County council leader Dan Harrison said: “This new primary academy will help meet demand for places and give local families greater choice.”The council said it was inviting academy trusts to bid to run the school when it opens.It said there were five further primary schools nearby but all were popular and had a high demand for places.”Broadnook shows how house builders can help fund the infrastructure communities need as Leicestershire grows,” Harrison said.The Reform UK county council said it planned to build 45 new schools for about 26,000 more pupils over the next decade.Managing director of Davidsons Homes James Wilson said: “We’re delighted to see work begin on the new Broadnook primary school, which will become a real focal point for the community. “It’s fantastic to see another key piece of the vision for Broadnook becoming a reality.”
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Construction begins on school to serve new Broadnook village
Officer sent image of child who was victim to ‘very serious abuse’ to colleague
The officer, who worked for Cambridgeshire Police, faced a misconduct hearingA former Cambridgeshire Police officer faced a misconduct hearing (stock image)(Image: Brian A Jackson / Getty Images)A Cambridgeshire Police officer sent an image of a child who was a victim of “very serious abuse and neglect” to a colleague, a misconduct hearing heard. Police Constable (PC) Amadae Dowd, who joined the Cambridgeshire Police force in 2016, faced a misconduct hearing accused of breaching the standards of professional behaviour.These alleged standard breaches relate to integrity, confidentiality and discreditable conduct. The officer was accused of wrongly disclosing confidential information during her role as a police officer.On February 10, 2021, the officer was assigned to ensure the safety of a 13-year-old child who had been the victim of “very serious abuse and neglect and was extremely vulnerable”, according to the panel.The child was in hospital and the officer was sent to sit with them. The officer was aware of the extent of the abuse, including that the child had been locked in an address for months with no food and had been beaten up and injured, according to the panel. The child’s face was badly burnt.PC Dowd allegedly sent an image of the child via WhatsApp to a colleague. It was a cropped picture of an evidential photograph.The officer was accused of sending a second image showing an adult female whose face had been badly burned in an acid attack. According to the allegations, the officer knew it was wrong to do so and told the recipient ‘Obvs delete.’The two photographs she sent to her sergeant via WhatsApp were obtained from the file relating to the two victims. The officer had used her personal phone to take the pictures from the file and then sent them. She claimed it was her way of more accurately describing the injuries than using words.In another incident, on April 14, 2021, PC Dowd was at hospital with a 17-year-old child. According to the hearing outcome, it was believed that the child had packed drugs in their anus.The child has been described as “vulnerable” and the officer was monitoring the child. PC Dowd was allegedly asked, ‘Have you killed him?’ The officer was accused of sending a picture of the child sitting on the edge of a bed and doubled up in a group chat with a message saying, ‘Maybe?!’The officer told the panel the youth was very difficult to deal with. She claimed that the messaging and sharing of the photograph was a form of ‘decompression’ and the officers involved used dark humour as a ‘pressure valve.’PC Dowds told the panel how her team were encouraged by her sergeant to utilise WhatsApp as a medium of communication for her team members for ‘work matters’ and this was apparently an accepted practice within the force at the time of the events.The panel found that the officer, and others involved in the conversation, showed a complete lack of respect towards the youth. Her counsel described the officer’s actions as “ill judged and thoughtless”, failing to appreciate the seriousness of her actions. The panel determined that, given her experience, such a failure was inexcusable.The panel determined that the allegations against PC Dowd did breach the standards of professional behaviour. The panel found that the breaches amounted to gross misconduct. In conclusion, PC Dowd received a final written warning for three years.
Club-record signing on the cards: How Leeds could replace Pascal Struijk
For all of Leeds United’s success last season, it looks like they have not done enough to keep hold of Pascal Struijk. The central defender is heading to Brighton & Hove Albion a year before his Elland Road deal ends, with the Whites set to receive around £20m. It’s a frustrating blow for Daniel Farke, who has little choice but to watch on as a player brings the curtains down on an eight-year spell in Yorkshire.Replacing Struijk after so many years won’t be a routine task, but the 49ers have already got a number of names lined up who could do exactly that.
Who could replace Struijk at Leeds?The task becomes even tougher for Leeds after arguably Struijk’s best season at Elland Road. The 26-year-old featured in 34 of 38 Premier League games and started 33. He was the consistent member of Farke’s backline. Even as the German switched to a back five, Struijk remained crucial.
Nonetheless, there’s no standing in the way of his exit and Leeds have been forced to assess their options ahead of their second campaign back in the top flight. It’s seen names like Nico Elvedi emerge and the fact that he’s worked with Farke in the past should certainly boost any transfer chances. Whether that’s enough to tempt the 49ers into matching Borussia Mönchengladbach’s £9m asking price remains to be seen, however.
