We would like to provide the local community in Thurnby and wider public with an update on the investigation into a serious assault last week. Just before 12.30am on Thursday (8 October), police were called to a house in Station Road, at the corner with Somerby Road, following a report two masked men had entered and attacked the occupants. A father and son – a man in his 50s and a 15-year-old boy – were taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. They are both continuing to receive specialist treatment but are in a stable condition. Their wife and mother – a woman in her 40s – suffered minor injuries during the incident. Three other children who were in the address were not injured. Officers from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) and Leicestershire Police have carried out extensive enquiries in the area to search for anything that could identify and locate the people responsible. There is nothing to suggest that the incident was racially or religiously motivated at this stage. Officers would like to provide reassurance to the local community that they do not believe anyone other than the two people who entered the house were responsible. Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, from EMSOU, is leading the investigation. She said: “Our searches in the surrounding area are now complete and we are continuing to carry out further enquiries to locate those responsible. “While I can’t go into specific details, I’d like to reassure residents that the investigation is progressing significantly and specially trained officers are continuing to support the family involved. “At this stage in the investigation, we have no information to suggest there is a wider risk to the public. “I’d like to thank everyone who contacted us with information. I’d also like to acknowledge the work of colleagues from Leicestershire and across the region for their work during this investigation. “If you can help, it’s not too late to come forward with any information or footage that could assist us.” You can also submit information through our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP): https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM26I90-PO1 Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.

Leicester’s biggest celebration of food and drink, brought to you by BID Leicester, is now on with 49 venues and 67 deals to enjoy from today (19 October) until 1 November. Now in its sixth year, the city-wide celebration is once again running across two weeks, following the success of last year’s extended format. A highlight of Leicester’s culinary calendar, it gives diners the chance to discover new favourites, revisit beloved local haunts, and explore cuisine from across the globe. From pocket-friendly bites to indulgent dinners, Leicester Restaurant Week 2026 has something to suit every taste and budget, with offers ranging from just £5 up to £30. This year sees a few new additions to the city’s food scene, including O.W at The Grand, Madras Flavours and Thanh Nam Pho. There are also some familiar names taking part in LRW for the first time – Gray’s Coffee Shop & Kitchen, The Bottle Garden, Zizzi and The Encore Dining by Ramada Encore. Enjoy 30% off the entire menu at O.W at The Grand; Pho and a soft drink from Thanh Nam Pho for just £15; a bottle of wine and flatbread from The Bottle Garden for £25, or a classic beer and burger combo from Gray’s for £15. Families looking for a tasty treat can make the most of special offers at Crafty, Bryter Moon Deli, Dough WHAT, Queen of Bradgate, The Globe, Firebug and Turtle Bay. Kids can eat from £5 at The Globe, Bryter Moon Deli, Crafty and Queen of Bradgate – or from £1 at Firebug. There are some monster family deals on too. At Dough WHAT, enjoy “The Monster Pizza Pit-Stop” for £30 – a family sharing garlic bread, deep dish loaded cheese margherita and a choice of additional pizza. Turtle Bay is running a “kids eat free” deal for every £15 spent by an adult (including an exclusive Monster Mocktail!) Looking for light bites, brunch, or lunchtime treats? There are some fantastic offerings from Casa Casa, where you can enjoy three tapas dishes for £20; choose a pizza and a wrap with a drink for £15 at Art’s Greek Cuisine; any small drink and a pastry is just £5 at Esquires; at My Delhi, their lunchtime offer includes two street plates with spiced cous cous or a lunch platter for £15; at The Frame, you can pick a mezze dish, plate option and side for £20; Biggies Pizza are running a deal where you can get a 12-inch pizza with a pint of beer or glass of wine for £15; grab brunch and coffee for two at KAI for £30, or YO! Sushi is running a deal where you can get their iconic Katsu Curry for a fiver. For something more substantial, there are great value two and three-course menu offers, across the city, covering a variety of cuisines. From Italian at Casa Romana, Café Roma or Knight & Garter; Thai, Japanese and Vietnamese feasts at Giggling Squid, Maki & Ramen or Pho; Argentinian feasts at Sonrisa; Indian at Chutney Ivy, Amrut or Madras Flavours, or French at Bistrot Pierre. The event is hosted by BID Leicester, which is once again putting food and hospitality at the heart of its programme of activity designed to encourage people to visit, explore and enjoy the city. Simon Jenner, Director at BID Leicester, said: “Leicester Restaurant Week is now on, and it’s fantastic to see the event featuring 49 venues and 67 deals in its sixth year. Running across two weeks gives people even more opportunity to make the most of the city’s fantastic food and drink scene, whether they’re discovering somewhere new or returning to an old favourite. “There really is something for everyone this year, from great-value lunches and family offers to new restaurants and some of Leicester’s best-loved venues. We’re looking forward to welcoming people into the city and encouraging everyone to make the most of the fantastic offers available.” The return of the Leicester Monsters will add an extra element of fun to the city during part of Restaurant Week, with eight giant illuminated monster installations appearing across rooftops, windows and unexpected corners of Leicester from 22 to 31 October, throughout the school half-term. With restaurants offering deals throughout the two-week celebration, visitors can combine a meal out with a day exploring Leicester – and make the most of the city during the autumn break. Save the Date: Leicester Restaurant Week is running throughout the city centre from Monday 19 October – Sunday 1 November 2026. Details of all 49 participating venues and their deals can be found by click the button below.

