Officers searching for a missing Leicester man have located a body. Although formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed that the body of a man found in Hamilton yesterday evening (Friday 29 May) is believed to be that of Abdulahi Mohamud. Abdulahi Mohamud Abdulahi, 22, was last seen on Saturday 23 May and reported missing last Sunday. Officers are providing support to his family and a file will be prepared for HM Coroner. Leicestershire Police News - Published: 14:55 30/05/2026

The award-winning producers of Channel 4’s The Dog House, and one of the BAFTA- winning producers of First Dates, comes a brand new six-part series about friendship for BBC One and iPlayer from Five Mile Films. We all know what it feels like to try and make a friend. Whether it’s an awkward hello,turning up to a party alone, or telling a joke that doesn't quite land, the pursuit of friendship isn't always easy. Now imagine navigating all of that as a little kid. Will You Be My Friend? explores the world of friendship through children - aged 5 to 8 - who are struggling socially. Some are shy, some feel like they don’t fit in, others simply haven’t found “their tribe” yet. They want to make a friend - but don’t know where to start Enter The Friendship Centre. Here, a team of psychologists help children build the confidence and social skills to form real, lasting connections with other kids. Each child is then sensitively matched on a play date with a potential new friend from their local area. Six weeks later, we return home to see how their new-found courage has helped at school, in the playground and beyond. The series is a timely reminder that just one friend can completely change your life. And it all starts with one very simple question… “Will you be my friend?” Emma Loach, Interim Head of Commissioning, Documentaries said: "The longing to connect, to be seen, and to belong is universal. Whether you're five or fifty-five, I defy anyone to watch these children without seeing a little bit of themselves reflected. "In a world that can feel increasingly disconnected, this series shows that the simplest gestures - a smile, a shared joke, a tentative 'will you be my friend?’ - still have the power to change everything. Five Mile Films has brought us something very special, and we couldn't be prouder to give it a home on the BBC." Nick Mirsky, CEO of Five Mile Films said: "I don’t think there’s a commission I could be more thrilled to bring to Five Mile. Will You Be My Friend? will be joyful, warm and funny, but it also does something genuinely new – inviting us to look closely at the challenge and art of making friends." Will You Be My Friend?, a 6x60’ for BBC One and iPlayer, is a Five Mile Films production. The Executive Producers are Nick Mirsky, Adam Chapman and Jordan Maloy. It was commissioned by Clare Sillery, former Head of Commissioning, Documentaries and the Commissioning Editor is Beejal-Maya Patel. All3Media International acts as international partner. Filming takes place July and August, 2026. We are looking for children (aged 5 to 8) from your local area to take part. If you’d like to help your child make a new friend, please apply now at https://bemyfriend.tv

Following the incident, armed police officers were observed running into the area. Three people have been arrested after a man was stabbed during a fight in Leicester city centre. The incident happened in Town Hall Square just after 10.45pm on Thursday (May 28). The victim, a man in his 30s, was taken to hospital to be treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing Officers have arrested three people in connection with the stabbing, who all remain in police custody. Inquiries are continuing, with officers from the Central Leicester Neighbourhood Policing Area carrying out proactive reassurance patrols in the area. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and assisting an offender. A 17-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. A 26-year-old man also remains in custody, having been arrested on suspicion of possession of a class A drug with intent to supply. Leicestershire Police said inquiries into the incident are continuing. Picture credit - Gary Summers

A motorcyclist has died following a road traffic collision in Church Langton last night. Police received a call at 8.22pm yesterday (Thursday 28 May) regarding a collision on the B4067, Melton Road. It involved a blue Ford Ranger and a grey Honda CBR. The motorcyclist, a man in his 50s, sustained fatal injuries and sadly died at the scene. The driver of the Ranger sustained minor injuries. At the time of the collision the motorbike was travelling southbound towards Church Langton while the Ranger was exiting a farm entrance intending to travel northbound towards Tur Langton. Officers from the force’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are investigating the collision. Anyone who may have seen the collision or the vehicles beforehand are asked to please get in touch with us. Alternatively, if you have a dashcam which may have captured something relating to this incident, we would also like to hear from you. If you have any information, please contact police on 101 quoting 26*309665 or visit us online at www.leics.police.uk

