prepare your home and check before your travel. People in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are encouraged to make sure they’re flood-ready, following a Met Office forecast for heavy rain this week. The amber warning says heavy rain between midnight tonight and lunchtime on Thursday may lead to flooding and disruption to travel in places. Councils, emergency services and other agencies across the area are advising people to sign up for flood alerts, prepare their homes if they live in flood areas and check before they travel. Local councils will have crews available during the day and night to keep the roads moving and deal with any incidents of localised flooding, if required. "We will constantly monitor the weather situation and resources will be available if needed. However, we would urge motorists, cyclists and pedestrians to take extra care. Please don’t attempt to drive, cycle or walk through floods – it is incredibly dangerous, the water can be deeper than it looks." Councillor Trevor Pendleton, County Council cabinet member for highways and transport. Matt Cane, Area Manager Operational Response at Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “We strongly advise members of the public to never attempt to drive through flood water. If you cannot see the road surface beneath the water, it is too deep to drive through. Just six inches of water can cause you to lose control of your car, or stall it when water is sucked into the engine and exhaust. Two feet of flowing water can sweep away most vehicles, including large 4x4s. “If you come across a flooded road, find an alternative route and ensure you pay attention to any ‘Road Closed’ signs. If there is a risk to life or you are physically trapped by flood water, call us on 999 – we are still here to help.” Chief Constable, Simon Cole, added: “As we are expecting heavy rain over the next week, I really want to stress how important it is to be prepared. The right kit could save your life, or your property, so please check out the website if you are in a flood area. We would like to remind drivers to stay safe and to not take any risks with floods as this is how most drivers suddenly find they are stuck in a perilous situation waiting for emergency services to save them.” You can prepare by: Signing up to receive warnings Putting important documents out of flood risk Checking your insurance covers you for flooding Making a flood plan and prepare a flood kit Finding out where you can get sandbags Identifying who can help you/who you can help Identifying what you would need to take with you if you had to leave your home Click Here for more For the latest on the roads, follow your local council and emergency services as well as Area Traffic Control @ATCLeicester Leicestershire County Council News

Those seeking a new challenge and a unique volunteering experience are being encouraged to apply to join Leicestershire Police’s Special Constabulary as volunteer police officers. Leicestershire Police begins its search for special constables today (Monday 18 January) and will be accepting applications until Sunday 14 February 2021. Special constables are volunteer police officers who play a pivotal role in helping to police Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. They hold the same powers as regular police officers, wear the same uniform and work hard to make communities safer. Superintendent Adam Slonecki, lead for Operational Policing and Leicestershire’s Special Constabulary, said: “If you’re looking to make a valuable contribution to your community, learn new skills and challenge yourself, then becoming a Leicestershire Police special constable could be the role for you. “The role can be so incredibly varied; one shift you could be out with officers responding to emergency calls and the next could be spent supporting neighbourhood officers to build a safer community.” There are also opportunities to gain experience in specialist areas such as roads policing, rural crime, cybercrime and much more. Just like regular officers, special constables are given the chance to progress through the ranks and gain management experience as a special sergeant or inspector. Supt Slonecki added: “It’s never too late to try something new. I have no doubt that joining us will give you some of the most rewarding and proudest days of your life.” Leicestershire Police’s special constables come from all walks of life. Current serving specials include teachers, doctors, IT professionals, parents, shop workers, accountants, personal trainers and so much more. Every officer brings a wealth of knowledge and experience with them, and in return will receive specialist training, a whole host of new skills and will be part of Leicestershire's policing family. Special Sergeant Ian Chauhan works in hospital maintenance and joined our Special Constabulary seven years ago, fulfilling a lifelong dream of policing. “From a young age I always had a great deal of respect and admiration for police officers”, he said. “As a child, when local officers visited my school, I’d look up to them as superheroes. Although I went into another job when I left school, that passion for policing never left me. When a friend of mine joined the Special Constabulary I thought maybe I could do the same. I was worried that I’d left it too late, but decided to apply anyway.” Ian was over the moon when his application was accepted and says to him it was the equivalent of winning the lottery. He's never looked back and now holds the rank of Special Sergeant with his own team of special constables to support. “For me, the best part is that I get to actively help and protect my community. I was born and bred in Leicester and I feel like I have a duty to protect my county. Anyone can sit at home and criticise the police, but it takes a different type of person to go out there and do something positive to help. You too can make a difference. We all have unique qualities and skills and everybody has something to bring to the table. It’s also the most rewarding feeling to know you've helped someone.” Leicestershire Police is holding a number of online recruitment seminars for those who are interested in becoming a special constable. The seminars will offer the chance to find out first-hand what it is like to be a special, learn about the role, training, eligibility, application process and speak to serving specials about their experiences. To find out more and to book a place on a recruitment seminar, please visit leics.police.uk/couldyou. There are limited spaces available so please book early to avoid missing out. The force will also be hosting two question and answer sessions live on Facebook on Wednesday 20 January at 6pm and Wednesday 3 February at 12:30pm. No registration is required for the Facebook Live sessions but make sure to follow the force’s Facebook page (Leicestershire Police) beforehand. Leicestershire Police will be accepting applications for the role of special constable from Monday 18 January until Sunday 14 February 2021. To find out more and apply online, please visit leics.police.uk/couldyou. Leicestershire Police News 09:00 18/01/2021

