Multiple emergency services are currently attending an incident in Watermead Park in Leicester this afternoon. The Air Ambulance has landed in a nearby field. The park is currently closed by police. We have contacted Leicestershire Police for more information on this incident. UPDATE 20:30 Police have launched an investigation after the body of a man was found in the water at Watermead Country Park this afternoon. A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said: “Police received a call at 2.28pm today (Saturday 4 July) regarding a report of a body in the water at Watermead Country Park. “Officers attended at the location and the body of a man was removed a short time after. “Colleagues from East Midlands Ambulance also attended and the man was later pronounced deceased at the scene. “The death is being treated as unexplained as enquiries continue.” READ UPDATE POST HERE Pictures by Leicester Media Online ©️ 2026

A bar at Loughborough Town Hall has reopened following refurbishment works, marking the completion of renovations after it was damaged by a fire in the town centre. Located on the top floor of the Grade II listed building, the bar was affected by a major incident in 2023 when a neighbouring building caught fire, resulting in significant smoke and water damage. Above, Loughborough Town Hall and pictured in the bar are Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s Lead Member for Open Spaces and Leisure Facilities, and Simon Gibson, Loughborough Town Hall manager Since the incident, work has been carried out to secure affected areas of the Town Hall roof and to fully refurbish and upgrade the bar. The bar area has an improved layout, better lighting and upgraded equipment. The bar can be used for events in the Victoria Room and Town Hall conference rooms. Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s Lead Member for Open Spaces and Leisure Facilities, said: “It is important that we have managed to reopen the bar at Loughborough Town Hall to ensure that we continue to offer a high standard of service to our customers. “The bar has had a lot of work done, firstly to secure it following the fire and to improve the look and offering to visitors.” Loughborough Town Hall is a multi-award-winning professional theatre, gallery and event venue, originally built in 1855 as the town's corn exchange and ballroom. It became a performance venue in the mid-1970s and welcomes over 100,000 visitors each year. Find out more about the latest shows at Loughborough Town Hall Charnwood Borough Council News Published: Mon 29th June, 2026

Loughborough looked its best for this year’s East Midlands in Bloom competition during a judges visit on Friday, 3 July 2026. The judges were given a tour which highlighted the town’s stunning green spaces, including Stonebow Washlands, Forest Road Greenbelt, Loughborough University and Queen’s Park. In addition, the judges visited a number of community sites looked after by volunteers. They heard about the work carried out over the past year by volunteers, community groups and Charnwood Borough Council, alongside its open spaces partner, idverde and waste partner Serco. Loughborough in Bloom is hoping to secure its fifteenth gold award when the results of the competition are announced later this year. Pat Cook, Chair of Loughborough in Bloom, said: “It was fantastic to welcome the East Midlands in Bloom judges and showcase our open spaces and community projects across the town. “I would like to thank all our volunteers, community groups and partners who work hard all year round to ensure the town looks blooming marvellous. “We are keeping our fingers crossed for another gold award this year!” Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s Lead Member for Open Spaces, Waste and Leisure Facilities, added: “We are very proud of our parks and open spaces in Charnwood and it was a pleasure to welcome the judges’ to Loughborough. “A great deal of work goes into maintaining these spaces to a high standard and making sure they look beautiful all year round. I would like to thank everyone involved especially the many volunteers and our partners idverde and Serco.” This year’s portfolio showcases projects including the new woodland at Nanpantan, a free birdbox giveaway and wildflower planting at Grange Park. The Council maintains more than 600 acres of open space across the borough through its partner, idverde. The winners of this year’s East Midlands in Bloom competition will be announced later in the year. The Council would also like to wish the best of luck to other towns and villages in the borough who are also taking part in the East Midlands in Bloom judging. Charnwood Borough Council News Published: Fri 3rd July, 2026