Detectives have launched an investigation after the body of a man was found in a van parked in Leicester city centre. Police were called to a car park in Garden Street just after 5.30pm on Wednesday (27 May) by a member of the public reporting concern about the condition of the vehicle. When officers forced entry to the van, the body of a man was found inside. Enquiries are continuing to be undertaken to locate the man’s next of kin. After identifying the address of the registered keeper of the van, further enquiries have led to the arrest of a 39-year-old woman from an address in Hounslow on suspicion of murder. She remains in custody. An investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the man’s death are continuing and anyone who can help is asked to come forward. Detective Inspector Kev Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit’s (EMSOU) major crime team, said: “I’d like to speak to anyone who can help with our investigation. “The man was found in a white Ford Transit with the registration BF18 VNV. “Officers are appealing for anyone who may have seen this van in Garden Street or other parts of Leicester and Leicestershire to get in touch. “This includes anyone who may have seen the van where they live or work to get in touch. I’d like to extend this appeal to anyone who may have captured its movements on CCTV or a dashcam.” You can pass on information directly to the investigation team by through a dedicated major incident portal, which can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/33EM26I80-PO1 Alternatively you can call 101. If you are making a report by phone from outside Leicestershire, please follow the prompts to speak to another force and state ‘Leicestershire Police’ when requested.

Armed police descended on a park in Leicestershire following a report of a man suspected of handling a gun. Leicestershire Police were called to Queen's Park in Frederick Street, Loughborough, at 2.27pm on Thursday, May 28. Officers located the man in the park but discovered it was in fact a water gun. A spokesperson for Leicestershire Police said: “We received a report yesterday (May 28) at 2.27pm regarding a man believed to be in possession of what was described as a gun in Queens Park, Loughborough. “In the interest of public and officer safety, armed police attended. The man was located in the park and the gun was found to be a water gun.”

Three people have been arrested after a motorcycle was deliberately rammed by a car in Newtown Linford. The rider was travelling through Anstey around 4.55am on Tuesday 26 May when he noticed the occupants of a burgundy Audi estate parked in The Nook. Later he spotted the Audi driving behind him, as he entered Bradgate Road the Audi sped up and rammed his motorcycle, knocking him off. One of the occupants of the car approached the victim as he was lying on the ground, threatened him and demanded the keys to the black and grey 125cc Yamaha motorcycle. The suspects left the scene in the Audi, with one of the suspects riding off on the motorcycle. Both vehicles were last seen heading towards Newtown Linford. The rider was taken to hospital where he continues to receive treatment. His injuries are not life threatening. Three people – a 15-year-old youth, and two men aged 21 and 32 - have been arrested on suspicion of robbery and have been released on police bail pending further enquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Brown said: “Despite these arrests our investigation remains very much ongoing. “From enquiries we have carried out so far, we known the suspects were parked in Anstey prior to the incident, it’s believed there were five men in the vehicle. If anyone saw a similar vehicle Tuesday morning in the area, we would urge them to contact us. “The motorcycle has the partial registration number FE70 and we are still keen to speak to anyone who may have has seen this vehicle after it was stolen either being ridden or parked. “If you witnessed the incident, was driving in the area that morning or recorded any footage on your dashcam equipment, and have not as yet spoken to us, we would ask that you get in touch.” Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Constable 87 Phil Brown on 101 or via www.leics.police.uk, quoting crime number 26*302799.

