Since December last year Police officers from North West Leicestershire have been conducting an operation which saw them visit 16 licensed premises across the area and test their compliance. Of those 16 premises four failed to check the identities of those purchasing alcohol. The failed premises were re-visited in January this year which resulted in one premises failing again. As a result of the last visit to the Metro Store in Marlborough Square, Coalville, a closure notice was issued prohibiting the premises from selling alcohol for seven days. The Metro Store abided by the closure and have worked closely with the police and local authority to ensure they comply in the future by implementing additional training for staff. Sergeant Jon Sharpe from North West Leicestershire Neighbourhood Policing Area (NPA), said: “These operations are very important to stop the sale of alcohol to underage children. They not only highlight our commitment to dealing with crime and anti social behaviour in the area but also educate licensees on their obligations. “We are pleased that the Metro Store is now fully compliant and we hope this continues. We will be carrying out further operations in the area over the coming months. “We would advise local businesses to ensure all staff are trained in the sale of alcohol and their responsibilities when checking identities. “We would like to thank North West Leicestershire District Council for their support during this operation and will work closely with them on future enforcement.” Leicestershire Police news release 15/03/22

Find out how you and your community can celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee. The traditional May bank holiday has be moved to the beginning of June in honour of the Jubilee weekend, creating an extra Bank Holiday 70 years of The Queen's reign The Queen came to the throne on 6 February 1952 and her coronation took place on 2 June 1953. She celebrated her Silver Jubilee (25 years) in 1977, her Golden Jubilee (50 years) in 2002 and her Diamond Jubilee (60 years) in 2012. Never before has a British monarch celebrated 70 years on the throne, with Queen Victoria’s reign being the second longest at 63 years Find out how you and your community can celebrate Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee: Events in Leicester and Leicestershire Planning an event or street party? Tell us about your event Platinum Jubilee events map Beacon lighting Thursday 2 June Apply for funding How schools, colleges, and universities can get involved Primary school art competition Community and business awards 70 at 70 – Platinum Jubilee Garden Party Plant a tree for the Jubilee National events Watch royal jubilee celebrations online You can download, print, and display this A3 poster in your workplace or public place to let others know how they can get involved: Events in Leicester and Leicestershire Platinum Jubilee weekend, which runs from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 June, will be filled with exciting events, but 2022 should be a year of celebration for the whole country. In Leicestershire, communities, civic groups, emergency services, schools, colleges and universities, and businesses can come together to celebrate the historic milestone by holding street parties, tea parties, concerts, community fetes, carnivals and parades, barbeques, religious services, open gardens or litter picks. Funding is available for certain types of events. Check to see if you could apply for funding for your event. Planning an event or street party? Register your event To close a street or road to traffic, you must complete sections 3 and 4 of the event registration form. All fees associated with the legal application have been waived for Queen’s Jubilee events and the application time reduced to 6 weeks. The deadline to submit your application for a road closure is Friday 15 April 2022. Leicestershire County Council News

On Friday 11 March 2022, Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service (LFRS) hosted an awards night to highlight and celebrate examples of excellence from across the Service. Attendees joined together to celebrate the successes of their colleagues at the King Power Stadium, as 120 nominations were narrowed down to 12 winners over 11 categories. Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, Callum Faint said: “The awards evening was an important opportunity to recognise the amazing work carried out every day by individuals and teams across the Service. “We received 120 nominations this year, all of which were of a high quality. I was extremely proud to read about the difference our staff have made for the benefit of our communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those nominated for their excellent work and clear commitment to demonstrating our values of professional, positive and honest. “Congratulations to everyone who was nominated and indeed to those who won – you are all a credit to the Service.” The winners for the evening were: Team of the Year Award – Eastern Fire Station Excellence in Innovation Award – Jon Summers (Crew Manager, Wigston Fire Station) Community Champion Award – Harshad Saujani (Community Safety Educator) Outstanding Personal Achievement Award – Ange Hickenbotham (Crew Manager, Fire Control) Employees’ Choice Award – Deborah Fairclough (Receptionist, Service Information Team) and Kashmir Nijjar (Kash) (Cleaner, Service Headquarters) Unsung Hero of the Year Award – Luke Mallard (Firefighter, Wigston On-Call) Outstanding Contribution to the Service Award – Raj Dard (Firefighter, Birstall Fire Station) Excellence in Valuing Diversity & Inclusion Award – Craig Hallam (Watch Manager, Western Fire Station) Operational Excellence Award – Phil Woodman (Watch Manager, Central Fire Station/Ashby Fire Station) Inspiring Resilience Award – Rachel Canfield (Service Information Team Administrator) Excellence in Leadership Award – Mark Edwards (Senior Instructor, Learning and Development) Callum added: “On behalf of Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service, I would like to give a special mention and thank you to all of our sponsors for making this evening possible.” Sponsors for the evening were: Emergency One Motorola Solutions MSA – The Safety Company Reality in Virtual Reality (RiVR)

