Leicester colleges, schools and workplaces are getting ready to take part in Clean Air Day. Clean Air Day, on Thursday 18 June, is the UK's biggest initiative to reduce air pollution, raising awareness about air quality and encouraging action for a healthier environment. To mark the day, students from Beauchamp City sixth-form college, in Leicester city centre, will participate in a workshop with local street art collective Graffwerk. They’ll be working together to design a mural based around the theme ‘switch off your engine for cleaner air.’ Graffwerk will then be painting a large-scale mural at Dover Street in the city centre based on students’ designs, with work due to start at the end of June. In the weeks running up to Clean Air Day, Switch Off Your Engine signs have been installed around six schools in the city reminding drivers to turn off their engine when waiting to pick up pupils. The signs have been accompanied by a theatre production at 10 city schools, which is designed to investigate the causes and concerns of poor air quality and promotes safe, active travel to primary schools. Some of the city’s largest workplaces are also getting involved in Clean Air Day. At Hastings Direct, staff will be encouraged to take part in a lunchtime walk, using walking maps from the Choose How You Move website for inspiration, to discover Leicester’s urban green spaces and hidden gems. Visitors to the Haymarket shopping centre from 12-2pm on Thursday will also be able to find out more about Clean Air Day, where a stall in the centre will offer advice, information and activities on cleaner air. The Live Well public health team will be on hand to offer support on stopping smoking; staff from the city council’s transport team will advise on cutting emissions by choosing active travel; and an expert from the University of Leicester will be demonstrating how you can improve air quality indoors. Visitors to the stall will also be able to join in with Better Transport Week by making a pledge to try a new, sustainable way of travelling. Assistant city mayor responsible for air quality, Cllr Geoff Whittle, said: “We know that clean air is important to everyone. A recent trial of a new ‘school street’ at St John the Baptist school in the city has been met with some very positive comments from parents, who say the streets around the school are much more pleasant and feel safer now that traffic is restricted at school times. “This is just one example of how making some small changes can improve people’s sense of wellbeing – as well as benefitting air quality. “Clean Air Day is a chance for schools, workplaces and everyone to find out more about the changes we can all make to improve air quality – not just for one day, but in the longer term.” The city council’s air quality action plan includes commitments to raise awareness of the main sources of pollution and their impact, as well as working with schools to encourage active travel. More information on air quality in Leicester is available at www.leicester.gov.uk/airquality

The Archaeologists whose work has ensured that the history of Leicester’s market place is properly understood, recorded, and preserved for future generations have been praised by City Mayor Peter Soulsby. Speaking to city councillors following a presentation by the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) today (Monday), Sir Peter said that the work carried out by the team beneath the market place had been “exceptional” – and provided fascinating evidence of more than 2,000 years of human activity in the heart of the city. With the market located in what would have been the south-east corner of Roman Leicester, the City Mayor said he had hoped that the eight-month dig would result in finds from that era – but that the archaeologists’ discoveries had exceeded his expectations. “The team from ULAS have done an amazing job, in conditions that were often extremely challenging,” he said. “Their excavations have revealed an exceptional sequence of remains – from Roman buildings, burials and industrial activity, through to Anglo-Saxon deposits, early medieval market surfaces and substantial 16th century civic architecture. “These discoveries are of considerable importance to the history and identity of Leicester – and provide valuable new insight into the city’s development through time. “Ensuring that a construction site, such as this, is properly explored by archaeologists is a statutory duty – and there are costs, of course, when you have a team of archaeologists on site for eight months. With the archaeology bill coming in at more than £1m, and with other costs rising, the overall budget for the market scheme will need to be increased. It’s a lot of money, clearly, but a small price to pay for the new knowledge and understanding of our city that the team’s meticulous work has given us.” A decision notice, confirming an increase of £1.9m to the budget for the market scheme, is expected to be signed by the City Mayor next month. While the main excavations are now complete, ULAS will maintain a watching brief throughout the groundworks phase, with archaeologists remaining on site to record any further archaeology as new service trenches are dug. Contractors working on the new market square are now completing the groundworks, with the first porphyry pavers due to be laid over the summer. Other works taking place as part of the regeneration of the market area include the restoration of the stone staircase in front of Leicester’s historic Corn Exchange. Thanks to a grant from Historic England and funding from the city council, conservation work will soon get under way to repair the staircase – known locally as ‘the Rialto Bridge’. A Historic England repair grant of £207,024 – which has been agreed in principle – together with £230,000 of city council funding will allow the staircase’s failed structural ties and balusters to be replaced and weathered stonework to be restored. When work is complete at the end of the year, the restored staircase and the freshly painted Grade II*-Listed Corn Exchange will provide a stunning backdrop to the new market square. Ben Robinson, Midland Partnerships Team Leader at Historic England, said: “The market place is the heart of Leicester and the Corn Exchange’s ‘Rialto Bridge’ steps have been the stage and set for many important historic events in the city and its everyday life. They will go on to play a huge role in the city’s future.” Work is also complete on the restoration of the statue of the Duke of Rutland, which was removed from its plinth outside the Corn Exchange two years ago. After a careful process of conservation, the fully-restored statue will be returning to its original site on Cheapside, where it was first unveiled in 1852. A date for the statue’s return will be announced this summer. Leicester City Council News - Published on Monday, June 15, 2026

