Emergency services are currently dealing with a serious Road Traffic collision on Preston Rise in Hamilton. The air ambulance service has landed near the Tesco Petrol station. The road will remain closed for sometime for investigation work to take place. Preston Rise at the junction of Maidenwell Avenue roundabout. This closure extends through Elms farm cottage. Please find alternative routes and updates will follow. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Two men have been jailed for a total of 18 years after posting incriminating videos of themselves on social media. Today (Monday 27 July) at Leicester Crown Court, 20-year-old Richile Vangu was sentenced to 11 years’ imprisonment plus a three-year extended sentence. Oluwatobiloba Akinrinola, 19, was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment. The pair were each found guilty of a raft of offences on 19 June this year following a trial at the same court. Their crimes came to the attention of police in the early hours of 21 November 2026, when a report was received that a group had attended an open party in North Kilworth which had been advertised on Snapchat. Shortly after arriving, Vangu began threatening attendees with a knife and demanding they handed over designer clothing. He also forced them to transfer money into his bank account and made some of them dance for him, which was filmed on a mobile phone by another man. Some victims were then told to go to an address in Bath Lane in Leicester later that day after telling him they could not transfer money. When they arrived there, Vangu fired a BB gun at them and repeatedly whipped one of the victims with a belt. Some of the group were also punched repeatedly. This too was filmed by one of the group and uploaded to social media. Vangu, known on TikTok as ‘Trixta’, was arrested at an address in London on 27 November. During the ongoing investigation, officers found among those who had been with him were Akinrinola and two others who were then arrested between 3 and 15 December. Following the trial Vangu, of Bowes Road in Southgate, London, was found guilty of: Four counts of robbery relating to the events in North Kilworth. Six counts of blackmail at the same location. Four counts of blackmail at the events in Bath Lane. One count of causing actual bodily harm (ABH) relating to a victim in Bath Lane. He also pleaded guilty to a further count of causing actual bodily harm relating to another victim at a previous hearing. Akinrinola, of Slippers Place in Southwark, London, was found guilty of: Six counts of blackmail at the North Kilworth event. Three counts of the same charge at Bath Lane. Four counts of robbery in North Kilworth. Two counts of causing actual bodily harm to two victims in Bath Lane. Detective Constable Adam Battley, the officer in the case, said: “Vangu was very much the ringleader in both incidents and clearly thought he was above the law. “Thankfully his ego got the better of him and he decided to make sure videos of him committing his crimes were posted on social media – something which was key in securing the pair’s conviction at court. “I hope the victims and the wider public can take some relief that both men have now been locked up.” Two other men, both 19, were arrested and charged with offences in connection with this incident, but were found not guilty on all counts Leicestershire Police - Published: 15:29 27/07/2026

A historically significant Deltic locomotive will return to public passenger service for the first time in nearly 30 years when Great Central Railway welcomes D9015 Tulyar for a special weekend of diesel action on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 August. Image Credit: Jason Cross The event, held in partnership with the Deltic Preservation Society (DPS), will see the iconic locomotive hauling passenger trains along the UK’s only double-track heritage main line, marking a major milestone in the preservation of Britain’s diesel railway heritage. Owned by the Deltic Preservation Society, D9015 Tulyar is one of the most historically significant surviving Deltic locomotives. Named after the Aga Khan’s famous racehorse, the locomotive has undergone extensive bodywork and mechanical repairs as part of its long-awaited return to service. The special weekend will give visitors the rare opportunity to see Tulyar back in action, with the locomotive set to cover up to 96 miles on Saturday and 64 miles on Sunday, offering passengers the chance to experience the distinctive sound and power of a Deltic locomotive in full operation. Representatives from the Deltic Preservation Society will also be at the railway throughout the weekend, giving visitors the opportunity to meet the volunteers behind the locomotive’s preservation, find out more about D9015 Tulyar and discover the work involved in protecting an important part of Britain’s railway history for future generations. Great Central Railway’s stations will also be bringing the atmosphere of a classic railway day out, with the on-board Refreshment Car serving real ales, hot and cold drinks, snacks and a selection of beers. At Loughborough Central Station, visitors can enjoy a freshly cooked barbecue, with hot dogs and burgers served with all the toppings. Malcolm Holmes, General Manager at Great Central Railway, said: “The return of D9015 Tulyar to public passenger service is a hugely exciting moment for railway preservation, and we are delighted to be working with the Deltic Preservation Society to welcome this remarkable locomotive to Great Central Railway. “To see Tulyar back on the main line, hauling passenger trains once again after nearly 30 years, is something that will have huge appeal for railway enthusiasts, but this is also a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a memorable day out. “With miles of running across our unique double-track heritage railway, the chance to meet the people who have helped preserve Tulyar and plenty of food and refreshments available, it promises to be a very special weekend.” Whether visitors are dedicated diesel enthusiasts keen to witness Tulyar’s long-awaited return or simply looking for a unique day out, the weekend promises an unforgettable celebration of railway heritage, with one of Britain’s most distinctive locomotives taking centre stage on the Great Central Railway. More information about the railway can be found at www.gcrailway.co.uk

