Five men have been sentenced after an incident of violent disorder in 2022 resulted in a student being seriously injured. On the evening of Thursday 20 January, a group of students were gathered in the common room of the student accommodation building in Nixon Court, Leicester. Waqas Malik The room was filled with young men and women who were meeting prior to attending a pre-planned event at a bar in the city. Shortly before 11.30pm, six men entered the room. The men with their faces covered and hoods up immediately approached two men and began attacking them. Punches were thrown as the two men attempted to escape and bystanders tried to move out of the way. CCTV showed one man armed with a knife which he produced from his waistband, and a second man had entered the room wielding a hammer. Minutes later, the men ran from the building and made their getaway in two cars waiting nearby. During the fighting, a 20-year-old man, who was standing nearby sustained a single stab wound to his stomach. His friends came to his immediate help putting pressure on the wound and calling the emergency services. The victim was taken to hospital where he received emergency surgery to his wounded abdomen. Officers attended the incident, but the suspects had fled the scene. In the investigation that followed, detectives uncovered a raft of evidence placing the convicted men at the scene and their involvement. Firstly, the incident was captured on an internal CCTV which showed the entirety of the disorder. CCTV cameras also showed the group arriving on foot and running off moments after. Despite their attempts to shield their identities, detectives were able to trace the six men back to the two cars and forensically through discarded face masks and fingerprints place them having travelled within them. Extensive CCTV trawls, ANPR and phone data also tracked the movements of six defendants before and after the incident. Three of the men – Kang, Alwinus and Muhamed - were even traced attending the same pre-planned event that the gathered students were intended on going to. Names were provided to police of several of the suspects which only supported the case mounting against them. Significant evidence resulted in charges against the six men. Those charged were: Netharsan Berinbarasah, 27, of Southwold Spur, Slough Abarnan Alwinus, 23, of Botwell Lane, Hayes, Hillingdon Ali Usman Muhamed, 24, of Magnolia Gardens, Oldham Nazir Mohammed, 27, of Meadow Road, Slough Varan Kang, 24, of Hanover Circle, Hayes Waqas Malik, 27, of Dedworth Road, Windsor The men, with the exception of Malik, pleaded guilty on Monday 13 April this year to violent disorder. Kang also pleaded guilty to an offence of possession of an offensive weapon as he was found to be the man on the CCTV in possession of the hammer. Malik chose to stand trial and was found guilty by a jury on Friday 24 April. He was found guilty of section 18 grievous harm as he was found to be the man on CCTV who stabbed the victim and one count of possession of a knife blade/sharp pointed article in a public place. He was found not guilty of violent disorder. At Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 9 October), five of the men were sentenced as follows: Waqas Malik was sentenced to seven years and six months in prison Netharsan Berinbarasah was sentenced to 21 months in prison Ali Usman Muhamed was sentenced to 16 months in prison Nazir Mohammed was sentenced to 18 months in prison Varan Kang was sentenced to 18 months in prison Abarnan Alwinus is due to be sentenced on Thursday 22 October. Detective Constable Richard Van de Velde, who was the investigating officer, remained committed to bringing the case to court more than four years on. He said: “This has been long and complex investigation over the past four years in bringing these men before a Judge to face the consequences of that night. “Clearly premediated, they entered the room, faces covered, hoods up, some armed, but all ready for violence. The motive behind the attack was never fully determined but we do know that two men were the intended targets and a completely innocent young man who was there socialising with many other students was caught up in the melee and was stabbed. “While he luckily survived a serious stabbing, he is left with a daily reminder not just with a permanent change in his physical health but also still to this day he continues to struggle mentally with the attack. DC Van de Velde added: “I would like to like to thank all those who assisted us in this case, but it’s important I make a specific mention of three people. They are two of the victim’s friends who’s quick-thinking in assisting in providing him with first aid and the emergency doctor who was the first medical responder to attend. It is without a doubt that without their help, the ending to this incident could have been very different. “Sheer perseverance and seeking justice have been the driving force in achieving these convictions and as for the defendants, little can be said other than that their choice to take part in such violence and leave a group of students simply enjoying a social gathering terrorised and distressed has left them with nothing but criminal records for a serious offence as well as prison sentences.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 18:08 09/10/2026

