Sonia Kataria
BBC News

A Leicestershire MP has been told that the parole case files of a double child-killer were "unlikely to be included" in the 400,000 police records accidentally deleted last week.

Colin Pitchfork was given life sentences in 1988 for the rape and murder of 15-year-olds Lynda Mann and Dawn Ashworth, in Leicestershire.

Alberto Costa MP, who is the MP for South Leicestershire where the murders occurred, said he was "pleased" to have been given assurances from the policing minister.

Image source, Leicestershire Police

Pitchfork, who is at an open prison, was last denied parole in 2018, which is due to be reviewed in March after it was postponed in November.

Mr Costa said: "The majority of the records in question relate to those who were arrested and then subsequently released, so it would appear unlikely that anything pertaining to Pitchfork would be included here, but I am grateful that the minister will be writing to me to confirm this accordingly.

"It was important to ensure that none of this information was included in the human error that accidentally erased police records last week."

Pitchfork was the first person to be convicted using DNA fingerprinting, pioneered by Sir Alec Jeffreys at the University of Leicester.

Image source, UK Parliament

BBC Weather

Heavy rain is expected across the region for most of the morning, with the Met Office issuing two weather warnings as Storm Christoph approaches.

An amber warning for rain was issued for between 06:00 to 12:00 today, and a yellow warning has been in place since midnight until 12:00.

Up to 70mm is expected to fall, but in isolated spots, particularly in the northern Peak District.

There will be highs of 12C during the day, and blustery outbreaks of rain can be expected overnight, with lows of 8C expected.

Image source, Met Office

Jonathan Brooks is charged with the attempted murder of Graeme Perks, who was attacked in his home.

Annie Hall died after getting out of her car when it became stranded in flood water.

RSPCA inspector Keith Ellis says he has not seen anything like it in his 40-year career.

The latest news, sport, travel and weather for the East Midlands.

Alex Regan
BBC News

A man has been questioned under caution after a report that buzzards were killed in Nottinghamshire, police have confirmed.

Officers said they have been working with the RSPB after being called on 12 January following concern to wildlife in the Kneeton area.

All birds of prey are protected by the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, and to intentionally kill or injure a protected bird could result in an unlimited fine and a prison sentence of up to six months.

Image source, Nottinghamshire Police

Insp Craig Berry said: "The incident was called into the RSPB following a report that the birds were killed and officers are now making further enquiries."

Alex Regan
BBC News

A man in his 20s has died after a car hit a tree in Leicester.

Police said the crash, which involved a dark-coloured Seat Leon, happened in Coleman Road, close to the junction with Avonside Drive in Evington, at about 23:30 GMT on Sunday.

One man was pronounced dead at the scene and two other men were taken to the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham.

Image source, Google

One man in his 30s is in a life-threatening condition and another man in his 20s is in a serious but stable condition.

Leicestershire Police said parts of Coleman Road remain closed and have appealed for any witnesses or drivers with dashcam footage to come forward.

BBC Weather

Much of the region can expect brightness but it will turn cloudy for most later, staying largely dry and breezy.

This evening it will be cloudy and breezy, and a yellow warning is in place for rain on Tuesday between 00:00 and 12:00.

There will be highs of 8C and lows of 4C overnight.

The car came off the road and careered 60ft (18.2m) down the side of the road, firefighters said.

Justine Sore said she devised the challenge to get her "cold water fix" in lockdown.

Solicitor Justine Sore says she devised the challenge to get her "cold water fix in lockdown".

A surge in Covid-19 admissions is piling the pressure on hospital staff across the East Midlands.

Plastic surgeons express shock at the stabbing of "highly respected" Graeme Perks in his home.

Greig Watson
Reporter, BBC News Online

Health bosses in Nottinghamshire have confirmed about 50 care homes are dealing with coronavirus outbreaks.

Speaking at the area's regular health briefing Jonathan Gribbin, director of public health, confirmed this represented about 40% of the county's total care homes.

He said: "These are outbreaks of various scales, from two or so members of staff testing positive to wider infections, some of which will be symptomatic.

"Also, they are at various stages with some being newly notified and subject to active outbreak control, while others have been dealt with and are about to be stood down."

Image source, Getty Images

It was also confirmed that while infections showed signs of levelling off at a point below the national average, the situation in hospitals was still "critical".

Dr Andy Haynes, executive lead for the area's integrated care system, said: "One in four hospital beds is occupied by a Covid patient. The number of beds occupied by Covid patients is twice that in April.

"Admissions are still high and will remain high for at least two weeks."

People were urged to keep infections as low as possible by observing lockdown rules, including social distancing and the wearing of masks when on essential trips.

The pub's owners, customers and staff are fined and a prohibition notice is issued.

Alex Regan
BBC News

A woman has offered a £1,500 reward after her flightless pet crow has gone missing following a burglary at her home in Leicestershire.

Michelle Johnson had been looking after Eddie the crow since he was found abandoned in a school playground last year.

She said: "All of the wildlife hospitals were closed due to the first Covid lockdown, but I knew they wouldn't take it because it would never be able to be released, because it was crippled.

"So I decided to keep it as a pet."

Image source, Michelle Johnson

Leicestershire Police have recovered some jewellery after the break-in in Stoney Stanton on Monday but Eddie is still missing.

Three people have been arrested, including a 47-year-old, of Market Harborough, who has been charged with burglary dwelling and theft, while a 54-year-old man has been released on bail.

A 39-year-old woman has been released with no further action.

Ms Johnson said: "[Eddie] might have been dumped or released somewhere, he won't survive very long if that's the case. He might have been sold on."

She initially offered a £1,000 reward for the crow's return, but a local "animal lover" increased it by £500 after hearing about the suspected theft on social media.

"It's quite humbling," she said.

Samantha Noble
BBC News Online

Two yellow weather warnings for ice and snow have been issued for today and tomorrow.

The Met Office has put a warning for ice in place for the East Midlands between 08:00 and 10:00 this morning.

It said there may be icy surfaces and difficult travel conditions as a result.

Image source, John Bradburn

A yellow warning for snow and ice has been issued for parts of the region, including Derby and Nottingham, external, between 03:00 and 21:00 tomorrow.

The Met Office said a band of heavy snow expected on Saturday could lead to travel disruption.

BBC Weather

Today will start off with some low cloud, mist and fog but that should lift and break a little to allow for some sunny spells in the afternoon, with highs of 1C expected.

This evening it is due to be clear for some time but cloud and wind is to increase overnight bringing with it rain by dawn.

On Saturday, any wintry showers should change to rain which will then clear in the afternoon but it will continue to be blustery and Sunday will be dry with plenty of sunshine and a strong north-westerly wind.

Image source, Anthony C

The man is "fighting for his life" in hospital, police say.