Local reassurance continuing following national protests

Leicestershire Police continue to thank all the communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for working with them to ensure that this week has been peaceful.

Chief Superintendent Jonny Starbuck said: “Over recent days we have continued to engage and meet with representatives from all our diverse communities, to speak openly about community concerns and also how we can work together to maintain harmony in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland. I really value the time that people from all communities have given to us, to represent the independent views of the people we police.

“We continue to appeal to everyone – please do not share information that may be false. There is a lot of false information circulating on social media pertaining to events or misinformation about crimes and it is vital that we do not give this fake news any traction.

“We have been made aware of a possible gathering tomorrow (Saturday 10 August) in the city. We would very much like to engage with organisers to ensure that we can facilitate a peaceful and safe event so I would like to appeal for any organisers to come and speak to us.”

Leicestershire Police has specialist resources on duty to respond to any concerns or potential criminality if necessary.

Officers are continuing to assess information that is being provided to police and an appropriate policing plan is in place to ensure both the public and officers are kept safe.

This means that the public may see increased policing presence in many communities. Please do walk over and speak with our officers and share any concerns you may have.

Below is an update on arrests over the last week:

• On Saturday 3 August a man was arrested for breach of the peace but was later de-arrested and left the area. Another man, aged 24, was arrested for public order offences and was later released on bail
• Cherice Gregory, 35, of Portmore Close in Beaumont Leys was arrested in Leicester city centre shortly after 10.30pm on Saturday. She appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 5 August and was remanded in custody. She is next due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ court on 24 September
• Kieran Fawcett, 34, of Segrave Drive, Bushby was charged with two counts of persistently making use of public communication network to cause annoyance/inconvenience/anxiety and one count of giving a false alarm of fire to a person acting on behalf of a fire and rescue authority. He appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Monday 5 August. The charge relates to a telephone call made via 999 on Friday (2 August). He was bailed and is next due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on 2 September
• Mario Valente, 57, of Sanvey Gate was charged with racially/religiously aggravated intentional harassment/alarm distress – words/writing and using threatening/abusive/insulting words/behaviour to cause harassment/alarm/distress. He appeared at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday 6 August. He was remanded in custody and is next due to appear at Leicester Crown Court on 23 September
• Mark Heath, 45, of Kestrel Road in Oakham was charged with publishing written material to stir up racial hatred. He appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court today. He was remanded and is due to appear at Crown Court on Tuesday 13 August