Davey Wilson will take on an epic base to base bike ride to support the lifesaving missions of The Air Ambulance Service (TAAS). The Air Ambulance Service delivers lifesaving care through two vital services. The National Children’s Air Ambulance (NCAA) operates across England, Scotland and Wales, providing specialist transfers for critically ill babies and children. Your Local Air Ambulance (YLAA) brings rapid emergency care to communities across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland. Davey is Technical Director at Sloane Helicopters and knows first-hand how vital the charity is to the local community and critically ill babies and children across the UK. Sloane Helicopters has a long and excellent reputation for providing helicopter EMS services and has been providing air ambulance support since 1999. They provide Agusta Westland 109’s for Your Local Air Ambulance and Agusta Westland169’s for the National Children’s Air Ambulance, together with maintenance support and trained air ambulance pilots. On 28 July Davey will begin his challenge at one of the National Children’s Air Ambulance bases in Gamston, cycling across to the charity’s Your Local Air Ambulance base in Nottingham – a total of forty-five miles. The second leg will take him from Nottingham to their second Your Local Air Ambulance base in Coventry, cycling another fifty-two miles. The Coventry location is currently facing closure, and the charity have recently launched the Big Bases Appeal to help secure the future of The Air Ambulance Service and their lifesaving missions. The final stage of this mammoth challenge will take him from Coventry and sixty-seven miles to the other NCAA base in Oxford – completing a total of one hundred and sixty-four miles. This challenge is in support of the charity’s Big Bases Appeal, which aims to build two brand-new, purpose-built operational bases. These new facilities will help ensure the charity can continue providing lifesaving pre-hospital emergency care for years to come. “I have been in aviation for many years, but this is my first time supporting with Air Ambulance charities. Having attended the Big Bases Appeal gala dinner, I was moved by the testimonials during the evening, explaining the fantastic work the charity delivers especially for those most in need such as the children. I really had no choice but to offer my pain for others gain,” said Davey Wilson. Marsha Gold, Capital Appeal Community Stewardship Executive for the charity said: “We would like to wish Davey the best of luck with his super-human challenge, and we are extremely grateful for his support for our lifesaving missions.” “With support just like this our crew and helicopters will remain operational 24/7, 365 days a year, continuing to help save lives” she added. If you’d like to support Davey and help The Air Ambulance Service Big Bases Appeal, you can donate here: https://events.theairambulanceservice.org.uk/fundraisers/daveywilson/davey--s-base-to-base-ride

A large Police presence was spotted at the Lidl store on Gipsy Lane earlier this evening (Sunday 26 July) Eyewitnesses say a man with a large hammer smashed 9 windows along the front of the store. It’s reported that a man has was arrested by Police. We have contacted Leicestershire Police for more details on this incident. There is no reports of any injuries at this time. More to follow. Update Leicestershire Police have confirmed this Morning (27 July) that a man Russell Skinner, 65, of Gipsy Lane has been charged with one count of causing criminal damage to property and is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates' Court on 10 August. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Four men have been charged with murder following a stabbing off London Road in Leicester on Wednesday night (22 July). They are: Talha Satar, 21, of Stoughton Street South, Spinney Hills Said Mahamed, 20, of Sparkenhoe Street, Spinney Hills Husni Benramadan, 19, of no fixed abode Yousouf Khan, 18, of no fixed abode The four men have also each been charged with one count of having an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence and one count of possession of a knife/bladed article in a public place. A fifth man – Kassam Tarmahoomed, 21, of Osmaston Road, Stoneygate – has been charged with assisting an offender. All five are due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court today (Monday 27 July). The charges relate to the murder of 24-year-old Arad Niakan in De Montfort Place. A 33-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released with no further action Two men aged 52 and two women aged 43 who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender as part of the investigation were released on bail Leicestershire Police News - Published: 01:26 27/07/2026

