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Armed police descended on a park in Leicestershire following a report of a man suspected of handling a gun. Leicestershire Police were called to Queen's Park in Frederick Street, Loughborough, at 2.27pm on Thursday, May 28. Officers located the man in the park but discovered it was in fact a water gun. A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: “We received a report yesterday (May 28) at 2.27pm regarding a man believed to be in possession of what was described as a gun in Queens Park, Loughborough. “In the interest of public and officer safety, armed police attended. The man was located in the park and the gun was found to be a water gun.”

Three people have been arrested after a motorcycle was deliberately rammed by a car in Newtown Linford. The rider was travelling through Anstey around 4.55am on Tuesday 26 May when he noticed the occupants of a burgundy Audi estate parked in The Nook. Later he spotted the Audi driving behind him, as he entered Bradgate Road the Audi sped up and rammed his motorcycle, knocking him off. One of the occupants of the car approached the victim as he was lying on the ground, threatened him and demanded the keys to the black and grey 125cc Yamaha motorcycle. The suspects left the scene in the Audi, with one of the suspects riding off on the motorcycle. Both vehicles were last seen heading towards Newtown Linford. The rider was taken to hospital where he continues to receive treatment. His injuries are not life threatening. Three people – a 15-year-old youth, and two men aged 21 and 32 - have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Brown said: “Despite these arrests our investigation remains very much ongoing. “From enquiries we have carried out so far, we known the suspects were parked in Anstey prior to the incident, it’s believed there were five men in the vehicle. If anyone saw a similar vehicle Tuesday morning in the area, we would urge them to contact us. “The motorcycle has the partial registration number FE70 and we are still keen to speak to anyone who may have has seen this vehicle after it was stolen either being ridden or parked. “If you witnessed the incident, was driving in the area that morning or recorded any footage on your dashcam equipment, and have not as yet spoken to us, we would ask that you get in touch.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable 87 Phil Brown on 101 or via www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime number 26*302799.

Leicestershire Police is marking the one‑year anniversary of Operation Hopper, a targeted enforcement initiative designed to identify and disrupt persistent motoring offenders who pose the greatest risk to road users. Over the past 12 months, the operation has delivered significant results, reinforcing the force’s commitment to reducing serious harm on the roads. Launched in response to rising concerns about uninsured drivers and repeat traffic offenders, Operation Hopper has focused on locating vehicles linked to multiple speeding and red‑light offences, as well as those operating without valid insurance. The results have been striking, over the last twelve months, officers have seized 105 vehicles, all of which were uninsured and collectively linked to over five hundred outstanding speeding or red‑light offences. One driver alone had amassed 45 penalty points, far beyond the threshold that would normally trigger licence revocation. Vehicles seized under the operation have been scrapped, sold at auction, or returned to finance companies, depending on legal status and ownership. Intelligence sharing between the Road Safety Unit and the Roads Policing Unit has strengthened the force’s ability to identify high‑risk drivers quickly and effectively. Matthew Chester, Road Safety Unit Manager at Leicestershire Police, said: “Operation Hopper intends to send out a clear warning to those drivers who think they can flout the law and pose the highest risk to innocent road users. Arrests have been made, cars have been seized, and we will continue to take decisive action to protect the public.” “This anniversary marks not just a year of enforcement, but a year of partnership, prevention, and progress. Operation Hopper will continue to evolve as we work to make the roads across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safer for everyone.” The black BMW was sold at auction, the green camper van and both the white and black Mercedes were collected by their registered keepers. A Year of Impact — and What Comes Next Over its first year, Operation Hopper has become a key part of Leicestershire Police’s wider road‑safety strategy. The operation supports the force’s long‑term commitment to reducing collisions, safeguarding communities, and ensuring that persistent offenders face meaningful consequences. The next phase of Operation Hopper will see: Continued collaboration with the Road Safety Unit to expand intelligence‑led enforcement Enhanced use of data analytics to identify repeat offenders earlier Ongoing public engagement to raise awareness of the dangers posed by uninsured and high‑risk drivers

