Cllr Jewel Miah, Leader of Charnwood Borough Council, has issued this statement following the Government's decision on local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Government has decided that from April 2028 there will be two unitary councils to deliver all services to residents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Those councils will be: A unitary council covering Leicester, Oadby and Wigston and parts of Blaby, Charnwood, and Harborough A unitary council for the remaining area of Leicestershire and Rutland Cllr Jewel Miah said: “The Government has not accepted the district and borough councils' preferred option for three unitary councils, but has instead decided to go with the Leicester City proposal to expand the City to form one unitary council and the remainder of Leicestershire and Rutland to form a new larger outer unitary authority. “With the decision made, it will take time to fully understand the implications, and I will work with other Leaders in Leicestershire and the City on moving forward with the re-organisation. “Bringing council services together will be a complex and challenging task, but I would like to reassure our communities that Charnwood Borough Council will continue to deliver services to the high standards residents expect while safeguarding their best interests.” “As Leicestershire County Council will cease to exist and the existing County Hall buildings are moving within the new City boundary, the centre of gravity for the population of Leicestershire is now Loughborough, so this is the natural home for the new administrative centre of the outer unitary authority.” Credit Leicester City Council Charnwood Borough Council News

A 58-year-old man has been charged in connection with five robberies in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Gary Moore has been charged with five counts of robbery which relate to: A robbery at a shop in Exploration Drive, Leicester on 22 June A robbery at a business in Granby Street, Leicester on 26 June A robbery at a business in Lower Parliament Steet, Nottingham on 27 June 2026 A robbery at a bookmakers in Stamford Street, Glenfield on 28 June A robbery at a shop in Stephenson Drive, New Parks on 2 July Moore, of HMP Hatfield Lakes in Doncaster, has also been charged with escaping lawful custody, possession of a bladed article in a public place, possession of class A drugs and two counts of possession of an imitation firearm. Moore was arrested in Derby last night (Thursday 16 July) and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’’ Court tomorrow (Saturday). A second man has also been charged with robbery and theft offences A man has been charged after a number of offences of robbery and theft in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire. Jack Moore, 33, of Montvale Gardens, Leicester has been charged with: One count of theft from person relating to a theft in Sweetbriar Road, Leicester on 31 May 2026 One count of theft from store relating to a store theft in Exploration Drive, Leicester on 22 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Granby Street, Leicester on 26 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Lower Parliament Steet, Nottingham on 26 June 2026 One count of robbery relating to a business in Stephenson Drive, New Parks on 2 July 2026 Two counts of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence relating to the Lower Parliament Street and Stephenson Drive robberies One count of possessing a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place relating to the Granby Street robbery Moore has been remanded to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (Thursday 9 July). RELATED INCIDENTS Investigation into armed robbery at Glenfield bookmakers Armed robbery at store in New Parks Leicestershire Police News - Published: 20:38 17/07/2026

Detectives have begun an investigation after an armed robbery at store in New Parks this morning. Police were called to the store at 7.08am this morning (Thursday 2 July) following a report two masked men had entered the premises threatening staff. One of the men was reported to be holding what was reported to have been a pistol. A staff member was struck to the head and sustained minor injuries. The men made off on foot towards Samson Road with a quantity of cash. Detective Inspector Graeme Baxter from our Complex Investigation Team (CIT), said: “Officers remain the scene this morning carrying out enquiries which include forensic examination and reviewing CCTV. “We continue to investigate an armed robbery at a bookmakers on Sunday evening in Glenfield and believe due to the similarities and proximity to both incidents, that they could be linked. “I would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen something connected to this incident to please get in touch. Did you see two men in the area beforehand acting suspiciously? Did you see where the men went when they left the store? “Footage from doorbells, dashcams or CCTV may have also captured something so please if you live locally, please check your devices. “Any information you may have could be essential to our enquiries so please come forward if you can help.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 26*386923. Alternatively call 101. UPDATED NEWS 17/07/26 Man charged in connection with robberies Pictures by Leicester Media Online Leicestershire Police News Published : 11:36 02/07/2026

An investigation is continuing following a report of armed robbery at a bookmakers in Glenfield yesterday evening (Sunday 28 June). Police were called to premises in Stamford Street at 6pm following a report a female member of staff had been threatened by a man holding what was reported to have been a pistol. The suspect made off with a quantity of cash prior to police arriving. No injuries were reported during the incident. Detective Inspector Graeme Baxter, from our Complex Investigation Team (CIT), said: “Our investigation into this incident is continuing today and officers will be in the area carrying out further enquiries. “I’m appealing for anyone who can help to get in touch. This includes anyone who was in the bookmakers at the time of the incident but has not yet spoken to police or anyone who was passing by at around 6pm. “I’d also appeal for anyone with any footage – such as from a doorbell, dashcam or CCTV – to come forward. Anything you’re able to provide could help us.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 26*378747. Alternatively call 101. UPDATED NEWS 17/07/26 Man charged in connection with robberies Pictures by Leicester Media Online Leicestershire Police News - Published: 10:14 29/06/2026