Leicestershire Police is marking the one‑year anniversary of Operation Hopper, a targeted enforcement initiative designed to identify and disrupt persistent motoring offenders who pose the greatest risk to road users. Over the past 12 months, the operation has delivered significant results, reinforcing the force’s commitment to reducing serious harm on the roads. Launched in response to rising concerns about uninsured drivers and repeat traffic offenders, Operation Hopper has focused on locating vehicles linked to multiple speeding and red‑light offences, as well as those operating without valid insurance. The results have been striking, over the last twelve months, officers have seized 105 vehicles, all of which were uninsured and collectively linked to over five hundred outstanding speeding or red‑light offences. One driver alone had amassed 45 penalty points, far beyond the threshold that would normally trigger licence revocation. Vehicles seized under the operation have been scrapped, sold at auction, or returned to finance companies, depending on legal status and ownership. Intelligence sharing between the Road Safety Unit and the Roads Policing Unit has strengthened the force’s ability to identify high‑risk drivers quickly and effectively. Matthew Chester, Road Safety Unit Manager at Leicestershire Police, said: “Operation Hopper intends to send out a clear warning to those drivers who think they can flout the law and pose the highest risk to innocent road users. Arrests have been made, cars have been seized, and we will continue to take decisive action to protect the public.” “This anniversary marks not just a year of enforcement, but a year of partnership, prevention, and progress. Operation Hopper will continue to evolve as we work to make the roads across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland safer for everyone.” The black BMW was sold at auction, the green camper van and both the white and black Mercedes were collected by their registered keepers. A Year of Impact — and What Comes Next Over its first year, Operation Hopper has become a key part of Leicestershire Police’s wider road‑safety strategy. The operation supports the force’s long‑term commitment to reducing collisions, safeguarding communities, and ensuring that persistent offenders face meaningful consequences. The next phase of Operation Hopper will see: Continued collaboration with the Road Safety Unit to expand intelligence‑led enforcement Enhanced use of data analytics to identify repeat offenders earlier Ongoing public engagement to raise awareness of the dangers posed by uninsured and high‑risk drivers

Flames were "erupting through the roof" of a Leicestershire home after it was hit by lightning this morning. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) assisted teams from the Nuneaton and Polesworth Fire Stations after receiving a call at 3.48am on Thursday, May 28 The incident involved a bungalow in Orchard Close, in Witherley, a village and civil parish in the Hinckley and Bosworth district. The fire was "immediately" addressed from the adjacent bungalow. Nobody was injured as a result of the blaze, as all people inside were accounted for. Nuneaton Fire Station said: “The incident was originally mobilized with persons reported. Upon arrival, crews confirmed that thankfully everyone had managed to exit the properties safely. Credit picture - -Nuneaton Fire Service