Flames were "erupting through the roof" of a Leicestershire home after it was hit by lightning this morning. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) assisted teams from the Nuneaton and Polesworth Fire Stations after receiving a call at 3.48am on Thursday, May 28 The incident involved a bungalow in Orchard Close, in Witherley, a village and civil parish in the Hinckley and Bosworth district. The fire was "immediately" addressed from the adjacent bungalow. Nobody was injured as a result of the blaze, as all people inside were accounted for. Nuneaton Fire Station said: “The incident was originally mobilized with persons reported. Upon arrival, crews confirmed that thankfully everyone had managed to exit the properties safely. Credit picture - -Nuneaton Fire Service

Leicester city centre is experiencing a fresh wave of independent energy and high street investment, with more than 42 new openings already announced or launched this year across restaurants, nightlife, leisure and retail. From Vietnamese street food and Goan-inspired dining to live music basements, “human claw machine” gaming and a booming café culture, the city is rapidly reinventing itself as one of the Midlands’ most vibrant destinations for food, culture and entertainment. At a time when many UK city centres continue to battle declining footfall, Leicester’s mix of independents, national brands and experiential venues signals a powerful comeback for the urban high street. Here are the 42 sizzling new venues in Leicester you need to know about: RESTAURANTS There are loads of great new spots to try out in Leicester if you’re feeling peckish. In the former Shimla Pinks on London Road, Golden Sands is a Goan influenced Indian restaurant serving delicious, insta-friendly main meals, plus Indian style breakfast and brunch. The newly opened Mandi & Biryani House can be found at the top of Granby Street. Coming soon to the former Counting House pub on Freemen’s Common is Soho Tavern, an Indian Gastropub chain which has been a hit across the West Midlands. Continue your tour of world flavours around the Highcross with a rash of new openings. Recently opened on St Peter’s Square is Umami World Kitchen, a new all-you-can-eat, world buffet concept. Also on Highcross Lane is Daiu, a new Korean BBQ and Hotpot buffet restaurant and The Thai Classic, expanding from their Birmingham site into the city. Kumo is a new Japanese restaurant that’s just opened its doors on the High Street with Thành Nam Phở now open next door serving Vietnamese Street Food, making this area a hotspot for South East Asian cuisine. A few big names have opened new spots in Leicester with popular restaurant Bill’s and viral sensation Wingstop opening near Highcross. Starbucks has opened a brand new café on Gallowtree Gate as has Dave’s Hot Chicken with their takeover of the old Pret unit bringing a splash of colour and flavour to the area. Café-wise one of the biggest recent wins for the city was the opening of Public and Plants on King Street, a fantastic bakery and coffee stop which has been absolutely packed since opening. Lynn in St Martin’s Square serves up quality brunch, dinner and cocktails; and on Jubilee Square Alcove – voted Leicester’s Best Coffee Shop 2026 – has tastefully reimagined the old Alfred Lenton antiques store as a fantastic new café serving coffee, matcha, açai and even a run club every Saturday. Tea Time comes to Leicester straight from Qatar, with eastern influenced drinks, brunch and desserts. Rounding out our list are Crust Issues on High Street, serving up individual pizza slices, Biggies Pizza in St Martin’s Square, and on Granby Street, Scooperb serving up natural, vegetarian/vegan and eggless desserts; Lala’s Restaurant with pizza, chicken and burgers and finally Grillworks, who offer flame grilled burgers, fries, salads and more. NIGHTLIFE & LEISURE Leicester’s nightlife is still absolutely thriving, and while the hub of the city’s activity has shifted towards the old town and St Martin’s Square, whether you’re hitting the bars, live music venues or taking part in something more active, there’s loads going on. Sally Cinnamons is a new music venue in a basement on Cank Street, with line-ups influenced by 90s and northern soul. Right next door to them is Ivy Lounge, a luxurious venue for parties, bottomless brunches and socials! Merchants Yard has now formally opened, and its timing couldn’t be better, providing a fantastic open air events space. Tucked away just off High Street, expect DJ sets, live music, sports events, street food and great drinks – all served up in the yard/garden. Taking up the space where The Case restaurant used to be in St Martin’s, The Cork & Case is now a vibrant bar with live music, cabaret performances and comedy nights. If you’re looking for some fun and to