Young people from across Leicester gathered together for a friendly tournament last week (20 Aug) to celebrate the end of a summer packed with free sport and physical activity sessions. The sessions, delivered in communities across the city, were held at the city council’s multi-use games areas (MUGAs) and PlayZones throughout the school summer holidays, helping people to make the most of newly-created or refurbished spaces for sport. Young people were able to book onto the sessions for free and benefit from expert coaching by Leicester City in the Community and the Leicester Riders. Hosted at St Margaret's Pastures, the celebration event gave participants the chance to put their skills into practice, enjoy friendly competition and celebrate the achievements they have made during the summer programme. More than 100 young people took part, with medals and trophies awarded to tournament winners following an afternoon of matches and activities. The tournament marked the culmination of a programme of free activities funded by Leicester City Council and delivered in neighbourhoods including Belgrave, Netherhall, Woodgate, Highfields, Humberstone, Eyres Monsell, New Parks, Thurnby Lodge and Northfields. Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for sports, said: “I’m delighted that our investment into community sports facilities has paid off. "These free sessions are held at our newly refurbished facilities and are funded by the city council. We know that they are particularly valued in local neighbourhoods where affordable activities for young people can make a real difference. "As a council, we are proud to work with our partners to help deliver these sessions and create opportunities for young people to stay active, make new friends and develop their skills." Matt Bray, head of programmes at Leicester City in the Community, said: "It has been great to deliver sessions across the city in new venues this summer and see so many young people taking part. The commitment and enthusiasm shown by participants has been outstanding, particularly during the recent hot weather, and it was wonderful to bring everyone together for this end-of-summer celebration." Some community MUGAs and PlayZones will continue with weekly coaching sessions delivered by Leicester City in the Community into the autumn – you can find details of these at Leicester City in the Community. LCC News - Published on Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Teenager Rhianna advocates for other young carers An inspiring teenager has made it her mission to bang the drum for fellow young carers and educate others about the challenges they face. Rhianna Reid (18) is writing a book to support primary school aged children who care for loved ones about her own lived experience caring for her dad, which she hopes one day will be published. She has also delivered presentations to school staff, helping them recognise the signs that a pupil may be a young carer, as part of her passion to ensure professionals can help young carers get the support they need. Rhianna Reid, young carer said: "No day is ever normal when you're a young carer. For me, it's making sure my dad's OK, that he's had his medication, eaten, showered and changed himself. I'm just being there for him really, making sure he's doing well. I never realised I was a young carer until my sister's support worker mentioned it when I was about 14 or 15. I'd been a young carer for years and just never knew. We got in touch with Leicestershire County Council and were offered support from a youth worker. That support made a huge difference, from one-to-one chats and help choosing my college course, to support with my GCSEs and giving me space away from my caring role." Earlier this year, Rhianna’s work to advocate for fellow young carers earned her the Leicester Lord-Lieutenant’s Young Person of the Year Award. She added: “Not many children know what a young carer is and neither do many adults. “Young carers don't always want to talk about how they're feeling because they're used to the attention being on someone else. “The best thing someone can do is be there for them, whether that's a shoulder to cry on, someone to talk to or simply spending time together. “You never know what someone is going through at home, so don't jump to conclusions if they're running late or haven't handed in their homework.” Cllr Charles Pugsley, lead member for children and families said: "Rhianna is an exceptional young woman whose determination and positivity are truly inspiring. As well as supporting her dad, she has worked tirelessly as an advocate for other young carers. We are incredibly proud of everything she has achieved and grateful for the efforts she is making to raise awareness." Despite juggling all her commitments, Rhianna is heading to Loughborough University to study sports coaching after achieving top grades in a BTEC in the subject. She now aims to establish a sports programme for other young carers to help get them out of the house and support good mental health. - If you think you may be a young carer, help is available from the county council’s Young Carers Team, including access to support groups, Young Carers’ Passports and support workers Leicestershire County Council News Wednesday, 26 August, 2026

