Police are currently at a house off Narborough Road South along with forensic teams, the corner property on Gwencole Crescent is cordoned off by a police officer standing outside. Police have confirmed this is part of the Compton Road murder investigation which occurred in early the hours on Sunday. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: “The scene is in place as part of ongoing enquiries in relation to an ongoing murder investigation.” We continue to appeal to anyone with any information in relation to the investigation to make contact through our Major Incident Public Portal which can be found here below. Read related story Murder investigation launched following death of man in Compton Road, Leicester Pictures by Leicester Media Online

PCC approves £2.6m funding deal to enhance trauma support and secure justice for victims of sexual violence Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has appointed a new healthcare provider to deliver high-quality trauma support and effective justice for adult victims of sexual violence. Mountain Healthcare – the largest provider of Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) services in the UK – has been commissioned to deliver all SARC services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland including forensic and crisis support for adult victims from October 2026. The deal, worth around £2.6m over the next three years, involves a contribution of more than £200k from Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland PCC Rupert Matthews, who has co-commissioned the service in partnership with NHS England. The service, operating from the area’s existing and recently refurbished SARC at Juniper Lodge in New Parks, Leicester, will ensure members of the public can access expert, trauma-informed care 24-hours-a-day, every day of the year. SARCs are specialised medical clinics for people who have been sexually assaulted or raped. Alongside trauma-informed care, they undertake medical examinations to collect evidence to help secure justice. Mountain Healthcare will provide a range of support and forensic services such as immediate crisis support including access to medicine, forensic medical examinations, holistic examinations and care for non-recent cases, collection and storage of forensic samples and comprehensive risk assessments. Other responsibilities will include connecting patients to specialist counselling and Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) support, supportive medical assistance such as emergency contraception and service referrals/follow-up calls. Before the new contract commences, people requiring SARC support can continue to access existing services, regardless of whether they have reported their experience to the police or not. Rupert Matthews said Mountain Heathcare had demonstrated strong evidence of quality and innovation, collaboration, social value principles, efficiencies and service sustainability in its bid – key criteria for the contract. It had also evidenced a proven track record of improving access to services, reducing health inequalities and facilitating choice. Mr Matthews commented: “I am pleased to welcome Mountain Healthcare onboard and look forward to working with the organisation as part of my ongoing mission to transform and enhance support for victims of these appalling crimes in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. “Mountain Healthcare are experienced providers of Adult SARC Services both across the Midlands and nationwide, highly regarded for their compassionate, patient-centred and holistic approach and excellent clinical governance standards. These attributes saw the organisation become the first provider in the UK SARC sector to receive a UKAS recommendation for Accreditation for meeting the Government’s stringent standards in forensic healthcare. “Victims of crime are paramount to my work and our criminal justice system. This new partnership represents a continuation of my relentless commitment to providing the highest quality support to victims of sexual violence, securing better justice and building trust and confidence in our vital SARC services.” Charlotte Parish, Mountain Healthcare’s National SARC Director of Operations, said: “We are delighted to have secured the contract to deliver these essential services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. This reflects Mountain Healthcare's commitment to high-quality, patient centred care. We look forward to working with local partners and stakeholders and to welcoming Juniper Lodge SARC into our network.” Supporting Victims is a key priority in the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan, with the Commissioner vowing to provide the very best care and support that victims deserve through easily accessible services, even for those who do not wish to report a crime.

A Police incident has closed parts of the City Centre tonight. Belgrave Gate and the surrounding areas are closed to traffic and pedestrians. Police are currently dealing with an incident There is no access to Haymarket Car park, Charles Street and the Haymarket Bus station and surrounding areas. Please find alternative routes and updates will follow. This incident has a large police presence and Leicestershire Fire service is also in attendance with Fire crews on standby on near by streets. Bystanders say that a man is on the car park roof . UPDATE 23:05 This incident has now ended, the roads have been reopened. We have contacted Leicestershire Police for a statement on this incident. Police Update https://www.leicestermedia.online/post/a-man-who-cause-major-disruption-in-loughborough-and-leicester-on-the-same-day-has-been-charged-with

