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

A New residents’ parking scheme will come into effect on roads close to Leicester’s Golden Mile from next week. Leicester City Council is introducing the permit-only parking scheme in the Belgrave area to help address local concerns about the number of commuter and business vehicles using residential streets for free all-day parking. The new scheme will officially come into action from Monday 1 June. Repost of video from last months report It includes mainly terraced streets adjoining busy Melton Road and will affect around 560 homes and businesses. The seven streets included are: Doncaster Road, Ardath Road, Glendon Street and Beverly Avenue, and parts of Harrison Road, Halkin Street and Melrose Street. Most parking in the streets covered will only be available to vehicle owners who have a valid resident, visitor or business parking permit. Limited waiting bays, offering short-term free on-street parking, will also be introduced to help support businesses in the area. Drone image and Picture by Leicester Media Online The new Doncaster Road residents' parking scheme has been designed in response to concerns raised by residents and local ward councillors over persistent parking problems in the area. Proposals for the scheme were supported by 76 per cent of respondents to a public consultation. Cllr Geoff Whittle, assistant city mayor for environment and transport, said: “We’ve seen in other parts of the city how the introduction of residents’ parking schemes can help tackle parking problems in local neighbourhoods and free up spaces for the people who live there. “In this case, ward councillors have worked closely with officers to design a scheme that will help address residents’ concerns over problems caused by commuter and business parking outside people’s homes.” Information packs have been delivered to all affected properties giving advice on how to apply for permits. Under the city council’s current parking permit scheme, charges will be £35 per year for a residents’ permit; £100 per year for a business permit tied to a particular vehicle, and £150 for a business permit that can be transferred between vehicles. Visitor permits are available for residents, at either £40 for a year, or £2 for 24-hours. Permits for landlords and carers are also available. Vehicles displaying a blue badge will be exempt from the permit-holders only restriction. Full details of the council’s residents’ parking scheme, and how to apply for permits, can be found at www.leicester.gov.uk/parking-streets-and-transport/parking/parking-permits Leicester City Council News Published on Tuesday, May 26, 2026

The roof of a Leicestershire home ignited after a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. A Leicestershire home's roof caught on fire after being struck by lightning during a thunderstorm. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said it was called to a domestic fire on Bayswater Road in Melton, at 4.57am on Thursday, May 28, following reports of a house being struck by lightning Crews from Melton, Oakham, Billesdon and Central Fire Station all attended, with support from Northamptonshire Fire Service and Lincolnshire Fire Service colleagues, and tackled the blaze during an ongoing thunderstorm. The Fire service reported that there were no casualties. The fire has been extinguished but this remains an ongoing incident, with crews in attendance and a building inspector at the property, along with partners from National Grid.

Two women have been praised for their bravery in giving evidence that has led to their mother and stepfather being jailed for sex offences. The pair, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the victims, were each convicted of several offences in March following a trial at Leicester Crown Court. During proceedings, a jury heard their crimes were brought to the attention of the police when one of the victims told someone else known to her what happened. As part of the investigation, officers obtained an export of a WhatsApp chat between one of the victims and their mother which was key in proving that sex offences involving their parents had taken place. The pair also sent voice messages to one of the victims which were of a threatening, intimidating and manipulative nature. It was also established the pair had tried to discourage one of the victims from making a report to police so that their offending would not be subject to a criminal investigation. However, both were charged and their stepfather was found guilty of three counts of sexual assault on a female, one count of assaulting a female with a part of his body and one count of witness intimidation. Their mother was found guilty of inciting someone to engage in sexual activity, one count of attempting to pervert the course of justice and one count of witness intimidation. The man involved was sentenced to 61 months’ imprisonment yesterday (Wednesday 27 May). He was also placed on the sex offender register and made subject to A 15-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO). Their mother was sentenced to two years, suspended for 18 months. She was made subject to a 10-year SHPO. Detective Constable Rachel Chapman, the officer in the case, said: “The accounts and evidence provided by the victims was crucial to the case and played a big role in their mother and stepfather being convicted and jailed. “They showed a lot of bravery in re-living their experiences in front of a jury and I want to commend them for the courage they displayed since the offending was first brought to our attention. “Victims of sexual offences should not suffer in silence and I’d encourage anyone who has been a victim to seek justice by making a report to police.” 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

