Gavin Bevis
BBC News

A politics lecturer from the University of Leicester has been defending herself after a newspaper suggested she was among a number of lecturers spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories about the White Helmets group in Syria.

Dr Tara McCormack confirmed she held the view that the humanitarian group had strong links to al-Qaeda but said this weekend's coverage in The Times, external had been an "outrageous smear job" on her and other members of The Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and the Media.

Gavin Bevis
BBC News

Three men and a boy have been arrested, external over an attempted robbery in Leicester's Rally Park.

Police said a 20-year-old man was kicked in the leg before the group tried to take his backpack.

The quartet - since released while investigations continue - ran away when a man and a woman nearby shouted at them.

Officers now hope to speak to this pair about the confrontation, which happened at about 18:10 on 3 April.

Image source, Google

BBC Nottingham Sport

Conditions are set fair at Old Trafford this morning.

With a full day's play, it's still possible to envisage a positive result coming from this contest.

Notts will need to have a good morning session with the ball though. You can keep up to date with the contest here.

Alex Thorp
BBC News

This is heartwarming - Grace Hutchinson crochets wigs for youngsters who have lost their hair through illness, like cancer or alopecia.

East Midlands Today

Tens of thousands of families across the East Midlands will find out today if their children have got into their first choice of primary schools.

More than nine in 10 will be getting good news but hundreds will still be offered a place at a school they didn't apply for.

Parents are being encouraged to get in touch as soon as possible if they're unhappy with the outcome.

Gavin Bevis
BBC News

Saturday's defeat to Burton Albion has left Derby County outside the Championship play-off places for the first time since November.

Rams defender Curtis Davies says the result means the remaining four games of the season are "make-or-break".

Derby face Middlesbrough and Cardiff at home followed by a trip to Aston Villa before their final game at home to Barnsley.

Gavin Bevis
BBC News

More than 150,000 people have now signed a petition calling on Walkers to make its crisp packaging recyclable.

Millions of packets are made at the firm's factory in Leicester each year and last week newspapers reported a 30-year-old bag had been found by a boy on a Cornish beach.

The company said it's committed to achieving 100% recyclable or biodegradable packaging by 2025.

Police sealed off the house after a neighbour reportedly found the couple in the property.

BBC Radio Nottingham

Nottinghamshire's chief constable has warned extra cash will be needed if police are to keep up with the rising problem of hi-tech crime.

Craig Guildford said there'll be almost 2,000 officers on duty, including part-time workers, after a recent recruitment drive, but resources would remain an issue.

He said: "I think the next big challenge around the corner is keeping up with the pace of technology.

"Crime's changing, society's changing. I think lots of cash has got to go into the technology side of the business to keep us up to pace."

Gavin Bevis
BBC News

An alleged robber suffered head injuries when the victim fought back with a hammer, external in Buxton.

Police said three men with their faces covered entered a property in Fairfield Road and threatened the occupant with a screwdriver.

Cash, mobile phones and a debit card were taken but the trio fled after the man used the hammer to hit one of the intruders on the shoulder and head.

Police have appealed for information about the 6 April raid.

Image source, Google

Alex Hamilton
BBC Weather

Here's how Monday is looking.

Gavin Bevis
BBC News

Good morning everyone and welcome to today's news, sport, travel and updates for the East Midlands.