Eleven people have been arrested, six vehicles seized and £5000 in cash recovered in Leicestershire during a national week of action targeting vehicle crime. ‘Op Alliances’ ran across the UK from Monday 28 September to Monday 5 October to disrupt the theft of motor vehicles and car key burglaries as well as the supply chains connected with theft from vehicles. The week also focused on coordinating intelligence gathering by other forces and other agencies such as the National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) and the National Crime Agency. In Leicestershire, an intelligence-led Roads Policing Unit operation was run on the evening of Friday 2 October which led to 10 arrests on suspicion of conspiracy to commit theft from HGVs. As a result of these arrests, six vehicles were seized and eight searches carried out across multiple force areas including Nottinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Northamptonshire and London. A significant number of mobile phones were recovered as well as £5000 in cash, laptops, vehicle keys and SIM cards. All 10 have been released on bail pending further enquiries. During the intensification week, a 39-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assault; driving without insurance; theft and being wanted on warrant. He was released on bail. Across the week, vehicle crime prevention messages were posted on the force’s social media accounts reminding people to lock their vehicles; keep keyless car fobs in signal blocking containers and secure their homes to prevent people breaking in and stealing their car keys. Chief Inspector Rich Jackson said; “This was an exceptional result for Leicestershire Police and a clear demonstration of the value of intelligence-led, proactive policing. I would like to personally thank everyone involved, from the intelligence officers who developed the information, to the Roads Policing Unit officers on patrol that night and the investigators who are progressing the case. Their professionalism, flexibility and teamwork were instrumental in delivering this excellent outcome.” “Vehicle crime has consequences for individuals, communities and businesses and everyone has a role to play in protecting their vehicles and their contents and helping us prevent vehicle crime.” Nationally, more than 100 warrants were executed across 32 force areas, leading to 286 arrests, 319 stolen vehicles being seized, with an estimated value of more than £2.6m, and 20 organised crime gangs with links to a range of additional criminality including drugs, firearms and burglary were disrupted by police activity. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 11:42 20/10/2026

