MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTING TO MURDER GURU

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Man charged with attempting to murder guru

by Tim Healy

A 26-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder.

It follows allegations of an assault at the Gurdwara Namdhari Temple in Linden Street, Spinney Hill, Leicester, at approximately 5.25am on Sunday.

The alleged victim was Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji, worldwide spiritual head of the Namdhari community. He was treated at the Leicester Royal Infirmary for injuries and later discharged.

The accused is due to appear at Leicester Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.

SPIRITUAL LEADER ATTACKED IN LEICESTER

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji

Spiritual leader attacked in Leicester

A spiritual leader was taken to hospital after being attacked in the early hours of the morning in Leicester.

Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji, the spiritual head of the Namdhari community worldwide, was taken to Leicester Royal Infirmary for treatment after the assault.

Police were called to the Gurdwara Namdhari in Linden Street, Leicester, at approximately 5.25am on Sunday August 11 following a report of an assault.

Officers attended the scene where Sri Satguru Uday Singh Ji was found to have been assaulted.

A 26-year-old man was arrested at the scene and remains in police custody.

At this time police believe it was an isolated incident, which was carried out by a single person.

Investigations are ongoing and police would ask anyone who has information about the incident or was in the Linden Street area between 3am and 6am on Sunday August 11 to contact them on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

LEICESTER'S FIRST MUSLIM MAYOR SWORN IN

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Leicester's first Muslim Mayor sworn in

The city's first Muslim Lord Mayor was sworn in at a ceremony held at the Town Hall last night.

In a traditional inauguration, Councillor Abdul Osman was officially made Lord Mayor of Leicester at Leicester City Council's annual meeting, held in the Town Hall's chambers.

Coun Osman, who joined the city council in 1996, takes over from Councillor Rob Wann.

Coun Osman said: "It's an important year, with the Diamond Jubilee and the Olympics, so it's a privilege for me to hold office with everything that's going on.

"I want to focus on visiting the communities and raising the profile of the office of Lord Mayor. I'm proud to be the first Muslim councillor to hold the position – we've had Christian, Hindu, Sikh and now I'm able to bring the Islamic faith to the office which is a great honour."

Each year, the new mayor nominates a charity which he will raise money for.

Coun Osman has chosen the stroke unit at the Leicester Royal Infirmary and is aiming to raise £60,000 for the cause.

He said: "I feel as if it's quite a symbolic issue because it affects everyone regardless of their age, colour or background – and our city is one of the most diverse communities in the country."

TEMPLE'S LADIES COLLECT £1,500

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

Temple's ladies collect £1,500

Worshippers from a Hindu temple have donated more than £1,500 towards a children's cancer unit.

Members of Limbach Sakhi Mandal ladies group have been collecting cash through offerings at Shri Ram Mandir, in Hildyard Road, Leicester.

They have presented the money to Leicester Royal Infirmary's Our Space charity, which is looking to expand the children's cancer ward.Group spokesman Vijyaben Sharma said: "We are so proud to be able to give to a local cancer charity."

Hospital spokesman Robert Myers said: "We really are extremely grateful for the generosity of the members."