A teenage boy who passed away while paddling in an open water lake has been named for the first time as his family honors his memory. Hayden Jones-Powell encountered trouble while paddling in Meynell Lake in Syston, shortly after 1:30 pm yesterday. Emergency services rushed to the lake near Syston Sailing Club. Expert divers retrieved a body from the water, and police confirmed it was the 13-year-old. A Leicestershire Police spokesperson said the boy’s family were being supported by officers, and added: “There is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner. Naming will be a matter for the coroner.” As stated in a Crowdfunder organized by Hayden's family, he went "paddling with his friends" after school. It read: “The aim of this is to raise funds for Hayden’s funeral. As a family we would like to be able to give Hayden a beautiful send off. “Hayden was a cheeky, gorgeous, 13-year-old boy. He supported West Brom Albion, loved animals, was a great friend and had everything in life going for him. “Without warning he was taken from us on the 25th of June. Hayden was like any other teenage boy who just went to the lake to paddle with his friends. “He wanted to cool from the heat and enjoy the cool water, getting some respite from the heatwave after school. Crowdfunder page The aim of this is to raise funds for Hayden's funeral. As a family we would like to be able to give Hayden a beautiful send off. Click button for direct link for Crowdfunder page to make a donation The family also supports the BeWaterAware campaign by Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and urges parents to inform children of the dangers of open water swimming. In a comment on Leicester Media face book page "BE WATER AWARE" post Hayden's mum wrote "Please, please tell your children not to go into the water... I lost my 13 yr old son yesterday" CLICK HERE FOR THE BeWaterAware campaign Video credit - Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service

As the weather gets warmer, The fire service typically sees an increase in reports of people swimming in open water – often unaware of the dangers that can lead to injury and sadly in some cases, to accidental death. It’s may look inviting, but open water swimming is vastly different to swimming in a pool and is much more dangerous. Even in warm weather, the water is often a lot colder than you expect and sudden immersion can lead to cold water shock. Even the strongest of swimmers can get into difficulty quickly. Around 320 people drown in the UK every year and thousands more suffer injury, some life changing, through near-drowning experiences. Evidence shows that 44% of drowning fatalities happen to people who had no intention of entering the water. This is a stark reminder that it isn't just traditional water users who get into danger. Top Water Safety Tips - BE WATER AWARE Stay safe around water. Always remember: Don't go into the water if someone else is in trouble – call 999 and ask for the Fire Service if inland or if at the coast ask for the Coast Guard. Never drink alcohol and then go for a swim or attempt to jump into water. Avoid walking/running near water on your own or late at night – it's easier than you think to slip and fall in. Float To Live Take a minute. The initial effects of cold water pass in less than a minute – don't try to swim straight away. Relax and float on your back to catch your breath. Try to get hold of something that will help you float. Keep calm, then call for help or swim to safety if you are able. What Do I Do If I See Someone In The Water? If you go into the water to rescue people, pets or belongings, you could be putting yourself at risk as well. If you do see someone in the water, there are steps you can take to help them: Dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service If you don't have a mobile phone, shout to raise the alarm, or go and get help. Try to give an exact location of where you are. Look around for any landmarks or signs; for example bridges will often have numbers on them which can identify their position. Video credit - Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service Use What3Words to give an accurate position. If a person is in trouble, keep talking to them, encourage them to stay calm and float on their back. Keep your eyes on the spot where you last saw them so you can tell the emergency services when they arrive. If there is life saving equipment such as a lifebuoy or a throwline nearby throw it to them. If not, throw anything that will float. Every 3m square in the world has a what3words address made of 3 words. Used by millions for accurate deliveries, meet-ups, and emergencies. For more info on Outdoor safety visit LFRS website

Specialist police dive teams searching for a teenage boy following reports he entered a lake in Syston yesterday afternoon (Thursday 25 June) have recovered a person from the water. We can confirm it is the teenager known to have entered the lake and his family are being supported specialist officers. Police were called just after 1.30pm to Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way. Officers attended along with Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service and East Midlands Ambulance Service. Initial searches were carried out and police divers were called in. There is no suggestion of any suspicious circumstances and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner. Naming will be a matter for the coroner. Pictures by Leicester Media Online Be Water Aware - Leicestershire Fire service remind the public to avoid open water Video credit - Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Today (Friday 26 June), crossing patrols from across the county attended a special ceremony to give thanks for long service, receive messages from local pupils and enjoy tea and scones. For more than 70 years, school crossing patrols have been the ‘superheroes’ of the school run in Leicestershire. Helping children gain independence on their journey to school every day with a familiar face in all weathers, crossing patrols are a key part of the county council’s wider road safety mission. Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray, cabinet member for Highways and Transport said: “It was a pleasure to meet some of our hardworking crossing patrols today, as we celebrate their collective achievements and the difference they make for children every day.” “A hugely important part of our communities, I’m grateful for the important work they do to help keep our county and children safe.” In addition to essential road safety support, many members of the crossing patrol team report that this fulfilling, sociable role helps them spend more time outdoors, keep active and remain part of their local community. Members of the crossing patrol team received awards for five, ten, 15 and even 30 years’ service, as well as receiving hand-written thank you cards from children at the schools they serve. One of the team who could not make it on the day has surpassed 50 years of service, which is remarkable. Crossing patrol vacancies are available throughout Leicestershire. Apply for this part-time, term-time only position today in time for the new school year via our recruitment page Leicestershire County Council News Friday, 26 June, 2026