Residents are being urged to prepare for bad weather this winter – as Leicestershire County Council steps up to support communities against flooding. With a number of flood events in recent years, and last winter being the wettest on record, the county council has worked with communities during 2026 to help them prepare for any future flooding. Last year, £2m of money earmarked for carbon reserves was put towards flooding, which is being put to use across Leicestershire. Communities are already taking action to become more resilient, through a £400,000 community grant scheme of equipment being given to local areas. Innovative sandbag alternatives – which can be stored easier and inflate and stack like sandbags – have been purchased with the money, alongside temporary flood barriers which are put out to prevent flood water reaching local areas. This equipment has been given out to parish councils to distribute to their communities. At-risk areas, including Bottesford, East Goscote and Newtown Linford have already received products from the grants scheme. A portion of the cash was also put towards bolstering the county’s annual drain-cleaning programme, by cleaning lower-priority drains more frequently and maintaining culverts across the county. Drop-in events have also been held across Leicestershire in areas that have experienced flooding, with more events set to be scheduled. Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for flooding, said; “We have spent the year working hard to give communities the equipment that can help to reduce flood risk. “It's not a case of if but when flooding will happen in some areas of the county. Being prepared and thinking about it earlier can really help you recover and get back to normal more quickly. “There’s always more to do and we’re committed to helping, but we encourage everyone to check the flood risk in their area and take whatever steps are needed to be prepared. Flooding can happen at any time.” To find out more about flood risk and how to prepare, visit our flooding page. You can also sign up for flood alerts in your area on the Government's flooding page. Leicestershire County Council News - Monday, 19 October, 2026 New Leicestershire Matters news letter - out now Read the autumn edition Download it here

A van driver has today (Monday 19 October) been found guilty of attempting to rape a woman near services on the M1 earlier this year. On the evening of 25 April, Tadeusz Podlasinski attacked a woman in Baines Lane – which runs between Leicester’s Hinckley Road and the southbound services at Leicester Forest East – as she walked to catch a bus home. Ordering her to remove her clothes, he made threats to kill her. However the victim fought back by pushing him in the face, which caused him to get up and make his way back towards the services. She reported the incident to police and provided a detailed description of her attacker. An investigation led by officers from Signal – the force’s specialist rape and serious sexual assault team – began. As part of it, a lengthy trawl of CCTV footage was undertaken and detectives identified a man matching the description given by the victim. In the footage, he was seen entering the southbound services at 6.15pm and leaving a minute later. He was then seen walking towards Baines Lane and was linked to a red, curtain-sided Iveco van. Enquiries to locate the van and its owner were undertaken over the next few days, with Detective Inspector Jenny Tattersall – the senior investigating officer – making a direct appeal to the public for information. On 28 April police found the van parked at the services in a different area to where it was seen on the day of the incident. Officers from the force’s Roads Policing Team (RPT) were deployed and secured it. A short time later, 60-year-old Podlasinski was found returning to his van from the services building. Today Podlasinski, of Wojska Polskiego in Nowa Wieś Wielka, Poland, was found guilty of one count of attempted rape, one count of attempted assault by penetration and one count of intentional strangulation following a trial at Leicester Crown Court. He is due to be sentenced at the same court on 3 December. DI Tattersall said: “This incident generated significant public interest at the time as we appealed for help in identifying and locating the person responsible. “I’d like to place on record my thanks to everyone who came forward with information that led to Podlasinski being arrested and brought to justice today. “I would like to commend the bravery of the victim both on the day and for providing evidence to the court. “The fact he targeted a young woman he didn’t know while she walked him is most definitely predatory behaviour. He saw an opportunity to fulfil his sexual desires and he may well have gone on to do something similar again. “I hope today’s outcome provides both the victim and wider community with a sense of relief that a dangerous man is now facing time behind bars.” There are several different agencies who can offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence 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: 15:35 19/10/2026