Ansreen Bukhari, the mother of a TikTok influencer implicated in a high-speed car chase resulting in the deaths of two men, will not have her jail sentence reduced, as ruled by the Court of Appeal judges. The 49-year-old was in the vehicle with her daughter, Mahek Bukhari, as they, along with others, chased Saqib Hussain and his friend, Mohammed Hashim Ijazuddin, on the A46 in Leicester in February 2022. The incident concluded with the two men perishing in a collision, and the Bukharis were both found guilty of murder. The daughter, who was 22 years old at the time of the crash, received 31 years and eight months in September 2023, before this was reduced to a minimum term of 26 years and 285 days at the Court of Appeal last year. The mother was given at least 26 years and nine months in jail, which her lawyers said on Friday was “manifestly excessive”, but this was dismissed by three judges. Lord Justice Jeremy Baker, sitting with Mr Justice Bryan and Judge Simon Hirst, said: “The appellant had many opportunities to prevent escalation of events leading to the deaths of the deceased.” Christopher Millington KC, for Bukhari, said that she had been the target of blackmail, which had not been taken into account during the sentencing. He described how she had begun an affair with Mr Hussain, and afterwards he had demanded £3,000 for what he claimed he had spent on her during that time. Mr Millington told the court: “Having determined that she wanted to end the relationship, telling the deceased that she wanted to end it on good terms, the answer to that was plainly no. “Thereafter, and over a period of many, many weeks leading up to these offences, there was what we would categorise as a relentless campaign of blackmail and coercive behaviour from Saqib Hussain towards Ansreen Bukhari.” He said Mr Hussain kept up the “relentless and abusive messages”, which “ramped up” on the day of the chase. The barrister added: “This was the day when he would carry out his threat to travel to the family home in Stoke and confront her and the family and, at the very least, show to her husband and members of the family the sexually compromising material he possessed and face the consequences of that.” Bukhari then “got sucked into” a plan which led to “calamitous consequences” while she was “not regarded as being one of the prime movers in this by the trial judge”. Prosecutor Daren Samat said that Bukhari may not have been a “prime mover”, but “she was an essential part of it”. Mr Samat said: “She was part of the plan to lure the deceased to Leicester in the first place.” Mr Hussain was told “that if he wanted his money that he had to come to collect it from a boy in Leicester”. The barrister added: “So without that, he would not be in Leicester.” In refusing the appeal, Lord Justice Jeremy Baker said: “We note that the appellant was indeed a central figure and the reason for these offences having taken place, and we are quite satisfied that the minimum term did properly take into account all the matters that have been advanced by Mr Millington.”

Two shops in a village in Leicestershire have been closed shortly after reports emerged that a convicted people smuggler was operating in the vicinity. Blaby District Council (BDC) stated it had issued closure notices to both locations due to increasing concerns about disorder. The stores, Candy Corner and Candy Corner 1, are located on Lutterworth Road in Blaby. The closures come after reports surfaced that Twana Jamal, an Iraqi Kurd previously labeled as one of the most successful people smugglers ever apprehended and known as the godfather of French migrant camps, was discovered working illegally in the village while his asylum application was still pending. Closure notices were issued in accordance with the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, permitting councils and police to immediately close premises if they believe these locations are causing a public nuisance. Leicestershire Police collaborated with the council and other partners as part of the enforcement action. A BDC spokesperson said: "In cooperation with Leicestershire Police and partner agencies, we have issued closure notices to two locations, Candy Corner and Candy Corner 1, in Blaby. "This step was taken to safeguard local communities and minimize the risk of disruptions over the weekend, following recent concerns." Picture Credit - BBC In 2016, Twana Jamal, an Iraqi Kurd once known as the "godfather" of French migrant camps, received a five-year prison sentence in France. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Leicestershire Police speed camera van enforcement has started at the following new community concern locations: Motorcycle Routes: A6 Market Harborough Bypass, Great Bowden Six Hills Lane, from the A46 to the A606 Community Concern Sites: Glebe Way, Syston B640 Main Road, Barleythorpe Cropston Road, Anstey Drift Side, Blackfordby Knighton Grange Road, Leicester Bradgate Road 30mph, Anstey Cotes Road, Barrow Upon Soar Sileby Road 30mph, Barrow Upon Soar Jonathan Clarkson, spokesperson for the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership, said: “When we receive a Community Concern request, we review the most recent vehicle speed data for the location concerned. In some cases, this may include the deployment of a covert roadside speed survey to gather additional evidence. The Partnership's criteria for speed camera enforcement require both a history of injury collisions and evidence of a speeding problem before enforcement activity can be scheduled.” “If the survey data indicates that speeding is not an issue, no further action will be taken. Where the data confirms both a speeding problem and a recent history of injury collisions, the location will be added to our Community Concern site list and considered for enforcement activity, subject to the availability of a safe and suitable location for enforcement officers to park.” “Where there is evidence of a speeding problem but no recent injury collision history, the survey results will be referred to Traffic Management at Leicestershire Police. They may then request targeted enforcement by officers from the Local Beat Team, the Safer Roads Team, or other operational policing units, as appropriate.” The full list of community concern locations can be found here:

