Dan Hunt

Two people suffered serious injuries in a three-vehicle crash involving two cars and a van on the southbound A1 near Fernwood, Nottinghamshire. A pregnant woman was taken to hospital as a precaution, while four other people were uninjured. Police appealed for witnesses and footage, and the road reopened at about 23:15 after officers treated the injured, investigated the collision and cleared a large oil spill.

Harper Dennis, 19, denies murdering De Montfort University student Khaleed Oladipo in Leicester on 3 February. Giving evidence, Dennis said Oladipo had persuaded him to send £6,000 and gave him a Rolex that proved counterfeit, causing their friendship to deteriorate. Dennis claimed Oladipo approached him with a knife, that he feared for his life, and that he picked up the knife during a struggle without intending to cause serious harm. Prosecutor Jane Osborne KC suggested Dennis had taken a knife out to settle their dispute and used a folding knife during the confrontation. Oladipo suffered six stab wounds, including one that penetrated his heart. Dennis also denies possessing a bladed article and failing to disclose his phone code; the trial is continuing.

Eighteen-year-old motorcyclist Alfie Ajai Stocks died six days after a collision with a car at the junction of the A6 and Temple Road in Matlock Bath. Derbyshire Police said the crash involved a red Aprilia RX 125 and a black Audi A1. The Audi driver, a 21-year-old woman from Chesterfield, was interviewed under caution on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and released under investigation while inquiries continue.

An inquest heard that campaigner Claire Lomas was enthusiastic about flying an adapted microlight in Jordan for an Apple-commissioned series when it crashed after landing on 15 July 2024. Witnesses said she had limited but meaningful flying experience, was considered a talented pilot, and chose to proceed despite concerns about her stress and the conditions. The crash caused severe traumatic injuries; after initially improving in hospital, Lomas contracted an infection and died on 22 August. Investigators heard there were no apparent weather or mechanical problems and that the camera mounted on the aircraft did not affect the flight. Lomas had raised nearly £1m for spinal injury research and disability-related causes, and the inquest is continuing.

An inquest heard that campaigner Claire Lomas was enthusiastic about flying an adapted microlight in Jordan for Adventure, an Apple-commissioned series filmed by Atlantic Productions. On 15 July 2024, her aircraft veered off the runway after landing and struck a rock. Lomas initially improved at a hospital in Jordan but later contracted an infection, deteriorated and died on 22 August from multiple severe traumatic injuries, according to the provisional cause of death. Witnesses said she had limited microlight experience but was considered a talented pilot, and that weather, mechanical faults and the mounted camera did not contribute to the crash. Lomas, who became paralysed after a 2007 horse-riding accident, raised nearly £1m for charity and completed the London Marathon in a ReWalk bionic suit. The inquest continues.

George Mason, a 74-year-old British man from Leicestershire with vascular dementia and vascular parkinsonism, has been ordered to leave Sweden despite living there for more than 20 years and receiving round-the-clock specialist care. Swedish authorities and courts rejected his residency applications and appeals, finding that removal was proportionate and that suitable care would be available in the UK. His family says the journey could cause a severe deterioration or kill him, and is raising funds to challenge the decision. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says it is supporting Mason and contacting Swedish authorities.

Four firefighters suffered heat-related injuries while tackling three wildfires in Leicestershire during the UK's hottest day of the year so far. The largest blaze, near Ibstock, affected about 10 hectares and required eight fire crews, while fires were also attended near Ratby and Swinford. One firefighter went to hospital for tests and was later discharged; none of the injuries was life-threatening.

Leicestershire Police have arrested another 17-year-old boy on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder in connection with the stabbing death of 24-year-old Arad Niakan in Leicester on 22 July. Four men have been charged with murder and a fifth with assisting an offender. Two other teenagers were also arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder, while several adults were released on bail or without further action.