A man has been jailed after specialist officers exposed his role in supplying large quantities of class A drugs – uncovered thanks to the dismantling of an encrypted chat platform. Chaitanya Sharma has been sentenced to 14 years at Leicester Crown Court on Friday 22 May after pleading guilty to conspiracy to supply class A drugs, possession with intent to supply class A drugs and possession with intent to supply class B drugs. When police executed a warrant at the 33-year-old’s home address in Babingley Drive, Leicester, in November last year, officers uncovered four kilos of cocaine – estimated to be worth more than £400,000, £58,000 worth of cannabis, more than £110,000 in cash and gold bars worth around £70,000. Designer clothing, handbags and sunglasses were also found at the address. Sharma was also arrested from the address and taken into custody to be questioned by police. His arrest followed extensive work by specialist detectives in the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Serious Organised Crime team, who had identified Sharma as being involved in illegal drug activity through the encrypted communications platform EncroChat. The network was used globally as a messaging service, almost exclusively by organised crime groups. In early 2020, the platform was dismantled as part of a huge international law enforcement operation - enabling UK police forces to access previously hidden criminal communications. As part of this effort, detectives in EMSOU have been examining recovered data relating to criminals operating in the East Midlands under specific EncroChat usernames. Two of these usernames were shown to belong to Sharma. Analysis showed between March and June 2020, Sharma had been involved in the supply of large amounts of class A drugs, including at least 27 kilograms of cocaine. Investigators estimate that during this period he obtained and repaid £489,500 in cash linked to drug transactions. Before officers carried out the enforcement, they worked meticulously to build a case – using the EncroChat data to establish Sharma’s criminal activity and identify his involvement in the supply of cocaine in the region. This vital work led to Sharma pleading guilty to all three offences. DS Chris Sewell, Leicestershire Police, said: “Sharma had been involved in the supply of cocaine to the value of a least nearly half a million pounds and it is clear from the cash and designer goods found at his address he was profiting immensely from this illegal activity. “The information gained from EncroChat, combined with the painstaking work of our officers, allowed us to dismantle his operation and bring him to justice. We will continue to target and disrupt organised crime groups who cause harm in our communities.” Leicestershire Police News Published : 10:32 28/05/2026

Discover the story, colour, and community spirit behind “The Pride Picnic Blanket”, now on display in the Spotlight Case at Charnwood Museum in Queen’s Park, Loughborough. Loughborough Pride is delighted to invite members of the media and the wider community to the official opening of this vibrant and meaningful exhibition on Friday 12 June from 13:00 to 15:00. Created through a powerful community collaboration, “The Pride Picnic Blanket” celebrates Pride, creativity, and connection. Each square reflects the voices, experiences, and individuality of the people and groups who came together to make it, creating a striking patchwork of identity, inclusion, and shared pride. Visitors will also be able to enjoy a specially commissioned short film from Loughborough Pride, highlighting the inspiring community effort behind the project. The film features participants sharing why they created their squares and what being part of the project has meant to them. The opening event will be hosted by Charnwood Museum and Culture Leicestershire, with Cllr Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE, World Record Swimmer and Former Mayor of Charnwood, attending as guest speaker. Guests will have the opportunity to view the remarkable craftwork up close, meet local community groups involved in the project, and enjoy refreshments while celebrating Pride month. Local media are warmly invited to attend and help share the story of this unique community achievement. The exhibition, together with the accompanying film, will remain on display until the end of August coinciding with Loughborough Pride Celebrations. Loughborough Pride takes place on Saturday, 22 August in Queen’s Park. “The Pride Picnic Blanket” is a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together in creativity, visibility, and support. Loughborough Pride, Fearon Hall, and Culture Leicestershire are proud to be working alongside Charnwood Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council to support a range of community Pride programmes throughout the year.

New money helps to fund new reactive team. More cash has been set aside to tackle safety issues across Leicestershire’s roads and paths. A total of £50,000 has been allocated for a new team within Leicestershire County Council’s highways unit to react quickly to any immediate safety risks caused by overhanging vegetation. The council’s 2026 grass cutting programme started in April and the extra staff will work across the county to help keep roads clear and safe. Each year around 4.1 million square metres of grass – equivalent to 578 King Power Stadium pitches - are mowed each year. Working across the spring and summer, 18 staff work through their countywide schedule to keep grass, verges and vegetation neat, tidy and safe across highways and rural and urban areas. Councillor Andrew Hamilton-Gray, cabinet member for highways and transport said; “Keeping grass trimmed during spring and summer does more than simply make our county look tidier – it’s essential for safe driver visibility and keeping signs clear. “Our hardworking grass cutting gangs do a fantastic job throughout the season and putting in this extra money enables us to tackle urgent cutting jobs as speedily as possible. “We want residents to be our eyes and ears. If you see anything that’s unsafe, tell us so we can get our new crew to help.” The money is coming from a £2.5m ‘service improvement fund’ which is investing more in local bus services, grit bins, footpath maintenance, grass cutting and weed control. An interactive map is available to see where and when grass is set to be cut, with the season ending in October. Leicestershire County Council News