Instead, the American owners could land a player who’s already got Premier League experience. According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have opened talks to sign Ladislav Krejci from Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer. The Czech Republic captain spent the second-half of last season on loan at Girona and is now heading back to Wolves, who are looking for a hefty £40m to sell their defender.Leeds United’s most expensive signings of all time
Rank
Player
Fee
Signed from
Year
1
Georginio Rutter
£35.5m
Hoffenheim
2023
2
Brenden Aaronson
£28.5m
RB Salzburg
2022
3
Rodrigo
£26m
Valencia
2020
4
Dan James
£25m
Man Utd
2018
5
Luis Sinisterra
£21m
Feyenoord
2022
As a result of that, he would become their biggest transfer in Leeds history. It would be quite the move.
Why Krejci could be Leeds’ dream replacementKrejci’s ability to play in a back three has particularly attracted Farke and Leeds in their system, but there remains question marks over their ability to spend what would be a club-record asking price. After all, it’s easy to write relegated players off, particularly when they’ve just endured the nightmare that Leeds are desperate to avoid.
Ask some of the top clubs in England, however, and they’ll be quick to point out some incredible deals. Think Andy Robertson and Georginio Wijnaldum to Liverpool. They entered as relegated stars and left as serial winners.
Leeds now have the chance to swoop in and land Krejci in similar fashion. The 6 foot 2 defender has shown plenty of promise despite difficult collective campaigns at Wolves and Girona, and certainly deserves another shot at the Premier League.
Struijk vs Krejci – 2025/26 Premier League
Stats (* = per 90)
Struijk
Krejci
Minutes
2,937
2,361
Tackles*
1.2
1.22
Duel success*
55.6%
50.2%
Recoveries*
3.62
3.01
Pass success*
88.5%
82.5%
In a struggling Wolves side last season, Krejci still proved his worth at times. He particularly impressed off the ball, winning more tackles than Struijk per game, and may at least get the chance to improve his passing numbers in a more complete side like Leeds.
What is important to note is how tall the defender is. It’s become quite the theme at Elland Road since their return to the Premier League and replacing Struijk’s 6 foot 2 frame is just as important as replacing his defensive ability. Krejci, standing at the same height, would arguably do both. Whether or not he’s a £40m player remains to be seen, but they need a replacement and a Premier League-proven one is certainly a good idea. Losing the Brighton-bound star will be a major blow, but that exit once again allows Leeds to dip into the market and welcome an ideal replacement this summer.
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Appeal over missing North Staffordshire boys who didn’t return home after school
Police are out looking for the youngstersPolice are searching for missing boys Kaiden, 13, and 12-year-old KobiPolice have issued an appeal to find two missing boys who never returned home after school. Kaiden, aged 13, and 12-year-old Kobi, were both reported missing on Monday.Now Staffordshire Police has made a public appeal for help in finding the boys, who officers believe may be together. As part of the appeal for the force has issued descriptions of the youngsters.Kaiden is described as being around 5ft 2ins tall, of a slim build with short, brown hair. He was last seen wearing a black Hugo Boss jumper with orange writing, tracksuit bottoms and grey Nike trainers with green on them.Kobi is described as being around 5ft 6ins tall, of a slim build with short, light brown hair. He was last seen wearing black shorts, a black t-shirt and white trainers with multi-coloured detail.A force spokesperson said: “Both of them frequent Lyme Valley Park.”Anyone with information on their whereabouts should call the force on 101 and quote incident 913 of June 29.Get daily headlines and breaking news emailed to you – it’s FREEEnsure our latest headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search
Transfer news LIVE: Michael Olise considers Bayern exit as Villa set Rogers asking price
June 30th©IMAGO
The summer transfer window has officially opened and while the main attention is on the World Cup, clubs are working away on major deals. For most clubs, planning will already be complete and they will have identified which players they want to sign, and which players they want to sell.
Managers will be constantly assessing their squads with sporting directors and recruitment staff scanning the market for potential deals this summer. The rumour mill is still gathering pace and we’ve collated some of the biggest current transfer stories – you can access the full rumour mill below.
Today’s biggest transfer storiesMichael Olise has asked for a meeting with Bayern Munich amid interest from Real Madrid, according to AS. The 24-year-old has been a revelation at the Bundesliga champions but wants clarity on how much he’s valued by Bayern, it’s claimed in the report.