A 35-year-old man was found with serious, life-threatening head injuries on Harlaxton Walk in St Ann’s, Nottingham, following a reported serious assault. Nottinghamshire Police launched an investigation, cordoned off the area, gathered evidence and conducted door-to-door inquiries. Officers are seeking information from the public to help identify the person responsible.

A woman in her 60s died after a crash between a blue Volkswagen Amarok pickup and a blue Hyundai i10 on the A607 Leicester Road near Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire. Police arrested a 65-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and driving while unfit through drink or drugs. A woman in her 30s, who was a passenger in the Hyundai, sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while the road remained closed and police appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Leicester City Council has earmarked £4m from the government’s Growing Places Fund for projects intended to improve the city centre. Proposed spending includes £1.3m for Market Place and The Lanes, £1.75m for potential land acquisition linked to the Midland Street regeneration scheme, and funding for lighting, public spaces, antisocial-behaviour hotspots, vacant premises, festivals and events. City mayor Peter Soulsby is due to decide on the allocation on 18 August.

People across the East Midlands observed the UK's fullest solar eclipse since 1999, with roughly 90% of the Sun obscured by the Moon depending on location. Residents gathered at viewing events and submitted photographs from across the region, while a passenger captured the eclipse from 35,000 feet.

John Pye, co-founder of John Pye & Sons auction house, has died aged 95. Founded with Ann Pye in Nottingham in 1968, the business grew from a small partnership using a horse and cart into a nationwide auction company with a site in Spain. The firm paid tribute to Pye’s determination, vision, larger-than-life character and lasting contribution.

East Midlands Railway plans to suspend several services on Wednesday and Thursday because of forecast extreme heat and a rare Met Office amber warning in parts of England. Sheffield-Liverpool services will stop on both days, while Nottingham-Worksop and Nottingham-Leicester services will be suspended from midday Thursday. EMR warned of reduced speeds, delays and short-notice changes, and advised essential travelers to travel before midday, check journeys, carry water and stay in shaded areas.

Nottinghamshire Police has warned people not to trespass inside the former Broadmarsh shopping centre after reports and social-media footage allegedly showed teenagers in the building. The site, owned by Homes England, is secured by patrols, CCTV and fencing and is due to be demolished as part of a redevelopment planned to include about 1,000 homes and up to 20,000 square metres of retail, office and community space. Police stressed that the deteriorating structure is especially dangerous during demolition, while Homes England said it was investigating the reported security breach.

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has stood down a major incident declared after sustained demand and reduced resources caused by multiple outdoor fires across the county. Crews responded to fires at Sherwood Pines, Strawberry Hill Heath in Rainworth, Meden Vale and Sneinton, while continuing to dampen down a major woodland blaze. The incidents occurred during an exceptionally dry spell, with July recorded as England and Wales’s driest July since Met Office records began. Residents were urged to take care when discarding cigarettes and avoid barbecues.

A man in his 40s was seriously injured in a stabbing on Shelford Rise in Nottingham. Nottinghamshire Police arrested a 14-year-old boy and a 13-year-old girl on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent. Police said the investigation was at an early stage, a cordon remained in place, and they believed the incident was isolated with no wider risk to the public.

A woman in her 40s died after a silver Vauxhall Astra, a silver Ford Kuga and an HGV collided on the northbound A42 slip road at junction 14 near Tonge, Leicestershire. A Kuga passenger suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital, while the HGV driver was uninjured. Police said the Astra had reportedly been travelling in the wrong direction before the crash and are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

Nurse Amy Cipriano says paddleboarding helped restore her mobility and improve her mental health after she was diagnosed with cauda equina syndrome in 2021. Despite requiring a crutch after further surgery in 2025, she can stand and move without mobility aids on the water. She and other volunteers have removed more than 100 tonnes of invasive floating pennywort from the River Soar in Leicestershire, using mainly manual labour. The Canal & River Trust warns that the weed can grow rapidly, deplete oxygen and impede water flow, while limited funding restricts mechanical removal.