A Dozen new large planters are to be installed on Leicester’s Market Street, King Street and St Martins this autumn, as part of ongoing work to green the city centre. The scheme has been developed by Leicester City Council in partnership with BID Leicester to create a more attractive route between New Walk and the city’s Old Town area. It will see 10 planters installed at the King Street end of Market Street and along Market Street itself, and a further two planters place in St Martins. The planters will include small trees, fragrant specimen shrubs and drought-tolerant perennial plants, providing additional greenery and seasonal colour in the city centre. The locations have been carefully selected to enable the planters to have the most visual impact while taking account of existing street furniture, seating areas and other practical considerations. City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “This new planting scheme will help make Market Street and St Martins greener and more attractive places to spend time. “It’s part of our continued investment in the city centre and will strengthen the connection between New Walk and the Cathedral area, helping to create a more welcoming environment for residents, businesses and visitors. The £90,000 scheme has been developed in partnership with BID Leicester as part of ongoing work to transform the city centre. BID Leicester Director Simon Jenner said: “Creating an attractive, welcoming city centre is really important for the businesses that operate here and for everyone who comes into Leicester to shop, work, eat and spend time. “These new planters will bring more greenery and colour to some key city centre streets, while helping to create a stronger and more inviting connection between New Walk, Market Street and the Old Town. We’re pleased to be working with Leicester City Council on another practical improvement to the city centre environment.” Installation of the planters is expected to begin at the end of October, with planting due to be completed by mid-November. The area will remain open during the works, although there may be some temporary disruption while the planters are lifted into place. Businesses close to the proposed planter locations are being informed in advance of the work. (Picture shows a computer-generated impression of how Market Street will look with the new planters in place. Positioning of the planters is indicative.)

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following a report a firearm was discharged in Heather on Wednesday (7 October). Just after 10pm, a report was received that damage had been caused to the window of a house and a car parked outside in Ravenstone Road. Officers attended and determined that the damage was consistent with a firearms discharge. No-one was injured during the incident and no-one has been arrested. Detective Inspector Lou Rooke, from our Complex Investigation Team (CIT), said: “We know there was a non-league football match taking place nearby on Wednesday evening and I therefore believe there will have been people leaving who might have witnessed the incident or saw perhaps someone in a vehicle acting suspiciously. “I’m appealing for anyone who can help to get in touch. In particular I’d like to speak to anyone who may have been at the game travelling along Ravenstone Road and captured anything on a dashcam or mobile phone. “Any details or footage you can provide, no matter how insignificant you think it is, might help us understand what happened." 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*604553. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 12:36 09/10/2026

Those arrested at a protest yesterday (Thursday 8 October) has been released on police bail while enquiries are carried out. Police were in attendance at a premises in Meridian Way, Braunstone, yesterday, following reports of protest activity at the location. Thirty-five people were arrested on suspicion of Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – to wear clothing or carry articles in public which arouse reasonable suspicion that an individual is a member or supporter of Palestine Action. One of the 35 was further arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated public order. They were taken into police custody. All 35 have since been released on conditional bail pending further enquiries being carried out. Officers were at the location yesterday while protesters were there. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 14:33 09/10/2026