Aston Villa have reportedly set Morgan Rogers’ price tag at €150m amid interest from several English Premier League clubs. Manchester United hold an interest in the England international but Arsenal are the frontrunners as they aim to strengthen their left-wing options.
Harry Kane is expected to sign a new contract with Bayern Munich amid speculation over his future. Barcelona made an approach to Kane’s representatives with the England captain’s deal ending in 2027 but it’s viewed as an almost certainty that he pen an extension.
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Search continues for missing 14-year-old Lexi from Houghton Regis
Police are appealing for the publics helpAuthor: Shaunna BurnsPublished 9 hours agoBedfordshire Police are appealing to the public to help to locate Lexi, a missing 14-year-old from Houghton Regis.Lexi has not been seen since Wednesday, 24th June, and there are growing concerns for her well-being. She is described as 5’2″ with a fair complexion, blue eyes, and long ginger hair. Lexi has a silver nose ring and was last seen wearing pale blue cycling shorts, a dark grey t-shirt, and black sliders. Detective Chief Superintendent Zara Brown expressed increasing concern for Lexi’s safety, urging anyone with information to come forward. Brown directly appealed to Lexi, asking her to contact the police, emphasizing the distress her absence is causing to loved ones, and ensuring a safe return home. People who have seen Lexi are encouraged to call 999 immediately.Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.
Stretch of industrial Birmingham canal becomes go-to for summer celebration
It’s a distinctly American tradition, heading to the water to kick back with friends and celebrate the stars and stripes come Independence Day.But this July 4, revellers will be flocking to an unassuming stretch of Birmingham canal for the annual celebration of American culture.There are two significant must-visit spots in South Birmingham going all out for Independence Day this year and both are within walking distance of one another – and the tip!Read more: Birmingham food and drink news round-up including new favourite, 13 closures and pub ideasThe first is Brew Export Beer Cave, a drinks warehouse with its own taproom and refrigerated space packed to the rafters with American beers (many with the most lurid range of fun labels and designs).The venue, on the Waterside Business Park between Stirchley and Cotteridge, is right opposite the junction of Lifford Lane, with its own little sunny beer garden on the canalside.It’s industrial, a working area, but it gives it the kind of grit you imagine Springsteen fans would love – it’s giving Blue Collar energy, as it were.Brewexport is on the Waterside Business Park(Image: Brew Export Beer Cave and Taproom)The July 4 weekend celebrations is really one for beer lovers, with loads of drinks you’d struggle to find anywhere else.There’s an East Coast vs West Coast menu with drinks from breweries from both sides of the USA, with IPAs, DIPAs, pales and pils.There’s a full list of fun cream stouts, drinks with flavours of Biscoff-style biscuit, peanut butter cups, milkshakes and cheesecakes!Or, for those that prefer something fruitier, smoothie sours with flavours of mango, passionfruit, peach, strawberries and cream.They sell mead too! That’s at Unit 4b, Waterside Business Park, 1649 Pershore Road, Birmingham, B30 3DR.Further along the canal, a 15 minute stroll down Lifford Lane, the second of the big South Birmingham American venues will be in full party mode for Independence Day too.Rodeo’s is a beloved honky tonk in Birmingham, a sister venue to the ever-popular Wolverhampton branch and a place to scoot your boots.There’s a bucking bronco to ride for free, American beers in the fridge served up beneath a wealth of American licence plates and a dancefloor for line dancing!A Sunday afternoon conga in the heat at Rodeo’s(Image: Kirsty Bosley)This July 4 it’s going big, an open air show filled with tribute performers to stars like Morgan Waller, Chris Stapleton, Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley with a whole second stage for acoustic performers.Smoked barbecue food is on the menu to go with those long neck ice cold beers, while Ariat, Stetson and the Rodeos Western Store will be selling country and western goodies to deck you out good!It’s like a little slice of Nashville on our doorstep and it’s at Lakeside, 180 Lifford Lane, B30 3NU with a few tickets available at the time of writing.Who knew the Worcester and Birmingham Canal could be so much fun!?
