The fate of two PCs being probed over an alleged assault on an autistic man is now in the hands of senior Bedfordshire officers, the Luton News can exclusively reveal.

In December Beds PCs Christopher Pitts and Christopher Thomas were cleared in court of all charges relating to an alleged attack on Faruk Ali outside his home on Whitby Road, Luton, in February 2014.

However both PCs remain suspended pending the results of a misconduct investigation, which has been carried out by Leicestershire Police to ensure impartiality.

The Luton News can confirm that the East Midlands force has now concluded its probe into both PCs and that the Independent Police Complaints Commission is satisfied with the scope of the investigation.

The full report will now be sent to Beds Police and once this has been assimilated senior officers will decide whether disciplinary measures are necessary.

A month after the conclusion of the court case more than 100 people took part in a march from Bury Park to Luton Police Station.

Campaigners have pressed for the release of video footage from an on-board camera in the squad car used by PC Pitts and PC Thomas, in which reacist language can allegedly be heard.

A Beds Police spokesperson was unavailable for comment.

Budget airline easyJet will no longer sponsor Luton Town FC, it has been announced. The Luton-based carrier first sponsored Hatters shirts back in 2009 following the club’s relegation to the Conference.

Town chief executive Gary Sweet thanked easyJet for its backing and said that the club’s 2015-16 sponsor will be announced imminently.

A national children’s charity is calling for swift action after latest figures show the number of recorded incidents of sexual offences against children in Bedfordshire has risen by 64% in one year.

And last year, 37 calls received by the NSPCC’s helpline from people in Bedfordshire about sexual abuse were so serious that they were referred on immediately to the police or children’s services.

The numbers rose from 174 in 2012-2013, to 285 in 2013-2014. The figures are revealed today as the NSPCC launches its third state of the nation annual report, How safe are our children? at the charity’s annual conference in London. The report compiles the most robust and up-to-date child protection data that exists across each of the four nations in the UK.

It’s not clear why the number of offences has risen. Greater awareness may be giving more victims the courage to come forward, including those reporting historical cases, or police forces have improved their recording methods. However it does mean that more children are speaking out, only to find little support to help them recover from abuse.

NSPCC Chief Executive Peter Wanless said: “These figures are disturbing and clearly illustrate child sexual abuse is a continuing and widespread problem that needs urgent action. But we know this is still only a fraction of the true number of victims because some endure an agonising wait of many years before telling anyone – and others never reveal what has happened to them.

“It’s time to throw down the gauntlet to government which has to ensure all sexual abuse victims get specialist treatment to help them recover. By the end of this current Parliament there should be no children living in the shadow of abuse.”

A team of students from a Luton school has beaten more than 600 others to make it through to the finals of the Apps for Good Awards.

The Denbigh High School team will be heading off to the Barbical in London tomorrow to see if they have won.

And there is still time to vote for the students.

The national Apps for Good Awards celebrate the next generation of problem solvers and digital makers: young people who are creating apps to change their world for good.

Denbigh High School’s students’ app, Who Cares? has been shortlisted in the Sustainable Communities category. The app is designed to support young carers in the UK.

In addition, Denbigh High School has been named the School of the Year, one of the Impact Prizes at the Apps for Good Awards.

The Impact Prizes recognise the teacher, fellow, school and expert who have made the biggest impact by supporting the student teams and the Apps for Good movement.

Denbigh High School is being recognised for our commitment to improving student character and embracing technology across the curriculum.”

Colin Townsend, acting principal, said:“The Apps for Good programme has encouraged our students to explore technology and use it to solve problems they care about. We are incredibly proud of the students behind “Who Cares?” and we are delighted to see them named as finalists in the Apps for Good Awards.”

The finalist teams are also up for the People’s Choice Award, which is selected by an online vote at appsforgood.org/public/awards/2015/peoples-choice

A Luton father-of-one who died in police custody was a “genuine and quality” person, according to his employer.

Istiak Yusuf, 25, was arrested at his Marsh Farm home in Purley Centre on suspicion of domestic violence at 8.45am on Saturday morning.

Police say that after being detained at Luton Police Station the 25-year-old IT recruitment consultant “became ill” and died in his cell.

An Independent Police Complaints Commission probe has been launched to establish what occurred during the detainment.