A man who raped and sexually assaulted a teenage girl while working as a police officer in the 1970s has been jailed. Barry Grummett was sentenced at Leicester Crown Court today (Friday 9 October) after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of indecent assault on 1 October following a trial. The 86-year-old worked as an officer for Leicestershire Constabulary between September 1970 and October 1981. In 1977, he attended the girl's address to check on her as she had not gone to school. While alone in her house in Leicestershire, he raped her. He visited her on further occasions over an 18-month period, when he touched her inappropriately. Grummett sexually assaulted the second victim, who was an adult at the time, at an address in the late 1970s when he touched her inappropriately while they were alone. He was not understood to have been on duty at the time. His crimes were first reported to Leicestershire Police in 2023 and he attended a voluntary interview, during which he denied the allegations. Grummett, of Loughborough Road in Hathern, was jailed for a total of 10 years. Detective Inspector Amanda Boswell, from our Child Abuse Investigation Unit (CAIU), said: "The force takes reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and will always work to bring the perpetrators to justice. "Grummett was working as a police officer - a position that carries great responsibility and trust. Taking advantage of and abusing that role for sexual gratification will simply not be tolerated. "Both victims must be commended for coming forward and providing evidence in front of a jury that has resulted in him finally being brought to justice for what he did nearly 50 years ago. "I hope this outcome provides them with a degree of closure and allows them to move on with their lives as best they can. "I would also encourage any other victims of non-recent sexual abuse - either at the hands of Grummett or by someone else - to come forward and also seek justice. Please be reassured that it's never too late to speak out." There are several different agencies who can offer independent help and support to victims of sexual offences in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Further information on these services and details on who to contact if you have been a victim of a sexual offence can be found by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences The public and police employees can report concerns about conduct anonymously via the Crimestoppers Integrity Line. Reports can be made online or by calling 0800 111 444 Leicestershire Police News - Published: 13:05 09/10/2026

A man who drove the wrong way along the A46 during a police pursuit has admitted seriously injuring another motorist. At 4.10am on 29 June this year, officers from our Roads Policing Unit (RPU) attempted to stop a white Mercedes van which was reported to have been stolen. The van was being driven by Niks Rogacs, who failed to stop when requested and made off from officers. They then saw the van a short time later and a pursuit was authorised. At 4.40am, officers witnessed Rogacs driving onto the wrong side of the A46 at the Glenfield roundabout, off Kirby Road. It then collided with a blue BMW 1 Series. The driver of the BMW – man in his 20s – was been taken to hospital with serious injuries. He has since been discharged but is continuing to receive physiotherapy and specialist care. Yesterday (Thursday 8 October), at Leicester Crown Court Rogacs of Acacia Close, Leicester pleaded guilty to one count of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He also pleaded guilty to two counts of handling stolen goods which related to the van and a speaker which was found during a search of his home address. Rogacs, 26, is due to be sentenced at the same court on 25 November. Detective Constable Charlotte Wright, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), was the officer in the case. She said: “I’m pleased that Rogacs has taken a degree of responsibility for his actions and seen sense by pleading guilty. “At the time it happened, he clearly didn’t care about the risk he was taking and the lives of others that he was putting in danger. His recklessness could have had far more serious consequences. “My well wishes very much remain with the victim and I hope he continues to recover from what happened. I hope he can take some relief from the fact he does not have to relive what happened during a trial.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 10:50 09/10/2026

We owe it to them to locate the perpetrators and bring them to justice’ Officers are making a direct appeal to the Thurnby community as they continue to investigate a serious assault at a family home in the early hours of yesterday morning (Thursday 8 October). A father and son – a man in his 50s and a 15-year-old boy – remain in hospital in a life-threatening, critical condition following the incident, which happened just before 12.30am. Their wife and mother – a woman in her 40s – suffered minor injuries to her hand and shoulder during the incident and has since been discharged from hospital. Three other children who were in the address were not injured. Police were called to a house in Station Road, at the corner with Somerby Road, following a report two masked men had entered and attacked the occupants. In the interest of public and police safety, armed officers were deployed but the men had left the house prior to them arriving. An investigation, led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) to understand the circumstances and motive of the incident will continue over the weekend. A police presence will remain in the area as officers undertake searches for anything that may help them to understand and identify those responsible. Furthermore, officers from the Harborough and Wigston Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA) will be carrying out reassurance patrols and we are urging anyone with concerns to speak to them. Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, from EMSOU, is leading the investigation. She said: “This was a violent attack against a family in their own home which appears to have been completely unprovoked. “Our investigation to understand what happened and why – and identify those behind such a horrific criminal act – is going to continue over the weekend. “I’m making a direct appeal to people in Thurnby and the surrounding communities to come forward with any information if they haven’t already done so. We owe it to the victims to locate the perpetrators and bring them to justice. “I’d like to speak to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious, unusual or untoward in the area of Station Road and Somerby Road between 11pm on Wednesday and the early hours of yesterday morning. “This includes anyone who was driving in the area and captured anything on a dashcam or anyone with CCTV or doorbell footage. “Anything you’re able to provide, no matter how insignificant you think it might be, could help us.” You can also submit information through our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP): https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM26I90-PO1 Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 visiting https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=14780356545&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI4JaawomqlwMVk5SDBx1GSDE1EAAYASAAEgJx8_D_BwE Leicestershire Police News - Published: 13:25 09/10/2026