As Leicestershire Police approaches the fourth weekend of its summer drink and drug drive campaign, officers have made 94 arrests for suspected drink and drug driving offences. The figures include 70 arrests for drink driving, 17 for drug driving and seven for failing to provide a sample. Just under half of those arrested were stopped within Leicester city, with the remaining offences recorded across Leicestershire and Rutland. The Charnwood borough alone accounted for 16 arrests. Of particular concern, 25 arrests followed roadside collisions, including one driver who was nearly four times the legal alcohol limit. Officers have also arrested 13 motorists between 5am and noon, highlighting the continued risk posed by drivers who get behind the wheel the morning after consuming alcohol or drugs. Those arrested represent a wide range of ages, from younger drivers to pensioners. The campaign figures include 16 drivers aged 24 and under, while the oldest person arrested was 82 years old. Although the majority of those arrested have been male, 11 women have also been arrested during the operation. This year's summer campaign coincides with the World Cup and will conclude on Sunday 19 July. However, roads policing officers will continue to patrol across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland around the clock to keep roads safe and bring drink and drug drivers before the courts. Chief Inspector Jodie White, Specialist Support Department, Leicestershire Police said: "These figures demonstrate that far too many people are still choosing to drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, putting themselves and others at significant risk. "With the World Cup taking place and many people enjoying social events over the summer, our message is simple: plan ahead and make safe choices. "If you are going out, arrange a designated sober driver, book a taxi, use public transport or choose alcohol-free alternatives. Whatever you do, don't take the risk of driving after drinking or taking drugs. "Our officers will continue to be out on patrol day and night, targeting those who put lives at risk on our roads."

Detectives are appealing for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision In Twycross. Police received a call at 10.49am today (Friday 3 July) from East Midlands Ambulance following their attendance to Sheepy Road after a man found injured in a ditch. The man was found with his motorbike, a silver Triumph Thruxton. Despite the assistance from medical professionals, the man - in his sixties - was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. The road was closed to allow a full examination of the scene and has since been reopened. Detective Sergeant Kasie McMahon from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is appealing for witnesses. She said: “We believe that the bike was travelling towards Twycross when it left the road. “We would like to appeal to anyone who saw the collision, the rider beforehand or the circumstances leading up to it to please get in touch. “Anyone who may also have dashcam footage which captured anything relating to the collision is also asked to make contact.” 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*39029. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 19:22 03/07/2026

An ATM has been stolen overnight from a store in Oakham. Police received a call at 2.53am this morning (Friday 3 July) that a telehandler had been driven into the front of the store in Braunston Road. Significant damage was caused to the building as the ATM was removed and dragged away from the scene by a 4x4 pickup truck. The pickup drove off towards Balmoral Road. A scene preservation is in place, and our investigation remains at an early stage as enquiries continue. Officers would like to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed anything connected to the burglary to get in touch. We would also ask anyone living locally who has a video doorbell, dashcam or CCTV to please check your devices to see if has captured any part of this incident. You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 26000389315. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News - Published : 10:05 03/07/2026