Water safety will be on the agenda at South Charnwood Leisure Centre on Monday, July 20th when officers from the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Services Community Safety team will be on hand to offer advice to young people and parents. Join them from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. South Charnwood Leisure Centre Parkstone Road, Syston, LE7 1LY. What3words: ///shares.tuned.serve. BE WATER AWARE

Fire crews are currently responding to an incident in Loughborough Town centre, on the corner of High Street, Baxter Gate and Market Place, and are working alongside Leicestershire Police on this ongoing incident. Several streets have been closed and Police cordons remain in place this morning. Motorists should avoid the area and expect delays. A man is on the top of a two-story building, trained Police negotiator’s are engaging with the man. A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “I can confirm we were called to the High Street in Loughborough just after 9am today (Tuesday 14 July) after concerns were raised about the welfare of a man on the roof of a building. Officers are communicating with him and in the interests of safety road closures are in place." A spokesperson for Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said: “Our crews are currently responding to an incident in Loughborough town centre, on the corner of High Street, Baxter Gate and Market Place, and working alongside Leicestershire Police colleagues. Some streets have been closed. Motorists should avoid the area and expect delays." More to follow. Update A man who cause major disruption in Loughborough and Leicester on the same day has been charged Pictures by Leicester Media Online

The family of a man who was found dead in Loughborough earlier this month have paid tribute to him. Ashley Menzel, 42, was found in a caravan parked in a layby on the A6 Derby Road on Monday 6 July. An investigation into his death was launched by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU and further enquiries established he had been involved in an altercation in the days leading up to being located. Ashley Menzel In a statement, his family said: “Ashley was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend, uncle and nephew. “He as a beloved member of the family who will be deeply missed by all of us. He was his mum’s little boy and his dad’s best friend. “Though he had recently been going through a hard time, was on the road to recovery before his life was brought to a sad and abrupt end.” Two men aged 56 and 42, who were arrested on suspicion of murder, remain on bail while enquiries continue. Anyone with information about the incident can call 101 or visit www.leics.police.uk, quoting reference 26*398136 Leicestershire Police News - Published: 14:10 17/07/2026

A woman who was sexually abused as a child has helped convict a serial sex offender of further offences after seeing news of his other crimes. Leon Bowes was already serving life imprisonment with a minimum of 17 years behind bars after being convicted on 20 November 2024 of 25 offences against three women. Yesterday (Thursday 16 July), at Leicester Crown Court, he was found guilty of a further four sex offences against another victim – who was 12 and 13 at the time of the offending. He has been ordered to serve another four years – taking his minimum term in prison from 17 years to 21 years. The victim, who is now in her 30s, contacted police on 21 November 2024 after reading the news of Bowes’ conviction on Leicestershire Police’s Facebook page. She reported knowing Bowes during 2007 and 2008 and during that time they had engaged in sexual activity on multiple occasions. At the time Bowes was 17 and 18 and was aware the victim was under the age of consent. Following a thorough investigation of the new offences, Bowes was charged with two counts of rape of a girl under 13, and two counts of sexual activity with a child. He has been found guilty of all four offences. DC Josh Evans, from the force’s specialist rape and sexual assault team, is the officer in the case. He said: “This case highlights the significant impact that media coverage and public appeals can have in encouraging victims and survivors to come forward, even many years after abuse has taken place. “The victim in this case told me she came forward after seeing our reporting of Bowes’ crimes against the other women. “She had never disclosed what had happened to her as a child but seeing other women had made reports and recognising her own experiences in the coverage of the case, it gave her the courage to call police. “By reporting what had happened to her we were able to investigate the further offences and present that evidence before the courts. “Although Bowes is already in prison, it was vital we did everything we could to ensure this victim got the justice she deserves. “I want to thank her for having the confidence to tell us about what happened to her nearly 20 years ago. Even though at the time she did not see that Bowes’ actions were wrong, she now realises he took advantage of her as a young vulnerable girl and groomed her for his own sexual gratification. “I hope this conviction will help encourage any further victims of Bowes to come forward or any victims of sexual assault. No matter how much time has passed, we are here to listen to you and to help and support you.” Further information can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences Leicestershire Police News - Published: 12:48 17/07/2026

A driver has died after he was involved in a collision in Desford yesterday afternoon (Thursday 16 July). The collision occurred at 4.15pm on Lindridge Lane and involved a white Ford Transit towing a trailer and a grey Volkswagen ID3 Life car. The Ford Transit was travelling away from Desford, towards Merry Lees and the VW was travelling in the opposite direction when the collision occurred. The 56-year-old driver in the Volkswagen sustained serious injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. No one else was injured. A 22-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, he has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries. Officers from the Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are investigating the collision and appealed for anyone who witnessed the incident, saw either vehicle beforehand, or has relevant dashcam footage to contact them. Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC 4484 Alison Briance on 101 or via www.leics.police.uk, quoting incident 502 of 16 July. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 12:05 17/07/2026