East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, will continue to operate a temporary timetable on its Intercity services until Friday 17 July, as the impact of the recent hot weather continues to affect its fleet availability. Following the exceptionally high temperatures experienced recently, some trains continue to require additional inspections, maintenance and repairs before they can safely return to service, placing continued pressure on the available fleet. To help protect the wider network, maintain resilience and keep services running safely for customers, EMR will continue to operate a reduced Intercity timetable until Friday. By making considered reductions to a small number of services, EMR can better manage the available fleet. EMR is working closely with Network Rail and its fleet partners to return as many trains as possible to service safely and as quickly as possible. Customers are advised to check their journey before travelling using the EMR website or app, as services may continue to be subject to short-notice alterations. Customers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journey where possible. Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "The continuing impact of the recent hot weather continues to affect the availability of some of our trains, with additional inspections and maintenance required before they can safely return to service. "Our priority remains to keep as much of the railway running as possible while operating safely. By continuing these temporary changes to a small number of services, we can better protect the wider timetable and provide greater resilience across the network. "We appreciate the inconvenience these changes may cause and would like to thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding. Please check your journey before travelling, as services may be subject to alteration while we continue working to restore the full Intercity timetable as quickly as possible." EMR will continue to operate a reduced Intercity timetable this week due to the ongoing impact of the hot weather. By making considered reductions to a small number of services, EMR can better manage the available fleet. Regular EMR Regional timetable resumes from Tuesday, 14 July. Customers are advised to check their journey before travelling. EMR News 13th July 2026