Henry Iv’s knighthood, Chaucer’s marriage, Victorian courtroom dramas and 16th-century graffiti all feature in Leicester’s rich history – and visitors to the city centre can find out more on Heritage Sundays. Heritage Sundays take place on the last Sunday of the month and see some of the city’s most historic sites opened up for people to explore. This Sunday (28 June), the Magazine, Leicester Castle’s Great Hall and St Mary de Castro Church will be open for visitors. Entry is free, or visitors can join a Blue Badge guided tour to learn about each site in the company of a local history expert. Tickets for the tours cost £6 for adults (£5 concessions/children), and can be booked online. Leicester’s Magazine – a striking 15th-century gateway to the city – was later used as a Civil War munitions store, and visitors can still view 16th-century graffiti scrawled on its stone walls. The Great Hall of Leicester Castle dates back to the 12th century, and has hosted kings and Parliament, as well as a Victorian criminal courtroom. St Mary de Castro Church has royal connections to Henry IV, who was knighted there as a boy. It was also the wedding venue for Chaucer in the 1360s. The church has been much altered since medieval times, but still retains many of its early features. Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for culture, said: “Heritage Sundays offer a unique opportunity to explore some of the city’s most historic sites clustered around The Newarke and De Montfort University. “We are very pleased to organise these events in partnership with De Montfort University and local heritage organisations. They are a welcoming way for people of all ages to connect with the city’s past.” Alongside the tours, visitors can explore Leicester’s oldest church, St Nicholas, take part in hands-on heritage activities, and pick up a self-guided map to discover Roman Leicester. For more information and to book tickets, visit: · Magazine tours · Leicester Castle tours · St Mary de Castro tours Heritage Open Days will see historic Leicester buildings opened up on the last Sunday of each month until October, apart from in September when the season will pause for the annual Heritage Open Days Festival. LCC News - Published on Friday, June 26, 2026

Police have closed off parts of Dominion Road tonight after reports of a road traffic collision. Dominion Road is closed at the junction of Charnor Road. A large area has been cordoned off with police tape. Please avoid the area if possible. We have contacted Leicestershire Police and await more information. More to follow Pictures by Leicester Media Online

A 20-year-old man has been arrested in connection with a serious collision in Groby earlier this month. Police were called to Ratby Road, close to the junction with Oaktree Close, just after 2.20pm on Thursday 4 June following a report a black Yamaha motorcycle had collided with a pedestrian and then left the scene. The pedestrian, a woman in her 90s, was taken to hospital for treatment. She has since been discharged. The man, who was arrested yesterday (Thursday 25 June) has been released under investigation and enquiries into the incident are continuing. Detective Constable Charlotte Wright, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “While someone’s been arrested in connection with this incident, I’m still appealing for anyone who can help but has not yet spoken to us to come forward. “In particular, I’d like to speak to anyone who saw the motorcycle beforehand or witnessed the collision occur. I’d also extend this appeal to anyone with dashcam, doorbell or CCTV footage.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ and quoting reference 26*325080. Alternatively call 101. You can also pass on information to Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously Leicestershire Police News - Published : 13:54 26/06/2026

A Car collided with an E-bike in Dominion Road last night. Police were called at 4.49pm yesterday (Thursday) to a report of a collision involving a car and an e-bike on Dominion Road, Leicester. Two people were on the e-bike and were taken to hospital. The teenage boy and girl both sustained non-life threatening injuries. A 29-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of careless driving and was interviewed by officers. She has since been released under investigation pending further enquiries. Enquiries continue. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

LEICESTER’S BIGGEST BEER GARDEN RETURNS WITH NEW SUMMER MENU Just in time for beer garden season, The Old Horse in Leicester has reopened following a huge investment, re‑establishing itself as a leading pub destination for this summer. Overlooking the beautiful Victoria Park, the pub boasts Leicester’s largest beer garden, perfect for those long, sun soaked days. The outdoor space has been redesigned for all-day enjoyment, with a dedicated garden bar, a German-inspired beer garden kitchen, and a Jersey-style whipped ice cream kiosk, making it the go-to destination for drinks, food and park-side pitstops. New for summer, The Paddock Grill brings an elevated food offering to the garden, serving a menu of German-inspired beer garden classics designed to be enjoyed outdoors alongside a cold pint. Guests can enjoy dishes including Frikadelle burgers on pretzel buns, Bratwurst hot dogs, vegan bratwurst options and authentic Bavarian-style sauces, with cooling Jersey Gold ice cream to finish. Inside, the pub blends heritage touches with modern fittings, boasting retro Guinness taps and a new open pizza kitchen, all helping create a warm, welcoming yet premium atmosphere that works just as well for casual visits as special get togethers. Reopened by Beautiful Pubs Collective in partnership with Everards, The Old Horse is a perfect summer destination for Leicester locals and visitors alike, particularly for those seeking a striking pub setting and classic beer garden done properly.