From much-loved steam train journeys with Santa to festive dining and unique gift ideas, Great Central Railway (GCR) is getting ready to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a packed programme of seasonal experiences for all ages. With something to suit everyone, visitors can make lasting memories at Britain’s only double-track, main line heritage railway, whether enjoying a festive family day out, celebrating with friends or treating someone special. Santa Express A firm favourite in the GCR calendar, the much-loved Santa Express returns from 28 November to 24 December, bringing a little extra magic to the festive season. Families can climb aboard a beautifully decorated steam train to meet Santa, Mrs Claus and their mischievous elves for a journey filled with Christmas songs, storytelling and seasonal surprises. Every child will receive a specially curated Christmas Activity Pack and a personal gift from Santa, alongside festive drinks and treats. There are plenty of little extras for grown-ups to enjoy, too, including a complimentary Irish Cream Liqueur and mince pie, while taking in the winter scenery of the Charnwood countryside. The journey includes a stop at Leicester North, where families can enjoy a photo opportunity with Santa in front of the locomotive, meet the elves and visit the tearoom. The train will also pause on the spectacular Swithland Viaduct, offering a memorable view of the surrounding countryside. Festive Dining GCR will also be serving up a selection of festive dining experiences throughout the season, with options including Festive Afternoon Tea, Christmas Midlander Friday lunches, Christmas Jubilee weekend services and Christmas Forrester Saturday evening dining. For something with a little more intrigue, the Christmas Murder Mystery will take place on selected Friday evenings in December, combining festive food with an entertaining whodunnit to solve. Further seasonal dining will also be available to ring in the New Year, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to celebrate on board a heritage train. Festive Gifting Looking for a Christmas present with a difference? Great Central Railway gift vouchers offer the chance to give someone a memorable experience, from a special train journey or dining experience to the ultimate railway gift: a Drive a Train Experience. A lifelong ambition or childhood dream for many, the experience puts recipients in the cab of a real heritage locomotive, giving them the chance to get behind the controls and discover what it’s like to drive a working heritage railway. It’s a gift that promises to create memories long after Christmas is over. For those who love keeping up with the railway all year round, a GCR Patreon membership also makes a great alternative gift. Supporters receive benefits including early access to videos, behind-the-scenes insights, exclusive updates and opportunities to take part in Q&A sessions, offering a unique glimpse into life at the railway. Tickets for festive services, gift vouchers, Driver Experiences and GCR Patreon memberships are available through the Great Central Railway website. With popular experiences expected to attract plenty of interest, visitors are encouraged to book early to secure their perfect Christmas gift. More information about the railway can be found at www.gcrailway.co.uk