East Midlands mayor Claire Ward has condemned East Midlands Railway's recent service disruption as unacceptable, following reliability and maintenance problems affecting its new Class 810 Aurora trains and older Class 222 fleet. EMR has reduced its timetable while working with Hitachi Rail and says the trains meet required safety standards. The RMT, which has been in dispute with EMR since April, is taking strike action and other industrial action, arguing that the Aurora trains have too many faults and should be withdrawn until they are fit for service. EMR says the rollout will continue in a controlled manner through 2026 and 2027.

Tandy L'Enfant, formerly the lead health and social care teacher at Joseph Whitaker School in Rainworth, has been banned indefinitely from teaching after a panel found that she altered pupils’ coursework, submitted unsupported grades, mishandled authentication forms and failed to retain students’ work securely. The Teaching Regulation Agency characterized the conduct as deliberate fraud and serious dishonesty affecting multiple pupils, classes and examination processes. L'Enfant expressed remorse and apologized, but she cannot apply to overturn the prohibition until June 2031 at the earliest.

The number of crews tackling the major Tintwistle Moor wildfire in Derbyshire is being reduced after drone footage and thermal imaging found no flames or hotspots in the Didsbury Intake sector. Resources are being redeployed to Featherbed Moss, Arnfield Moor and Crowden, where the fire remains active and containment is the priority. The blaze has burned an estimated 606 hectares, and the A628 Woodhead Pass has reopened with temporary traffic lights and delays expected between Tintwistle and Crowden.

Firefighters tackling the major blaze at Tintwistle Moor near Glossop reported no visible naked flames, although deep-seated heat remained in the peat and required continued monitoring to prevent reignition. The fire, which began on 24 June and led to a major incident declaration on 13 July, has burned an estimated 606 hectares. Crews have laid more than two kilometres of hose across difficult terrain, while the A628 Woodhead Pass is expected to remain closed because of fire-damaged trees and safety concerns. Changing winds and warmer temperatures could affect operations, and authorities said substantial work remains before the fire is fully extinguished and the area declared safe.

Temporary Leicestershire Chief Constable David Sandall, while off duty near a football match in Burbage, chased and arrested a 17-year-old who had threatened another teenage player with a large knife. A second 17-year-old had assaulted the victim. Both youths pleaded guilty at Leicester Youth Court and received youth referral and restraining orders, with additional costs, compensation and a knife deprivation order imposed. Sandall described the incident as traumatic and urged support and intervention for the teenagers.

Two walkers lost in poor visibility and bad weather on Kinder Scout in Derbyshire were rescued after making a broken emergency call at about 02:30 BST. Kinder Mountain Rescue Team deployed 25 volunteers, located the pair on an edge path, warmed them up and escorted them back to their vehicles. The four-hour operation took place in very wet and windy conditions.

East Midlands Railway has announced a significantly reduced timetable on 1, 8 and 15 August because of planned RMT strike action, with services limited to 07:00–19:00 and no replacement buses. The union is also taking action short of a strike on additional dates, citing safety concerns about faults in EMR’s Class 810 Aurora trains and the risks associated with resetting their systems. EMR says the trains passed all required testing and meet independent safety standards, and that it is continuing discussions with the RMT to resolve the dispute.

Jack Reape was sentenced to 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to causing death by dangerous driving and three counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. While disqualified and holding only an expired provisional licence, he drove a Citroen C3 into the path of a Mercedes CLK on the A426 in Cotesbach in December 2023. His 18-year-old passenger Chloe Pearson died, while her twin sister Abigale and others suffered serious injuries. Reape was also banned from driving for 12 years and must pass an extended test before driving again.

A 15-year-old passenger on a black off-road motorcycle was seriously injured in a collision with an orange Suzuki Swift near Catherine Street and Rearsby Road in Leicester. She remains in hospital, while the motorcycle rider and car driver were uninjured. Leicestershire Police are investigating and appealing for witnesses.