Police have released an image of a man they are looking to identify following two burglaries in Barrow Upon Soar. The incidents both happened during the afternoon of Thursday 12 February in Bridge Street. Entry has been gained to both houses and high-value jewellery and watches were reported to have been stolen. Officers have been carrying out a number of enquiries in relation to the offences and have now released an image of a man they wish to identify. Detective Constable Ellis Barrs, investigating officer, said: “I am keen to identify and speak to the man in the image as he may have information that can assist with our ongoing investigation. “I appreciate the man’s face is covered and a little unclear, but I am hoping someone may recognise his distinctive jacket. “If anyone has any information that may help us identify him – please come forward.” Please report any information online or by calling 101 – quoting crime reference 26*91173. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 12:15 16/06/2026

A policing operation remains underway following three firearms discharges in Leicester. Detectives continue to carry out extensive enquiries in relation to the offences which occurred on Tuesday 2 June in Cort Crescent, Braunstone, and two incidents on Tuesday 9 June in Brascote Lane, Newbold Verdon and Station Road, Glenfield. Cort Crescent Braunstone Brascote Lane Newbold Verdon As part of the ongoing investigation, officers, last night (Monday 15 June), made another arrest. A 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. Over the weekend, the 34-year-old woman previously arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender was further arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life. Station Road Glenfield Both suspects have been released on police bail while enquiries continue. In all three incidents, damage was caused to the front of the properties – consistent with a firearm having been discharged. A car was also damaged in Newbold Verdon. No-one has been injured. All three of the incidents are being treated as linked and a number of policing resources, including detectives in the force’s Complex Investigation Team (CIT), are currently dedicated to the ongoing investigation. Detective Inspector Louise Rooke, from the CIT, said: “We are treating these three incidents very seriously and our enquiries to piece together events and identify those involved is continuing. “We still strongly believe all three offences were targeted and carried out by individuals known to each other as part of an ongoing dispute. “As well as dedicated resources investigating the three officers, local officer across the neighbourhoods remain on patrols to provide reassurance patrols. If you live in these areas, please do speak to them to discuss any concerns you may have. “We continue to appeal for anyone with information or footage which may be connected to these incidents to please come forward.” A 40-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life has already been released on police bail. A 36-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation. 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*336377 or call 101. Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or online at Giving information | Crimestoppers Pictures by Leicester Media Online Leicestershire Police News - Updated:11:37 16/06/2026