Less than a year after an Indian restaurant opened within The Aberdale Pub & Grill, the venture has won an Editor’s Choice award at the Curry Life Awards 2026, the leading national awards scheme for Britain’s curry industry. Step inside and you'll find a dedicated restaurant with full table service, while guests in the pub can order the same menu without leaving their table. It is a flexible approach that has attracted a broad mix of customers and helped the business build a loyal following in just a few months. The restaurant was created through a partnership between Everards, one of Leicestershire’s best-known breweries, and restaurateurs Samir Desai, Parjinder “PJ” Singh and Mani Abadel. From L-R BBC Presenter Jon Kay, Dawn Butler MP, Samir Desai, PJ Singh, and BBC's Luxmy Gopal. PJ describes the food simply as "proper Indian food". The Goat Curry has quickly become one of the restaurant's most popular dishes, while the Mixed Grill is a favourite for sharing. Vegetarians are well catered for with dishes including Chilli Paneer, while Crispy Okra Fries have proved a hit with diners looking for something a little different. PJ also recommends the Meat Sheekh, one of the dishes he returns to time and again. PJ is grateful to those who have supported the business from the beginning. "We're lucky to have such a diverse community," he says. "Customers keep coming back and supporting us, so this award really belongs to them." For PJ, looking after customers is every bit as important as the food. "You can be in a pub, but still be treated like you're in a restaurant," he says. That philosophy shapes every visit and has helped turn first-time diners into regular customers. "Amazing Indian food in a proper pub – we'll definitely be back," said one customer. The Curry Life Awards 2026 took place on Sunday 4 October at the InterContinental London Park Lane, at a ceremony hosted by BBC presenters and journalists Jon Kay and Luxmy Gopal. The event brought together more than 500 guests, including British Asian entrepreneurs and professionals from across the hospitality industry, to celebrate the best of the curry sector and highlight its excellence, innovation and entrepreneurship. A total of 41 Awards were presented to winners from across the country in different categories, including Best Restaurant, Best Chef, Editor’s Choice and Best Takeaway. Thousands of customers voted for their favourite restaurants, takeaways and chefs from across the country, before judges went through a rigorous selection process to choose the winners. This year’s roll of honour spans the UK, from Brighton to Bolton and Taunton to Teesside. Organised by Curry Life magazine, part of Curry Life Media Group, the Curry Life Awards honour professionals and business leaders in the curry industry who have demonstrated exceptional performance, achievement and culinary excellence. Taking place annually, they play a crucial role in promoting best practices and raising standards across the sector. The British curry industry boasts a turnover exceeding £4 billion annually. The UK's more than 10,000 curry restaurants and takeaways are overwhelmingly small and medium-sized businesses, many of them family-run, which make an important contribution to local economies, employment and communities across the country. Curry Life Editor, Syed Belal Ahmed said: “The UK's curry industry features some of the country's most inspiring businesspeople and restaurateurs. We are delighted to give them a national platform from which to shout about their hard-won achievements so that they can continue to thrive. “The British Curry Industry has, once again, done itself proud.” Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, former president of the CBI, founder of Cobra Beer and long-time supporter of the Curry Life Awards said: “The curry industry is an integral part of Britain’s economic, cultural and culinary life. It supports livelihoods in communities throughout the country, while continuing to unite people through a shared love of exceptional food. “The Curry Life Awards recognise the remarkable talent, dedication and entrepreneurial spirit of the restaurateurs, chefs and teams whose hard work sustains this outstanding industry. “By celebrating their achievements and encouraging the next generation, these awards help secure a strong and ambitious future for Britain’s curry industry, building on its proud heritage while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.” MPs from across the country gathered at the Awards to support restaurants in their constituencies, including Lloyd Hatton MP from Weymouth, Dorset, and Gideon Amos OBE MP from Taunton, Somerset. Rushanara Ali MP for Bethnal Green and Stepney and Dawn Butler MP for Brent East also attended the event. They all highlighted the role the winners play in their communities and the wider industry's contribution. Addressing the audience in an impassioned speech, Dawn Butler MP described the British curry industry as “an extraordinary success for the UK” and urged support for its businesses: “We have to make sure that you survive.” Recognising the dedication behind that success, she said: “There's this journey of people who have got up early, who have worked hard to build their businesses.” Congratulating the winners, she added: “May we hold each other's hands through these difficult times to ensure that you all succeed.” Syed Pasha, Editor-in-Chief, Curry Life Media Group, added: “Congratulations to the winners of the Curry Life Awards 2026. This year marks the 17th edition of our Awards - a celebration of excellence in the curry sector and a testament to our commitment to highlight the hard work, resilience and creativity in the sector. Restaurants up and down the country continue to face increased costs - from wages to ingredients and there is a real risk of a skills shortage following changes to immigration policies. These Awards demonstrate why the sector needs further, significant support - so that it can continue its vital contribution to the UK economy.” Residents are encouraged to visit The Aberdale Pub & Grill and celebrate its Editor’s Choice success. The Curry Life Awards 2026 are proudly sponsored by Cobra Beer, Work Permit Cloud, Mealgo and Hillside Travels. Aberdale Pub & Grill 111 Shackerdale Road Wigston Leicester LE2 6HT Tel 07386 948369

