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- Man pleads not guilty to woman's murder
- Puppy stolen during viewing
- Swimmers take on ocean challenge
- Teen hospitalised after assault
- Toys R Us announce final closing dates
- Updates on Thursday 12 April 2018
Live Reporting
By Calum McKenzie and Amy Woodfield
All times stated are UK
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Murderer killed again despite 'warnings'
Caroline Lowbridge
BBC News
A man says his wife would still be alive if officials had heeded warnings about a convicted murderer.
Read moreSevere disruption: M42 Warwickshire southbound
M42 Warwickshire southbound severe disruption, between J10 for A5 and J9 for M6 Toll.
M42 Warwickshire - One lane closed on M42 southbound between J10, A5 (Tamworth) and J9, M6 Toll (Curdworth), because of emergency repairs.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Our live coverage
Dedicated live coverage on this page has now ended for Thursday, but some news, sport and travel will continue to be posted automatically overnight.
East Midlands Live returns from 08:00 tomorrow morning.
Cyanide spillage had 'no major environmental impact'
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
An investigation into a cyanide spillage that leaked into a pond in Heanor has found no sign of major pollution or impact to wildlife.
Some of the chemical leaked into Adam's Pond at Shipley Country Park in February.
The Environment Agency has said it used a dye to trace the source of the pollutant - this has turned some of the water green.
Visitors are being told not to be alarmed by the colour as it poses no risk to visitors or wildlife.
Severe accident: M1 Leicestershire southbound
M1 Leicestershire southbound severe accident, between J23 for A512 and J22 for A50.
M1 Leicestershire - Slow traffic and one lane closed on M1 southbound between J23, A512 (Loughborough) and J22, A50 (Coalville), because of an accident.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Man in court following assault
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
A 28-year-old man is due in court tomorrow after being charged with attempted robbery and GBH in Nottingham.
It follows an assault on Shakespeare Street in the city on Tuesday. A second man who was also arrested has been released under investigation.
Significant increase in car thefts
Jeremy Ball
Social affairs correspondent, BBC East Midlands Today
A new key-cloning scam has led to a spike in car thefts in Leicestershire.
Police have said dozens of cars have been stolen in the county by criminals breaking into the vehicle's computer system.
Other thieves are using scanners to access key fobs in people's homes.
Leicestershire Police said it is "extremely concerned". The force believes some vehicles are being "stolen to order" while others are taken just for "joy riding".
One vehicle involved in A38 crash
Lisa Teanby
Newsreader, BBC Radio Derby
Derbyshire Police, the fire and rescue service and an ambulance are all at the scene of a crash on the A38 at Little Eaton Island.
We've been told it involves a single vehicle but there is no news on any injuries.
The southbound carriageway is closed from Markeaton to Kingsway. It is also closed from Little Eaton Island, including the slip roads coming on to it at Palm Court and Queensway from Kedleston Road.
This is what delays are looking like in the city centre.
'Avoid' scene of A38 crash
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
Police have posted this message for motorists following a crash on the A38 southbound near Little Eaton.
Two arrested in firearm raids
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
Ammunition, drugs and cash have been found at a property in Nottingham.
Police raided three properties yesterday morning following recent firearm discharges in the Bestwood area.
The suspicious items were found in Wendling Gardens. A 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing ammunition, cannabis and criminal property.
Both have since been released.
Loughborough experts looking for dust in the Arctic
Christian Hill
BBC Radio Leicester Reporter
Four researchers from Loughborough University are flying to Greenland to set up a series of dust traps.
The team wants to measure the impact of dust on Arctic ecosystems.
They'll fly to Kangerlussuaq and live in a nearby research station for a fortnight while they install the traps.
Some of the dust has been trapped in the ice for centuries, but has recently been released by the melting west Greenland ice sheet.
Project leader Professor Joanna Bullard said: "The aim is to learn just how much dust there is, what it’s made of and where it gets deposited.
“There is now considerable evidence that dust stimulates microbiological activity on the surface of the Greenland ice sheet."
Conman who targeted grieving families has jail term cut
Calum McKenzie
BBC News
A conman, who posed as a private investigator claiming he could find the facts about loved ones' deaths abroad, has had his jail term lowered.
Simon Delow, 49, of Gloucester, was jailed for 10 years for fraud last year, but a judge at the Court of Appeal has cut the sentence to six years.
Delow targeted the family of Claire Martin, who died of stab wounds in Italy in 2012. The local authorities decided it was suicide.
Her parents Ray and Pat, from Sutton-in-Ashfield, rejected this claim and told the BBC they were contacted by Delow, who called himself Simon D'Gresser.
The Martins could not afford to pay Delow, but others handed over thousands, to end up with nothing more than a report of fabricated leads.
Notts County boss Nolan keen to sign Barton
Notts County manager Kevin Nolan wants to sign former Newcastle team-mate Joey Barton in the summer.
