The family of a man who died following a collision last month have described him as a ‘larger than life character’. Terry Gray, 56, was driving his Volkswagen ID3 Life on 16 July when it was involved in a collision with a Ford Transit van. Police were called to Lindridge Lane at 4.15pm but Mr Gray, from Desford, was pronounced dead at the scene. In a statement, Mr Gray’s family said: “Terry was a much-loved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. “He was respected by all who knew him and was a talented and successful public sector director. “His death has left an enormous hole in our lives and those who knew him. He was a larger-than-life character with a huge heart and showed endless generosity.” Following the incident, the driver of the van – a 22-year-old man – was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving. He was later released under investigation. Enquiries into the incident, led by officers from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), are continuing and anyone with any information or dashcam footage can call 101 or visit https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ quoting incident 502 of 16 July. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 15:18 13/08/2026

Two youths have been arrested following the murder of a man off Leicester’s London Road last month. They are both aged 17 and were each arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder today (Wednesday 12 August). They both remain in custody. The arrests relate to the death of 24-year-old Arad Niakan in De Montfort Place on 22 July. An investigation into Mr Niakan’s death is being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU). Four men were previously charged with murder as part of this investigation, while a fifth was charged with assisting an offender. Update Published 2.57pm, Thursday 13 August. A third youth has been arrested as part of an ongoing murder investigation. The 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder in Kent last night (Wednesday 13 August) and remains in custody.

Police are appealing for drivers with dashcam footage to come forward following a fatal collision in Kirby Bellars this morning (Wednesday 12 August). Emergency services were called to the A607 Leicester Road at 10.45am following a report of a collision between the junctions with Thorpe Satchville Road and Kirby Road. It was reported that the collision involved a blue Volkswagen Amarok pickup and a blue Hyundai i10. The driver of the Hyundai – a woman in her 60s – was taken to hospital but died shortly afterwards. A passenger in the same car, who is in her 30s, was taken to hospital where she is continuing to receive treatment for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening. A 65-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. He remains in custody. A road closure remains in place at this time. Detective Sergeant Kasie McMahon, from our Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU), said: “Enquiries to understand the circumstances that led to the collision occurring are ongoing and I’m appealing to anyone who can help. “I’d like to speak to any motorists who were on the A607 this morning and witnessed the collision or captured it on a dashcam. I’d also extend this appeal to anyone who saw either vehicle beforehand. “Anything you can tell us, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could help.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rs/road-safety/making-a-road-traffic-incident-report/ and quoting incident 244 of 12 August. Alternatively call 101. Update 13/08/26 The 65-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs, has since been released under investigation. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 16:35 12/08/2026

Improvements are being made to a section of the path alongside Barkby Brook in Syston. A section of path alongside Barkby Brook in Syston is being improved The project, funded by Charnwood Borough Council, will include resurfacing damaged parts of the path between the pedestrian bridge off School Street to where it meets Melton Road by Specsavers, repairs to railings, new planting and new bench seating. The initial surfacing phase started in the week beginning 3 August and will take around eight weeks. During this time, the section of pathway affected will be closed to the public. The newly surfaced path is likely to remain open during the second phase of the work in the autumn when the planting takes place and the benches will be installed. Cllr Anne Gray, the Council’s lead member for open spaces, said: "The path alongside Barkby Brook is a popular route for many people in Syston and these improvements will help ensure it remains welcoming and accessible for years to come. "This scheme will not only address existing wear and tear but also enhance the area with new planting and seating, creating a more attractive space for people to walk and relax. "It will make a real difference to those who use the path regularly and we appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while the work is taking place." Charnwood Borough Council News - Published: Wednesday 12th August, 2026

Thousands of Leicestershire pupils will be picking up exam results Good luck messages are being shared with Leicestershire pupils ahead of two of the biggest dates in the academic calendar. Students are set to find out their A / AS Level , T Level and other vocational technical qualifications (VTQ) grades tomorrow (Thursday 13 August), while others will find out their GCSE grades next Thursday (20 August). Cllr Charles Pugsley, lead member for children and families said: Guidance and support for pupils receiving their results should be available from their school or college where staff will be able to advise on the options available. Young people living in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland worried about their exam results can receive anonymous digital support from peers via the NHS commissioned Tellmi app. Anyone who wishes to appeal or query a grade award should contact their local school or college directly. If pupils feel a grade has been awarded in error after a review has been carried out, they need to submit an appeal to the exam board. More information on appeals can be found on the government website. The county council offers support to young people in Leicestershire aged 16-19 through signposting to available services, and individual support up to age 25 for people with special educational needs, to help them get into education, employment and training. Careers guidance is available from schools or the National Careers Service and for those planning to go to university, information on results day and clearing is available from UCAS. Leicestershire County Council News - Wednesday, 12 August, 2026