Bins could be collected earlier and on bank holidays under new plans
Plans to empty bins earlier and get bin men to work on bank holidays are being considered by waste bosses.Officials at South Kesteven District Council (SKDC) are considering getting refuse collectors to start emptying bins at 7am instead of 7.30am across the district.Residents can put out wheelie bins and sacks from 6pm the evening before collection day and should take them back by 6pm after their collection.Bins could be emptied earlier under new plans. Photo: South Kesteven District CouncilWhen the weather is particularly hot, the council said it may collect bins before 7am but stressed this would be communicated to residents beforehand.Bosses are also planning to get staff to collect bins on bank holidays instead of emptying bins a day later as is the case currently.Cabinet member for environment and waste, Rhys Baker (Independent – Bourne Austerby) told members of SKDC’s environment overview and scrutiny committee on Tuesday that the earlier start times for bin collections were aimed at improving staff wellbeing. Coun Baker said: “This is largely to acknowledge some of the challenges we are seeing, particularly in the summer where things are getting very hot.Coun Rhys Baker. Photo LDRS“But it also allows for vehicles to move when traffic patterns can become a little more predictable.”Coun Baker also said that the council is planning to get staff to empty bins on bank holidays and pay them extra for working on these days. The costs of doing this have not yet been worked out. Under the plans, collections which fall on Easter Monday, early May bank holiday, spring bank holiday, and summer bank holiday will take place on the usual collection day and not be re-scheduled to accommodate the Bank Holiday.Coun Baker added: “We’re also suggesting that there are changes to the bank holiday working – whereas at the moment, we tend to delay our collections by one day.“Everything gets knocked along one. We are proposing that we do not delay our collections on bank holidays. “It has a number of wellbeing benefits for our staff, not least that they haven’t had an extra day or sometimes two days, if they have a later in the week collection worth of mass just to pick up – these things get heavy.“It also means that we don’t have to put any word out to see if anybody wants to work extra shifts on Saturday. It is a better deployment of council resources. It is more efficient.”Officials are also considering introducing communal food waste bins for residents who live in flats above shops.Kay Boasman, head of waste management and market services at SKDC, said: “The pilot options for flats above shops include communal food waste bins on the streets. “So, these look a bit like litter bins and it’s for residents who don’t have capacity to store a caddy to use.“There have been some issues with that just around marking and stickers and signposting – which we’re working on.“It is a pilot project. We want to get it right for those residents. We’re collating feedback and improving that as we go.”She added that the proposal would help to improve the efficiency and effectiveness” of the council’s food waste collections.A final decision on these proposals will be made at a later cabinet meeting.
Town loses only butcher after shop closes due to ‘financial pressures’
The family business announced its closure earlier this monthAll About Meat was formerly called Jones Butchers(Image: Google Street View)A Cambridgeshire town has been left without a butcher after its final shop closed due to “financial pressures”. Whittlesey has lost its butcher All About Meat, due to a “continued rise” in bills.The business, on Broad Street, was formerly called Jones Butchers between 1957 and 2025 before it was taken over in June last year. Two other butchers dating back to the early 1900s have been there, reports the BBC.The closure was confirmed by All About Meat on social media earlier this month. Announcing the closure, a spokesperson for the shop said: “Due to the continued rise in rent, utility bills and other operating costs, we have reached the difficult decision that we can no longer continue trading.”This is a decision we never wanted to make, but unfortunately the financial pressures have become too great.”The team thanked “every single customer” who has supported them over the last year, adding “your loyalty, kindness and custom have meant the world to us”.The statement continued: “We are deeply sorry to let our customers down and know this news will come as a disappointment to many. Please know that this decision has not been made lightly. Thank you for supporting a local family business and for being part of our journey. We will always be grateful for the support you have shown us.”Since the announcement on social media, it has received almost 50 comments in response. One person wrote: “I was gutted to find out you’d closed! Whittlesey without a butcher’s shop is unheard of.”Another person wrote: “You guys are Whittlesey family for meat, all other butchers never compared to your quality and service”.Meanwhile, others said they were “devastated” and highlighted that the business will be missed.
Leeds United confirm major departure
Leeds United corner flag. Credit: Imago
Leeds United had a slow start to the summer transfer window, until the events of last week. It was revealed that the Whites had agreed a deal to sign Harry Wilson.
Wilson will leave Fulham when his contract expires and will join Leeds as a free agent.
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His arrival has been highly anticipated; a player who managed 19 goal contributions in all competitions last season. The Welsh international is set to bring attacking threat and creativity to the first team.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the formalities surrounding the move have been finalized.
Wilson will sign a four-year deal, on higher wages than he was at his previous club. There were many suitors after him this summer.
Leeds United confirm major departure
When this past season ended, Leeds United Chairman Paraag Marathe spoke about transfer plans this summer.
In his statement, he made it clear that the club would have a logical approach to the window. Marathe also highlighted the new Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) rules that will be in place this summer.
His submission pointed to the fact that if the Whites are to spend big, they will need to sell some players.
Leeds United have confirmed their first summer departure; Pascal Struijk will leave the club to join Brighton ahead of next season.
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