Dylan Hayward

My investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 80-year-old Bhim Kohli has prompted the policing watchdog to order a fresh probe. For months, Leicestershire Police's official position was that there were "no missed opportunities" prior to Mr Kohli's killing. But after my investigation findings were passed directly to the watchdog, the IOPC “decided an investigation was required” into the force's handling of the case. My reporting for the Leicester Mercury and LeicestershireLive exposed critical failings including mandatory safeguarding systems that went unused, and a 17-day delay in arresting suspects for a racially aggravated assault nearby. For Bhim Kohli’s family who used our journalism to submit a formal complaint, this marks a vital, albeit small, victory in their ongoing fight for justice. They shouldn't have had to rely on a local newspaper to get answers from police, but I am proud our newsroom could help the Kohli family. The full story is in today's Mercury and online. leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-new…

The quiet footpaths of Beaumont Leys Park are usually a shortcut for shoppers and a sanctuary for dog walkers, but the community is now coming to terms with a murder investigation on its doorstep. leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Leicester Park murder investigation after man found unconscious leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Leicester McDonald's on Market Street 'evacuated' as fire crews surround area leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Man brandished 'Double Eagle' airgun and blade to snatch gold rings in Leicestershire robberies leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Man cleared of rapes but jailed for smashing windows and making threats leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Good scoop by my colleague @ChrisHarper93, well worth a read.

Leicester mayor says it 'wouldn't make sense' for council to take on NCP car parks leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

M1 gantry climber 'wanted to be heard' as he closed the motorway for 2 hours armed with spiked wood leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Multiple arrests made in police raid as officers investigate shooting leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Record £268,000 fine for Loughborough firm that cut down trees for petrol station leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-new…

Crumbling Coalville hotel given new life as luxury furniture showroom after council approval leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-new…

Leicester's iconic O2 Academy to close as officials confirm venue's future leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/music…

An off-duty police officer has pleaded guilty to causing a crash that left a woman seriously injured in Leicestershire. leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-new…

Murderer and paedophile among those jailed in Leicestershire in March leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Major Leicester road closed as police respond to 'concerns for a person' leicestermercury.co.uk/news/uk-world-…

Thrilled to share that I’ve been shortlisted for the Rising Star award at the Celebrating Brilliant Journalism Awards for innovative and impactful journalism. I work alongside a team that cares deeply about our readers, who fight for change and call out injustice. I’m proud to be part of the @leicslive team - they’re the best, and this nomination is as much theirs as it is mine. Congratulations to all those shortlisted.

'Unique' Showaddywaddy star Trevor Oakes dies aged 79 leicestermercury.co.uk/news/leicester…

Seven people have been left with serious injuries after a car hit pedestrians in Derby city centre. derbytelegraph.co.uk/news/derby-new…