Youngsters helped Lord Lieutenant Mike Kapur and county council chairman Dan Harrison plant the specimens School children have helped plant two cherry trees at Leicestershire County Council’s headquarters to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The pair of Sakura cherry trees are a new addition at County Hall in Glenfield. They were planted by Leicestershire County Council chairman Councillor Dan Harrison, Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire Mike Kapur and pupils from nearby The Hall School. The tree planting was part of the Queen’s Green Canopy campaign, a scheme which hopes to inspire everyone, from families and business to community groups and local councils, to play a part in enhancing the environment. The initiative encourages planting trees sustainably to leave a legacy for future generations. Mr Kapur said: “It is an honour for me to plant a tree at County Hall to mark this historic occasion and to leave a legacy - the perfect tribute to Her Majesty’s service to the country for seven decades. Samuel Walker, co-Headteacher at The Hall School, said, “The pupils were thrilled to be part of this event and I’m sure it will remain in their memories for years to come. "We have many more events planned back in school to ensure all children can celebrate this important moment in history." The county council has a plan to help plant 700,000 trees - one for every county resident - as part of its own ambitious strategy over the next decade. Anyone wishing to start planning to plant their own tree for the Jubilee, can find out how on the council's visit the council’s Platinum Jubilee webpage. The website also contains planting advice, information about how to get trees through free and affordable tree schemes and how else you can get involved in local Platinum Jubilee celebrations. Leicestershire County council News 14/03/22