It’s set to be a busy and exciting summer at Farndon Fields Primary School, as the school in Market Harborough prepares to enhance its much-loved preschool provision thanks to nearly £150,000 in investment from the Government. The funding forms part of a national programme to expand childcare provision across more than 300 schools, helping working families access high-quality, convenient early years education. At Farndon Fields Primary School, part of the Discovery Trust, the investment will transform the school’s existing preschool provision for three- and four-year-olds, which is currently oversubscribed and highly valued by parents. The funding will support a full refurbishment of the current mobile building - inside and out - alongside improvements to outdoor learning spaces and security. Planned upgrades include improved surfacing for play, zoned areas for learning and development, a new fence line, and a dedicated secure entrance. Additional features such as shaded outdoor areas are also being explored, with final plans to be confirmed as the project progresses. Work is scheduled to begin during the May half term with roof improvements, followed by a six-week programme over the summer holidays. The project is set to be completed by the end of August, ready to welcome children into the enhanced setting for the new academic year. The expanded provision will increase capacity from 26 to 32 preschool places, helping meet strong local demand. It will also significantly extend opening hours, from the current term-time-only offer of 8am to 6pm, to a 51-week provision running from 7.30am to 6pm. This aligns with the school’s current wraparound care and holiday club provision, offering greater flexibility and convenience for working families, particularly those with children already attending the primary school. Simone Harrison, Head Teacher at Farndon Fields Primary School, said: "We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding, which will make such a meaningful difference to our school community. Our preschool is incredibly popular, and this investment allows us to enhance what we already offer while supporting more families with extended hours and year-round provision. “Preschool hours now matching our wider school wraparound care and holiday club provision will be a real benefit for working parents, especially those with children across different age groups. It simplifies the school day and provides consistency for families. “We’re also incredibly proud of our preschool team. The staff who lead this provision are truly fantastic and are a big part of why it is so well-loved. Their dedication and care create a nurturing environment where children thrive. Our preschool is fully part of the primary school community, giving children a strong sense of belonging from the very start. “While we’re excited about the improvements ahead, plans are still being finalised, so we look forward to sharing more details as they develop. It’s going to be a busy summer, and we can’t wait to open the doors to our improved preschool in September.” Farndon Fields’ preschool currently offers places for children aged three and above, with both 15- and 30-hour funded childcare options available. Sessions include breakfast and snacks, with school lunches offered. This latest investment reflects the Government’s wider drive to expand access to childcare. Nationally, 331 schools in total have secured a share of the £45 million funding to build or expand nursery provision. In its funding announcement, the Government said school-based nurseries are vital for families, which combined with its funded childcare offer, help to reduce costs, simplify daily routines, and support parents returning to work. For more information about the preschool please visit https://farndonfields.org/pre-school/

The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised at County Hall on Monday 22 June A flag raising ceremony is once again being held at Leicestershire County Council’s headquarters ahead of Armed Forces Day next week to show support for all our service personnel. Armed Forces Day honours the huge contribution made by current and former members of the armed forces, their families, reservists and adult cadet volunteers, and is always well supported by the county council. The Armed Forces Day flag will be raised at County Hall on Monday 22 June by David Gibbs, who served in the Army as a Royal Military Police officer for 22 years. The council’s annual ceremony will take place at the Stand Easy memorial at 10.30am. It will include a welcome by Leicestershire County Council Chairman, Councillor Linda Danks, and an address by the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE CStJ. Guests at the flag raising will include current members of the armed forces, veterans, cadets and representatives from the Royal British Legion. Pupils from the Hall Primary School in Glenfield will also be taking part, with the reading of the poem Victory Bells by Graze Hazard Conkling. The ceremony will conclude with prayers led by Reverend David Hover and the singing of the National Anthem. Councillor Linda Danks, Chairman of Leicestershire County Council said: "Armed Forces Day is an important opportunity for us to recognise and thank the brave men and women who serve, and have served, in our armed forces. By raising the flag, we are sending a clear message of pride, respect and appreciation for their dedication, sacrifice and commitment. It is also a chance for our communities to come together in support of the entire Armed Forces community, including service families and veterans, whose contribution to our country should never be forgotten." Following the ceremony, the Armed Forces Day flag will continue to fly at County Hall until after the national Armed Forces Day on Saturday, 27 June, which will be marked by a parade through Leicester city centre, starting from the Clock Tower at 11am. The parade will pass along High Street to Jubilee Square for an open-air Drumhead Service at 11.20am. It will be made up of local veterans, cadets and reservists, serving members of the Armed Forces and the Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders. Enderby Band will be playing as part of the Drumhead Service. The event is open to all, and members of the public are very welcome to attend. Look out for posts across our social media channels to mark the national Armed Forces Week, celebrating the contribution of our military community. Leicestershire County Council News - Monday, 15 June, 2026