get active then worldwide-phenomenon, Activate, is your spot, opening later this year in Highcross. It’s described as ‘Live Action Gaming’ where your team of players will test their speed, agility, problem-solving and teamwork with the latest technology. Over in Evington is Claw Kingdom: the UK’s first ‘human claw machine’ where you are the claw! They’re now looking to expand into the city! Loads more arcade fun can be found inside too! And rounding out the active fun is Padelaire – Leicester’s first premium indoor Padel club, opening later this spring – and offering premium padel courts, pickleball and table tennis to the north of Leicester city centre. RETAIL Alongside Leicester’s fantastic range of independent shops, there are a bunch of new openings to highlight. Henshin is a unique store focused on anime and Japanese culture with great geeky gifts available - you can find them on Silver Street. Fashion lovers will want to head to Highcross’s new Office store for all your footwear needs. If you love a bit of denim, then Jeans and Jeans have opened a pop-up shop in the Highcross and there’s also a welcome return by Topshop who have launched a concession in John Lewis. Luxury diamond company Austen & Blake have opened a new store in Highcross offering beautiful custom-made jewellery designs. Also in Highcross is Nomination, an Italian jewellery store which allows you to build your own bracelet link by link. Joining the Golden Mile on Belgrave Road is Kalyan Jewellers, a 112 year old family business from India with more than 300 showrooms across India, the Middle East and the USA. HEALTH AND BEAUTY Leicester is the perfect place for a spot of pampering with a range of new shops and boutiques. Hair Nova Leicester is a Premium hair salon in St Martins Square who specialise in hair colour, extensions and styling. Over on Market Street Chloes Nail Art have taken on a large unit where they create stylish and glamorous nail looks. For a glow-up, PureSeoul have just launched their first K-Beauty store in Highcross with Korean inspired skincare, makeup and beauty brands. Also recently opened in Highcross are large Bodycare and Superdrug stores, giving you the chance to shop for affordable toiletries and perfumes. And speaking of perfumes, Loris Parfum has opened a store on Loseby Lane in the Old Town with a range of original scents, aftershaves and perfumes. Stabana Cultural Products is worth a mention as, after the retirement of the owners, they sadly closed after 30 years serving the African-Caribbean community with dedicated hair and beauty products. But, good news as a new owner has taken on the store on Charles Street! GETTING IN AND AROUND LEICESTER And don’t forget that Highcross Leicester offer all day parking for just £5, you just need to set up a subscription here. If you arrive after 5pm, then it’s just £2.50 for the evening. Leicester is well served by buses on all main routes running into the city centre every 15 minutes, the free Hop bus running around the city centre and the Enderby Park & Ride service extended to run until 9pm, meaning you can stay for a meal once you’ve done with your shop. Check out Choose How You Move for a range of travel options whether you’re walking, cycling, drinking or using public transport. For more information on places to see, things to do and where to stay in Leicester and Leicestershire, visit www.visitleicester.info

New measures to improve school run safety are due to be introduced on a trial basis at a Leicester school next week. The city council is set to introduce experimental ‘school street’ measures that will prohibit general traffic from entering roads immediately adjacent to St John the Baptist CofE Primary School, in Clarendon Park, during busy school run times. The new school street is being introduced at the request of residents and the wider school community to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion at the beginning and end of the school day. Under the new measures, road closure points will be introduced at the junction of The Avenue and Knighton Park Road, and the junctions of East Avenue and Central Avenue with Clarendon Park Road, to prohibit access to motor vehicles, except for those holding exemptions. The no-entry points will be marked with traffic cones and managed by traffic marshals. No waiting restrictions will also be introduced on parts of Clarendon Park Road, between its junction with busy London Road and the zebra crossing close to the school gates. The new restrictions will only operate during school run times – between 8.15am and 9am and 2.45pm and 3.30pm – from Monday to Friday. Changes will come into effect from Tuesday 2 June, after the schools’ half-term break. Residents in the affected streets can apply for an exemption if they want to enter the area during the times of operation. The new school street measures at St John the Baptist Primary School will be introduced under an experimental traffic order, which can be altered or