People across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (LLR) are being urged to prepare for the possibility of flooding with thunderstorms and heavy rain forecast for later this week. Months of little or no rain have left the ground extremely hard, increasing the risk of surface water flooding which can happen fast and be hard to predict, says the Local Resilience Forum (LRF). A yellow warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office for Wednesday and Thursday (26 and 27 August), along with the possibility of hail and strong winds. Forecasts also include periods of heavy showers with up to 30mm of rain possible in some places. (Some isolated areas may get up to 50mm in a short space of time.) As well as localised flooding, risks include difficult driving conditions, disruption to power and other utilities, and a risk to life from fast-flowing flood water. To reduce the risk of flooding after a record-breaking summer of hot, dry weather, people are advised to: Know their flood risk and sign up for free flood alerts and warnings Pack a ‘grab bag’ of essential items, like medicines, bottled water and insurance documents, in case you need to stay put or leave your home in a hurry Check in on relatives and neighbours, particularly those who may find it harder to cope Check gutters, drains and downpipes, and clear leaves and debris Have an emergency plan and keep it handy – include things like emergency phone numbers Check out property flood resilience measures Find local flood resilience activities, such as your local flood warden scheme, or set one up! Never enter flood water. In an emergency, call 999 Kristy Ball, Co-Chair of LRF’s People, Communities and Recovery group said: “While the sun is shining, it’s easy to forget about the risk of flooding – but, after a long dry spell, rainwater can run off dry ground and cause localised flooding which can have devastating impacts. That’s why it’s so important to be prepared. “By taking action to prepare for flooding – like packing a ‘grab bag’ or checking in with vulnerable neighbours - people are actually making themselves and their communities better prepared for other risks, too.” Free support to help reduce the impact of flooding, heatwaves and other emergencies is available from Risk Ready Communities, part of a community resilience programme led by the LRF, in partnership with Groundwork Five Counties and Communities Prepared. People can find free resources and information from Risk Ready Communities by visiting the LLR Resilience Forum page. Leicestershire County Council News

5–6 September 2026 | Belvoir Castle, Grantham Land Rover enthusiasts from across the UK and beyond are gearing up for a spectacular weekend of 4x4 action as the LRO Show returns to the stunning grounds of Belvoir Castle on 5 and 6 September 2026. Described as the UK’s biggest and best Land Rover show, the annual celebration brings together thousands of Land Rover owners, enthusiasts, clubs, traders and families for a weekend packed with action, adventure, shopping and some of the most impressive off-road vehicles around. At the heart of the weekend will be the LRO Live Action Arena, where visitors can expect a spectacular showcase of Land Rover capability, with extreme off-road vehicles tackling challenging terrain and putting their driving skills to the ultimate test. And when the sun goes down, the action continues, with a spectacular Saturday night show featuring lasers, lights and Land Rover action, giving visitors the chance to see some of the stars of the day's entertainment return to the arena after dark. For Land Rover owners, one of the biggest attractions will be the huge range of specialist traders and exhibitors. From elusive spare parts and repair panels to trim, engine tuning, suspension, styling and security upgrades, tools, expedition equipment and adventure tours, the show is a one-stop shop for anyone looking to maintain, restore or upgrade their vehicle. The event will also celebrate the passion for classic Land Rovers with the launch of an exciting Land Rover restoration project. The LRO Show has acquired a 1969 Series IIA and will be working with restoration specialists Armada Classic of Wolverhampton to return the iconic vehicle to its former glory. With hundreds of Land Rovers on display, specialist traders, club stands, live entertainment, off-road action and plenty for families to enjoy, the LRO Show offers something for everyone – whether they are lifelong Land Rover fans or simply looking for a great day out. The event is also set to be an important weekend for the wider Land Rover community, with enthusiasts travelling from across the country to showcase their vehicles, meet fellow owners and share their passion for one of Britain's most iconic automotive marques. LRO Show Event Director Tom Siddall: "The LRO Show is all about bringing the Land Rover community together and 2026 is set to be our biggest and most exciting show yet. Belvoir Castle provides an incredible backdrop, but it's the vehicles, the people and the atmosphere that make this such a special weekend. Whether you're a dedicated Land Rover enthusiast, a classic vehicle fan or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, there's something waiting for you at LRO." Advance tickets for the 2026 LRO Show are available now, with adult tickets from £18, children's tickets from £10 and family tickets from £46. Under-fives go free, while visitors wanting to experience the off-road action can purchase an off-road session for £20. The LRO Show takes place at Belvoir Castle, Grantham, on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026. For tickets and further information visit: www.lroshow.com