Firefighters have made significant progress tackling the major wildfire at Tintwistle Moor near Glossop, Derbyshire, which has burned an estimated 606 hectares since it began on 24 June. Around 65 firefighters, supported by partner agencies, continue damping down hotspots and extinguishing active fire across several sectors, although officials still describe the incident as complex and challenging. The A628 is expected to remain closed until at least Monday, while the public has been urged to avoid affected areas, obey road closures and not use barbecues or campfires on the moorland.

Mike and Shirley Savings, aged 66 and 64, died at the scene of a three-vehicle crash on the A1 near Tuxford, Nottinghamshire, while riding home from a trip to Scotland celebrating their 41st wedding anniversary. Their sons paid tribute to their parents’ enduring love and zest for life. Nottinghamshire Police are appealing for witnesses.

Emergency services responded to a three‑vehicle crash on Retford Road near Worksop, prompting a full road closure expected to remain in place for some time. Nottinghamshire Police urged the public to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

A computing teacher at Shirebrook Academy, Natalie Surr, was banned from teaching after failing to disclose a relationship with a registered sex offender and arranging for a vulnerable pupil to work alone at her property. A Teacher Regulation Agency report found she had concealed the relationship despite multiple opportunities to report it and had acted inappropriately by involving the student. Surr admitted unacceptable professional conduct, and the ban prevents her from working in education in England until at least 2029. The academy’s trust emphasised its commitment to safeguarding and noted she is no longer employed.

A police constable from Bedfordshire, Daniel Cartwright, has been charged with causing death by dangerous driving following a collision in Bramcote in which 16‑year‑old e‑bike rider Ryley Hutson died at the scene. He is scheduled to appear at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 6 August. Nottinghamshire Police noted the impact on the victim’s family and said they had been updated on the progress of the investigation.

A fire in Measham that began in a wheelie bin after a cigarette was improperly discarded spread to a house, garage and car, requiring three fire crews to respond. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the cigarette had not been fully extinguished and urged the public to ensure smoking materials are safely put out to prevent similar incidents, noting such fires are among the deadliest in the UK.

Rail workers represented by the RMT plan strikes at East Midlands Railway over concerns that new Class 810 Aurora trains are entering service with significant faults that can disable key safety systems. The union argues the trains should be withdrawn until operating properly, citing operational briefings warning of increased risks during resets. EMR and Hitachi Rail maintain the trains meet required safety standards but acknowledge reliability issues and are working on improvements while continuing the phased rollout.

A serious multi-vehicle crash closed the A52 in both directions east of Derby, with several vehicles reportedly overturned. National Highways warned the closure between the A5111 and the M1 would last for an extended period, with traffic trapped in the affected area. Derbyshire Police are leading the response with support from fire, ambulance, and air ambulance services.

A court issued three‑month closure orders on two Blaby mini‑marts after a BBC investigation linked them to convicted people smuggler Twana Jamal, prompting heightened community tensions and threats of disorder. Blaby District Council argued the closures were necessary for public protection following significant online hostility, while the shops’ legal representative denied Jamal had any involvement in their operation. Magistrates ruled closure was required on a balance of probability due to ongoing risks. Reports also detailed Jamal’s criminal history in France and disputed claims regarding his presence and activities in the UK.

Police identified 28-year-old Ervin Lita, also known as Ervin Axhami, as the man found seriously injured on Compton Road in Leicester and later pronounced dead. Two men arrested on suspicion of murder have been released on bail as inquiries continue, including CCTV review, forensic work and witness interviews. Detectives urged anyone with information or footage to come forward through a dedicated incident portal.

Police arrested two men on suspicion of murder after a man in his late twenties was found seriously injured and pronounced dead on Compton Road in Leicester. Emergency services responded early Sunday morning, and the suspects, aged 36 and 27, were detained later the same day. Investigators have opened a public portal for information, and the victim’s next of kin are receiving support as inquiries continue.