A sample of blood found at the scene, CCTV and footage from a pet camera were key in leading police to the suspect of a violent burglary that occurred just days before Christmas. Just after 1pm on 20 December last year, Sebastian Kudlak forced his way into an address in Leicester’s Narborough Road carrying a flick knife and imitation firearm. On entry, he was confronted by the homeowner – a woman in her 50s – and immediately began threatening her, demanding money. He punched her several times before taking her upstairs after she agreed to give him cash. Fighting back, the victim scratched Kudlak, drawing blood. While in a bedroom, he began taking steps to cover his tracks by ordering her to change her clothes. Kudlak had also gone prepared and tied his victim’s hands behind her back with cable ties that he had taken with him. He then took the victim into the bathroom and washed her hair in an attempt to remove any traces of his own DNA from her body. Footage from a camera the victim had installed to monitor her cats captured Kudlak then going downstairs and retrieving cleaning sprays which he used in several rooms to again remove any evidence of his presence. Sebastian Kudlak Thirty-nine-year-old Kudlak left the address with the victim’s phone, charger, purse and watch as well as her dressing gown and towels he had used while cleaning. The victim was able to use a smart speaker to call her family, who in turn contacted police. When officers arrived, the victim’s house was examined for clues that could help in identifying the person responsible. A sample of blood was found on a duvet and sent off for fast-track forensic testing. Just days later, a DNA match was given – it was Kudlak. Officers also recovered the footage from the indoor camera which showed what Kudlak was wearing that day and that his face was partially covered. Further CCTV enquiries helped detectives piece together his movements after leaving the victim’s home . On Christmas Day morning, Kudlak was arrested by police at his Narborough Road home. Footage from a pet camera captured Sebastian Kudlak using cleaning sprays In interview, he answered “no comment” to all questions asked but the evidence secured led to him being charged with one count of aggravated burglary, one count of assaulting a person thereby occasioning them actual bodily harm, one count of threatening a person with a bladed article in a private place and one count of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He pleaded guilty to all offences during a hearing at Leicester Crown Court on 9 February as well as one count of false imprisonment which was added by the prosecution barrister following a query from the judge. Today (Wednesday 27 May), Kudlak was sentenced to a total of 12 years and three months’ imprisonment. He will also remain on licence for three years once released from prison and is subject to a 15-year restraining order prohibiting any contact with the victim. Detective Constable Kate Dabrowska, from our Complex Investigation Team (CIT), was the officer in the case. She said: “This was an extremely concerning incident both in terms of the level of violence used and because it was completely random. The victim doesn’t know Kudlak and he has not offered any explanation why he chose her address. “Nobody should have to be a victim of such a violent crime, particularly in their own home. “Thankfully the victim didn’t have to re-live her ordeal during a trial and I can only hope today’s outcome has provided a degree of relief, closure and the ability to try and move on as best she can. “I’d like to thank all officers and staff involved in the investigation to secure evidence that led to Kudlak being identified, arrested and brought to justice for such horrific crimes. The hard work of Team Leicestershire meant he was brought into custody before he could cause any further harm to the wider public. “I hope the local community can find reassurance in the fact he’s now serving a significant prison sentence.” Leicestershire Police News - Published: 15:45 27/05/2026

