Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Leicester police warn trouble-makers from ruining Diwali celebrations, promise 'swift action'

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon also asked people to not share rumour or speculation or misinformation as we know it can cause so much harm.

Leicester police warn trouble-makers from ruining Diwali celebrations, promise 'swift action'

Leicester police have warned trouble-makers to stay away from Diwali celebrations in the city and added that officers were briefed to take 'strict actions' against perpetrators. 

Last week, Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon wished everyone a Happy Diwali and urged for peace during celebrations in the city.


"My message to everyone is that we want the celebrations to continue as normal. It is a matter of great importance to me that our communities feel safe as they begin Diwali. September has been a challenging month for many of us in Leicester but I am delighted that the Navratri celebrations went well, and we have not let a small minority ruin what is important to us in this great city," Nixon said in his message.

He revealed that there will be increased policing operation in the city, adding that drones will also be deployed.

"We will be deploying our drones to support with capturing crowd movements and aid us to respond quickly to any potential disorder," he said.

The police had on Friday (7) ordered a ban of setting off fireworks and sparklers in public places, which can result in a fine of up to £5,000 or a prison sentence.

The region over and around the Cossington Park in Belgrave was declared No Drone Zone on October 9 and 10 (2pmto 2am) - as well as on October 24 and 25.

Nixon added: "I am asking people to please not share rumour or speculation or misinformation as we know it can cause so much harm. We will be continuing to monitor social media channels and correcting fake news where possible but I reiterate my plea to ask people to not share information that they don’t know is true.

"For those that may consider causing trouble in Leicester I would urge you not to get involved. We have a significant number of officers out and they are briefed to take swift action."

Report anything suspicious to us on 101 or online. If a crime is in progress or life is in danger call 999, officers said.

The city has witnessed communal clashes in the past few weeks between small sections of the Hindu and Muslim communities. As many as 55 people were arrested so far in connection with these incidents.

Meanwhile, 40,000 people have attened the switch-on of lights event to mark Diwali in Leicester, one of the largest events held outside India, on Sunday (9).

Live entertainment as part of the celebrations started in the evening and the switch-on of 6,000 lights took place at 19:30, reports said.

"It's always a special night in Leicester when we switch on our Diwali lights. Tonight was spectacular. Thank you to everyone, especially the University of Leicester, who made tonight such a success," Jonathan Ashworth, Labour MP for Leicester South, wrote on Twitter.

Police said that due to a 'visible but reassuring presence' of officers no untoward incidents were reported during the event.

More For You

Modi & Trump

Donald Trump and Narendra Modi shake hands as they attend a joint press conference at the White House on February 13, 2025.

Reuters

Trump greets Modi on 75th birthday, trade talks continue in Delhi

Highlights:

  • Both leaders reaffirm commitment to India-US partnership
  • Trade talks resume in New Delhi amid tariff tensions
  • India defends purchase of discounted Russian oil

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump on Tuesday called Indian prime minister Narendra Modi and greeted him ahead of his 75th birthday. The phone call sparked hopes of a reset in India-US ties, which had been under strain after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent.

Keep ReadingShow less
uk weather

Forecasters say 30–40mm of rain is likely to fall widely

iStock

Met Office issues yellow weather warnings as heavy rain threatens flooding in 15 UK areas

Highlights:

  • Two yellow weather warnings issued for parts of Wales and the Midlands
  • Up to 70mm of rain expected, bringing risk of flooding, power cuts and travel delays
  • Flood alerts in place for rivers in Cumbria, Devon, Cornwall and Carmarthenshire
  • Residents advised to prepare emergency kits and stay updated with forecasts

Heavy rainfall set to cause disruption

The Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings covering parts of Wales and the Midlands today, with forecasters warning of potential flooding, travel disruption and power cuts. Between 6am and 11am, persistent downpours are expected to sweep eastwards, bringing nearly a month’s worth of rain in just a few hours.

Areas under warning

South and southwest Wales are expected to be worst affected, with Ceredigion, Conwy, Gwynedd and Powys in the Midlands also on alert. In Wales, warnings apply to Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Neath Port Talbot, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Keep ReadingShow less
​Donald Trump and Melania Trump

Donald Trump and Melania Trump exit Air Force One after arriving at London Stansted Airport for a state visit on September 16, 2025 in Stansted, Essex.

Getty Images

UK rolls out royal welcome as Trump begins second state visit

Highlights:

  • Trump begins his second state visit to the UK with a royal welcome at Windsor Castle
  • Prince William, Catherine, King Charles and Queen Camilla take part in ceremony
  • State banquet and trade talks with prime minister Keir Starmer scheduled
  • Protests and security operation mark visit amid political challenges

US PRESIDENT Donald Trump began his unprecedented second state visit to Britain on Wednesday with a lavish welcome from King Charles and the royal family at Windsor Castle.

Keep ReadingShow less
11th UK Gatka Championship

All winners received medals and trophies

UK Parliament

11th UK Gatka Championship ends with Welsh debut and £1,000 support for Gatka Akharas

Highlights:

  • The 11th UK National Gatka Championship was hosted near Cardiff, marking the first time in Wales.
  • Winners included Roop Kaur (girls), Navjot Singh (boys), and Gurdeep Singh (men’s).
  • Gatka Federation UK awarded £1,000 to each participating Akhara to support martial arts promotion.
  • Chief guests included MP Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi and Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation.

Gatka Championship marks Welsh debut

The 11th UK National Gatka Championship concluded on a high note near Cardiff, Wales, showcasing the traditional Sikh martial art with flair. Seven leading Gatka Akharas participated, thrilling spectators with their lightning-fast strikes, precision moves and elegant techniques.

Inauguration by global leaders

The tournament was inaugurated by Harjeet Singh Grewal, President of the World Gatka Federation (WGF) and the National Gatka Association of India (NGAI). He was joined by Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi MP, President of Gatka Federation UK, alongside other dignitaries including Jagbir Singh Jagga Chakar, President of Wales Kabaddi Club, and community leaders from the Haveli Hotel Pontyclun.

Keep ReadingShow less
Vantara

The site, located in Gujarat, houses hundreds of elephants, as well as 50 bears, 160 tigers, 200 lions, 250 leopards, and 900 crocodiles. (Photo: Instagram/Vantara)

India court probe clears Ambani family’s animal centre

AN INDIAN Supreme Court-ordered investigation has cleared a large private animal facility run by the son of Asia’s richest man, rejecting allegations of wildlife violations.

Vantara, described as the “world’s biggest wild animal rescue centre,” is operated by Anant Ambani, son of Reliance Industries chairman Mukesh Ambani.

Keep ReadingShow less