Mr Yusuf’s family say that the 25-year-old did not suffer from any medical conditions and a preliminary post mortem has proved inconclusive.

The results of a toxicology test are now due.

Speaking exclusively to the Luton News, Mr Yusuf’s employer Patrick Lawrence said that the 25-year-old was a role model to new staff at his IT recruitment firm e-Recruiter,

Mr Lawrence said: “It was such a pleasure to work with him as he was very positive and had a great work attitude.

“He had a passion for his work and he was very good at it, due to his work ethic you would use him as a role model for new starters.

“What happened has ruined us all and has made a big impact on the business.

“I met with Istiak’s family and they are quality, they have a son to be proud of.”

Since joining the Jansel House based company in February Mr Yusuf impressed his superiors.

Mr Lawrence said: “We have three companies here and all three wanted him to work for them, everyone knew he was going to be a star.

“When he joined I set the password on his computer to ‘Future1’ as that is just how I saw him.

“He was only with us a short time but he was already overachieving in the job and was a star performer.”

Attiq Malik, speaking on behalf of Mr Yusuf’s family, said that the death came as a “massive shock”.

He added: “Mr Yusuf was arrested shortly before 9am on Saturday morning and within a couple of hours he passed out in the cell.

“Emergency services were called and he was pronounced dead there.

“We still don’t know exactly what happened as the IPCC have secured the area and that restricts access to CCTV and other things.

“No-one was aware of any previous medical conditions and it comes as a massive shock.

“This could be innocent and a coincidence but I know the people of Luton are extremely concerned about this given what happened with Leon Briggs.

“At this stage the family just want answers.”

Mr Yusuf’s death comes 18 months after father-of-two Leon Briggs died while being detained at the station under the Mental Health Act.

Following Saturday’s incident the IPCC is waiting on Mr Yusuf’s confirmed cause of death, which will inform the lines on enquiry it pursues.

Nonetheless campaigners have called for a public enquiry to scrutinise the day-to-day practises at Luton Police Station.

Beds Police deputy chief constable Jon Boutcher, who will temporarily step up as chief constable from June 26, has said that “there is nothing to suggest” police involvement in the death of Mr Yusuf.

He added: “Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time and we will do all we can to co-operate with the investigation and help provide the family, the coroner and the IPCC with accurate information about how and why he tragically died.

“Without prejudice to the ongoing investigation, from what we know at this time there is nothing to suggest this tragic death was caused by any police action, but we are keeping an open mind and we are determined that a full and transparent investigation is conducted so that the causes of this sad loss can be established for the family.”

Classic children’s story Fungus the Bogeyman is being adapted for a Christmas TV special – and you’ll never guess where his special lair is...

The lush countryside of Sewell Cutting in Totternhoe has been used as the entrance to Fungus’s underground home.

Producer John Chapman said: “We chose the area because of the Downs and that beautiful scenery with the chalk hills.

“There are two or three spectacular shots of the Downs that people will recognise if they watch the show.”

Starring Timothy Spall as Fungus, with a supporting cast of Keeley Hawes, Victoria Wood, Marc Warren, Paul Kaye and Joanna Scanlan, the full scale production promises to be a treat over the holidays.

Based on the 1970’s children’s book by Raymond Briggs, Fungus the Bogeyman tells the story of its working class titular character who lives underground and has the job of scaring humans.

The TV special will be broadcast in four parts over the Christmas period. Much of the drama will centre on Fungus’s relationship with his son, Mould, and wife, Mildew.

Timothy Spall commented on the production: “Fungus has brought joy to generations of children and I am so thrilled to be playing such a beloved character.

“It’s great to be working to bring Fungus the Bogeyman out of the pages of Raymond Briggs’ book and on to the small screen this Christmas.”

Adam MacDonald, Director of Sky 1 added: “I’m beyond excited that Sky 1 and Imaginarium Studios will be bringing the Raymond Briggs’ classic Fungus the Bogeyman squelchingly up to date as a top quality, ambitious and joyous family treat for our customers.”

A son is taking part in a marathon golf event to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support in memory of his mum.

James Matthews will take part in Macmillan Golf Challenge with seven others on June 22.

The group play four rounds of golf in a day, starting at Luton Hoo for two rounds before heading over to Stockwood Park to start again for another two rounds, covering over 24 miles in one day.