East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has declared a business continuity incident (as at 19.15 hours, Tuesday 26 May 2026) following sustained pressure on its services across the region. In recent days, demand for emergency care has increased, including as a result of the hot weather, alongside wider pressures being experienced across the NHS. A business continuity incident is declared when services may be disrupted below expected levels and additional arrangements are required to maintain patient care. What this means Declaring a business continuity incident allows EMAS to take additional steps, working closely with NHS partners, to help ensure ambulance crews are available to respond to patients in the community. This includes: Supporting the timely handover of patients at hospital emergency departments, so ambulance crews can return to responding to 999 calls. Working with healthcare providers to ensure patients are directed to the most appropriate care. Continuing to prioritise the most life-threatening and serious incidents. This is to ensure emergency ambulances are available to respond to people in the community where life is at risk. We recognise this is challenging for our NHS partners, who are also working under significant pressure, and we are grateful for their continued support. Alongside this, EMAS is maximising available resources and reviewing how ambulance crews are deployed across the region. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, with a focus on maintaining safe patient care and returning to normal service levels as soon as possible. How the public can help Members of the public are asked to support us during this period of high demand. 999 should always be used when someone is seriously ill or injured and their life is at risk. If your condition is not life-threatening, there are other NHS services available that may be able to help you. These include: NHS 111 online or by phone. Local pharmacies. Urgent Treatment Centres. Your GP (including out-of-hours services). Choosing the most appropriate service helps ensure our ambulance crews are available for those who may need them most. East Midlands Ambulance Service News 26/05/2026

Officer's from East Leicester Police came across a vehicle parked fully on the pavement at the corner of Osborne Road & Stanhope Street today causing an obstruction. A traffic ticket was issued, meaning a fine for the driver, during the process of issuing the ticket, a male arrived claiming he wasn’t the driver but had keys to the vehicle. He was unable to prove ownership, stating that the vehicle had been loaned to him. The car keys were retained for safekeeping by the officer's while enquiries continued, shortly later, the registered owner appeared and was issued the ticket for the parking offence. Further checks on the male who had the keys through the immigration systems revealed he was an overstayer, and he was promptly arrested. Another example of proactive policing keeping our streets safe and accessible for everyone Picture credit - East Leicester Police

The charity – which receives no NHS funding – responded to 3460 emergencies across Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire Leicestershire and Rutland last year, and is currently launching many of its lifesaving missions from Coventry Airbase, which is scheduled to close in the summer of 2026. The Air Ambulance Service charity operates helicopter emergency medical services under the name “Your Local Air Ambulance” covering Warwickshire and Northamptonshire from Coventry Airport and covering Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland from Nottingham Heliport. It also operates the “National Children’s Air Ambulance”, a one-of-a-kind dedicated helicopter transfer service that has taken more than 1,200 critically ill babies and children to hospitals where they can receive the best care. To continue delivering emergency care to patients in critical situations, the charity is about to launch an appeal to ask the public to support a new base outside Catthorpe near the border between Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Northampton. The Air Ambulance Service Chief Executive Officer Peta Wilkinson explained: “A quarter of the UK population say they know someone that has been helped by an air ambulance*. But a mission doesn’t start when we take to the air – it starts with someone choosing to support their local air ambulance charity with a donation. “Until now we have always needed to use rented premises for our helicopters and rapid response vehicles, but this is no longer sustainable. We urgently need a permanent base that is owned by the charity so that we can secure our future and continue to provide care in the air in the fastest time possible. “This site in Catthorpe is perfect as it lies at the centre of the three counties, with superb access to the M1 and M6. Because of the vital nature of the project, we are investing substantially from our reserves but hope that we can count on the support of the communities we help.” Patients will benefit from: Faster response times thanks to the improved location. State-of-the-art facilities for crews to train and rest. Dedicated family-friendly spaces for aftercare and recovery support. A strengthened National Children’s Air Ambulance service to meet growing demand for paediatric transfers. Peta Wilkinson continued: “Businesses, organisations and individuals can all contribute in a variety of ways to what we are calling our “Big Bases Appeal”, but every penny will provide security for a service that any one of us may need one day.” For more information on the Big Bases Appeal and the build project, visit https://theairambulanceservice.org.uk/big-bases-appeal/ Written by Nadira Sultana

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward following a fatal collision in Braunstone Town yesterday evening (Monday 25 May). Police and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were called to Radford Drive shortly after 6pm following a collision involving a Yamaha R6 motorcycle. It was reported a fire had then started which set the motorcycle and a nearby parked car alight. The East Midlands Ambulance Service also attended the scene but the rider of the motorbike – a man in his 20s – was pronounced dead a short time later. A scene preservation was put in place and officers have been working alongside colleagues from the fire service today (Tuesday) to establish the circumstances of the incident. Anyone who saw the collision, or the vehicle travelling beforehand, or has CCTV or dashcam footage which may be relevant is asked to contact Leicestershire Police. You can pass on information by calling 101 and quoting reference 26*302301.