Learn more on Thursday 30 July People with a sight impairment or sensory loss can find out about the services that are available to support them at a free drop-in event this week. The community launch of the new Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland (LLR) Sensory Services on Thursday (30 July) will be an opportunity for people of all ages to meet the team who are delivering the services previously provided by local sight loss charity Vista. Taking place at City Hall in Leicester, the event will feature interactive stalls, showcasing specialist equipment – including the new Ray-Ban Meta Glasses – and assistive technology that can support independent living. There will also be practical demonstrations and activities designed to increase understanding of sight impairments and deafblindness, while specialist staff will be on hand to provide information and answer questions. Activities specifically for children will run between 11am and 1pm, with free refreshments available throughout the day. Friends, families and carers of those with sight impairment or sensory loss, as well as professionals working in the field, are all welcome to attend. Councillor Michael Squires, cabinet member for adult social care said: "Sensory impairment can make day-to-day tasks more challenging so it’s great news that this vital support is continuing. Our goal is for Leicestershire residents to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives and I’m pleased we’ve been able to get this important new service up and running so quickly. With practical demonstrations and the chance to try out clever kit, I’d urge people to come along and find out more about the support available." Assistant city mayor for adult social care Cllr Mohammed Dawood, said: “People who relied on Vista’s support were naturally concerned, when it was announced earlier this year that the charity would not be able to continue to run its services. “I’m pleased to be able to reassure people that those services are still available to them – they are just being delivered by another provider. “LLR Sensory Services is the new name for the team that supports people with sight impairments or sensory loss in Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. “This community launch is a great opportunity to meet the team who are now providing the services – and to find out more about the support that’s available.” Earlier this year, Vista officially transferred its local authority-funded services – including the Visual Impairment Enablement Service (VIES), Deafblind Day Opportunities Service and other sensory impairment services – to BID Services ensuring that care provision could continue without interruption. BID Services – a registered charity – provides LLR Sensory Services, which is jointly commissioned by local authority and health partners across Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland. Gail Penberthy, CEO, BID Services, added: "We are excited to be launching this new chapter of support for people across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and look forward to meeting members of the community at our LLR Sensory Services launch event. “Vista has built an incredible legacy of supporting people with sight impairments, and we are committed to working closely with local residents, staff teams and council partners to ensure that this vital work continues to thrive. “As a specialist organisation supporting people with sensory impairments, BID Services brings extensive expertise and experience, and we are proud to extend that support to the LLR community. We encourage people to come along, meet the team, learn more about the services available and help us shape the future of sensory support together.” The LLR Sensory Services community launch Takes place at City Hall, 115 Charles Street, LE1 1FZ, on Thursday 30 July. The free, drop-in event runs from 10am – 3pm. Leicestershire County Council News

Get ready for a prehistoric adventure as Leicester Dino Fest stomps into the city centre for a weekend packed with dinosaur-themed fun for the whole family! Presented by BID Leicester and Leicester Cathedral and taking over Cathedral Gardens (Saturday) and Jubilee Square (Sunday) on 25 & 26 July 2026. From 11am – 4pm each day, the festival will feature incredible live dinosaur performances, roaming walkabout dinos, interactive family activities, and hands-on fossil experiences inspired by the prehistoric world. Meet roaring dinosaurs up close during three live shows each day, spot hidden dino eggs around the city with the free Dino Egg Trail on the My Leicester App, and enjoy free family activities including face painting, clay fossil making, and the chance to handle real fossils from Leicester Museums, including Triceratops and T. rex fossils. On Saturday evening, Leicester Cathedral will also host a special relaxed screening of Disney Pixar’s The Good Dinosaur inside the stunning Cathedral nave, complete with blankets, cushions and a cosy family atmosphere. At Showcase cinema you can also catch showings of the dino film that started it all, Jurassic Park! Keep reading to find all the details below! With giant dinosaurs roaming the city centre, free activities, and plenty of Jurassic surprises along the way, Leicester Dino Fest promises a fun-filled weekend of adventure, discovery and dino-sized memories for all ages. For more information click button below. All Pictures by Trevor Sewell for Leicester Media Online taken on Saturday 26th July 2026 Here is lots more pictures from Trevor Sewell on FACEBOOK

This aerial drone photo captures the flames behind the houses on Strathmore Road On Saturday afternoon (July 25), firefighters responded to a fire involving a shed and an outbuilding in a section of a Leicestershire town. A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) spokesman said that a call had been received at around 3.20pm after the flames were spotted in Strathmore Road in Hinckley. He said: "The flames quickly spread to the rear garden of the property. Three fire crews from from stations in the area attended the blaze and used main hose reel jets to put out the flames." At its height, smoke was seen spiralling into the air and ash was being deposited across large parts of the town . At its peak, smoke was observed rising into the sky, and ash was spreading over extensive areas of the town. Fire crews were still on site at 6pm, working to damp down, and the LFRS spokesman mentioned they would return later in the evening to recheck the area to confirm that no hot spots persisted. The fire crews stayed on site at 6 pm to continue damping down, and the LFRS spokesman stated they would come back later in the evening to re-inspect the area to confirm that no hot spots remain. It is reported that there was no need to evacuate nearby properties and no injuries occurred in the fire. Picture Supplied