The temporary closures have been extended until further notice at Bottesford, Lutterworth, Oadby and Shepshed. National pressures impacting waste sites across the country are continuing to affect Leicestershire. The temporary closures at four recycling and household waste sites have been extended until further notice at Bottesford, Lutterworth, Oadby and Shepshed while teams work to clear waste and empty containers that have filled up following exceptionally high demand in recent weeks. The temporary closures come against a backdrop of increased demand locally, and significant pressures across the waste industry nationwide. Local authorities including neighbouring councils across the country are facing increasing challenges in managing waste. Disruption at waste treatment facilities across the country - including three major incidents in the last 48 hours - has increased pressure on the sites that remain operational. The Environment Agency has also closed several waste facilities elsewhere in the country, resulting in additional waste being redirected into the wider system. These pressures have seen two treatment facilities that process waste collected from Leicestershire unable to accept further material from the county at the current time. Councillor Adam Tilbury, cabinet member for environment & waste said: "This is not an issue unique to Leicestershire. The waste sector is currently experiencing significant pressure across the country, with a combination of site closures, treatment capacity issues and recent fires affecting the whole system. Unfortunately, those challenges are now having a direct impact on the facilities that handle Leicestershire's waste, with two of the treatment sites we rely unable to take any more material because they are struggling to move waste on quickly enough. While we appreciate the inconvenience this temporary closure will cause residents, taking this action is necessary to ensure waste can continue to be managed safely and responsibly while we work with our contractors and partners to restore services as soon as possible." Staff are working hard behind the scenes to get sites back up and running, but the four sites will remain closed until enough capacity has been created for them to reopen safely. Lount Recycling and Household Waste Site, which is currently closed for improvement works, will also remain closed until further notice. Residents are also being advised that, due to the current heatwave, all open recycling and household waste sites across the county will close early at 4pm on Wednesday and Thursday. The temporary reduction in opening hours is being introduced to help protect the health, safety and wellbeing of both site users and staff during the period of very hot weather. Councillor Tilbury added: "The very hot weather means we also need to take sensible steps to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone working at and visiting our sites. We appreciate residents' patience and understanding while these measures are in place." Residents are encouraged to only visit a recycling and household waste site if necessary and to check the latest service updates before travelling. For more information, visit our Waste & Recycling pages. Leicestershire County Council News - Wednesday, 12 August, 2026

East Midlands Railway (EMR), operated by Transport UK, is advising customers to plan ahead as high temperatures are expected to impact rail services across the region. he UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert across six regions of England, from Wednesday 12 to Friday 14, August.  As a result, EMR will introduce temporary timetable changes to help keep services running safely and reliably. Customers who need to travel are strongly encouraged to do so before 12:00 noon, avoiding the hottest part of the day wherever possible. To help maintain fleet availability across the network, Regional services between Sheffield and Liverpool will be suspended on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 August. Regional services between Nottingham and Worksop and Nottingham and Leicester will be suspended from 12:00 noon on Thursday 13 August. These changes are being made to reduce the impact of the extreme temperatures on the railway, with some services also expected to operate at reduced speeds for safety reasons. Customers should expect disruption across the network, with longer journey times and an increased risk of delays and short-notice alterations. Customers who need to travel are encouraged to plan ahead and take simple steps to stay safe and comfortable. As well as travelling before 12:00 noon, customers should carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear lightweight clothing, and wait in shaded areas or station waiting rooms. Customers are encouraged to check the latest travel information before setting off via the EMR website or app. Philippa Cresswell, Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, said: "The hot weather means we'll need to make some temporary changes to our services to keep the railway operating safely. "If you do need to travel and the journey is essential, we'd recommend travelling before midday and checking your journey before setting off. "We appreciate these changes may inconvenience some customers and we'd like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to keep people moving safely." Travel advice: More information can be found here: Travel advice: Hot weather is forecast across central and southern England up to and including Thursday 13 August | EMR EMR News - 11 Aug 2026

Music in the Park - Sunday 27 September 2026 A day of fun and live music for all ages will be taking place in Queen’s Park in Loughborough this September. Charnwood Borough Council is delighted to announce Music in the Park will return this year and take place on Sunday, 27 September. Running from midday until 6pm, this free event will be filled with live music, food, community spirit and promises to be a hit with the whole family. The stage will be hosted by local radio station Fosse 107 and showcase a range of music genres with a diverse line-up of local musicians and singers throughout the day. In addition, attendees can also enjoy a number of artisan stalls, street food and free entry to a silent disco. Artists performing at this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks. Cllr Jennifer Tillotson, the Council’s lead member for Housing, Economic Development, Regeneration and Town Centres, said: “I’m thrilled to see Music in the Park return to our town. The event is a fantastic celebration of our local talent and community. “We are proud to organise events like this which brings people together and into our town centre. “Music in the Park offers something for everyone so whether you’re discovering new music, enjoying a sunny day out or exploring the award-winning Queen’s Park, this event is not to be missed.” For more information, including how to apply for a stall or become a sponsor, visit www.discovercharnwood.co.uk/music Charnwood Borough Council News - Published: Tue 11th August, 2026