Loughborough Fair will return to the town next month, bringing four fun-packed days of rides, attractions and entertainment. Aerial image of the iconic Loughborough Fair in 2025 Organised by Charnwood Borough Council, the historic event will take place from Wednesday 11 November to Saturday 14 November 2026. The fair will feature a broad range of attractions for visitors of all ages and continues a tradition that has been part of Loughborough's history for more than eight centuries. Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s Lead Member for Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, said: "Loughborough Fair is one of the town's most cherished traditions and we are delighted to welcome it back for its 805th year. "Each year the fair attracts thousands of residents and visitors, helping to create a vibrant atmosphere in the town centre while supporting local businesses. "Loughborough is a place where history remains alive and events such as the fair continue to bring our communities together. We look forward to welcoming people from across the borough and beyond to enjoy everything the fair has to offer." The fair will once again occupy its traditional locations in Market Place, Granby Street car park, Cattle Market, Ward’s End and Bedford Square. Last year’s expansion of rides and attractions into Derby Square and further along Swan Street is also being repeated for 2026. The fair will be officially opened at 5pm on Wednesday 11 November by the Mayor of Charnwood, Cllr Colin Hamilton, who will read the traditional fair proclamation. To allow rides and attractions to be installed, Granby Street car park will close from the afternoon of Monday 9 November. The car parks at Ward’s End and Bedford Square will close from the afternoon of Tuesday 10 November. The Beehive Lane multi-storey car park and Southfield Road car park will remain available throughout the fair. Southfield Offices car park will also be open to the public outside the Council's opening hours. Charnwood Borough Council will work closely with partner organisations, including the police, to help ensure the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone attending. Opening times Wednesday 11 November: 5pm to 11pm Thursday 12 November: 12pm to 11pm Friday 13 November: 11am to 11pm Saturday 14 November: 11am to 11pm The first official charter for Loughborough Fair was granted by King Henry III to Hugh le Despenser, Lord of the Manor, in 1221. Further information about the fair is available at www.charnwood.gov.uk/fairs Charnwood Borough Council News

This October, we’re celebrating 10 years of the Glenfield Hospital’s Secret Garden. The popular space for reflection and relaxation has taken root in the hearts of many colleagues, patients and visitors over the past decade. Over the years, the Secret Garden has hosted events, memorials and even the odd celebrity. Carol Klein of Gardeners’ World was so enamoured with a large tobacco plant in the greenhouse that she asked for some of its seeds when she visited. Secret Garden with water feature in foreground, 2026 Karen James, UHL lead for retail catering, accommodation and the Secret Garden project, has spearheaded the team who has nurtured the garden from an overgrown bramble patch into a blossoming community hub. “When we first got the project, you couldn’t even walk the pathways, it was so overgrown and unloved”, said Karen, “most people said I should have run a mile! “In the past, it had been a well-loved space, but unfortunately it was locked up and left for eight years, and nature being nature took hold.” Enlisting the help of colleagues, volunteers and the Community Payback scheme, Karen set to work clearing the acre of space in the Victorian walled garden. Patients taking part in a meditation session as part of Nurture Through Nature, 2026 Keith Muntin spent many years as the head gardener. The garden held a special place in his heart as the place he met his wife – while up an apple tree that can still be found in the garden today. Ten years on, the Garden is a flourishing community hub and a home for events at the Glenfield Hospital. Colleagues, patients and visitors are all welcome to enjoy the garden, as well the café, memorial spaces and events marquee. As part of the Nurture Through Nature programme, patients undergoing treatment for cancer and cardiac illnesses can take part in green therapy activities to aid their treatment. The patients plant vegetables and herbs in the garden, giving them time outdoors in a relaxing setting. Ross Towers, Garden Maintenance Assistant, said: “Gardening can be therapeutic, and it’s great to see the impact it has on people. The Nurture Through Nature patients took some tomato plants home and were amazed at how many tomatoes they had and that they’d do it all themselves.” Karen has more plans for the garden, including developing it for education and expanding its value to the community, allowing the garden to host year-round activities. Sitting in the sunshine reflecting on her achievements, Karen said: “We’ve developed it over ten years into the beautiful space it is now. “It’s taken us 10 years to get to where we are, but we’ve still got projects in the garden we need to complete. The work doesn’t stop!” University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust News - 6 October 2025

Leicestershire County Council is urging people to take their final chance to have a say on the big priorities for the county. A consultation on Leicestershire’s long-term priorities is asking residents, businesses and communities to tell the council about the draft plan, which focuses on: supporting people to live well and achieve their full potential keeping Leicestershire safe, connected and community-minded building a strong economy with capacity to grow being efficient, responsive and ready for the future The council is looking to get honest and varied feedback from people about what matters most to them – whether for their family, business or community. Whatever the future is for local government reorganisation plans, views about the key themes - supporting children and families, helping people live independently and making sure the county council is efficient and ready for the future - are important for the long-term future of the authority. The consultation closes on Sunday 1 November. Visit the webpage to fill in the survey. Leicestershire County Council - Friday, 16 October, 2026