Two men aged 52 and two women aged 43 were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Thursday and have since been released on bail. The six men arrested on suspicion of murder, remain in custody. They are a 33-year-old, two 21-year-olds, a 20-year-old, a 19-year-old and an 18-year-old. Shortly after 10.45pm on Wednesday (22 July) an officer on patrol in a police car in the area was stopped in Leicester’s London Road, close to Saxby Street, by an injured man. The man, in his 20s, had significant injuries to his chest and stomach and died in the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday). Officers believe the man was stabbed in De Montfort Place and it has since been confirmed via a post-mortem examination that the man sustained multiple injuries, including three stab wounds. Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team, said: “I’d like to thank people who live and work in the area for coming forward with information and assisting us, particularly in relation to capturing vital CCTV. “Although several people are in custody, I’m continuing to appeal for anyone who has information but has not yet spoken to police to come forward. This includes anyone who was driving in the area between 10.30pm and 11pm on Wednesday night. “Anything you can tell us, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could be important.” Information can be passed directly to the investigation team by visiting the dedicated Public Portal. Alternatively you can call 101 and quote reference 26*435470. Leicestershire Police News - Updated: 13:29 25/07/2026

Four more people have been arrested as part of an ongoing murder investigation. Two men aged 52 and two women aged 43 were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender last night (Thursday) and remain in custody. Yesterday (Thursday 23 July) six men were arrested on suspicion of murder, who also remain in custody. They are a 33-year-old, two 21-year-olds, a 20-year-old, a 19-year-old and an 18-year-old. Shortly after 10.45pm on Wednesday (22 July) an officer on patrol in a police car in the area was stopped in Leicester’s London Road, close to Saxby Street, by an injured man. The man, in his 20s, had significant injuries to his chest and stomach and died in the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday). Officers believe the man was stabbed in De Montfort Place and it has since been confirmed via a post-mortem examination that the man sustained multiple injuries, including three stab wounds. Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team, said: “I’d like to thank people who live and work in the area for coming forward with information and assisting us, particularly in relation to capturing vital CCTV. “Although several people are in custody, I’m continuing to appeal for anyone who has information but has not yet spoken to police to come forward. This includes anyone who was driving in the area between 10.30pm and 11pm on Wednesday night. “Anything you can tell us, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could be important.” Information can be passed directly to the investigation team by visiting the dedicated Public Portal. Alternatively you can call 101 and quote reference 26*435470. Police update Saturday 25/07/26 Two men aged 52 and two women aged 43 were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Thursday have since been released on bail. The six men arrested on suspicion of murder, remain in custody. They are a 33-year-old, two 21-year-olds, a 20-year-old, a 19-year-old and an 18-year-old. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 11:20 24/07/2026

Detectives investigating the murder of a man found injured in London Road, Leicester, have arrested six men. Shortly after 10.45pm yesterday (Wednesday 22 July) an officer on patrol in a police car in the area was stopped in London Road, close to Saxby Street, by an injured man. The man, who is in his 20s, had significant injuries to his chest and stomach. The East Midlands Ambulance Service was called, and he was taken to hospital where he subsequently died in the early hours of this morning (Thursday). Following initial enquiries in the area, it is believed the man was stabbed in De Montfort Place. This location is to the rear of a number of properties in London Road. It has since been confirmed the man sustained multiple injuries, including three stab wounds. A post-mortem examination carried out today has found the man died as a result of his injuries. An extensive policing operation has been underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and following a number of enquiries six men have been arrested. The men, aged between 18 and 33, have all been arrested on suspicion of murder. One of the men has also been arrested on suspicion of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs. A scene preservation remains on inside an address in London Road while forensic examinations and searches continue. The outside scenes in De Montfort Place and London Road have since been lifted. Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team, said: “Following the death of the man, specialist trained officers have identified his next of kin and are supporting them. I would like to express my sincere condolences to them at this difficult time. “This investigation remains ongoing with teams of dedicated officers and staff working to understand what has occurred and the events leading up to the injured man being found. “Following extensive enquiries, we have made a number of arrests today. The six men in custody will now be interviewed while we continue to gather information and evidence in relation to the incident. “I would like to thank people who live and work in the area for coming forward with information and assisting us, particularly in relation to capturing vital CCTV from last night. “If anyone has not yet contacted police but has information or was driving in the area last night between 10.30pm and 11pm, please come forward. Even the smallest detail could assist us in our investigation.” Information can be passed directly to the investigation team via Public Portal If you would prefer to speak to us, please call 101 and ask for Leicestershire Police and ask to speak with the Operation Rayon incident room. Alternatively, contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Police update Saturday 25/07/26 Two men aged 52 and two women aged 43 were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender on Thursday have since been released on bail. The six men arrested on suspicion of murder, remain in custody. They are a 33-year-old, two 21-year-olds, a 20-year-old, a 19-year-old and an 18-year-old. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 22:00 23/07/2026