This weekend, Leicester’s skies will be transformed as the city hosts its first-ever Balloon Festival, one of a series of major family-friendly events expected to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to Leicester and Leicestershire. From spectacular hot air balloon displays and Star Wars adventures to giant mazes, colourful cultural celebrations and extraordinary community art installations, the county is offering families a packed programme of unique experiences throughout the school holidays, reinforcing its growing reputation as one of the Midlands’ top destinations for family days out. Leicester Balloon Festival: 19-21 June Venue Address London Road, Leicester, LE1 7RY This June the very first Leicester Balloon Festival comes to Victoria Park in the heart of the city. There will be around 30 tethered hot air balloons and an evening ‘glow’ show which will fill the night sky with colour and light. Alongside this the daytime activities will include some incredible entertainment including the Stannage International stunt show; Civil War re-enactment & living history camps; a foam party; circus workshops; Magical Musical Flying Bubble Bike; a Dinosaur invasion; the Jump Dogs Parachute Team (Sunday); a fun fair; face painting, plus street food and licensed bars to keep you fuelled. Tickets are just £8 for adults and £6 for kids, get yours here.

A national campaign has been launched in a renewed warning to the public as courier fraud continues to evolve across the UK. Criminals are using increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics to cause financial harm to victims. Typically, courier fraudsters target their victims by claiming to be a police officer or a member of staff from a victim’s bank and they often pressure people into making quick financial decisions to assist with fictious investigations. Victims are told their account is at risk or that they are assisting with an investigation, before being instructed to withdraw money, purchase items, or disclose sensitive information. A courier is then sent to collect the items such as jewellery, cash, bank cards and PINs. In reality, this is the work of criminals and anything handed over is lost. New figures released this week show nationally reports have increased by nearly 10 per cent year-on-year, rising from 1,721 in 2024 to 1,891 in 2025. Over the same period, total losses climbed from £19.5 million to more than £21 million, with the average amount stolen per victim now standing at £15,311.08, underlining the significant financial harm caused by each offence. In Leicestershire 29 reports of courier fraud were received in 2025, with victims suffering losses of more than £65,000. Nicole McIntyre from the force’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “These types of offences are borderless crimes, those responsible target victims not necessarily in their own area but across the country. We work closely with forces across the country to ensure any intelligence identified during investigations is shared. “We support the national campaign and ask people to remain vigilant and to ensure elderly relatives, friends and neighbours are also aware of these types of offences and the steps they can take to reduce their chances of falling victim to them. “Several warnings have been issued about these crimes but we know not everyone accesses social media or the internet, so we are asking the public to help us by informing others too. “They should be advised that police officers would never contact them in this way. If they are called, they should disconnect the call straightaway and report the incident to the police using another telephone, as on some occasions calls can remain connected. “Occasionally suspects will use local taxi or courier companies, who unknowingly accept the job. We would ask that people remain vigilant and if they are contacted to collect packages be mindful of who they are collecting these from if they have any suspicions to report them to the police immediately.” Detective Superintendent Ollie Little, from the City of London Police, said: “Courier fraud is a cruel and calculated crime that targets trust, often focusing on older and or vulnerable people. Offenders are becoming more organised and persistent, sometimes maintaining contact with victims for days or weeks to maximise what they can steal. “Criminals are also evolving their tactics, increasingly using messaging platforms such as WhatsApp and courier services to facilitate collections. These changes are making fraud harder to detect and emphasise the need for greater public awareness, particularly among those most at risk and their families. “It’s vital that people know the warning signs and feel empowered to stop, question and verify before taking any action.” A key feature of this threat is the disproportionate targeting of older people, particularly those aged 70 and above. This group makes up majority of victims, with those aged between 76 and 96 alone accounting for around 62 per cent of all reports. Fraudsters often deliberately focus on older victims, exploiting trust in institutions such as the police and banks, as well as using pressure tactics, fear and urgency to manipulate them into complying with instructions. A growing trend identified in 2025 involves the use of jewellery and gold to carry out high-value frauds. In many cases, victims are persuaded to visit multiple jewellers to purchase expensive items over a period of time before handing them to a courier. This method often results in the highest amount stolen and can involve repeat victimisation, with offenders maintaining contact to extract as much money as possible. How to protect yourself from courier fraud: Transferring money: Your bank or the police will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account. Couriers: Your bank or the police will never send a courier to your home to collect bank cards, cash, or other valuables such as jewellery. Check if it’s genuine: Contact the organisation directly using contact details you know are correct, such as those on official websites, the back of your card or by calling 159 for your bank. Caller ID: Don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone - it’s not proof of ID. Report suspicious calls: You can report suspected scam calls by sending a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ followed by the caller’s number. If you think you have been a victim of fraud contact Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the website: reportfraud.police.uk. Leicestershire Police News 14/06/26