Leicester military, veterans and cadets offered free travel to events this Armed Forces Weekend Stagecoach Midlands supports Armed Forces Day 2026 with free travel for military, ex-military and cadets on 27th and 28th June Part of Stagecoach’s wider commitment to the Armed Forces Community Free travel also offered for Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday Serving military, veterans, and cadets are set to get free travel this Armed Forces Day weekend, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June, under an agreement announced by a major local bus operator. The initiative covers all Stagecoach Midlands’ bus services in Leicester and the wider region, allowing members of the Armed Forces community to travel for free to parades, ceremonies and community events around the region. The opportunity is available to any serving military professional, veteran or cadet wearing medals or a veteran's badge, anyone in uniform or with proof of military ID. The gesture of respect forms part of Stagecoach’s ongoing nationwide commitment to recognising and supporting the Armed Forces. The bus operator also provides free travel on Remembrance Day and Remembrance Sunday each year, in honour of those who have served. Stagecoach is a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant and continues to grow its internal Veterans Network, a colleague-led group that supports service leavers, veterans, reservists and military families within the business. It is also a major employer of former military personnel. Mark Whitelocks, Managing Director for Stagecoach Midlands, said: “We’re very proud to support Armed Forces Day and recognise the important contributions of those who serve and have served. Providing free travel across the region is a small gesture to show our appreciation and help people attend local events to honour the Armed Forces community. Former Armed Forces professionals are an important part of our team, so we are committed to being a supportive and inclusive employer for veterans and service families.” Stagecoach works in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions to actively support armed forces veterans and their families by guaranteeing an interview for any advertised vacancy, recognising the valuable skills, experience and professionalism they bring to the workplace. To find out more about opportunities at Stagecoach, go to www.stagecoachbus.com/careers.

A total of 21 people have been charged in connection with smuggling cannabis and mobile phones into HMP Gartree in Market Harborough. The charges follow a lengthy and complex investigation by detectives working in the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Regional Prison Intelligence Unit. The offences are alleged to have occurred between 1 June 2022 and 6 October 2022. Jamie Speirs, 30, of Stowe Drive, Rugby, has been charged with: - Holder of a public office wilfully neglected to perform duty / wilfully misconducted himself - Two counts of conspiracy to supply a class B drug - Two counts of conspiracy to convey a list B prohibited article into prison Speirs was a serving prison officer at HMP Gartree at the time of the alleged offences. The following 20 people have all being charged with one count of conspiracy to supply a class B drug and one count of conspiracy to convey a list B prohibited article into prison. - Horace Campbell, 42, of HMP Swaleside - Paul Connor, 34, of Fenton Close, Liverpool - Caitlin Dinham, 27, Bellasis Street, Stafford - Martin Flaherty, 38, of Attlee Road, Huyton, Liverpool - Devan Garner, 29, of HMP Lowdham Grange - George Garvey, 31, Haymans Close, Liverpool - Tinisha Lindsay, 34, of Haydon Way, Wandsworth, London - Cori Lindsey, 32, of HMP Aylesbury - Daiva Maciuliene, 52, of Wilberforce Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire - Sarunas Maciulis, 28, of HMP Gartree - Carl Madigan, 31, of HMP Garth - Raimundas Matusevicius, 47, of Wilberforce Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire - Sean Mercer, 35, HMP Manchester - Suleman Mohamed, 29, of HMP Gartree - Jesimiel Morris, 38, of Glendale Avenue, Leicester - Carleto Salmons, 43, of HMP Gartree - Valdas Stanevicius, 46, of Wilberforce Road, Wisbech, Cambridgeshire - Kelly Waldron, 54, of St Margarets Way, Leicester - Rebecca Wallace, 39, of Mallard Walk, Beckenham, Kent - Carly Wilcox, 37, of Longfellow Green, Kidderminster, Worcestershire All suspects are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 29 June. Picture credit RGDRONES Leicestershire Police News - Published: 14:22 25/06/2026

Emergency services are currently carrying out searches in Syston to locate a teenage boy who was reported to have entered a lake. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: "Police were called to Meynell Lake, in Fosse Way just after 1.30pm today (Thursday 25 June). Officers are currently in attendance with colleagues from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service. Searches are being carried out to locate the boy and officers are in contact with his next of kin. We will provide further updates when we are able to." A spokesperson from East Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We received a call a 1.42pm on Thursday 25 June to Roundhill Sailing Association, Fosse Way in Syston. The caller reported a medical emergency. We sent two paramedics in solo response cars, two ambulances and the Hazardous Area Response Team. The air ambulance was also in attendance.” Pictures by Leicester Media Online