High-visibility policing in East Leicester continues

There will be a significant police presence in East Leicester this weekend and into next week to reassure communities ahead of Diwali Day on Monday.

The last few weeks have seen calm on the streets of the city, with Navratri and the Diwali light switch on passing without incident, with celebrations being the main focus of everyone in attendance.

Sunday (23 October) sees another cricket match between India and Pakistan being played in Melbourne, Australia. There will be a high-visibility police presence in the city for this too, to ensure all remains calm.

Temporary Chief Constable Rob Nixon said: “I’d like to take this time to ask everyone to enjoy the Diwali celebrations – as they normally would.

“It’s a very special time for so many people in the communities of Leicester, and a very special time for the city and those celebrations should go ahead.

“There will be a high-visibility police presence in the area throughout Monday to ensure this is the case. Anyone thinking of causing trouble – please, don’t. We will be there to stop disorder breaking out.

“This is also the case on Sunday, following the cricket match. We recognise that there might be tensions around this result and will be on the streets, patrolling and offering reassurance to the community.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to ask – again – to not share unverified and unchecked information on social media. Misinformation has proven very destructive throughout.”

Anyone who needs to report and concerns can do so online - www.leics.police.uk under the East Leicester Disorder tab.

The Chief Constable added: “Meticulous efforts to investigate the disorder are progressing but not without challenges. The effort and care going in this work, as you would expect, is relentless.

“The team of detectives working on the reports of crimes are doing so around the clock, with more charges expected.” 

For some safety information around Diwali Day celebrations, please read: Force wishes everyone a happy and safe Diwali | Leicestershire Police (leics.police.uk)

Five more people have been arrested, with one charged. This takes the total number of arrests to 66:

• A 41-year-old man, from Birmingham, was arrested on 11 October on suspicion of grievous bodily harm following an incident on 18 September.
• A 22-year-old man, from Birmingham, was arrested on 13 October on suspicion of grievous bodily harm following an incident on 18 September.
• A 22-year-old man, from Birmingham, was arrested on 14 October on suspicion of grievous bodily harm following an incident on 18 September.

All three have been released on police bail.

• A 26-year-old man, from Leicester, was arrested on 19 October on suspicion of causing violent disorder on 4 September. He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue.
• A 17-year-old from Leicester was arrested on suspicion of possession of an offensive weapon and was subsequently charged with the offence. In relates to an offence on 6 September this year. He cannot be named for legal reasons.