Leicestershire Fire and Rescue are currently responding to a fire at a student apartment block on Western Road in the city.. The fire was reported around 2pm today Sunday 14th June. The building has been evacuated, and there are currently no reports of any injuries. Parts of Western Road remains closed. The fire service reported that a fire broke out inside a bathroom in the property and thankfully no one was injured. The cause of the fire was an electrical fault in a shower unit resulting in minor damage to the bathroom. By 3.15pm the fire was extinguished and the road reopened later that evening.

Cosmopolitan Arts Festival is back 11th July 12.20-7.30pm - celebrating cultural diversity in Leicester and beyond through a vast array of art forms, throughout the streets of the city centre! Jubilee Square is main stage - we excited to announce one of the greatest bands from Leicester The South will be headlining this year. More information to follow shortly. More about Cosmopolitan Arts Founded in 2011 by Director Amanda Leandro, Cosmopolitan Arts is a community interest company CIC based in Leicester dedicated to celebrating cultural diversity through the arts. At the heart of our organisation is a commitment to engaging people from all backgrounds, particularly those who may not usually access the arts. We aim to create high-quality, participatory arts experiences that inspire, challenge perceptions, and create community cohesion across cultural and social boundaries. Follow them on FACEBOOK HERE

A 30-year-old man has been charged with four offences relating an incident in which a police officer was struck by a car. Ndricim Jakupi, of no fixed address, has been charged with assault by beating an emergency worker, dangerous driving, driving while disqualified and driving with no insurance. The charges relate to an incident on Monday 26 January in High Street, Oakham, in which a Leicestershire officer suffered cuts and grazes after being hit by a car. Jakupi has also been charged with stalking. This is an unrelated offence that is reported to have happened in Hertfordshire. He has been remanded to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court tomorrow (Monday 15 June). Leicestershire Police News - Published : 14:12 14/06/2026

Concerns have been raised over the recent firearms offences in residential streets across Leicester and Leicestershire. Leicestershire Police are currently investigating three separate firearms discharges of which they believe are linked, in Braunstone, Glenfield and Newbold Verdon over the past week. The public are deeply concerned that someone is targeting houses and fears that innocent people will be seriously injured or killed. After contacting the Police and Crime commissioner’s office early today asking for some reassurance. They have issued the following statement: Oliver Bryan, Deputy PCC said: “I understand how concerning this is for local residents, but it is an operational policing matter. Having been briefed by the Chief Constable I have confidence that Leicestershire Police are handling these incidents appropriately.” Read related posts Police investigations continue in Glenfield Firearms discharge in Newbold Verdon Investigation into firearms discharge in Braunstone