Read moreMan denies murdering woman at Derby home
Sobhia Tabasim Khan was found dead inside her home in the Normanton area of Derby.
Read moreMissing girl last seen leaving school
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
This 15-year old girl has been reported missing from her home in Derby.
Derbyshire Police say Sophie Tunnicliffe was last seen leaving the Bemrose School on Uttoxeter New Road at the end of the school day on Tuesday.
Crash closes A38 at Markeaton
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
This crash could cause some delays around Derby this afternoon.
Severe accident: A38 Derbyshire southbound
A38 Derbyshire southbound severe accident, between A52 Ashbourne Road and A5111 Kingsway affecting A6 Duffield Road.
A38 Derbyshire - A38 Kingsway in Derby closed and queuing traffic southbound between Markeaton Island and Kingsway Island, because of an accident. Diversion in operation - via local routes. Congestion to Palm Court Island.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Cricket: Division One title up for grabs, says Moores
Gary Smee
BBC Sport
Nottinghamshire head coach Peter Moores believes there is not much to separate the eight counties in Division One of the County Championship.
The Trent Bridge-based outfit begin the 2018 season on Friday against Lancashire, having won promotion from Division Two last season.
"All the teams in Division One are very strong," Moores told BBC Radio Nottingham.
"Only eight [sides] in the first division means that, even if you're playing well, it's hard to get in a position of safety right until the end.
"You're targeting to be in the top three or four going into the second half of the season, so you can have a real push at trying to win it.
"To do that, I think the first five games are big, it's important to get some wins in that and we are going to have to play some good cricket."
Speedway: Lions hopeful of completing first meeting
Owynn Palmer-Atkin
BBC Radio Leicester Sport
Leicester Lions are hopeful of completing their first full meeting of the season tonight, when they travel to face Swindon.
Despite the season starting three weeks ago, the Lions still haven't been able to finish a fixtures.
The first two meetings were postponed due to the weather, and last nigh'ts race with Rye House was abandoned after eight heats because of the poor conditions.
The Lions will be at full strength with the inclusion of Michael Palm Toft for their trip to Swindon tonight. The first heat starts at 19:30.
NHS Tracker: Check key targets in your area
Use our tracker to check whether your local services are meeting strict waiting-time targets for cancer, routine operations and A&E.
Read more'Ploggers' take to the streets of Leicestershire
Hayden Pott
BBC Radio Leicester Producer
One of the first plogging events in Leicestershire this week was a "huge success". Plogging, which is popular in Scandinavia, is the term for picking up litter whilst jogging.
Chemistry lecturer Nicola Jennings from Loughborough University organised the event around the town after taking part in previous events in Staffordshire. During the two mile run, the group collected four bags of rubbish.
Following on from her first plog, Nicola is hoping to set up further events across the county in May, when she hopes the weather will be better.
Police probe into jewellery theft
Calum McKenzie
BBC News
Police have released this CCTV picture of a woman they would like to speak to after jewellery was taken from a shop.
Derbyshire Police said a bracelet was taken from a stand at Hurst's of Ripley at around 09:25 on Tuesday 3 April.
Man pleads not guilty to woman's murder
Calum McKenzie
BBC News
A man has pleaded not guilty to murdering a woman whose body was found at a house in Derby.
Sobhia Tabasim Khan, 37, was found dead inside her home in Pear Tree Crescent, Normanton, last May.
The trial of Atual Mustafa, 36, is due to begin at Derby Crown Court on Friday.
Puppy stolen during viewing
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
This nine-week-old Yorkshire Terrier/Biewer Terrier cross puppy has been stolen from the Aspley area of Nottingham.
The puppy had been advertised for sale online but during a viewing on 3 April a woman is believed to have taken it while the owner was distracted.
She had attended the viewing, on Hilcot Drive, with a man and a child. Police would like to hear from anyone with information about the theft.
Severe disruption: M1 Derbyshire northbound
M1 Derbyshire northbound severe disruption, between J29 for A617 and J29a for Markham Lane Markham Vale.
M1 Derbyshire - One lane closed on M1 northbound between J29, A617 (Chesterfield) and J29a, Markham (Markham Vale), because of a broken down vehicle. Traffic is coping well.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Leicester in 10 worst A&Es for waits
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
The waiting time at Leicester's Accident and Emergency Unit is the eighth worst in England according to new figures.
Hospitals are meant to see 95% of patients in four hours but in Leicester only 77.6% are seen within this time.
Overall the 2017/18 figures are the worst-ever recorded by the NHS since annual performance records began in 2004.
The head of NHS Improvement said hospitals were facing a "mammoth" task coping with rising numbers of patients, particularly the sickest that need to be admitted on to wards.