A popular water feature in Abbey Park has been restored to its former glory, following a major programme of works. Leicester City Council has transformed the park’s lake by installing a new, reliable water supply, after the system created by Victorian engineers nearly 150 years ago finally gave up the ghost. The ingenious system transported water to the lake from the canal at Frog Island – a distance of some three miles – but years of silt build-up, tree root damage and development had taken their toll. The failure of the system, combined with a heatwave in the summer of 2025, saw water levels in the lake fall to an all-time low, exposing the silt bed and turning the lake into a muddy swamp. Working with specialist contractors, the council has now installed a borehole system, that draws water up from the natural water table and supplies the lake with up to 20,000 litres of water a day. The flow can be switched off when the lake is full. The project has also created new habitats for wildlife, with silt from the lake used to turn a former overflow pond into a new bog garden. Leicester Environmental Volunteers have worked with council staff to sow wetland seeds and plant oxygenating plants, while the lake’s perimeter edges have been softened with the recycled silt to benefit wildlife. Underwater aeration pumps have been installed in the lake to boost oxygen levels, with aquatic chalk and dye introduced to help combat algae blooms and improve water quality. Before the lake was re-filled, trees on its central island were coppiced and the overhanging tree canopy cut back to help reduce leaf debris in the lake. A final improvement is the installation of new interpretation boards, which give visitors an insight into the lake’s history and its flora and fauna. Assistant city mayor Cllr Vi Dempster said: “The severe heat last summer, combined with the failure of the system that has fed the lake with water for nearly 150 years, turned the lake into a muddy swamp. “Now, thanks to this major programme of works, I’m very pleased that one of Abbey Park’s most popular features is back to its best. “The installation of a new borehole feed means that the lake’s water supply is now assured, while the comprehensive programme of improvements we’ve carried out will help boost the lake’s water quality, create new habitats for wildlife and enhance the wider environment.” The lake’s refurbishment comes as Abbey Park – the city’s flagship park – celebrates retaining its Green Flag Award status for a 29th consecutive year. The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under contract from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said: “Leicester City Council has shown what can be achieved when parks are properly supported and managed. “As we celebrate 30 years of the Green Flag Award, we want every community to have access to green spaces like Abbey Park that are safe, welcoming and maintained to a high standard.” More information about Abbey Park is available at leicester.gov.uk/parks LCC News - Published on Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Leicester City Council has been given the go-ahead to allocate almost £10 million of Government funding to help ensure that a radical revamp of Leicester’s historic railway station goes ahead. The railway station scheme is a high priority for the Department for Transport, and it has agreed to transfer £9.95 million of the £12.15 million of Levelling Up funding originally awarded to the St Margaret’s junction scheme. Under the new funding agreement, the railway station project will now receive financial backing totalling £27.5 million from the Levelling Up Fund, and key improvements to the St Margaret’s junction, one of the city’s busiest, will still go ahead. The Government’s Levelling Up Fund is a £4.8 billion capital investment programme designed to regenerate town and city centres, upgrade local transport, and support infrastructure projects that improve everyday life across the UK. The major revamp of Leicester’s railway station aims to transform the landmark building with improved facilities, increased passenger capacity, and a new public plaza to create a more accessible and attractive gateway into the city. The scheme is led by Leicester City Council in partnership with Network Rail and East Midlands Railway (EMR). It is hoped that the funding boost will help kickstart the project after a previous tendering exercise did not result in a development partner being appointed to deliver the scheme. The Department for Transport and EMR are also considering the city council's proposal that they make an additional £5 million investment available to further enhance the development opportunity and the passenger experience. The city council’s previously confirmed contribution of £5 million will remain unchanged. City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The railway station is a landmark building and a gateway to the city but as a vital transport hub, it’s just not fit for the 21st century. “It urgently needs investment and a radical revamp so it can continue to meet the needs of our growing city. “This new funding agreement with the Government is a tremendous endorsement of the importance of this project. There is a real determination to make this happen. “With a new budget agreed, we can now move forward with confidence and deliver the bold and ambitious transformation of our historic railway station that is so badly needed.” Under the plans, the station’s main entrance will be moved from London Road to Station Street, which will be closed to traffic and replaced with a new pedestrianised public plaza. The original façade of the historic Grade-II listed building will be carefully restored to its Victorian glory and form the new entrance, facing directly towards Granby Street and into the city centre. The existing glass-roofed entrance hall – or porte-cochere – will be completely overhauled to provide an attractive and welcoming place for cafes, bars or retail. Pick up and drop off points, including for hackney cabs. will be relocated from inside the station to a new location at the rear of the station, off Fox Street and close to the new entrance. A new curved ramp, steps and lift will provide easy access to the new entrance and main concourse ticket hall, which will be completely remodelled to provide more space for passengers. Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at EMR, said: “We’re pleased to be working alongside Leicester City Council and Network Rail to improve the facilities for our customers. “The investment will see Leicester railway station restored back to its Victorian glory, while enhancing its role as the gateway to the city. The development will improve the station environment, strengthen connections with the local community and provide a better experience for customers and visitors.” Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail’s East Midlands route, said: "We are delighted to be working with Leicester City Council and East Midlands Railway on improvements to Leicester railway station. “These enhancements will create a more welcoming and accessible environment for passengers and strengthen the station's role as an important gateway to the city. Once complete, the improvements will help provide a smoother and more enjoyable journey experience for everyone using the station." The council plans to appoint a main development partner early in the new year, following a tender exercise due to be launched this summer. A separate contract to deliver the restoration of the historic railway station façade has already been advertised. It is hoped that work on this element could begin later this year. Although funding has been reallocated from the proposed St Margaret’s junction scheme, an ambitious £5.2 million scheme will still go ahead at the busy Inner Ring Road junction. This will continue to be supported by £2.2million from the Levelling Up Fund. More than £12 million of Levelling Up funding was initially awarded to the St Margaret’s junction scheme in November 2023. This followed an unsuccessful speculative bid made in July 2022. Under the new scheme the main priorities have been retained. The existing subway tunnels, which have been closed since early 2023, will be permanently removed and filled in. This will allow green space next to St Margaret’s Church to be extended and improved, creating a new, small park. The junction itself will be improved to assist bus movements and reduce congestion experienced around St Margaret’s Bus Station, along with new pedestrian crossings and safer routes for cyclists. The revised scheme will now require minimal changes to layout of the junction, resulting in a project budget that it is significantly lower than the original indicative bid. Final designs will be developed over the coming months. A formal executive decision on the reallocation of funding is due to be taken on Wednesday 22 July 2026. LCC News - Published on Tuesday, July 14, 2026