Two men today (Tuesday 15 March) have been found guilty of murdering a man who was found seriously injured in the boot of a car. Renaldo Baptiste, 35 and Jeffrey Carew, 22 were both convicted following a trial at Leicester Crown Court spanning several weeks. A third man, 25-year-old Jurrat Khan, was found guilty of manslaughter. In the early hours of 12 April last year, patrol officers, who were attending a different incident, saw a red Vauxhall Astra being driven at speed and in an erratic manner on Brighton Road. Images by Leicester Media - LM News Having their suspicions about the occupants of the vehicle, they pursued the driver who ran off but was later identified as Khan. Following a foot chase, Khan was detained nearby and the keys to the Astra were found in the pocket of a jacket he had thrown away. When officers opened the boot, they found 47-year-old Anand Parmar unconscious inside and administered first aid to him. Mr Parmar had suffered serious head and chest injuries and was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham. Sadly, despite the best efforts of all involved, he died later that morning. Following his death, Khan – of Wakerley Road in Leicester but known as “Lutes” due to his connections to Luton, was further arrested and an investigation led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) Major Crime Team, began. As enquiries progressed, it was established that Baptiste, of Marsh Close in Leicester – and known as “Chops” – and Carew, also of Marsh Close in Leicester – known as “Gunner” – had been involved. Detectives spoke to a person known to Mr Parmar, who said they had both picked up Khan in the Astra on the night of Sunday 11 April. Mr Parmar had then parked in Andrewes Street in Leicester a short time later when the front driver’s side window was smashed with an unknown object. The person said they were then hit on the head with a bottle by Carew before managing to run from the area on foot. Baptiste was present and appeared to be directing Carew. The Astra and another car – a silver Vauxhall Meriva which had also gone to Andrewes Street – were then driven off. On the evening of 12 April, a grey Seat Ibiza linked to Baptiste was seen by patrol officers in the area of Narborough Road in Leicester. It initially failed to stop, but did so in Sanvey Gate a short time later. The driver – Baptiste – was arrested. While both men were in custody, enquiries to establish the whereabouts of Carew continued. Information obtained indicated that he may have travelled to Wales and after information was shared with Gwent Police he was arrested in the early hours of Thursday 15 April. At a previous court hearing, both Baptiste and Carew also pleaded guilty to possession of a class A drug with intent to supply, while Carew also pleaded guilty of one count of common assault, which related to the person being hit with a glass bottle. Detective Chief Inspector Tony Yarwood, from EMSOU, was the senior investigating officer. He said: “This was a very complex investigation that required resources from both Leicestershire Police and the wider East Midlands region. Together, working as one, we were able to bring all three men to justice. “All three men are extremely dangerous individuals and I am pleased they have been convicted of this horrific crime. “I would like to highlight the outstanding work of uniformed colleagues, who noticed something was awry in the early hours of 12 April when they first saw the red Astra. “Knowing they had to take action, they stopped the vehicle and – after arresting Khan – found Mr Parmar inside. Their quick thinking meant that when enquiries were passed to the Murder Investigation Team (MIT), we already had a series of events to build upon. “I would also like to thank the prosecution counsel – James House QC, Daren Samat and CPS lawyer Hitesh Keshvala for their help, support and hard work in ensuring those responsible have been convicted. “My deepest condolences remain with Mr Parmar’s family and while the outcome of this trial will not bring him back, I hope it provides a degree of closure.” Baptiste, Carew and Khan will be sentenced at Leicester Crown Court on Friday 13 May. A fourth man, aged 35, was charged with assisting an offender but was found not guilty following the trial.

Police are currently dealing with a road traffic collision in the City Centre. Humberstone Gate at its junction of Charles Street is closed. A police cordon remains in place around a bus.  Please avoid the area if possible, Disruption to bus services are expected for some time. We have contacted Leicestershire police for more details. A police spokesperson said. “Police were called at 1:30pm to a report of Road Traffic collision on Humberstone Gate involving a bus and a pedestrian.” “The pedestrian a male has been taken to hospital with possible life changing injuries.“ The road has now been reopened. #LeicsPolice #HumberstoneGate 