The works will be carried out at the Mountsorrel, Kibworth and Melton sites. A programme of essential improvement works will be carried out at three recycling and household waste sites run by Leicestershire County Council over the autumn and winter months. The Mountsorrel site will close temporarily from Tuesday 27 October to allow repairs to the concrete base in the bottom yard to be carried out to ensure the site remains safe to operate for the future. The site will reopen in early December. The sites at Kibworth and Melton will also undergo improvement works, with the closure dates yet to be scheduled. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternative sites during these periods. A full list of recycling and household waste sites, along with opening times, can be found on our waste pages. Leicestershire County Council - Friday, 16 October, 2026

Families looking for affordable ways to enjoy the October half-term will find plenty going on across Leicester next week, with storytelling, crafts, railway rides and a giant monster hunt amongst the free and low-cost activities taking place. With local schools closed from 19-23 October, parents looking for fun things to do with their children should check out the events taking place at museums, libraries, family centres and other venues across the city. Among the highlights will be a monster-sized takeover of Leicester city centre. From 22 to 31 October, eight giant illuminated monsters will pop up in surprising locations across the city centre. Families can hunt down all eight and check in at each location using the My Leicester App for the chance to win prizes. The trail is completely free and can be enjoyed during the day or after dark, when the monsters light up. A themed bike ride provides a chance to hunt down the monsters as part of a 4-mile guided tour around the city centre. Organised by Ride Leicester and suitable for all ages, the free ride starts at the Town Hall at 6.30pm on Thursday (22 October) and will last around two hours. Places are limited and must be booked in advance. At Abbey Pumping Station on Tuesday (20 October), families can enjoy a ride on the diesel-powered narrow gauge railway, with rides costing just £1. The half-term Railway Day runs from 11.30am to 4pm. Also on Tuesday (20 October), and continuing on Wednesday (21 October), a free Family Learning Festival comes to Abbey Park Education Centre. This year's theme is Story Power: Imagine Beyond the Page, with interactive games, den building, a We're Going on a Bear Hunt-themed trail, and campfire stories and songs. The free drop-in sessions run from 11am to 2pm on both days and there is no need to book, but families are advised to bring their own food and drinks. The education centre can be found next to the Friendship Garden in Abbey Park. At Newarke Houses Museum on Wednesday (21 October), children can take part in an afternoon of crafts inspired by the Mexican Festival of the Day of the Dead. Tickets are £4 when booked online, or £5 on the door. No charge for accompanying adults. Youngsters can get into the Halloween spirit at the Guildhall on Thursday (22 October), when there will be themed crafts and activities. Bat hats, Halloween window decorations and a mega monster will all be made at the Monsters and Bats event, with children invited to dress in their favourite Halloween costumes. Admission is £4, when booked in advance. The following day (Friday 23 October), Leicester Guildhall will host a free Meet the Police family day. Visitors can meet local PCSOs, explore the building's history as Leicester's first police headquarters, try out its Victorian prison cells, and tackle a mystery trail around the museum. There is plenty happening in Leicester's libraries too. Free activities include monster crafts at Central Library, dance and storytelling based on The Golden Goose at New Parks and St Barnabas libraries, spooky mummy jars, autumn crafts and windchime-making. Some sessions need to be booked in advance so look for full details on the libraries’ website At Leicester Cathedral, families can drop in for free craft sessions on Tuesday and Thursday (20 and 22 October). On Wednesday (21 October), University of Leicester students will host a free archaeology day in the Cathedral gardens, including a dig box, dressing up, crafts, games and the chance to meet an archaeologist. Families can also explore A Dog's Life at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery. The free exhibition celebrates the relationship between people and dogs, alongside family-friendly interactives, competitions and opportunities to create and display "pooch pawtraits". And until 31 October, up to three children aged 15 and under can visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre and Jewry Wall Museum free of charge, when accompanied by a paying adult. Other activities during the week include free Stay and Play sessions at Children, Young People and Family Centres around Leicester, while the Haymarket Shopping Centre will host free family entertainment including Tricky Tuesday on 20 October and a free Diwali celebration, featuring South Asian dance, children's crafts and Festive Joy Elephant walkabouts, on Friday 23 October. Journeys Festival International also returns to Leicester from 17 to 25 October, bringing art, live performances and interactive installations to venues and public spaces across the city centre. And families wishing to round off their half-term day out with a bite to eat are reminded that Restaurant Week gets under way in Leicester on Monday (19 October). Restaurants, cafés and bars across the city centre will be serving up discounted offers, great-value set menus and special family deals until 1 November. Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “With household budgets under pressure, it’s important to remember that a great family day out doesn’t have to cost the earth. “There are lots of free and low-cost activities happening across Leicester this half-term – particularly at our libraries and museums – which will give families plenty of opportunities to get out, have fun and enjoy time together.” Details of the activities, booking information and more ideas for half-term family fun are available at families.leicester.gov.uk/half-term-activities LCC News - Published on Thursday, October 15, 2026

