Two people are injured in crashes

SEPARATE INCIDENTS NEAR A VILLAGE SEE BIKER BADLY HURT AND WOMAN TAKEN TO HOSPITAL OVER THE WEEKEND

A Biker sustained serious injuries and a woman was taken to hospital after separate crashes in a village over the weekend.

The motorcyclist was airlifted to hospital following a collision in Desford Lane, near Desford, on Saturday.

Police were called at about 2.40pm to the scene of the crash, which involved a red Honda MSX125 motorcycle and a black Citroen C4 car, near to the junction with Botcheston Road.

The motorcyclist, a man in his 30s, was taken to University Hospital Coventry by air ambulance with serious injuries. He remains in hospital.

No other injuries have been reported, police said.

A woman had earlier been injured in a two-car collision that shut a county road for almost nine hours.

A police spokeswoman said: “Officers were called at 10.15am to a two-car collision in Leicester

Lane, Desford.

“East Midlands Ambulance Service and Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service were also called to the scene.

“A woman was taken to hospital following the incident. She is not believed to have suffered serious injuries.

“A mains cable was damaged following the collision. Road closures were therefore in place to allow this to be fixed and power to be restored.”

The road was open again by about 7pm.

The spokeswoman said: “Officers are appealing to anyone with any information, who has not yet spoken to police, to make contact.

“Anyone who witnessed either incident or who saw either of the vehicles beforehand, and who has not yet spoken to police, is asked to make contact.

“Anyone with any dashcam footage from the area at the time of the incident is also urged to get in touch.”

A HINCKLEY-BASED women’s charity is set to host virtual coffee mornings after experiencing financial difficulties during the pandemic.

Women’s Aid Leicestershire has reported that all five of its refuges have been close to capacity as a result of a rise in domestic abuse cases.

In March last year, all domestic abuse charities sounded the alarm, and from the beginning of lockdown, their helplines saw a sharp rise in calls from victim-survivors.

They saw early evidence of domestic abuse cases escalating, with high levels of physical violence and coercive control.

Domestic killings, which more than doubled in the first three weeks of lockdown, prompted the government to recognise the growing problem, resulting in lockdown travel restrictions being lifted for those fleeing violence.

Women’s Aid trustee Marea Roberts said: “In recent years, our Coffee Morning Appeal has raised significant income, which has been used to support women, as well as men, who have experienced domestic violence in Leicester and Leicestershire.

“This year, we must think of another way to raise money, which is more vital than ever. The three lockdowns have led to an escalation of domestic violence with an increased demand for our services.”

In recent years, Women’s Aid has held an appeal on March 8 to celebrate International Women’s Day. The charity has encouraged supporters, local organisations and business to hold coffee mornings to raise funds.

Sadly, this will not be possible this year, as the country eases its way out of lockdown in gradual phases.

Marea said: “We hope people can be imaginative and hold virtual coffee mornings, collecting donations from friends and colleagues.

“We are also simply asking for donations. Many people are saving money by not travelling, visiting coffee shops or restaurants.

“It would be wonderful if some of these savings could be donated to help those who desperately need our help and support.”

Donations can be made by cheque and posted to PO Box 26, Leicester, LE1 1AA.

Alternatively, you can visit www.wa-leicester.org.uk