Leicester city centre is experiencing a fresh wave of independent energy and high street investment, with more than 42 new openings already announced or launched this year across restaurants, nightlife, leisure and retail. From Vietnamese street food and Goan-inspired dining to live music basements, “human claw machine” gaming and a booming café culture, the city is rapidly reinventing itself as one of the Midlands’ most vibrant destinations for food, culture and entertainment. At a time when many UK city centres continue to battle declining footfall, Leicester’s mix of independents, national brands and experiential venues signals a powerful comeback for the urban high street. Here are the 42 sizzling new venues in Leicester you need to know about: RESTAURANTS There are loads of great new spots to try out in Leicester if you’re feeling peckish. In the former Shimla Pinks on London Road, Golden Sands is a Goan influenced Indian restaurant serving delicious, insta-friendly main meals, plus Indian style breakfast and brunch. The newly opened Mandi & Biryani House can be found at the top of Granby Street. Coming soon to the former Counting House pub on Freemen’s Common is Soho Tavern, an Indian Gastropub chain which has been a hit across the West Midlands. Continue your tour of world flavours around the Highcross with a rash of new openings. Recently opened on St Peter’s Square is Umami World Kitchen, a new all-you-can-eat, world buffet concept. Also on Highcross Lane is Daiu, a new Korean BBQ and Hotpot buffet restaurant and The Thai Classic, expanding from their Birmingham site into the city. Kumo is a new Japanese restaurant that’s just opened its doors on the High Street with Thành Nam Phở now open next door serving Vietnamese Street Food, making this area a hotspot for South East Asian cuisine. A few big names have opened new spots in Leicester with popular restaurant Bill’s and viral sensation Wingstop opening near Highcross. Starbucks has opened a brand new café on Gallowtree Gate as has Dave’s Hot Chicken with their takeover of the old Pret unit bringing a splash of colour and flavour to the area. Café-wise one of the biggest recent wins for the city was the opening of Public and Plants on King Street, a fantastic bakery and coffee stop which has been absolutely packed since opening. Lynn in St Martin’s Square serves up quality brunch, dinner and cocktails; and on Jubilee Square Alcove – voted Leicester’s Best Coffee Shop 2026 – has tastefully reimagined the old Alfred Lenton antiques store as a fantastic new café serving coffee, matcha, açai and even a run club every Saturday. Tea Time comes to Leicester straight from Qatar, with eastern influenced drinks, brunch and desserts. Rounding out our list are Crust Issues on High Street, serving up individual pizza slices, Biggies Pizza in St Martin’s Square, and on Granby Street, Scooperb serving up natural, vegetarian/vegan and eggless desserts; Lala’s Restaurant with pizza, chicken and burgers and finally Grillworks, who offer flame grilled burgers, fries, salads and more. NIGHTLIFE & LEISURE Leicester’s nightlife is still absolutely thriving, and while the hub of the city’s activity has shifted towards the old town and St Martin’s Square, whether you’re hitting the bars, live music venues or taking part in something more active, there’s loads going on. Sally Cinnamons is a new music venue in a basement on Cank Street, with line-ups influenced by 90s and northern soul. Right next door to them is Ivy Lounge, a luxurious venue for parties, bottomless brunches and socials! Merchants Yard has now formally opened, and its timing couldn’t be better, providing a fantastic open air events space. Tucked away just off High Street, expect DJ sets, live music, sports events, street food and great drinks – all served up in the yard/garden. Taking up the space where The Case restaurant used to be in St Martin’s, The Cork & Case is now a vibrant bar with live music, cabaret performances and comedy nights. If you’re looking for some fun and to get active then worldwide-phenomenon, Activate, is your spot, opening later this year in Highcross. It’s described as ‘Live Action Gaming’ where your team of players will test their speed, agility, problem-solving and teamwork with the latest technology. Over in Evington is Claw Kingdom: the UK’s first ‘human claw machine’ where you are the claw! They’re now looking to expand into the city! Loads more arcade fun can be found inside too! And rounding out the active fun is Padelaire – Leicester’s first premium indoor Padel club, opening later this spring – and offering premium padel courts, pickleball and table tennis to the north of Leicester city centre. RETAIL Alongside Leicester’s fantastic range of independent shops, there are a bunch of new openings to highlight. Henshin is a unique store focused on anime and Japanese culture with great geeky gifts available - you can find them on Silver Street. Fashion lovers will want to head to Highcross’s new Office store for all your footwear needs. If you love a bit of denim, then Jeans and Jeans have opened a pop-up shop in the Highcross and there’s also a welcome return by Topshop who have launched a concession in John Lewis. Luxury diamond company Austen & Blake have opened a new store in Highcross offering beautiful custom-made jewellery designs. Also in Highcross is Nomination, an Italian jewellery store which allows you to build your own bracelet link by link. Joining the Golden Mile on Belgrave Road is Kalyan Jewellers, a 112 year old family business from India with more than 300 showrooms across India, the Middle East and the USA. HEALTH AND BEAUTY Leicester is the perfect place for a spot of pampering with a range of new shops and boutiques. Hair Nova Leicester is a Premium hair salon in St Martins Square who specialise in hair colour, extensions and styling. Over on Market Street Chloes Nail Art have taken on a large unit where they create stylish and glamorous nail looks. For a glow-up, PureSeoul have just launched their first K-Beauty store in Highcross with Korean inspired skincare, makeup and beauty brands. Also recently opened in Highcross are large Bodycare and Superdrug stores, giving you the chance to shop for affordable toiletries and perfumes. And speaking of perfumes, Loris Parfum has opened a store on Loseby Lane in the Old Town with a range of original scents, aftershaves and perfumes. Stabana Cultural Products is worth a mention as, after the retirement of the owners, they sadly closed after 30 years serving the African-Caribbean community with dedicated hair and beauty products. But, good news as a new owner has taken on the store on Charles Street! GETTING IN AND AROUND LEICESTER And don’t forget that Highcross Leicester offer all day parking for just £5, you just need to set up a subscription here. If you arrive after 5pm, then it’s just £2.50 for the evening. Leicester is well served by buses on all main routes running into the city centre every 15 minutes, the free Hop bus running around the city centre and the Enderby Park & Ride service extended to run until 9pm, meaning you can stay for a meal once you’ve done with your shop. Check out Choose How You Move for a range of travel options whether you’re walking, cycling, drinking or using public transport. For more information on places to see, things to do and where to stay in Leicester and Leicestershire, visit www.visitleicester.info