A Mile-Long stretch of Aylestone Road is to be resurfaced this summer, thanks to Government funding. The extensive works – which are expected to cost £740,000 – will repair and upgrade the carriageway between Hampshire Road in Aylestone, and Aylestone Road’s junction with Saffron Lane. Cycleway surfacing will also be renewed. Work will be carried out in three phases, starting on Saturday 15 August. For the first phase of works, Aylestone Road will be fully closed in both directions between Richmond Road and Boundary Road from 7am on 15 August until Friday 21 August. The second phase of works – between Richmond Avenue and Hampshire Road – will be carried out in the evenings. Aylestone Road will be closed in both directions between 7pm and 6am from Monday 24 August until Thursday 3 September. The restrictions will be lifted at weekends. The final phase – between Boundary Road and Saffron Lane – will also be carried out in the evenings. Work will start on Monday 7 September and continue until Tuesday 15 September, requiring the affected stretch of Aylestone Road to be closed in both directions overnight from 7pm until 6am. Restrictions will be lifted at weekends During each phase of the works, the main diversion route will be Aylestone Road – Lutterworth Road – Glenhills Way – Saffron Lane – Aylestone Road (and vice versa). Localised diversions will be in place for affected side streets. Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle said: “Thanks to this government funding, we’re able to carry out these extensive resurfacing works on a significant section of Aylestone Road. “While there will be road closures and disruption to some drivers, it’s clearly important that one of the major routes into the city centre is kept in good condition. “We will do all we can to ensure that work is completed on schedule and that disruption is kept to a minimum.” The carriageway resurfacing works on Aylestone Road are funded by the UK Government. LCC News - Published on Monday, August 10, 2026

An investigation into a stabbing in Belvoir Street last month is continuing – and officers have released images of four people they want to speak to in connection with the incident. Police were called at 12.25am on Sunday 12 July following a report a man had sustained stab wounds to his face. The victim, who is in his 30s, was taken to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. Following further enquiries into the incident, it is believed the four men pictured may have information that could help. Detective Constable Guy Spreadborough, the investigating officer, said: “We believe those pictured may have travelled from Nottinghamshire into Leicester to watch the England vs Norway game. “I’m appealing for anyone who recognises the men and knows who they are – or those pictured themselves – to get in touch.” 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*409939. Alternatively call 101. Leicestershire Police News - Updated :14:23 11/08/2026

More than 400 courses are available to adults across Leicestershire as GoLearn open enrolments for courses beginning from September. Run by Leicestershire County Council’s adult learning service, GoLearn offers part-time, day, evening, and weekend courses. GoLearn programmes are available to adults aged 19 and over. Subject areas on offer include Languages, Mental Health, English, Maths, Digital Skills and Wellbeing courses. The service also offers a range of apprenticeships designed to support career progression. More than 5,000 enrolments took place last year, giving people the chance to build confidence, develop essential skills, and help towards professional goals. Following the success of last year, the council’s team are looking to boost numbers for the start of the upcoming academic year now that 2026-2027 applications are open. Councillor Kevin Crook, cabinet member for Culture and Heritage, said: “Thousands of people enjoy learning on our courses every year and we hope that this year will be no different. “There’s something about continuing to grow and learn as you get older which gives our learners a sense of pride.” “Whether you’re trying something new to improve health and wellbeing or looking to gain some new qualifications, take a look at our courses and find the right one for you.” Applications for courses starting in September 2026 are now open. Browse the full range and apply online on the GoLearn website.(Link is external and opens in new window) For support with course choices or enrolment, call the GoLearn team on 0800 988 0308 (lines open Monday-Friday, 8.30am to 6pm). More information on offers and the support available for GoLearn courses, including reduced fees and the Learner Support Fund to help with transport and childcare is available both online and over the phone.

Shivani Raja MP backs community cricket fundraiser for LOROS Leicester East MP invites families and cricket fans to support LOROS at community charity event Leicester East MP Shivani Raja is inviting families, cricket lovers and communities from across Leicester East and beyond to come together for a fun filled charity cricket event in support of LOROS. The event will take place on Monday 31 August 2026, from 11.00 am to 5.00 pm, during the Bank Holiday, at: Rushey Fields Recreation Ground Harrison Road Leicester LE4 7AB All funds raised will go directly to LOROS, the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland hospice charity. The event will provide an opportunity for people of all ages and backgrounds to get involved. Cricket activities will be organised throughout the day, with attendees able to participate and play, whether they are regular players or simply looking to give cricket a try. The event is also intended to bring local communities together, promote community cohesion and celebrate Leicester’s diversity. Community leaders from across the area will be invited to attend and take part in the day. Families are encouraged to come along to play cricket, support the participants, enjoy the food on offer and spend time together outdoors. Visitors will also be able to enjoy refreshments from food vendors while taking in the atmosphere and, hopefully, the sunshine. Shivani Raja MP said: "I am delighted to invite families, cricket lovers and communities from Leicester East and beyond to join us for this fantastic charity event in support of LOROS. It will be a great opportunity for people to come together, enjoy cricket, food and the outdoors, and help strengthen community connections. Whether you want to play, support the participants or simply enjoy the day, everyone is welcome." All funds raised will support LOROS's vital work providing compassionate hospice care to local people and their families.