From 4am 18 March no-one entering the UK will need to take tests or complete a Passenger Locator Form (PLF) Remaining managed hotel quarantine capacity will be fully stood down from the end of March, putting the UK as one of the first major economies to end all COVID-19 international travel rules Contingency plans put in place to manage any future variants of concern (VoCs) The Government will remove the remaining restrictions on international travel for all passengers ahead of the Easter Holidays, the Transport Secretary announced today (Monday, 14 March). As one of the first major economies to remove all its remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, this is a landmark moment for passengers and the travel and aviation sector. From 4am Friday 18 March, all COVID-19 travel restrictions will be lifted, including the Passenger Locator Form (PLF) for arrivals into UK, as well as all tests for passengers who do not qualify as vaccinated. This change therefore removes the need for unvaccinated passengers to take a pre-departure test and a Day 2 post arrival test. This step reflects the decisions taken by the Government, as set out in the Living with COVID-19 plan, and the success of the UK’s vaccine and booster rollout, with 86% of the population having received a second dose, and 67% of the population with a booster or third dose. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “The UK is leading the world in removing all remaining COVID-19 travel restrictions, and today’s announcement is a testament to the hard work everyone in this country has put in place to roll out the vaccine and protect each other. “I said we wouldn’t keep travel measures in place for any longer than necessary, which we’re delivering on today - providing more welcome news and greater freedom for travellers ahead of the Easter holidays. “I look forward to continuing to work with the travel sector and partners around the world to keep international travel moving.” Health and Social Care Secretary Sajid Javid said: “As we learn to live with Covid, we’re taking further steps to open up international travel once again ahead of the Easter holidays. “We will continue monitoring and tracking potential new variants, and keep a reserve of measures which can be rapidly deployed if needed to keep us safe. “We can remove these final restrictions thanks to the incredible success of our vaccination programme which has seen more than 8 out of 10 adults across the UK boosted." To ensure the protection of public health the Government will maintain a range of contingency measures in reserve, which, should the need arise, would enable it to take swift and proportionate action to delay any future harmful variants of COVID-19 entering the UK. In future, the Government’s default approach will be to use the least stringent measures, if appropriate, to minimise the impact on travel as far as possible – given the high personal, economic and international costs border measures can have – and the contingency measures will only be implemented in extreme circumstances. Given the current state of the pandemic and a move towards global travel volumes returning to normal, the remaining managed hotel quarantine capacity will be fully stood down from the end of March. Tim Alderslade, Chief Executive of Airlines UK said: “Today’s announcement sends a clear message to the world – the UK travel sector is back. With travellers returning to the UK no longer burdened by unnecessary forms and testing requirements, we can now look forward to the return to pre-Covid normality throughout the travel experience. We’re grateful for the timing of the announcement as we prepare to welcome back passengers this Easter and Summer, for which we know there is huge pent-up demand, and for the UK’s leadership in being the first major aviation market to remove all remaining restrictions. The time to return to the skies - to enjoy all that makes aviation and international travel great, for families and businesses - is now.” Karen Dee, Chief Executive of Airport Operators Association said: “A return to restriction-free travel is good news for passengers and should allow for aviation to take significant steps towards recovery. People should feel encouraged to book their long-awaited holidays, trips to see relatives and friends abroad they haven’t seen for a long time and travel to rekindle business ties with other countries.” Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “Two years after the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, today’s announcement marks international travel finally returning to normal. The removal of passenger locator forms and testing regimes means that customers can at long last enjoy hassle-free travel, just like they did before the pandemic. With Easter just around the corner and Summer fast approaching, this announcement comes at the perfect time. Since restrictions started to be eased at the beginning of the year, we have experienced strong, sustained demand and the complete removal of forms and requirements will boost that demand even further.” Additionally, the UKHSA will continue to closely monitor the prevalence and spread of harmful variants and keep international data under review. While there will be no border health measures on arrival in the UK from 18 March, other countries are at different stages in the pandemic and many still require passengers to comply with requirements. Travellers should continue to check GOV.UK travel guidance including Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice to keep up to date with other countries’ entry requirements. Passengers are also encouraged to carefully check booking conditions for flexibility in amending bookings prior to buying tickets. People will continue to be able to access their vaccine and recovery records through the NHS COVID Pass to use when travelling overseas.

