Sonia Kataria

Nottinghamshire Police confirmed that a suspicious item found near Chesterfield Canal and Raglan Road in Retford was a replica grenade and training device. Roads were closed and a cordon was established as a precaution, although police said there was no threat to the public. The device was safely removed and the roads reopened.

Visitors to the Peak District have been warned not to light campfires or use barbecues after firefighters extinguished 15 campfires and three disposable barbecues in the Snake Pass area near Glossop. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said tinder-dry conditions mean a single spark could trigger another wildfire. The warning follows the Tintwistle Moor fire, which burned 606 hectares and led to a major incident, as well as earlier fires near Snake Pass Summit and campfires near Ladybower Reservoir. Open fires are banned in the Peak District countryside, with fines of up to £1,000 in areas covered by public spaces protection orders.

Ketton Library in Rutland will close from 17 August to 2 September 2026 for essential maintenance. Borrowed books will receive automatic date extensions, but returns will not be accepted during the closure. External work may continue for up to two weeks after reopening, potentially affecting access and parking. Users can visit libraries in Oakham, Uppingham and Ryhall during the closure.

A 50-hour wildlife recording event at Rutland Water Nature Reserve identified 22 species not previously recorded there, including a giant willow sawfly, a nationally scarce dimpled marsh beetle and five moth species. The event recorded 937 species and raised the reserve’s overall total to 4,836 during its 50th-anniversary year. Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust attributed the increase to a wilder, more diverse habitat, while experts highlighted the importance of protected open spaces amid habitat fragmentation, urban expansion and a warming climate.

Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest planted more than 80,000 trees across 60 hectares at 47 sites during its second planting season, adding to the 47,000 trees planted the previous year. The Derbyshire County Council-led, government-funded initiative includes schools, farms and heritage sites, with major projects at Brownhouse Farm and Sudbury Hall. The council says the planting will support biodiversity, farming, landscape improvement and community green spaces, while planning is under way for a third season and further participation from landowners, businesses and community groups.

Thousands of people attended Nottingham’s 29th Notts Pride celebration, whose theme was “bolder and brighter.” The free East Midlands festival included its traditional march through the city centre, an expanded family area, performance stages in Sneinton Market and activities in the new Rainbow Quarter. Organisers said the event promotes visibility, education, equality and inclusion while challenging discrimination against LGBTQ+ people.

Four people arrested in connection with a murder investigation in Leicester have been released on bail. The arrests followed the death of a man in his 20s who was found with significant chest and stomach injuries after flagging down a police car on London Road. Six men aged 18 to 33 remain in custody on suspicion of murder, while a post-mortem confirmed the victim suffered multiple injuries, including three stab wounds. Police believe the stabbing occurred in De Montfort Place and are appealing for witnesses, particularly drivers who were in the area between 22:30 and 23:00.

Darren Thompson, a recovering alcoholic from Hinckley, Leicestershire, used £9,000 saved by quitting alcohol to attend every England match at the World Cup in the United States and Mexico. He described the 35-day trip as the fulfilment of a childhood dream, highlighting England’s 3–2 win over Mexico, while acknowledging the challenge of remaining sober around drinking fans. Thompson continues to receive support for his recovery and hopes his experience will encourage others struggling with alcohol addiction.

Around 25 residents evacuated after a former factory building partially collapsed on Wharf Street South in Leicester will not be able to return home until emergency demolition and safety work is completed. One person suffered minor injuries from falling debris, while roads remain closed. Leicester City Council expects the work to finish by Tuesday 28 July and says residents may return by midweek once specialists confirm there is no further risk to public safety. The cause of the collapse remains unknown, although police have ruled out an explosion; Severn Trent Water reported a major internal leak at the disused building before the incident.

A Leicester arts venue operated by the charity behind the Leicester Comedy Festival was repossessed after failing to pay rent amid wider financial problems. The Big Difference Company has faced cashflow issues that left hundreds of comedians unpaid for performances, with staff discovering a repossession notice on the venue’s doors. Performers expressed frustration over delayed payments and lack of transparency, while the organisation said it was working to secure funds. A planned summer festival was also cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Industry leaders warned that inadequate funding threatens grassroots comedy, as the government said it is engaging with the sector.

Police in Nottinghamshire arrested five people in two separate cuckooing investigations in Sutton-in-Ashfield and safeguarded two vulnerable victims. One victim was reportedly forced to take drugs and live in poor conditions after homeless individuals took over his home, while another case involved a group of men accused of occupying a property. Arrests were made on suspicion of offences including slavery, trafficking, burglary and drug crimes, with all suspects released on conditional bail. Officers seized cannabis and implemented safeguarding measures, emphasising ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable residents from exploitation.

Fire crews have withdrawn from Tintwistle Moor in Derbyshire after a wildfire burned about 200 hectares, with on‑site teams now managing remaining hot spots. Authorities reopened part of the Pennine Way and advised the public to avoid affected areas while safety work continues. With a potential heatwave approaching, officials urged visitors to take precautions due to heightened wildfire risk.

A week-long wildfire on Tintwistle Moor burned about 200 hectares and forced closure of part of the Pennine Way for helicopter operations. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service reports significant progress, with crews managing hotspots and focusing on remaining active areas. The route has now reopened, though visitors are urged to avoid campfires and barbecues as hot weather increases wildfire risk. Multiple recent wildfires in the Peak District and ongoing high temperatures have raised concern about further incidents.

A major wildfire on Tintwistle Moor that affected about 200 hectares forced a section of the Pennine Way between Crowden and Black Hill to close for a week to allow helicopter operations. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service said crews managed hotspots and faced difficult conditions but reported strong progress, enabling the route to reopen. Fire services and partner organisations continue monitoring the area as high temperatures and the risk of further wildfires persist.