Stephane Hassiakos was sentenced to 20 years in prison for leading a large-scale cocaine importation operation linked to more than a tonne of drugs and millions of pounds of criminal proceeds. Evidence from the encrypted EncroChat platform enabled investigators to connect him to shipments and financial movements between 2019 and 2020, revealing his coordination of the operation from abroad. Prosecutors detailed his extensive network and logistics, while the defence argued he had ceased offending after mid‑2020. Authorities described the conviction as a major breakthrough against high‑level organised crime.

A car driver died two days after a collision between a Renault Laguna and a Massey Ferguson tractor in Thrussington, Leicestershire. Police said the crash occurred late on 26 June on Ratcliffe Road, injuring the driver and three passengers, with one passenger later discharged and two others sustaining minor injuries. Officers reported the vehicles were travelling in opposite directions and appealed for witnesses or dashcam footage to assist the investigation.

A man in his 20s is in critical condition after being stabbed in Market Harborough, prompting a police investigation that also identified a second injured man with serious hand and arm cuts. A 21-year-old suspect has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent, and a cordon remains in place. Police believe the incidents are linked and are appealing for witnesses and any relevant footage to assist the investigation.

Access to a river in Bradgate Park was closed after a sewage pipe burst, causing pollution. The Bradgate Park Trust warned visitors to keep children and pets away. Severn Trent said teams were working quickly to resolve the wastewater issue and would continue monitoring and repairs.

A planning application by Hallam Land Ltd proposes up to 825 homes, a primary school, sports pitches and a retail centre on agricultural land west of New Lubbesthorpe in Leicestershire. The plans include 25% affordable housing and accommodation for elderly residents, aiming to address local and Leicester-area housing needs. Blaby District Council will now assess the submission.

An experienced 22-year-old skydiver died near Langar Airfield in Nottinghamshire after emergency services responded on Sunday afternoon. Skydive Langar expressed condolences and is cooperating with authorities as police investigate the cause. No other injuries occurred, and a coroner’s file is being prepared.

Rolls-Royce will establish a £12m non-nuclear training and engineering centre in Derby to support development of small modular reactors for the UK and overseas projects. The Pioneer Works facility, expected to open in 2026, will create about 40 skilled jobs and support manufacturing and testing for future SMR deployment. Company leadership highlighted its role in advancing nuclear project delivery and workforce training, while local political support framed the development as a major economic opportunity. The centre will operate alongside existing SMR research facilities and follows a contract with Great British Energy to progress design work for the first UK SMR site at Wylfa in Wales.

A Derby builder, Michael Haslam, was jailed for fraudulent trading after taking £212,000 from customers for unfinished or unsafe home improvement work while running his insolvent business, M&J Builders Limited. Derby Crown Court heard that he continued accepting upfront payments despite a winding‑up order and left homeowners with dangerous structures. Investigations by the Insolvency Service found substantial improper withdrawals and transfers, including funds sent to his daughter. Haslam received a prison sentence of two years and four months and a 15‑year director ban, while victims described severe financial and emotional harm.

Chesterfield Borough Council is expected to approve a proposal by ALB Chesterfield Ltd to convert the upper floors of a former Marks & Spencer building into 40 flats. The project aims to attract single professionals, couples and young families by offering one- and two-bedroom units and studios in a central location with access to shops and transport. Developers say the plan will support first‑time buyers and strengthen the vitality of the town centre, following the 2022 closure of the M&S store and its replacement by a Tesco Express.

A £297m contract between National Highways and Skanska to upgrade the A46 Newark Bypass in Nottinghamshire has been cancelled, prompting concerns from local political figures about delays. The project, approved in 2025, includes widening the road, adding a flyover and bridge, and improving roundabouts, with design work already completed. National Highways plans to procure a new contractor, while local representatives press for clarity on timelines amid warnings of further delays.