A man, who helped an East Midlands gang smuggle millions of pounds worth of drugs into the country from the Netherlands, has been jailed. In September last year, following an investigation by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), we revealed 22 members of the organised crime group had been jailed for more than 200 years between them for the parts they played in class A and B drug conspiracies between 2017 and 2018. A recent trial at Leicester Crown Court examined the role played by Frederikus Prosman in the illicit operation. The 51-year-old concealed class A and B drugs inside an internal fake side of a Ford van as he transported it over the Channel by ferry, then drove it to stash houses across England, including in the West Midlands, London, Liverpool, Slough and Halifax. Prosman was in cahoots with gang boss Ardeep Takhar, aged 45 and formerly of Staveley Road in Leicester, who was jailed for 29 years in 2020 for controlling the importation and onward distribution of the drugs. The EMSOU investigation found Prosman came to the UK 46 times in 2017, using the same grey Ford Connect van on the ferry from Rotterdam into Hull. Evidence linked him to the seizure of 35kg of cocaine, which was recovered along with 100kg of ketamine from one of the gang’s stash houses in Willenhall, Wolverhampton, in December 2017. Later that same month he was stopped in his van by UK Border Force at King George Docks in Hull, having disembarked the Pride of Rotterdam ferry. A search of the vehicle revealed 26kg of cannabis hidden behind wooden side panels, which were released with a custom made pulley system. A notepad containing a phone number linked to Takhar’s gang was also recovered. Prosman pleaded guilty to importing class B drugs and was sentenced to two years in jail before being deported. Officers extradited him from The Netherlands in 2021 to face justice for the 10 trips he had made to Willenhall, as well as his supplies to other drug importers across the country throughout 2017. The Dutch citizen was also found to have met another of his cocaine customers, Philip Sheward, in Purfleet, Essex, in August and October 2017. But before the EMSOU investigation concluded, Sheward was found in possession of 21kg of cocaine by the Metropolitan Police in June the following year. He was convicted of possession with intent to supply cocaine and money laundering and was jailed for 15-and-a-half years. He was latterly arrested as part of the EMSOU operation and charged. On Friday (11 March), following a trial at Leicester Crown Court, both men were sentenced for their further offending. Frederikus Dirk Huermanus Prosman, formerly of Den Haag in The Netherlands, was found guilty of three counts of conspiracy to import cocaine and pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import cannabis, throughout 2017. He was jailed for 22 years. Philip Sheward, formerly of Candover Road in Hornchurch, Havering, was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to import cocaine between July and October 2017, and one count of supplying cocaine between July and December 2017. His Honour Judge Brown described Sheward as an utterly remorseful drug trafficker, and jailed him for 20 years. That brings the tally to over 250 years imprisonment for those convicted under the EMSOU operation. Detective Constable Gary Sumpter said: “Under Operation Buster we have taken out a significant organised crime group with reach across a large proportion of the country. It cannot be underestimated how many people will have been safeguarded by capping off such a major supply route of highly potent substances. “The two men jailed today were arrested during our enquiries and were heavily involved inthe importation of harmful drugs into the UK. “In a 12-month period, Prosman had used his converted van to bring hundreds of kilos of cocaine and other drugs from over the Channel. Sheward was a valued customer and offered him the means to insert these drugs into our communities. “Together, they have contributed to causing untold damage though gang violence, addiction and drug dependency-related crime. “We’ll be using the Proceeds of Crime Act to seize any criminal gains, to ensure neither of them benefit from a single penny they made through drugs.” Leicestershire Police News 14/03/2022

Detectives are appealing for drivers with dashcams to come forward following a report of a serious sexual assault. The victim, a woman in her 20s, was on Horsefair Street between 5am and 5.45am on Sunday (6 March) when she got into a vehicle. She was then subjected to a sexual assault at an unknown location. Detective Inspector Mike Chandler said: “I am particularly keen for drivers who were driving around the area of Horsefair Street, Bowling Green Street and Belvoir Street on Sunday morning to come forward. “If you have a dashcam in your vehicle, then I would like to speak to you. I would also like to speak to any businesses in the area with CCTV. “Any information you have, no matter how insignificant you think it is, could help.” 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*131141 Alternatively call 101. On Thursday (10 March) a 28-year-old man was arrested in connection with the incident. He has since been released on police bail. 🔴 Updates News Sunday 13/03/22 A 27-year-old man was arrested on Saturday evening (12 March) in connection with the incident and has since been released on police bail while the investigation continues. Detective Inspector Mike Chandler said: “I’d like to put a plea out to any taxi drivers who were in the area, with or without dashcams, who may have seen our victim. “Anyone in the area of Horsefair Street, Bowling Green Street and Belvoir Street on Sunday morning, I’m very keen to hear from you.

