Liam Barnes

A section of the A17 near Coddington, Nottinghamshire, was closed in both directions after a car collided with a lorry. A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, and Nottinghamshire Police advised motorists to use alternative routes while investigations continued.

Police searching for the body of Gary Piatek, who was last seen in Leicester in April 2024, have searched a property on Holbeach Road in Spalding, Lincolnshire. No arrests were made, and previous searches in Leicester found no remains. Eight people have been charged in connection with Piatek’s suspected death, including Yosif Ibrahim and Omed Firuzman, who face murder charges and are due to stand trial in October. The other defendants face charges including assisting an offender, handling criminal property and fraud.

Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder following the fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Arad Niakan in De Montfort Place, Leicester, on 22 July. Both remain in police custody. Four men have already been charged with murder, while a fifth has been charged with assisting an offender.

An inquest heard that 35-year-old David Loch died in his cell at HMP Lowdham Grange on 6 April 2025, ten days after being transferred from HMP Full Sutton. A forensic pathologist said two strains of synthetic cannabinoid, commonly known as Spice, were found in his system and caused his death. The court also heard that some required checks were not completed, although it was unclear whether timely checks could have enabled life-saving treatment. The inquest is continuing.

HMP Lowdham Grange experienced severe operational and safety problems after management transferred from Serco to Sodexo in February 2023, including staffing shortages, inadequate welfare checks, drug use and multiple prisoner deaths. Inquests identified failings in the care of several inmates, while families and a coroner raised continuing concerns about possible criminal investigations. The Ministry of Justice took temporary control in late 2023 and assumed permanent control the following year. Inspections have since found considerable improvements, supported by investment and changes to healthcare provision, but longstanding problems, lockdowns caused by staff shortages and concerns about prisoner safety remain.

Big Difference Company, the operator of Leicester Comedy Festival, has become insolvent and ceased trading after facing rising costs, funding difficulties and wider pressures in live comedy. The collapse follows reports that hundreds of performers were unpaid after the 2026 festival and that the charity-managed Big Difference arts venue was repossessed over unpaid rent and insurance. Former founder Geoff Rowe, staff and industry bodies expressed anger and concern for those owed money, while Equity and the Live Comedy Association are supporting affected comedians, including through a £30,000 crowdfunding campaign. Leicester City Council said it would work with promoters, venues and other stakeholders to stage an interim festival programme in 2027 and seek a sustainable long-term operator.

A large hay bale fire near Thringstone in Leicestershire forced the closure of Swannymote Road and damaged overhead electricity lines. Fire crews from several stations attended, while National Grid worked to reconnect power and local farmers assisted with equipment. Residents were advised to keep doors and windows closed to avoid smoke inhalation.

Emergency services responded to a fire at Aylestone Meadows in Leicester at about 17:00 BST on Monday, with crews remaining on site the following day to damp down the area. Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze was believed to have been deliberately started, while Leicestershire Police appealed for witnesses and information about suspicious activity. Officials also warned the public to take extra care with barbecues, cigarettes, bonfires and other potential sources of ignition during hot, dry weather.

Thousands of people are expected at Nottingham’s 29th annual Notts Pride celebrations, featuring a march from Lister Gate through the city centre to Sneinton. The event will be held under the theme “bolder and brighter,” with an expanded family area and activities extending into Sneinton Market and the Rainbow Quarter. Nottingham City Transport expects diversions on several city-centre bus routes between approximately 11:00 and 15:30.

A coroner concluded that the death of 87-year-old Beryl Barrett, who fell when her walking frame became stuck in a defect on Church Street in Warsop, was accidental but contributed to by the fall. Concerns were raised about the processes used by Nottinghamshire County Council and Via East Midlands to assess and triage road defect reports, prompting the coroner to issue a prevention of future deaths report. Evidence showed inspections had missed a defect at a pedestrian crossing, and officials cited high demand and rapid deterioration of road conditions. The coroner highlighted risks to vulnerable pedestrians and noted gaps in national guidelines, while the council said it would review policies once formal recommendations are received.

A four-year-old girl, Olive Farrow, died shortly after being struck by a car in Gotham, Nottinghamshire. Her family issued a tribute describing her vibrant personality and close bond with her brothers. A vigil is being held at St Lawrence's Church. Police have arrested and bailed a 59-year-old man on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving while urging the public to avoid speculation as investigations continue.

A £1.5m fundraising campaign led by Nottingham Hospitals Charity has enabled major improvements at Hayward House palliative care unit, including a new entrance and upgrades to the garden. The Swift family, long-time supporters whose annual Christmas lights displays raised £179,000, officially opened the new entrance. Staff and donors highlighted the positive impact the enhancements will have on patients and families.

Police are investigating after a man in his 80s was found dead at the scene of a single‑vehicle motorcycle crash on Charley Road in Shepshed. The road was closed while emergency services responded and later reopened. Investigators are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage to understand the circumstances leading up to the collision, with the motorcycle travelling toward Copt Oak at the time.

Redevelopment of the Trent Bridge Members' Pavilion is progressing toward full completion next season, following partial demolition and extension approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council. Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club chief executive Richard Kenyon said fans have already used the new seating and praised the enhanced features, with full opening expected ahead of next summer’s Ashes Test. Recent matches at the ground included safety measures for heatwave conditions and coincided with Ben Stokes’ announcement stepping back from international cricket.

An inquest heard that inmate Raymond Wallace died at HMP Lowdham Grange in January 2025 after synthetic cannabinoids were found to be the probable cause of death, with heart disease contributing. Wallace had a history of drug use and previously failed a drug test. Police found Spice-related items in his cell but detected no suspicious activity. Prison officials described significant drug problems at the time but noted improvements since the Ministry of Justice took over operations.