His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has this week introduced a new policing performance system in England and Wales where Leicestershire Police has been placed in the top tier for performance. The policing inspectorate has assigned these performance levels to all forces as part of a drive to support improvements across policing and increase public confidence and accountability. The tiers range from Level One (highest) to Level Four (special measures) for the most significant performance issues. The policing performance system aims to strengthen how force performance is assessed and provide earlier support when improvements are needed. The new system was announced in the police reform white paper and will see forces made accountable to the Home Secretary for performance. Ministers and the inspectorate will also have new powers to intervene directly in failing forces. If there are performance concerns, such as poor police response times or victims not receiving the service they deserve, the Home Secretary, through the College of Policing, will send in experts from across policing to help them improve. Forces have also been set targets on neighbourhood policing levels, 999 response times and incident response times through the new police performance framework. T/Chief Constable David Sandall said: “We do want to thank all our partners who continue to support us in our collective ambition to have a safe and thriving Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and thank all those people who continue to support us in a positive way. “From those that step forward to support their local officer, those that volunteer to support their local police, to those that highlight the good work and service regularly seen and experienced, to those that feedback on our approach and those that help problem solve and make a positive difference in so many different ways in their local area. “This Tier 1 placing is a testament to the hard work of all the officers and staff who work for Leicestershire Police, responding every single day to emergencies, saving lives and continuing to reduce crime and solve more crime. “However, we are not complacent. I continue to stress that our current financial landscape is extremely challenging. “The force has managed to maintain the delivery of the service whilst managing the poor funding context, further reductions in resources, service and facing extremely demanding and challenging circumstances, with increased policing of protest activity, increasingly high levels of demand and sentencing act changes meaning more criminals released from prison earlier. “This is a credit to the good people who work here, officers, staff, PCSOs and volunteers who strive every day to keep you safe and to do a good job for the public, and this is a positive reflection on the collective work with partners and local communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.” Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews welcomed the news, saying: “I hope that residents and businesses are reassured to see Leicestershire Police recognised in the top tier under the new performance system. “The real test though will be maintaining those standards and continuing to improve the service residents receive, particularly in the current challenging financial circumstances. “This grading is a credit to the commitment, dedication, hard work and professionalism of our police officers and staff. We are all aware however that there is no room for complacency. “My priority remains preventing crime, rebuilding community policing and seeing offenders brought to justice to keep people, families, businesses and communities safe.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 11:46 17/07/2026

A man who cause major disruption to Loughborough Town Centre on Tuesday morning and then later on the same night, caused more disruption and road closures in Leicester City Centre on Belgrave Gate has been charged. Loughborough These two incidents happened on Tuesday morning, 14th July, when the man was reported on a rooftop in Loughborough town centre, triggering a major emergency response and closing the town centre, causing loss of trade to around 20 shops and disruptions to bus travel and the general public. Loughborough Later on in the evening, another incident was reported in Belgrave Gate, Leicester, near the Haymarket, where emergency services were deployed again, and a police cordon was put in place, preventing access in and out of the car park and access to the Haymarket Bus Station and surrounding roads. Belgrave Gate in Leicester Belgrave Gate in Leicester A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said Lewis Rudkin, 23, of Southampton Street, has been charged with two counts of intentionally/recklessly causing a public nuisance. Rudkin was arrested following the incident in Loughborough and was dealt with by way of a community resolution. Following his arrest for the incident in Leicester, he was then charged in connection with both. The charges relate to two incidents in High Street in Loughborough and Belgrave Gate in Leicester on Tuesday (14 July). Rudkin is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court this morning (Thursday 16 July). Pictures by Leicester Media Online

The government has confirmed that from April 2028 there will be two unitary councils to deliver all services to residents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. The government has announced its decision on local government reorganisation for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Three proposals to reorganise the existing 10 councils were put forward and considered by government. It has been confirmed that from April 2028 there will be two unitary councils to deliver all services to residents in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Those councils will be: A unitary council covering Leicester, Oadby and Wigston and parts of Blaby, Charnwood, and Harborough A unitary council for the remaining area of Leicestershire and Rutland This map. may help you understand the new areas. All council services are continuing as usual and further updates will follow. There is no need for residents to do anything at this time. Any significant changes will only come into effect in 2028. A website has been developed. to help keep residents informed about local government reorganisation in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. It has been established by all 10 councils and further information will be added to it in the coming weeks and months. Following the announcement, the Leader of Leicestershire Council, Dan Harrison, issued this statement. The Government has published more information in a parliamentary statement.. In addition, there is also a supporting press statement. from the Government. Leicestershire County Council News - Thursday, 16 July, 2026