Leicestershire Fire and rescue are currently at a industrial fire in Beaumont Leys. 6 pumps, 3 special appliances and 3 officers are currently fighting a blaze in a industrial oven. The fire service were called at 11:51 this morning. EMAS, East Midlands ambulance and Police are also in attendance. We have no reports of any injuries at this time. More to follow. #LFRS #LeicsPolice #HoodsClose

Everyone wants to do their bit to support those who have been forced to flee their homes because of the invasion. Here is how you can help. #StandWithUkraine Financial donations If you want to donate money, there are a number of charities providing humanitarian relief in Ukraine. Donate to the Disasters Emergency Committee Ukraine Appeal The UK Government matched, pound-for-pound, £25 million of public donations to this appeal. Make your donation safely There are lots of organisations across the UK and internationally who have launched appeals, and you may wish to donate through these organisations instead. There are some simple steps you can take to ensure your money is safe and being used effectively: Check the charity’s name and registration number using the search the charity register tool Most charities with an income of £5,000 or more must be registered, which means they are regulated by The Charity Commission Make sure the charity is genuine before giving any financial information If in doubt, ask the charity or organisation for more information Donating essential supplies One of the best ways to help is by donating cash through trusted charities and aid organisations, rather than donating goods. Cash can be transferred quickly to areas where it is needed and individuals and aid organisations can use it to buy what is most needed. Unsolicited donations of goods, although well-meant, can obstruct supply chains and delay more urgent life-saving assistance from getting through. Organisations across the UK are gathering essential supplies, such as clothes, first aid and sanitary products. Many charities and community groups will have lists of items they need. Charities with experience of responding to disasters are best placed to reach victims on the ground. Apply to be a sponsor The government will be launching a new sponsorship scheme to make sure that Ukrainians who have been forced to flee their homes have a route to safety. The scheme will match people, charities, businesses and community groups to Ukrainians who do not have family ties to the UK. Details of the scheme and how you can apply will be published shortly by the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. Social media - staying safe online The UK Government, Ukrainian Government and others have been sharing messages of support on social media using the hashtag #StandForUkraine Take care what you share! There is a lot of false information about the conflict circulating online – this is often called misinformation and disinformation. You can do your part to stop the spread: Ask yourself – does this look right? Does this sound right? Does this information come from a source I recognise? The SHARE checklist can help you decide if information can be trusted, before you interact with or share it on your social media channels Cyber security The National Cyber Security Centre is not aware of any specific cyber threats to the UK in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. However we strongly encourage organisations and citizens to follow NCSC guidance on steps to take when the cyber threat is heightened. Visit the Cyber Aware website where you find practical steps and tools to help keep you, your family or business more secure online. UK Gov News - All content used under the Open Government Licence v3.0 Last updated 5 March 2022

Police are appealing for information after a puppy was stolen from a car in Sharnford. A four-month-old Cocker Spaniel dog called Fudge was stolen from the car park of Fosse Meadows Country Park at around 9.45am yesterday morning (9 February). The owner left Fudge locked in the car for a matter of minutes and when he returned, the rear windscreen of his black Vauxhall Astra had been smashed and the dog had been stolen from his crate. PC Michael Payne is investigating the incident and is asking for anyone with information to get in touch. He said: “As expected Fudge’s owners are absolutely devastated that he has been taken and are desperate for his return. “As part of our investigation, I would like to appeal to anyone who has any information about this theft to get in touch. We know that the park is busy at this time of day with dog walkers so we are hoping that someone may have been seen something connected to this incident and will contact us with the information they have.” Anyone with information can contact police on 101 or online at www.leics.police.uk quoting 22*79856. 🔴 Updated News 14/02/2022 The Puppy reported stolen has been sadly found deceased. A puppy reported stolen from a car park at Fosse Meadows Country Park has sadly been found deceased. Fudge, a four-month-old Cocker Spaniel, was stolen when the rear windscreen of his owner’s black Vauxhall Astra was smashed at around 9.45am on Wednesday morning (9 Feb). Fudge was stolen from his crate inside the car. Enquiries were carried out to try and locate Fudge. Sadly, yesterday (Sunday), police were informed by a member of the public that Fudge had been found deceased in an outside area in Gilmorton. Fudge’s owners have been informed. Sergeant Jess Harper said: “This is heartbreaking news and our investigation remains ongoing to establish the full circumstances and find out exactly what happened to Fudge. “We have been speaking with Fudge’s owners who are, as expected, absolutely devastated. “We continue to appeal to anyone who has any information to get in touch with us.