stopped if necessary, and will be closely monitored. If successful, the changes could be made permanent. A public consultation found that 90 per cent of respondents felt that school run traffic close to St John the Baptist Primary School was a problem, with over 60 per cent supporting the proposal to pilot a new school street. The school has also launched a ‘park and stride’ scheme that allows parents and carers to park in selected private car parks just a short way from the school and walk the final few minutes to the school gate. Trudie Colotto, headteacher at St John the Baptist Primary School, said: “A school street creates a safer, healthier and more welcoming environment for our children at the busiest times of the day. By reducing traffic outside the school gates, we can help protect pupils from pollution and road danger, while encouraging walking, cycling and active travel. “It gives children the opportunity to arrive and leave school feeling calm, confident and safe, and we hope it will be a huge success." Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We’ve seen in other parts of the city how the introduction of school street measures can have a very positive impact at the school gates during the busy school run times. “School streets mean cleaner air, less congestion and a safer environment for children as they go to and from school. “We’ve also seen how school streets can help families adopt healthier habits, with a significant increase in the number of children walking and cycling to school. “This new trial scheme will be introduced under an experimental traffic order that allow us to test the new measures and listen to feedback before any permanent changes are made.” The experimental traffic order can be viewed at www.leicester.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/traffic-regulation-orders-and-notices Leicester City Council News - Published on Thursday, May 28, 2026

Students preparing to move out of their term-time homes for the summer are being given a helping hand to dispose of items they no longer want and do their bit for charity. Leicester City Council has teamed up with British Heart Foundation (BHF) to bring the charity’s ‘Pack for Good’ scheme to some of the city’s most popular student areas. Temporary reuse banks have been installed across ten sites on streets close to the city’s two universities to encourage students to donate any items they no longer want and help the charity generate vital stock for their local shops and stores. BHF shops are always in need of clothing, shoes, accessories, CDs, vinyl and Blu-rays, books, kitchenware, furniture and electricals. Daniel Ward at the BHF said: “We’re looking forward to working alongside Leicester City Council to encourage students to donate their preloved items to us. This will be a huge help to our shops in Leicester and I’d hope as many students as possible get involved and support the scheme. “The money raised by these donations helps the BHF fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases. In a year, the BHF saves over 57,000 tonnes of goods going to waste, including 13,000 tonnes of clothing. Through the reuse and recycling of donated items, this helps prevent 130,000 tonnes of Co2 emissions being released into the atmosphere.” Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who leads on neighbourhoods, said: “As students prepare to move out of their rented accommodation for the summer, they can face a bit of a challenge getting rid of the stuff they don’t want to take with them. The BHF’s Pack for Good scheme gives them the chance to donate any items that could be used again. “It’s a really good way for students to get rid of items responsibly and charitably.” Donation points for the BHF’s Pack for Good scheme will be in place from late May until early September. They will be located at Queens Road, Thurlow Road, Cradock Road, Putney Road, and on the corner of London Road and St Albans Road in Clarendon Park; at Westcotes library, Briton Street, Western Boulevard and Eastern Boulevard in Westcotes; and at Jarrom Street, The Newarke and Bath Lane. The council will also be supporting students by encouraging them to use the free bulky waste collection service to have any large items and additional bags of household waste removed. For more information, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/recycling Leicester City Council News Published on Thursday, May 28, 2026