New proposal for the future of Leicester Market is to go out to consultation today (Monday), after work on the city’s market place was paused earlier this year. The city council is now proposing a scheme that would return Leicester’s historic market to its old site – but would also create a new event space in the heart of the city centre. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “When I asked for work to be paused so we could reconsider the potential for this wonderful site, I put forward a proposal to relocate the market and transform the market place into a space that would become the focal point for festivals, events and celebrations in Leicester. “While this was welcomed by many people – including local businesses and representatives of the heritage sector – it was clear that the market traders themselves felt strongly about returning to the site where they’d stood for generations. “Our design team has now come up with a scheme that would allow the market to return to the traders’ favoured site, while keeping the market place as a flexible space for public events – as it was for hundreds of years. “We’re now inviting the market traders and people in Leicester to comment on this new proposal. Their feedback will help inform the final decision, paving the way for a scheme that I hope will bring new life to Leicester’s market place and help regenerate the wider area.” The latest proposal shows a new home for Leicester Market in a light and airy structure, adjacent to the existing food hall. Automated shutters would secure the market when it was not in use, while its 48 stalls could be fully dismantled and cleared away to provide room for a bar area, for example, if the event space was being used for an outdoor concert. The whole site would be paved in high-quality porphyry, with colourful planters helping to create an attractive, versatile event space that could host festivals, live music or speciality markets. With food and drink driving footfall to markets across the country, and to complement the range of produce on sale in the neighbouring food hall, it’s proposed that the new market would also be food-focused, with stalls prioritised for those selling fruit, vegetables and high-quality food from around the world. “Food is already the cornerstone of what’s on offer at Leicester Market, with around two-thirds of the occupied stalls selling fruit, vegetables and other foods,” said the City Mayor. “This redevelopment would give us an opportunity to build on that. “A broader range of quality produce, featuring baked goods or street food, for example, could help shape the vibrant market we all want to create. “So I’m convinced that Leicester Market does have a bright future. Our role now is to create the right environment for it to thrive – and ensure it provides a unique shopping experience that attracts both visitors and regular shoppers.” If given the go-ahead, the new event space could be paved and completed by early 2026, with the new market building opening by spring/summer 2027. Traders could continue to operate from Green Dragon Square until then. The consultation opens today (Monday 28 October) and can be found here People have until 23:59 on Monday 9 December to submit their views.

Leicester's new market square is taking shape, with contractors now laying the high quality porphyry paving that will extend across the whole space. Here's how the site looks now - and here's how it will look when the scheme's complete. For more check out the Leicester Market website

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

A father and son have admitted robbing several businesses in Leicester and Nottingham. Gary and Jack Moore pleaded guilty to a string of offences when they appeared at Leicester Crown Court on Monday (24 August). Between them, they committed their offences between 31 May and 2 July this year, targeting several shops by threatening staff and stealing quantities of cash. Fifty-eight-year-old Moore, of HMP Hatfield Lakes, pleaded guilty to four counts of robbery relating to businesses in Granby Street on 26 June, Lower Parliament Street in Nottingham on 27 June, Stamford Street in Glenfield on 28 June and Stephenson Drive, New Parks on 2 July He also pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, relating to the incidents in Lower Parliament Street and Stamford Street. Jack Moore, 33, of Montvale Gardens, Leicester, pleaded guilty to three counts of robbery relating to the same incidents in Granby Street, Lower Parliament Street and Stephenson Drive. He also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, relating to the incident in Stephenson Drive. The pair are due to be sentenced at the same court on 28 October. Detective Inspector Graeme Baxter, from our Complex Investigation Team (CIT) was the senior investigating officer. He said: “The crimes committed by the Moores have had a significant and lasting impact on those working in the premises they targeted. “They clearly didn’t care and were acting purely for their own financial gain. However, the fact they’ve admitted their crimes means the victims won’t have to relive what happened in front of a jury.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 08:51 26/08/2026

EMR to run significantly reduced services and trains will be incredibly busy to and from London on Sunday and Monday due to RMT strike action. East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, will run a significantly reduced timetable to and from London on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August due to strike action by the RMT union. Customers are advised to only travel if their journey is absolutely essential on these dates and to check their full journey, including first and last trains, before travelling. Compounding the issue is the fact that this Sunday there will be no LNER trains between London King’s Cross and Peterborough as part of digital signalling upgrades being carried out by Network Rail. As a result, EMR services to and from London St Pancras are expected to be extremely busy, with increased demand coinciding with a reduced service due to strike action. Sheffield station and Nottingham station will also be very busy and queues to board services will be in place. EMR recognises the significant disruption this will cause to customers’ plans over the August Bank Holiday and understands how frustrating this news will be for its customers, particularly following the three Saturdays targeted by RMT strikes earlier this month. EMR continues to have constructive discussions with the RMT and has met with the union six times as it works towards resolving the issues at the heart of this dispute. At the same time, EMR is working closely with Hitachi Rail to ensure that concerns are being properly addressed. Further information can be found here: https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/reducedtimetable