Officers are in attendance today (Thursday 8 October) at a protest outside a building in Meridian Way, Braunstone. Officers from Leicestershire Police responded to protest activity at the site this morning. A number of people were at the location with material in support of a proscribed group. A total of 34 people have been arrested under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 – to wear clothing or carry articles in public which arouse reasonable suspicion that an individual is a member or supporter of Palestine Action. A number have also been arrested on suspicion of breaching bail conditions. All those arrested remain in police custody at this time. Officers remain at the location and Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands (CTPEM) is leading the investigation. Police continue to support the right to peacefully protest but we will also continue to take immediate action where reports of anyone seeking to commit crime or damage to property are made. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 16:28 08/10/2026 Pictures by Leicester Media Online

A woman in her 60s remains in a serious condition after an alleged assault in Mulberry Avenue in the Braunstone Frith area of Leicester. A 70-year-old man has been arrested and the investigation remains ongoing. A spokesperson from Leicestershire Police said: “Shortly after 7pm on Tuesday (6 October) a report was received concerning an alleged assault at an address in Mulberry Avenue, Leicester. Officers attended the address, alongside colleagues from the East Midlands Ambulance Service, and a woman in her 60s was taken to hospital where she remains in a serious condition. A 70-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and has since been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Our investigation remains ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the report and enquiries are continuing.” Pictures by Leicester Media Online

Detectives have launched an investigation after two people were assaulted and sustained serious injuries at an address in Thurnby overnight. Police received a call at 12.26am this morning (Thursday 8 October) to report a disturbance at a house in Station Road, at the corner of Somerby Road. It is believed two masked men entered the property and assaulted three occupants. A man in his fifties sustained a number of stab wounds while a 15-year-old boy was also stabbed. Both remain in hospital in a critical condition. A third person – a woman in her forties – was also assaulted and sustained a minor injury to her hand and shoulder. She has since been discharged from hospital having received treatment to her injuries. In the interests of public and officer safety, firearms officers attended the scene, but the offenders had left. A scene preservation remains in place at the address to allow for a full forensic examination to be carried out. Detective Inspector Lorna Granville, from the East Midlands Special Operation Unit, said: “We remain at an early stage of our investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding this incident. “We appreciate that hearing about what has happened may be of concern certainly to those living locally. A dedicated team of detectives are working on this investigation and are actioning all viable lines of enquiry. “Local officers across the neighbourhood will be providing reassurance patrols and they are approachable to discuss any concerns you may have. “I would ask that anyone who may have any information about this incident and has not as yet spoken to police to please get in touch. “We are specifically wanting to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area of Station Road and Somerby Road between 11pm last night and the early hours of this morning. “If you saw anyone acting suspicious around this time or saw any vehicles in the area which may have caused concern – we want to hear from you. “Also, anyone driving in the area around the same time and has captured dash cam footage, please come forward. You may have captured something which could assist our investigation. “Officers will be carrying out house to house enquiries and accessing local CCTV but if you live in the area and have captured something on CCTV - please let us know.” You can also submit information through our Major Incident Public Portal which can be found here – Public Portal Alternatively, information can be passed on anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online at Giving information anonymously | Crimestoppers If you would prefer to speak to us, please call 101, ask for Leicestershire Police and ask to speak with the Operation Canvas incident room. Pictures by Leicester Media Online Leicestershire Police News - Published: 14:23 08/10/2026