With tributes and messages of support flooding in from across the country, the force has opened a book of condolence for former Chief Constable Simon Cole. Simon was sadly found dead at his home in Kibworth Harcourt, Leicestershire, on Wednesday morning (30 March). Simon, 55, recently retired from policing after 12 years as Chief of Leicestershire Police and after more than 30 years in uniform. From messages already received, it’s clear to see the impact that Simon’s service had on so many people – in policing, in the communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, and beyond. The book of condolence will bring together the tributes to Simon. A link is here. Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “I’d like to thank everyone who has contacted the force in different ways since finding out about Simon’s death. Your kind words are appreciated at this most challenging time. I know his family are grateful for the messages of support and condolence. I ask all, please, to continue to respect their privacy.” Simon’s family have asked that donations are made to Care of Police Survivors (COPS) in his name in lieu of flowers: Care of Police Survivors - Support for Bereaved Families | COPS UK (ukcops.org) Anyone wishing to send flowers is asked to send them to Leicestershire Police Force Headquarters, St Johns, Enderby.

Two men have been arrested following an incident in which a man was stabbed at a party in Leicester. Police were called at 11.38pm on Thursday (20 January) to a report of a stabbing at an address in Nixon Court, Putney Road. A man, in his twenties, sustained a single stab wound and was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical but stable condition. A cordon remains in place at the scene while a cordon placed on a car park nearby has since been lifted. Two men, both 22-years-old and from Slough, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and remain in police custody where he will be questioned by detectives. Detective Inspector Rob Arthur, from the force’s Complex Investigation team, said: “Our enquiries remain very much ongoing as the investigation progresses and despite this arrest we are still keen to speak to anyone who may have any information about what happened that we have not spoken to. “I would urge those people to make contact with us. The information you have could prove extremely valuable to our investigation so please contact us and tell us what you know.” Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or online via www.leics.police.uk quoting incident 725 of 20 January. Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers which is free and anonymous on 0800 555 111. 🔴 Updated News - Sunday 23/01/22 19:00 Two men, both 22-years-old and from Slough, arrested yesterday (Saturday 22 January) on suspicion of attempted murder have since been released on police bail pending further enquiries.

The Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Road Safety Partnership (LLRRSP) is supporting a three week National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) campaign, starting on Monday 7th February, to change driver behaviours and highlight the consequences of using a mobile phone whilst driving. Many drivers are concerned about illegal mobile phone use by other drivers and this has been the top driver concern in the RAC Report on Motoring for four of the last five years, While most people do not use their mobile phone whilst driving, there is a dangerous minority who do. Jonathan Clarkson, LLRRSP spokesperson said “We aren’t just asking people not to put a phone to their ear. We are seeing more drivers looking down to use a handheld phone to use social media apps, select music, check emails or texting while driving when they should be focussing on the road ahead.” “Driving while distracted impairs you to a similar degree to that of a drink driver, you are much less aware of what’s happening on the road around you, you may fail to see road signs, fail to maintain proper lane position and steady speed, are more likely to tailgate the vehicle in front, react more slowly and take longer to brake and you are four times more likely to have a collision.” Using a mobile phone while driving attracts 6 points and a £200 fine and even if you are using a mobile phone legally, if you are driving whilst not being in proper control of your vehicle you could face 3 points and £100 fine. Being stopped by Leicestershire Police isn’t the only way you can get caught for using your mobile phone whilst driving. Members of the public can submit any dashcam or GoPro footage they have captured as evidence that could be used to prosecute someone using a phone while driving to Leicestershire Police via: https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/rti/rti-b/report-a-road-traffic-incident/ Mobile phones and the law As well as increasing your risks of a collision you could face a £200 fine and six points if you use a hand-held phone when driving. Within your probationary period you’ll lose your licence. If it goes to court the fine can be up to £1000 and you could get disqualified from driving. If you kill someone you will face prison and will have to live with what you have done for the rest of your life. The police will check phone records when investigating a fatal collision or serious injury. The law still applies to you if you’re: stopped at traffic lights queuing in traffic supervising a learner driver Please remember that if you are distracted by your mobile phone or anything else whilst driving, driving whilst not being in proper control of your vehicle is also an offence attracting 3 points and £100 fine. Visit https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law for more information.

An appeal is being made for witnesses to come forward after a man was attacked on Devana Road, Leicester. The incident happened between 2.50pm and 3.05pm on Thursday 10 March. The victim – a man in his 20s – was approached by two men, who began punching and kicking him before leaving the area. The victim did not suffer serious injuries. PC Pushpa Keshvala, the investigating officer, said: “From enquiries carried out to date, I know there were people in Devana Road who were walking past when this incident happened. “I would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time, as I believe they may have information that could help. “What do you remember? What can you tell me? Anything you’re able to provide could assist my investigation.” You can pass on information by visiting https://www.leics.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/ and quoting reference 22*140212. Alternatively, call 101.