A student has been found guilty of manslaughter after stabbing his former friend outside the De Montfort University campus. Harper Dennis Harper Dennis, aged 19, repeatedly stabbed Khaleed Oladipo, aged 20, in the chest near De Montfort University in Leicester on the evening of Tuesday, February 3, this year. Today at Leicester Crown Court, he was acquitted of murder but found guilty of manslaughter, possessing an offensive weapon, and failing to provide the PIN for his phone. Dennis, of North Road in West Drayton, London, was sentenced to a total of 10 years’ imprisonment. Leicestershire Police have released the following statement A teenager has been jailed for killing De Montfort University student Khaleed Oladipo following a fatal stabbing in Leicester city centre. Harper Dennis, 19, who was also a student in his first year at the University of Leicester, was convicted of manslaughter today (Tuesday 25 August) after a trial at Leicester Crown Court. He was also found guilty of possession of an offensive weapon and one count of failing to provide his PIN number under Section 49 of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA). He was sentenced to a total of 10 years’ imprisonment. Mr Oladipo, a third-year cyber security student, was stabbed by Dennis shortly after 5pm on 3 February this year in Oxford Street, Leicester. Despite the efforts of members of the public who came to the aid of the 20-year-old and medical professionals, he died in hospital later that evening. During the investigation, led by detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s (EMSOU) major crime team, officers pieced together vital evidence from witnesses, CCTV, dash cam footage and forensic examinations. This helped prove that Dennis had taken the knife with him that evening and stabbed Mr Oladipo five times to the chest. Immediately after the incident Dennis ran from the scene but thanks to fast-track enquiries by officers on the evening of the killing, he was arrested from his nearby student accommodation within a few hours. Working meticulously through hours of CCTV footage, detectives were able to track Dennis’s movements from the time he left his room at 4.46pm and then parts of the route he took before encountering Mr Oladipo in Oxford Street. Only moments before the incident, Mr Oladipo was seen on CCTV leaving his girlfriend’s accommodation and walking along Oxford Street towards the city centre. The incident itself was not captured on CCTV as the camera on the opposite side was blocked by the high volume of traffic travelling along the road. But a passing motorist recorded crucial evidence of the incident on her dash cam – showing the two men grappling and falling to the ground where Dennis then stabbed Mr Oladipo a number of times. The footage also captured Dennis fleeing the scene and the injured Mr Oladipo kneeling on the floor before collapsing. Further CCTV footage then showed Dennis running from the scene immediately afterwards and returning to his accommodation – only 22 minutes after he had first left. CCTV shows movements of Harper Dennis Following the incident, a number of witnesses came forward and provided accounts which also helped detectives build a detailed picture. Crucially, officers also recovered the knife used at the scene. Forensic examination of swabs taken from the knife showed that DNA recovered from the handle matched Dennis, while blood recovered from the blade matched Mr Oladipo. Following Dennis’s arrest, police searched his room and were handed a black bin bag by a fellow student. This bag contained the clothing Dennis was wearing during the incident. Footage shows the arrest of Harper Dennis. Dennis was found not guilty of murder at court. He was found guilty of manslaughter. Dennis had asked the student to dispose of the black bag in the outside communal bins without telling her what was inside. With the suspect in custody, police also began to build up a picture of the relationship between the two men and to identify any motive for the incident. Examination of Mr Oladipo’s phone, which had been handed to police by his girlfriend, confirmed the two men knew each other and were part of a Snapchat group with two other men. Messages recovered from this group, as well as private messages between the two of them and information provided by Mr Oladipo’s girlfriend pointed towards the motive being a monetary dispute – with threats being made by Dennis towards Mr Oladipo and his girlfriend in the weeks leading up to the incident. Detectives were unable to examine Dennis’s phone after he refused to supply police with his PIN number – an offence he has been found guilty of as part of the trial. Throughout his police interviews Dennis remained silent – only providing a prepared statement stating he acted in self-defence. Footage shows the police interview with Harper Dennis Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, the senior investigating officer, said: “At the heart of this investigation is a family who have lost a loving son and brother. “They have remained supportive and engaged with police in what has been an extremely difficult and traumatic six months. Our thoughts remain with them, and I thank them for their assistance during this investigation. “I would like to thank the witnesses in this case, including those who stopped to help Mr Oladipo, provided vital evidence, gave statements to police and attended court to give evidence during the trial. “I also want to acknowledge the support provided by De Montfort University during this investigation. “Through extensive CCTV enquiries, crucial dashcam footage, detailed forensic examination and information provided by witnesses who came forward, we were able to build a clear picture of Dennis’s actions before, during and after the incident. "This incident highlights the very real dangers of carrying a knife and choosing to use it. Dennis’s actions and the choices he made in those few seconds has resulted in devastating consequences and the death of a young man with his whole life ahead of him.” For information about and support relating to knife crime, visit: https://livesafe.org.uk/ Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Lorna Granville speaks about the investigation Leicestershire Police News - Published: 16:46 25/08/2026