A New residents’ parking scheme will come into effect on roads close to Leicester’s Golden Mile from next week. Leicester City Council is introducing the permit-only parking scheme in the Belgrave area to help address local concerns about the number of commuter and business vehicles using residential streets for free all-day parking. The new scheme will officially come into action from Monday 1 June. Repost of video from last months report It includes mainly terraced streets adjoining busy Melton Road and will affect around 560 homes and businesses. The seven streets included are: Doncaster Road, Ardath Road, Glendon Street and Beverly Avenue, and parts of Harrison Road, Halkin Street and Melrose Street. Most parking in the streets covered will only be available to vehicle owners who have a valid resident, visitor or business parking permit. Limited waiting bays, offering short-term free on-street parking, will also be introduced to help support businesses in the area. Drone image and Picture by Leicester Media Online The new Doncaster Road residents' parking scheme has been designed in response to concerns raised by residents and local ward councillors over persistent parking problems in the area. Proposals for the scheme were supported by 76 per cent of respondents to a public consultation. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We’ve seen in other parts of the city how the introduction of residents’ parking schemes can help tackle parking problems in local neighbourhoods and free up spaces for the people who live there. “In this case, ward councillors have worked closely with officers to design a scheme that will help address residents’ concerns over problems caused by commuter and business parking outside people’s homes.” Information packs have been delivered to all affected properties giving advice on how to apply for permits. Under the city council’s current parking permit scheme, charges will be £35 per year for a residents’ permit; £100 per year for a business permit tied to a particular vehicle, and £150 for a business permit that can be transferred between vehicles. Visitor permits are available for residents, at either £40 for a year, or £2 for 24-hours. Permits for landlords and carers are also available. Vehicles displaying a blue badge will be exempt from the permit-holders only restriction. Full details of the council’s residents’ parking scheme, and how to apply for permits, can be found at www.leicester.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/parking/parking-permits Leicester City Council News Published on Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The roof of a Leicestershire home ignited after a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. A Leicestershire home's roof caught on fire after being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to a domestic fire on Bayswater Road in Melton, at 4.57am on Thursday, May 28, following reports of a house being struck by lightning Crews from Melton, Oakham, Billesdon and Central Fire Station all attended, with support from Northamptonshire Fire Service and Lincolnshire Fire Service colleagues, and tackled the blaze during an ongoing thunderstorm. The Fire service reported that there were no casualties. The fire has been extinguished but this remains an ongoing incident, with crews in attendance and a building inspector at the property, along with partners from National Grid.

Two women have been praised for their bravery in giving evidence that has led to their mother and stepfather being jailed for sex offences. The pair, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victims, were each convicted of several offences in March following a trial at Leicester Crown Court. During proceedings, a jury heard their crimes were brought to the attention of the police when one of the victims told someone else known to her what happened. As part of the investigation, officers obtained an export of a WhatsApp chat between one of the victims and their mother which was key in proving that sex offences involving their parents had taken place. The pair also sent voice messages to one of the victims which were of a threatening, intimidating and manipulative nature. It was also established the pair had tried to discourage one of the victims from making a report to police so that their offending would not be subject to a criminal investigation. However, both were charged and their stepfather was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on a female, one count of assaulting a female with a part of his body and one count of witness intimidation. Their mother was found guilty of inciting someone to engage in sexual activity, one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice and one count of witness intimidation. The man involved was sentenced to 61 months’ imprisonment yesterday (Wednesday 27 May). He was also placed on the sex offender register and made subject to A 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Their mother was sentenced to two years, suspended for 18 months. She was made subject to a 10-year SHPO. Detective Constable Rachel Chapman, the officer in the case, said: “The accounts and evidence provided by the victims was crucial to the case and played a big role in their mother and stepfather being convicted and jailed. “They showed a lot of bravery in re-living their experiences in front of a jury and I want to commend them for the courage they displayed since the offending was first brought to our attention. “Victims of sexual offences should not suffer in silence and I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim to seek justice by making a report to police.” 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