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a man who was found seriously injured in Compton Road, Leicester, during the early hours of this morning (Sunday). Police were contacted at 6.58am by East Midlands Ambulance Service who were in attendance after being called to the scene. The man, who in his late 20s, had been found in the street by the ambulance service. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. An investigation has been launched to establish how the man came to be in the street and the full circumstances of what has happened. No arrests have been made at this stage. The man's next of kin have been identified and are being supported by trained officers. Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “We are in the very early stages of this investigation with full enquiries being carried out as we continue to establish what has happened. A forensic post mortem examination is being completed to try to establish the cause of death. “As we progress our enquiries, I do of course ask that anyone with any information makes contact with us as soon as possible. Were you in the area of Compton Road this morning? Did you see or hear anything which caused you concern? I would also ask anyone with CCTV footage or dashcam footage from the area to get in touch. “Further enquiries including speaking with witnesses, CCTV analysis and forensic examination is ongoing. We also have officers in the area and at the scene. We understand the concern this incident may cause so please do speak to officers in the area about any information or concerns you may have. “A major Incident Public Portal has been opened and I would ask anyone with any information to make contact with us as soon as possible. The public portal can be found here If you would prefer to speak to us, please call 101 and ask for Leicestershire Police and ask to speak with the Operation Wool 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 21:30 Two arrests made following death of man in Compton Road, Leicester Police Update 14/07/26 Man who died after being found in Leicester street named as Ervin Lita Leicestershire Police News - Published :18:29 12/07/2026 Pictures and video by Leicester Media Online

A man who died after being found in Compton Road, Leicester, has been named as Ervin Lita. Ervin, 28, who was also known as Ervin Axhami, died after being found in the street during the early hours of Sunday morning (12 July). Ervin Lita, who was also known as Ervin Axhami Two men, aged 36 and 27, both of Leicester, have been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the investigation. They have both since been released on police bail while enquiries continue. The murder investigation was launched on Sunday after police were contacted at 6.58am by the ambulance service who were in attendance after being called to the scene in Compton Road. Ervin had been found in the street by the ambulance service and was pronounced deceased at the scene. An investigation remains ongoing as we continue to establish how Ervin came to be in the street and the full circumstances of what has happened. Ervin’s next of kin continue to be supported by trained officers as the investigation remains ongoing. Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “Our investigation very much remains ongoing. We have a dedicated team progressing a number of enquiries as we continue to establish the full circumstances of what has happened. This includes CCTV analysis, forensic examination and speaking with witnesses. “I continue to ask that anyone with any information, who has not yet spoken with us, does make contact with us as soon as possible. It is not too late to speak with us. Were you in the area of Compton Road on Sunday morning? Did you see or hear anything which caused you concern? Do you have any CCTV footage or dashcam footage from the area which could help us? “Officers also remain in the area. Please do continue to speak with them about any information or concerns you may have. You can also submit information through our Major Incident Public Portal which can be found here - Public Portal. “Thank you to everyone who has provided information or who has continued to co-operate with us and support us at this time.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 10:05 14/07/2026

A Leicestershire police officer has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving. Police Constable David Manning, 32, of Leicestershire, is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates Court at 2pm tomorrow (Wednesday 15 July). The charge is in connection with a collision which happened in Narborough Road, Leicester, on Friday 31 May 2024. The collision involved an unmarked police car and a Fiat 500 car. A woman, in her 30s, who was driving the Fiat vehicle, suffered serious injuries in the collision. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