It's closing time for High Street crime HMRC has made unannounced visits to 13 shops across Leicestershire as it scales up its work to tackle illegal activity on the high street. Unannounced visits to 13 shops across Leicestershire More than 5,000 cigarettes and 3,549 litres of alcohol seized Part of 30,000 interventions this year by HMRC on the high street Officers from HMRC, with support from colleagues in Trading Standards, Immigration Enforcement and Police, visited shops in Leicester. More than 5,000 cigarettes were seized by HMRC and Trading Standards along with 6 kilos of illicit hand-rolling tobacco, and 3,549 litres of alcohol. HMRC will use the intelligence gathered in its investigations to inform future action to tackle illegal activity on the high street. The visits, tax and organised crime investigations, seizures and warnings are part of HMRC’s plan to carry out more than 30,000 compliance interventions in 2026-27 to tackle tax fraud and illegal activity on the high street. HMRC and its partners are executing UK-wide investigations targeting enablers behind high street harm, including those using vape shops, barbers, souvenir shops, candy stores and convenience stores as fronts for money laundering and tax crime. Kevin Hubbard, Director of Small Business and Individuals Compliance at HMRC, said: "Too many high streets have been blighted by illegal activity that harms communities and undercuts honest businesses. We’re determined to change that. "We’re working in Leicestershire and across the UK, increasing our action targeting the criminals using shops as a front for tax evasion, money laundering and fraud. "This is a sustained, nationwide effort – and HMRC and its partners will use every power available to dismantle these criminal networks.” You can report High Street tax fraud here: Anyone with information about the sale of counterfeit or unsafe goods is encouraged to report it to Trading Standards.

This is the fifth successful prosecution under Operation Hind. Two shop workers have been sentenced following a successful prosecution by Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards, after illegal tobacco products were sold from a Loughborough shop. This is the fifth successful prosecution under Operation Hind, launched to tackle the growing problem of counterfeit tobacco and non‑compliant vaping products being sold in local shops across the county. Khalid Aziz Faraj, of Rose Street, Redheugh, Gateshead, and Kawa Abdulla, of Barrow Street, Loughborough, appeared at Loughborough Magistrates Court on Friday 29 May, where they pleaded guilty to offences under the Trade Marks Act 1994, the Tobacco and Related Products Regulations 2016, and the Standardised Packaging of Tobacco Products Regulations 2015. Each defendant was fined £333, reduced from £500 to reflect their early guilty pleas, and ordered to pay a £133 victim surcharge and £160 in prosecution costs, bringing the total to £626 each. The court ordered that the fines be paid at a rate of £100 per month, with the first payment due within 28 days. The case related to The Rushes Store Limited, trading as Loughborough International, at 50a The Rushes, Loughborough, and followed an investigation by Trading Standards officers. Between 8 and 23 January 2026, officers carried out a series of test purchases at the premises, during which counterfeit and smuggled cigarettes were sold. Faraj sold, or was involved in the sale of, five packets of cigarettes on 8 and 16 January. Abdulla sold nine packets on 13, 16 and 23 January, including seven packets of counterfeit cigarettes and two packets of smuggled, non-UK duty paid cigarettes intended for sale in Nigeria. Both men were arrested by police on 23 January and taken into custody, where they were later interviewed under caution by Trading Standards officers. In sentencing, magistrates acknowledged the evidence presented by Trading Standards, but determined that both men had played a limited role, stating that there was no significant sophistication or planning involved and that they had been operating under the supervision of an employer. Passing sentence, they said they had assessed the offences themselves, rather than the individuals’ roles alone, when deciding on the penalties imposed. The investigation into The Rushes Store Limited and its director remains ongoing. Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards is encouraging residents to report any concerns about the sale of illegal tobacco as part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers and support law-abiding businesses. They can be reported anonymously through Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133. Operation Hind is a county‑wide enforcement initiative led by Leicestershire County Council Trading Standards, working in partnership with Leicestershire Police, to crack down on the sale of illegal vapes, counterfeit cigarettes and illicit tobacco products. It was launched to tackle the growing problem of counterfeit tobacco and non‑compliant vaping products being sold in local shops, many of which pose serious health risks, with previous tests identifying dangerous substances such as arsenic, lead and formaldehyde in illegal vapes. The initiative focuses on prevention through advice and warnings, intelligence‑led inspections, test purchasing, joint enforcement visits and prosecution of both business owners and shop workers involved in the illegal trade. Anyone with information about the sale of counterfeit or unsafe goods is encouraged to report it to Trading Standards. Leicestershire County Council News