Officers investigating two separate reports of assault are appealing to speak to the man captured on CCTV. The incidents occurred in January in Leicester’s Victoria Park and on both occasions a woman was approached while walking through the park by a man and grabbed on the arm. Both women were able to safely get away from the area. Nothing was stolen and neither of them were injured. The first incident happened on Sunday 9 January around 7.30pm and the second on Friday 14 January at 9pm. PC Duncan Tebbatt said: “Since the incidents were initially reported, we have been carrying out extensive enquiries to establish the full circumstances of the incidents and we are looking to speak to the man in the CCTV as part of these enquiries. He may have information that could help with the investigation. “If you have any information, or you are the man pictured, then you should make contact with us.” You can report online at www.leics.police.uk or call 101 quoting incident 22*0016069.

Work is expected to begin on Wednesday 6th April on a package of road improvements in Hinckley which will mean smoother and more efficient journeys for motorists. Work is expected to begin on Wednesday 6th April on a package of road improvements in Hinckley which will mean smoother and more efficient journeys for motorists. The Leicestershire County Council scheme will focus in and around Rugby Road, an area which is a key link to the wider strategic road network and which currently suffers from significant congestion at peak times. Improvements will include changes to the signal junction with an additional lane on Hawley Road and Westfield Road. A left turn ban from Westfield Road is also proposed. At the Brookside junction with Rugby Road, the left turn lane will change to ahead and left and there will be an extra lane on the exit for a two-into-one merge. There will also be an information event, staffed by members of the construction team from LCC and the construction contractor, Eurovia, between 10am and 4.30 pm on Monday 4th April in the Hinckley Hub, Rugby Road, LE10 0FR. More information can be found about the scheme on this link

The County Flag will be flown at half-mast Following the sad news of the death of former Chief Constable Simon Cole QPM, leader of Leicestershire County Council, Nick Rushton, has issued a tribute. “I’m terribly shocked and saddened to learn of this awful news. Simon was the youngest ever Chief Constable appointed for Leicestershire and Rutland, as well as the longest serving. "We have lost an outstanding public servant whose mission in life was dedicated to making our communities stronger and safer. Our thoughts and prayers are with his Police colleagues and with his family at this sad time. “I have ordered the County flag to be flown at half-mast as a tribute to the life of Simon Cole QPM." Nick Rushton

Council preparing Easter holiday help for thousands of Leicestershire families struggling with the cost of living. The package includes food vouchers and access to free holiday clubs. Food vouchers and free holiday clubs will be made available over the Easter holidays for Leicestershire families facing huge rises in the cost of living. Vouchers worth £45 have been made available to parents and carers of some 14,000 children, who are eligible for free school meals, in Leicestershire to pay for food during the two-week break that starts on April 11. Families that qualify for free school meals can also sign their children up for free Easter holiday activities. Leicestershire County Council is administering the food voucher scheme, through schools, and the activities programme using dedicated Government funding. The council is working with Active Together (formerly Leicester-Shire & Rutland Sport) to run the Holidays Together Easter 2022 programme, offering a number of places to eligible primary and secondary school pupils across the county as part of the Government’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, funded by the Department for Education. Eligible children and young people (aged four to 16) can access up to four sessions in total during the Easter holidays – free of charge and are encouraged to do so by March 31. Families can sign up for activities by visiting the council's Holiday Activities and Food website. The holiday clubs involve helping young people learn new things, from sport to music, dance to drama, art to cooking and even gardening. Free, nutritious meals will also be provided. It’s clear many families are struggling with the soaring cost of living at the moment but there is help available. In the past holiday food vouchers have been offered at £15 a week but over Easter we have the funding to make more available so there will be £45 for a fortnight. This is important extra help. Deputy council leader and cabinet member for children and families councillor Deborah Taylor “We are so pleased to be able to offer Holidays Together to children and young people this Easter alongside our partner, Active Together. “This is a fantastic opportunity for young people to have fun while getting to grips with a host of new activities, enjoying time with their friends, eating healthy food and coming away with some new skills – all in a safe environment over the holidays.” A variety of activities are available this summer (scheme-dependent), including arts and crafts, role play, football, dance, athletics, gardening, cooking, den building and smoothie making. The council and Active Together are working with local schools, voluntary and community organisations, and childcare providers to host our Holidays Together HAF programme. Backed by a nationwide investment of over £200 million per year, the expanded HAF programme initially ran during Easter 2021 in all local areas and is also scheduled for 2022’s summer and Christmas holidays. Further details about the Holidays Together programme can be found on the Active Together website For more information on the national programme on the Government website