The roof and brick gable end of a building have fallen onto the street below on Wharf Street South this evening. A significant emergency response is underway, and local residents have been evacuated from the apartments. Video by Leicester Media Online A spokesperson from Leicestershire police said: "I can confirm several roads in the Wharf Street South area of Leicester have been closed after a building partially collapsed this evening (Monday 13 July). Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) are dealing with the incident. One person who was riding by at the time sustained minor injuries and was discharged by East Midlands Ambulance Service at the scene. In the interests of safety some nearby buildings have also been evacuated and the roads are likely to remain closed while LFRS carry out a full assessment of the damage. We can confirm that the damage was not caused by an explosion." A Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said: "We are in attendance to a partial structural collapse on Crafton St in the city centre area. Crews were first called at 7.09pm. "We have six appliances in attendance and it is unknown if there are any injuries." Evacuated residents Approximately 20 families have been evacuated due to concerns that the building might collapse, and a building inspector has arrived at the location. During the incident a second collapse of internal brick work was heard around 10pm and this was confirmed by the firefighters. It’s now feared the four-storey building may need to be completely demolished. More to follow. Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Schoolchildren who have been growing their own grub will be showcasing their efforts at Abbey Pumping Station this weekend. On Saturday (4 July), from 11am to 3pm, the museum will display the imaginative “mealbarrows” created by schools and young people from across Leicester – wheelbarrows planted up with a range of herbs, fruit and vegetables that children have been growing and then using to inspire their own menus. There will be 15 different ‘mealbarrows’ on display, created by schools and youth groups across the city. They are part of an annual Grow Your Own Grub competition organised by Leicester City Council’s sustainable schools and public health teams, in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers (TCV). This year’s competition had a rainbow theme, leading to some colourful mealbarrows inspired by Elmer the elephant and Noah's Ark. The winning school will win gardening vouchers and have a celebration assembly, where they will receive a winners’ trophy. They will also have their menu cooked as part of their school meals in the new academic year. Visitors to Abbey Pumping Station on Saturday will be able to vote for their favourite mealbarrow. The public votes will be combined with the views of a judging panel which has already awarded marks for the menus and the crops, along with how well the project has been integrated into teaching. The event is free to attend and will take place alongside the museum’s popular Railway, Teddy Bears and Meccano Day, which is also free, with a £1 charge for train rides. Leicester Libraries’ book bus will also be on site, offering storytelling and free activities. Assistant city mayor for health, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Grow Your Own Grub is a fantastic example of how our sustainable schools programme helps children and young people learn about food growing, healthy eating, sustainability and the environment through practical and enjoyable activities. “This competition is a celebration of all the hard work of the children who have been growing their own grub. It helps to give these children the best start in life by appreciating the link between healthy eating and a healthy mind and body.” More information about Abbey Pumping Station is at leicestermuseums.org/abbey-pumping-station Find out more about healthy eating at https://livewell.leicester.gov.uk/ UPDATE Grow Your Own Grub winners announced

Young gardeners from across the city have been recognised for their creativity and growing skills in this year’s Grow Your Own Grub mealbarrow competition. The annual competition included a recent public celebration event at Abbey Pumping Station, where around 300 visitors viewed and voted on 15 colourful mealbarrows created by participating schools and community groups. The 2026 theme, ‘Rainbows’, challenged entrants to use a wide range of colourful fruit and vegetables while exploring healthy eating, sustainability and food growing. Schools were judged in three categories – menu design, their report of how they got on growing the produce, and a public vote – before scores were combined to determine the overall winners. This year’s overall winner was Inglehurst Junior School, with Stokes Wood Primary School taking second place and Mellor Community Primary School finishing third. Judges were particularly impressed with the range of crops chosen by Inglehurst, including purple kalibos cabbage, golden burpees beetroot and red baron onions. The competition is organised by staff in the city council’s sustainable schools and public health teams. Assistant city mayor for health, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “Congratulations to all the schools, pupils and staff who took part in this year’s Grow Your Own Grub competition. The enthusiasm, creativity and commitment on display were outstanding. "Projects like this help children learn where food comes from, encourage them to try new fruit and vegetables and promote healthy habits that can last a lifetime. At the same time, they develop important skills around sustainability, teamwork and environmental responsibility. "The competition is a fantastic example of how Leicester’s schools are helping to support healthier communities while inspiring the next generation to grow, cook and eat nutritious food." Helen Wilkes, a teaching assistant at Inglehurst Junior School said: "Our Ready, Steady, Grow! club is incredibly proud to be named the overall winners of this year’s competition. The pupils put so much thought and hard work into researching, planning and designing their mealbarrow, and encouraging friends and family to support us, so it is amazing to see their hard work recognised.” Grow Your Own Grub forms part of Leicester City Council’s wider work to encourage sustainable food growing and healthy lifestyles. The initiative supports the ambitions of the city’s Food Plan by helping residents to develop food-growing skills and increasing awareness of healthy, sustainable diets. It also complements Leicester’s Get Growing programme, which promotes community food cultivation across the city, and the Sustainable Schools initiative, which encourages children and young people to take positive action on environmental issues. Organisers also praised the schools and groups taking part for the high quality of their entries and welcomed several newcomers to the competition this year, alongside schools that have taken part every year for the past four years. Prizes and certificates will be presented to winning schools at the start of the autumn term. LCC News - Published on Monday, July 13, 2026