County parks had a drop in visitors. Ahead of the weekend, council and police chiefs have thanked residents for staying local to take their exercise. The message comes as the visitor figures for the county's country parks show a significant drop for last weekend - which was the first of the national lockdown. At the popular Beacon Hill, the park rangers observed a drop in car park usage of around 60 per cent. Watermead was much quieter than usual on Saturday and was slightly busier on Sunday. It was a similar picture at the revamped Snibston Colliery Park which is now open to local residents. Chiefs are urging people to stay local for exercise and visit their local park, rather than travelling far away. "I’d like to thank our residents for doing the right thing during this lockdown - which is hard but necessary. Parks of all types are essential for exercise and I’m pleased to be able to keep them open, as long as people continue to follow the rules and the true spirit of the national lockdown. Stay home, and if you do take exercise, stay local." Nick Rushton, Leicestershire County Council Leader Mike Sandys, county council director of public health, said: "Visits to country parks are good barometer for how seriously the public are taking the lockdown - and I'm pleased to see that most people are heeding the guidance. I encourage people not to look for loopholes. The national lockdown will work to reduce the spread of the virus - if everyone does their bit." Ivan Browne, Leicester City Council's director of public health repeated his simple message: "There isn’t a hard and fast limit on how far you can go for exercise and it relies on people being responsible. I urge people to continue to do the right thing. Go to the nearest park, not the nicest one." Chief Constable, Simon Cole added: "Our officers are working hard to encourage people to follow the lockdown, and we will enforce the law where it’s needed. Most people are following the rules, including when they visit country parks. Thank you. This means we can continue to focus valuable officer time on tackling crime." Police and local authority officers will continue to monitor the usage of all parks across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. They confirmed that further action will be taken if there are safety concerns. Leicestershire County Council News

A Leicester man is due in court charged with firearms offences. Eche Waldron, 23, of Tatlow Road has been charged with possession of a firearm/prohibited weapon and possessing a firearm during a five period following suspended sentence of three months or more being passed. Waldron has been remanded to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Saturday 16 January).

Officers have released images of graffiti in the Whetstone area and are appealing for information to help find those responsible. Graffiti has been daubed on bus shelters, walls and park equipment, particularly around Dog and Gun Lane. Each instance is of a similar style and often features the initials HLC. Reports of graffiti began on Sunday 20 December. PSCO Niko Sidiropoulos said: “This graffiti is taking up valuable time and money of Whetstone Parish Council and causing concern for local residents. “We would urge anyone who could help identify those responsible to please get in touch.” Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting reference 21*20781. You can also pass on information online by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/. Leicestershire Police News 14/01/2021

Detectives investigating a burglary in Stoney Stanton are appealing for anyone with doorbell or CCTV footage to come forward. It happened at an address in New Road between 1.30pm and 3.30pm on Monday (11 January). The occupants were not in the property at the time. Cash was taken along with jewellery and power tools. A pet crow was also stolen and has not yet been located. The bird, which has white feathers under its wings, does not fly. Officers believe that more than one person was involved. Detective Sergeant Fraser Macintosh, from Hinckley and Blaby CID, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who has footage of men acting suspiciously in or around New Road on Monday afternoon. “This could be either from a video doorbell or CCTV you have installed at your address. I would also like to speak to anyone who saw men knocking on doors in the area. “Any information you can provide could help our investigation.” You can pass on information online by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 21*18355. Alternatively call 101. A 47-year-old man has been charged in connection with this incident. William Wallace, of Leicester Road, Market Harborough was charged with burglary dwelling and theft and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday 13 January) A 54-year-old man from Leicester arrested by police has been released on bail. A 39-year-old woman from Leicester who was also arrested has been released with no further action Leicestershire Police News 13/01/2021

Leicestershire Council condemns vandalism of flood gates, which were only installed in December. The county council says newly installed flood gates on Watery Gate Lane have already been damaged following attempts by motorists trying to access the ford at Thurlaston. It was only last month that the gates were installed as part of a £65,000 scheme in conjunction with Blaby District Council to deter vehicles from attempting to cross the ford when water levels are too high. Now the county council is facing another bill to repair the gates. Each year, a number of drivers, who ignore the warning signs, have to be rescued by emergency services and the council says that, since 2014, more than 20 cars have been involved in rescues from the ford. "Motorists have been ignoring warning signs and too often try to cross the ford on Watery Gate Lane when the water levels have risen. This leads them to breaking down and either our highways department or the fire service being called out. We were asked to install these gates by rescue teams who are spending an extraordinary amount of their limited budget and precious time removing cars from Watery Gate Lane. These gates were installed to ensure motorists safety, to already have someone try to use the road when it is dangerous to do so and damage our gate in the process is very frustrating. It is incredibly dangerous to attempt to cross flood water, even a foot of water can move a car. When we close a road, it is closed for a reason, please find an alternative route." Trevor Pendleton, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for Highways and Transport. The flood gates are closed by county council highways’ teams when the ford on Watery Gate Lane reaches a water level which is deemed impassable. The cost of repairing the gates is still being assessed by county council officers and temporary security measures are in place to secure the gate. Leicestershire County Council News