A FUND-RAISING concert to help support the people of Ukraine is to be held at De Montfort Hall. The event, called Leicester’s Concert for Ukraine, will take place on Sunday 8 May, starting at 4pm. It is being organised by Musical Village, a community of choirs in Leicester. Musical Village is led by soloist and vocal coach Lesia Smaditch, who has family connections to Ukraine. The concert will feature a vibrant celebration of Ukrainian dance and music by first, second and third generation Ukrainians from across the whole of the UK. Local personalities, professional performers, a massed choir, Curve theatre performers, Leicester Cathedral choristers, the EAGA Gospel choir and a variety of musicians will be involved in the event, with more acts to be announced soon. City Mayor Peter Soulsby has arranged for use of the Hall to be free of charge, to help support the group’s fund-raising efforts. Peter said: “Leicester stands united with the people of Ukraine. We will do all we can to support our local Ukrainian community. As part of this, I am pleased that we are able to offer the use of De Montfort Hall for a concert that promises to be very special, poignant and significant in helping to raise vital funds for Ukrainian people fleeing this humanitarian disaster. “This is a unique situation, which is why we have taken this unprecedented step to show our support. In Leicester, we have always provided sanctuary for those who need it and we are proud to offer our solidarity and stand with Ukraine through these dark times.” Organiser Lesia Smaditch said: “This disaster has affected so many innocent lives, and the suffering that we have seen on our screens is unimaginable. It has been overwhelming to see the support for Ukraine from so many people across the world, and now I would like to be part of Leicester’s message of support to Ukrainians wherever they may be. “This concert promises to be a powerful and uplifting family event of hope and reflection. I am so grateful to Leicester City Council for its generosity and now ask that as many people as possible from Leicester join with me and continue to show that #LeicesterStandsWithUkraine. “We are looking for singers to join a massed choir on stage and for performers to come forward or to reach out to their contacts to pass on the word. Thank you!” Please contact Lesia on 07873 254279 or email LC4U@musicalvillage.co.uk for more information if you are a singer or performer who would like to take part in the concert. Tickets for the concert will cost £20, with 100% of the money raised from ticket sales going to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal. De Montfort Hall will also be donating all bar profits from the evening to the cause. Tickets can be bought in person at De Montfort Hall, by phone on 0116 233 3111 or online at www.demontforthall.co.uk Leicester City council News

New trees have been planted in locations across a city neighbourhood as part of commemorations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The 11 trees, including varieties of hawthorn, cherry and birch, were put in place in a joint scheme involving the local Tenants and Residents Association and Leicester City Council. The work was carried out to replace trees which have been cut back or removed as part of recent neighbourhood improvement work in St Matthews, such as sprucing up communal courtyards, closing down unsafe alleyways, installing new streetlighting and railings and clearing away several old garages and bin stores. It also ties in with the national Queen’s Green Canopy initiative, to get communities across the UK to plant trees to mark the monarch’s record-breaking 70 years on the throne. Those involved in planting the trees included chair of St Matthews Tenants and Residents Association, Jean Williams MBE, along with local ward councillors, police, staff from the city council’s housing and parks team and City Mayor Peter Soulsby. Peter Soulsby said: “We were approached by the Tenants and Residents Association about putting in several trees across the community, both to replace those which had to be removed as part of the recent work to spruce up the area, and as part of wider commemorations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. “The mixture of small trees will be maintained by our parks staff, and will hopefully add to the street scene of St Matthews for many years to come.” Trees were planted at the junction of Christow Street and Manitoba Road, the corner of Christow Street and Ottawa Road, at Chester Close, between Manitoba Road and Kamloops Crescent, and near the junction of Taylor Road and Montreal Road. Smaller shrubs were also planted near the tenants’ office. St Matthews Tenants and Residents Association chair Jean Williams MBE added: “In St Matthews, we have had a long association with the royal family. Prince Phillip opened the Medical Centre on St Matthews and now with Queen’s Jubilee, what better way to celebrate than with this planting. "In St Matthews we have seen many positive changes – thanks to many volunteers and stakeholders who have played a key role in our success. "This tree planting was also to celebrate all the hard work people have put in to make St Matthews a better place to live."

This Morning 2 crews from Eastern fire station attended a bedroom fire on Humberstone Drive Leicester. Picture credit LFRS Upon arrival crews were met by the occupiers to state everyone was out and the fire was in the front bedroom. Crews using 2 breathing apparatus, 1 hose reel jet and 1 covering jet extinguished the fire that had been started by a Candle igniting an oil diffuser. The Occupants were alerted by a working smoke alarm which allowed them to get out of the property and call 999. Fire Safety Advice • Make sure candles and tea lights are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains, furniture etc. • Keep candles and divas away from draughts. • Never move a candle once it is lit. • Do not burn several candles close together as this might cause flaring (mainly with tea-lights). • Never put divas or candles on top of televisions or other plastic surfaces when alight. • Put candles out when you leave the room, and make sure they’re put out completely at night. • Keep children and pets away from lit candles. NEVER use a candle for a night light. more advice click here Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service Community Safety

Leicestershire Police ran a FATAL4 operation, targeting motorist’s speeding, not wearing seatbelts, using mobile phones and drink/drug driving, in Leicester this morning near Abbey Park Road. Plain clothed police personnel were out spotting drivers offending and they were made to pull into Abbey Park car park to be dealt with. This operation came in advance of the updated mobile phone laws which come into force this Saturday, the new rules ban drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, play games or scroll through music playlists. It is already against the law to use a hand-held device to send a text or make a call while driving unless it’s an emergency. It is also illegal to use a phone whilst stationary in traffic or at traffic lights, as this still counts as ‘driving’ The updated law now removes any doubt, if you’re holding a phone while driving, and that includes when you’re stopped at traffic lights or in a queue, you can be prosecuted. We are awaiting the results of this morning operation a update will appear here.