Detectives investigating a burglary in Loughborough have released images of a man they are looking to identify. Thousands of pounds worth of jewellery was stolen when a house was broken into in Tylers Road, Belton, on Thursday 14 May. As part of the ongoing enquiries, police believe the man pictured may be able to assist with with the investigation. Anyone who knows him or as any information that could assist, call 101 or report online at Report | Leicestershire Police – quoting crime reference 26*279907 Leicestershire Police News Published : 17:13 02/07/2026

At approximately 2pm today, armed officers were observed at a residence in Whetstone. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said officers attended an address on Enderby Road at around 2pm on July 2 No arrests were made during the visit, and inquiries into two recent robberies are continuing. Police are investigating an armed robbery at a bookmaker's in Glenfield and another armed robbery at a store in New Parks. Officers suspect that the two incidents might be connected because of their similarities and closeness. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

New approach roads were also created as part of the scheme and nearly 500 metres of new road surface laid. A major milestone has been reached at Zouch, with a ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the reopening of the £19.6 million bridge to local traffic. The new bridge on the A6006 near Hathern will open to local traffic and bus services by Monday 6 July. The opening preview of Zouch bridge was marked by a special ceremony bringing together involved partners. The Leader of Leicestershire County Council officially opened the bridge, joined by the Chairman of the County Council Linda Danks, main contractor Eric Wright Civil Engineering and local schoolchildren for a ribbon cutting. The historic crossing has long been an important link between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, connecting communities and supporting travel and trade across the region for generations with the previous bridge, which is no longer fit for purpose, dating back to 1930. Due to the presence of overhead high-voltage cables, the new bridge couldn’t be constructed in the standard way using cranes. Steel beams were essentially shunted 36 metres across the River Soar using a specialist jacking system. New approach roads were also created as part of the scheme and nearly 500 metres of new road surface laid. The project has also made a positive economic, environmental and social impact beyond construction. More than 400 students have taken part in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics careers activities linked to the scheme, helping inspire future engineers. Businesses have benefited from £2.8 million of spending in the local economy, new job opportunities have been created and two donations have been made, to the Peter Le Marchant Trust and Loughborough Boat Club, supporting their work in the community. Councillor Dan Harrison, leader of Leicestershire County Council said: "This is an important milestone for local communities and everyone who has been part of delivering this project. It’s wonderful to see the new bridge open and to provide something that will serve the area well for many years to come. As well as improving a key route, the project has supported local jobs, businesses and young people, creating a positive legacy beyond the bridge itself. The A6006 is a vital link, connecting people to the airport and freeport developments, and we’ve worked hard to deliver a high-quality, future-ready bridge while keeping disruption to a minimum by building it alongside the existing structure. We know the work has not been without inconvenience, and I’d like to sincerely thank residents and businesses for their patience and support throughout." Gavin Hulme, Managing Director for Eric Wright Civil Engineering, said: “We’re proud to have delivered this important project milestone and reach this key stage of the scheme. “This has been a complex build with a number of challenges, and we’d like to thank the local community for their understanding throughout. It’s great to see the bridge reopen and reconnect the area, and we will now move forward with the next phase of works to safely demolish the old bridge.” With the new bridge now in use, work will move on to removing the old structure and completing final elements of the scheme, with everything expected to finish in autumn 2026. Access has already been opened to pedestrians, walkers, cyclists, wheeled access and horse riders. The full A6006 route between the A6 in Leicestershire and the A60 in Nottinghamshire will reopen once Network Rail completes its work at nearby Kirk Hill Bridge, which is expected later in July. Until then, through traffic and HGVs will need to continue using the signed diversion routes. Leicestershire County Council News Thursday, 2 July, 2026