A man has been jailed after specialist officers exposed his role in supplying large quantities of class A drugs – uncovered thanks to the dismantling of an encrypted chat platform. Chaitanya Sharma has been sentenced to 14 years at Leicester Crown Court on Friday 22 May after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. When police executed a warrant at the 33-year-old’s home address in Babingley Drive, Leicester, in November last year, officers uncovered four kilos of cocaine – estimated to be worth more than £400,000, £58,000 worth of cannabis, more than £110,000 in cash and gold bars worth around £70,000. Designer clothing, handbags and sunglasses were also found at the address. Sharma was also arrested from the address and taken into custody to be questioned by police. His arrest followed extensive work by specialist detectives in the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Serious Organised Crime team, who had identified Sharma as being involved in illegal drug activity through the encrypted communications platform EncroChat. The network was used globally as a messaging service, almost exclusively by organised crime groups. In early 2020, the platform was dismantled as part of a huge international law enforcement operation - enabling UK police forces to access previously hidden criminal communications. As part of this effort, detectives in EMSOU have been examining recovered data relating to criminals operating in the East Midlands under specific EncroChat usernames. Two of these usernames were shown to belong to Sharma. Analysis showed between March and June 2020, Sharma had been involved in the supply of large amounts of class A drugs, including at least 27 kilograms of cocaine. Investigators estimate that during this period he obtained and repaid £489,500 in cash linked to drug transactions. Before officers carried out the enforcement, they worked meticulously to build a case – using the EncroChat data to establish Sharma’s criminal activity and identify his involvement in the supply of cocaine in the region. This vital work led to Sharma pleading guilty to all three offences. DS Chris Sewell, Leicestershire Police, said: “Sharma had been involved in the supply of cocaine to the value of a least nearly half a million pounds and it is clear from the cash and designer goods found at his address he was profiting immensely from this illegal activity. “The information gained from EncroChat, combined with the painstaking work of our officers, allowed us to dismantle his operation and bring him to justice. We will continue to target and disrupt organised crime groups who cause harm in our communities.” Leicestershire Police News Published : 10:32 28/05/2026

Discover the story, colour, and community spirit behind “The Pride Picnic Blanket”, now on display in the Spotlight Case at Charnwood Museum in Queen’s Park, Loughborough. Loughborough Pride is delighted to invite members of the media and the wider community to the official opening of this vibrant and meaningful exhibition on Friday 12 June from 13:00 to 15:00. Created through a powerful community collaboration, “The Pride Picnic Blanket” celebrates Pride, creativity, and connection. Each square reflects the voices, experiences, and individuality of the people and groups who came together to make it, creating a striking patchwork of identity, inclusion, and shared pride. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a specially commissioned short film from Loughborough Pride, highlighting the inspiring community effort behind the project. The film features participants sharing why they created their squares and what being part of the project has meant to them. The opening event will be hosted by Charnwood Museum and Culture Leicestershire, with Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE, World Record Swimmer and Former Mayor of Charnwood, attending as guest speaker. Guests will have the opportunity to view the remarkable craftwork up close, meet local community groups involved in the project, and enjoy refreshments while celebrating Pride month. Local media are warmly invited to attend and help share the story of this unique community achievement. The exhibition, together with the accompanying film, will remain on display until the end of August coinciding with Loughborough Pride Celebrations. Loughborough Pride takes place on Saturday, 22 August in Queen’s Park. “The Pride Picnic Blanket” is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together in creativity, visibility, and support. Loughborough Pride, Fearon Hall, and Culture Leicestershire are proud to be working alongside Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council to support a range of community Pride programmes throughout the year.