Corbyn meets students to launch bus policy
Calum McKenzie
BBC News
Jeremy Corbyn has met students at Littleover Community School, in Derby, to talk about his free bus travel policy.
Mr Corbyn said under a Labour government people aged under 25 would get free bus travel in areas where the services are brought under public control.
He told sixth form students the scheme would cost £1.4bn over five years.
However, the Conservatives said it is, "another promise from Labour that they have no real ability to deliver".
Severe accident: M1 Derbyshire southbound
M1 Derbyshire southbound severe accident, between J30 for A616 and J29a for Markham Lane Markham Vale.
M1 Derbyshire - One lane closed on M1 southbound between J30, A616 (Worksop) and J29a, Markham (Markham Vale), because of an accident. Traffic is coping well.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
'Buried' shopping centre pub to reopen?
Claire passes halfway on 'bionic' marathon challenge
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
Claire Lomas is now on day five of her Manchester Marathon challenge.
The paralysed woman from Melton Mowbray is raising money for The Nicholls Spinal Injury Foundation by walking the 26-mile route in a "bionic" suit.
She started the attempt on Sunday and is now over halfway - keep going Claire!
Village meeting over shop closures
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
A meeting is being held in Ruddington to discuss what can be done to secure the future of its high street.
The meeting was called by the parish council chairman following the sudden closure of a greengrocer's that had been trading for 60 years.
Sally Pickard runs Phoenix Flowers on Ruddington High Street and told the BBC there have been "quite a few" shop closures in the village recently but the greengrocer's was "a huge shock".
She said it's "tough" for small shops that have to compete with the supermarkets and the internet.
Oakham cardiac arrest survivor hopes to set world record
Andy Trigg
BBC Radio Leicester reporter
A woman from Oakham is hoping to enter the Guinness World Records this summer by being part of the largest gathering of cardiac arrest survivors.
Ingrid Gradner suffered a cardiac arrest 18 months ago at the age of 41 when she collapsed in the street.
She was saved by a passer-by who gave her CPR.
The trauma left Ingrid with depression.
A Guinness World Record attempt is being held in Essex in June. Ingrid hopes she'll inspire others from Leicestershire and Rutland to join her.
Severe disruption: M69 Leicestershire northbound
M69 Leicestershire northbound severe disruption, between J2 for B4669 and M1 J21.
M69 Leicestershire - One lane closed on M69 northbound between J2, B4669 (Burbage) and M1 J21, Leicester, because of a broken down vehicle. Traffic is coping well.
To report traffic and travel incidents dial 0330 123 0184 at any time
Man, 74, dies after car hits wall
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
A 74-year-old man has died after his car crashed in Mansfield yesterday.
Clive Blinkhorn was taken to Kings Mill hospital after colliding with a wall on Sutton Road at about 06:30.
Deporting foreign offenders cost £7.7m
Amy Orton
Local Democracy Reporter
Referring foreign national offenders in Leicestershire to the Home Office for deportation cost the criminal justice system around £7.7m last year.
Foreign national offenders are classed as any offender who is not a UK citizen. Their offences could have been committed overseas or in the UK.
Under freedom of movement rules, background checks are not currently carried out on EU nationals who come to the UK.
During 2017, 110 offenders who passed through Leicestershire Police custody suites were referred to the Home Office. The Office for National Statistics estimates the cost of dealing with such criminals to be about £70,000 per offender.
Swimmers take on ocean challenge
New book features Leicestershire and Rutland prison farms
Jonathan Lampon
BBC Radio Leicester News Editor
Author Hannah Wright has released a book about her experiences growing up and living on a prison farm.
Twenty years ago the prison service was the third largest farming operation in the country.
In her book, Outside Time, Hannah reveals how inmates grew and ate healthy produce, tended to livestock and crops and gained valuable social and professional skills.
There were prison farms in Leicestershire and Rutland. Ashwell prison had pigs, cattle, cereals, potatoes, vegetables, glasshouses and forestry.
In Leicestershire, Gartree had beef cattle and Glen Parva a large market garden.
Rain ruins university cricket match
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
I can't say I'm too surprised.
Schools 'should offer lessons about abortion'
Calum McKenzie
BBC News
Pupils should be given information about abortion at school, a teacher from Derby has said.
Jennifer Marchant told the National Education Union's (ATL section) annual conference that teachers were in a position to give pupils information about what is legal.
"This is about giving students information so they can make their decisions," Ms Marchant said.
"Many students come from backgrounds where either [abortion] is not discussed at home or discussed incorrectly.
"We are educators first and foremost and we need to make sure students have got the best, accurate information possible so they can make their choice."
CCTV appeal following sexual assault
Amy Woodfield
BBC News
Police investigating a report of sexual assault in Leicester city centre are appealing for help to identify the man seen in this CCTV footage.
The assault is said to have happened in the early hours of Saturday 17 February. Police believe this man could have information to assist their investigation.