New measures to improve school run safety are due to be introduced on a trial basis at a Leicester school next week. The city council is set to introduce experimental ‘school street’ measures that will prohibit general traffic from entering roads immediately adjacent to St John the Baptist CofE Primary School, in Clarendon Park, during busy school run times. The new school street is being introduced at the request of residents and the wider school community to improve road safety and reduce traffic congestion at the beginning and end of the school day. Under the new measures, road closure points will be introduced at the junction of The Avenue and Knighton Park Road, and the junctions of East Avenue and Central Avenue with Clarendon Park Road, to prohibit access to motor vehicles, except for those holding exemptions. The no-entry points will be marked with traffic cones and managed by traffic marshals. No waiting restrictions will also be introduced on parts of Clarendon Park Road, between its junction with busy London Road and the zebra crossing close to the school gates. The new restrictions will only operate during school run times – between 8.15am and 9am and 2.45pm and 3.30pm – from Monday to Friday. Changes will come into effect from Tuesday 2 June, after the schools’ half-term break. Residents in the affected streets can apply for an exemption if they want to enter the area during the times of operation. The new school street measures at St John the Baptist Primary School will be introduced under an experimental traffic order, which can be altered or stopped if necessary, and will be closely monitored. If successful, the changes could be made permanent. A public consultation found that 90 per cent of respondents felt that school run traffic close to St John the Baptist Primary School was a problem, with over 60 per cent supporting the proposal to pilot a new school street. The school has also launched a ‘park and stride’ scheme that allows parents and carers to park in selected private car parks just a short way from the school and walk the final few minutes to the school gate. Trudie Colotto, headteacher at St John the Baptist Primary School, said: “A school street creates a safer, healthier and more welcoming environment for our children at the busiest times of the day. By reducing traffic outside the school gates, we can help protect pupils from pollution and road danger, while encouraging walking, cycling and active travel. “It gives children the opportunity to arrive and leave school feeling calm, confident and safe, and we hope it will be a huge success." Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We’ve seen in other parts of the city how the introduction of school street measures can have a very positive impact at the school gates during the busy school run times. “School streets mean cleaner air, less congestion and a safer environment for children as they go to and from school. “We’ve also seen how school streets can help families adopt healthier habits, with a significant increase in the number of children walking and cycling to school. “This new trial scheme will be introduced under an experimental traffic order that allow us to test the new measures and listen to feedback before any permanent changes are made.” The experimental traffic order can be viewed at www.leicester.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/traffic-regulation-orders-and-notices Leicester City Council News - Published on Thursday, May 28, 2026

Students preparing to move out of their term-time homes for the summer are being given a helping hand to dispose of items they no longer want and do their bit for charity. Leicester City Council has teamed up with British Heart Foundation (BHF) to bring the charity’s ‘Pack for Good’ scheme to some of the city’s most popular student areas. Temporary reuse banks have been installed across ten sites on streets close to the city’s two universities to encourage students to donate any items they no longer want and help the charity generate vital stock for their local shops and stores. BHF shops are always in need of clothing, shoes, accessories, CDs, vinyl and Blu-rays, books, kitchenware, furniture and electricals. Daniel Ward at the BHF said: “We’re looking forward to working alongside Leicester City Council to encourage students to donate their preloved items to us. This will be a huge help to our shops in Leicester and I’d hope as many students as possible get involved and support the scheme. “The money raised by these donations helps the BHF fund lifesaving research into heart and circulatory diseases. In a year, the BHF saves over 57,000 tonnes of goods going to waste, including 13,000 tonnes of clothing. Through the reuse and recycling of donated items, this helps prevent 130,000 tonnes of Co2 emissions being released into the atmosphere.” Deputy city mayor Cllr Elly Cutkelvin, who leads on neighbourhoods, said: “As students prepare to move out of their rented accommodation for the summer, they can face a bit of a challenge getting rid of the stuff they don’t want to take with them. The BHF’s Pack for Good scheme gives them the chance to donate any items that could be used again. “It’s a really good way for students to get rid of items responsibly and charitably.” Donation points for the BHF’s Pack for Good scheme will be in place from late May until early September. They will be located at Queens Road, Thurlow Road, Cradock Road, Putney Road, and on the corner of London Road and St Albans Road in Clarendon Park; at Westcotes library, Briton Street, Western Boulevard and Eastern Boulevard in Westcotes; and at Jarrom Street, The Newarke and Bath Lane. The council will also be supporting students by encouraging them to use the free bulky waste collection service to have any large items and additional bags of household waste removed. For more information, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/recycling Leicester City Council News Published on Thursday, May 28, 2026