The A46 in both directions in Leicester has been closed between M1 J21A & A50 junction near to Groby. Emergency services are attending an incident. This road closure is causing delays of approximately 20 minutes along the M1 Northbound. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Fire and rescue service said: “We were called to reports of a person on the wrong side of a bridge and have now safely rescued them using our aerial ladder platform. He added that the road should reopen shortly.” Pictures by Leicester Media Online Update 12:50 A46 is now fully reopened.

Leicestershire's Police Economic Crime Unit (ECU) is asking communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to remain vigilant and speak to older family members, friends and neighbours following several recent reports of courier fraud. The force is currently investigating seven reports of courier fraud which were reported to have occurred between 4 September and yesterday (Monday 12 October). The incidents occurred in West Leicester, Braunstone, Syston, Narborough, Burbage, Kibworth Beauchamp and Ryhall in Rutland. Courier fraud occurs when a cold caller contacts the victim claiming to be a police officer or a member of staff from their bank. The person making the call adopts an approach and uses language that makes them sound legitimate and may ask the victim to confirm their name and address and basic information which could have been obtained elsewhere. In some instances, after trust has been gained, the caller will claim the victim’s bank account has been subject to fraudulent activity or that they are investigating counterfeit currency. The caller will usually persuade the victim to go their local branch and withdraw a large sum of money from their account. The caller will then send someone to collect the money from the victim’s home address. In other cases. The caller will ask the victim to provide their bank card to a ‘courier’ sent out to collect it and ask them to disclose their PIN number. The card is then used to withdraw money from the victim’s account. Nicole McIntyre, from the ECU, said: “Fraudsters will usually target elderly or vulnerable people and often sound genuine to gain the trust of the victim. “I would like to remind our communities that police or banks will not contact people in this way. “If you get a call like this hang up. If someone comes to your home claiming to be a police officer and they need to take your bank card to trace any fraudulent transactions, do not hand over your card and close the door. “If you need to contact your bank to check, wait five minutes as fraudsters can stay on the line even after you have hung up or use a different line altogether. “Your bank cards are yours and never let them be used by others. “We are asking people to remain vigilant. If you have elderly neighbours or relatives who don’t access our website or social media sites, please advise them of these incidents. “Telephone companies can assist with call blocking technology to help restrict these types of calls. We would recommend that people talk this through with their vulnerable or elderly family and friends to help prevent this activity. “At times the fraudsters use local taxi firms to transport potential victims to their banks. We would ask taxi companies to be mindful of this and if they have any suspicions to contact the police immediately.” Further advice about courier fraud can be found on the Action Fraud website https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/courier-fraud/ Leicestershire Police NEWS - Published: 16:03 13/10/2026