James said: “Playing golf will be extreme physically and mentally demanding but we all feel this is the least we can do for this amazing charity.

“It’s a cause that’s close to my heart. My mother Christine passed away from cancer four years ago.

“What the Macmillan nurses do is unbelievable. I do lots of things for charity and this just seemed the perfect fit.”

The day promises to be a gruelling challenge. There will be over 2,700 golf shots, over 200 miles combined covered throughout the day as well as bottles of powerade.

James said: “I’ve only been playing golf for nine months but I quickly got the hang of it. We’re all at a good standard now.

“I’m trying to practice as much as possible. Everyone’s been really positive about it.”

To donate to the cause, visit here.

A man from Luton has been charged with attempted murder following a stabbing in Cambridge yesterday morning.

Ali Mohammed Tobeiji, 61, of Selbourne Road, was arrested at 1.45am on Tuesday and will appear at Cambridge Magistrates Court tomorrow.

A member of the public flagged down a police car at 1.16am on Tuesday morning after finding the 30-year-old victim injured in East Road, Cambridge.

The victim, a man in his late 20s/early 30s, had a number of stab wounds and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with severe, life threatening injuries.

He is said to be in a stable condition.

A 26-year-old man also arrested in connection with the incident is currently being held at Parkside Police Station in Cambridge.

Det Insp Andrea Warren said: “I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of East Road during the 
early hours of this morning and saw anything suspicious or witnessed the incident itself.

Call 101 if you have any information.

Seventeen people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences today after a lorry driver flagged down a traffic police car on the M1 after hearing noises in the back of the lorry.

Police escorted the lorry to Kempston custody where the men were arrested.

An investigation is on-going.

One lane is closed southbound on the M1 between junctions 13/12 following a multi car collision.

There are now long queues back to junction 14 for Milton Keynes, following the accident.

Emergency services are at the scene.

A college that was told it had no strengths whatsoever has improved but still has a number of serious shortcomings, according to Ofsted.

Barnfield College was plunged into crisis in January when the schools watchdog branded it ‘inadequate’ and demanded ‘urgent’ changes across the board.

Inspectors deemed the college’s leadership, teaching and pupil attainment to be in freefall, adding that attendance, punctuality and behaviour were all ‘poor’.

In what was seen as an attack on former principal and chief executive Sir Pete Birkett, college chair Robin Somerville laid blame for the damning report on a “significant majority of the previous management, governors and teaching staff”.

In a follow-up visit to the New Bedford Road college Ofsted inspectors have said that reasonable improvements have been made in a number of areas, but warned that serious weaknesses are still evident in the quality of English and maths teaching.

A report published yesterday reads: “The quality of teaching and learning is too variable and the proportion of teaching and learning which requires improvement or is inadequate is too high.

“Significant changes in several teaching teams have caused disruption to learners.

“A few staff struggle to achieve the high standards now expected of them but, in the interim, they continue to teach classes.

“Learners complain that there have been too many changes of teachers in English and mathematics in this academic year.”

The report adds that since the arrival of new principal Tim Eyton-Jones a higher standard of teaching across the whole college has been expected, which “has been effective in helping to raise the standards of teaching and has also been the catalyst for several staff to leave the college.”

Inspectors also found that the behaviour of students has “improved considerably” and that Mr Eyton-Jones has “worked effectively” in rebuilding relationships between Barnfield and local employers.

However the levels of attendance “are not improving”.

On the findings the principal said: “This is the best report the college has received from Ofsted for quite some time, however much more needs to be done.

“We are appointing a new management team and investing heavily in the curriculum.

“Our mantra is high standards and high aspirations in everything we do.”

Mr Eyton-Jones added: “Many new courses will be introduced for September 2015 that will lead directly to high quality jobs in Luton and the surrounding area, with a particular focus on engineering and technology.

“This is definitely a good time to be joining the college.”

Plans are afoot to move a hospital department into the ground floor of a hotel, the Luton News can reveal.

The move– which is part of a £150m scheme to overhaul the Luton & Dunstable Hospital– would see the creation of an orthopaedic hub at Travelodge on Dunstable Road.

The space on the ground floor of the hotel was previously the home of an NHS facility called the Edwin Lobo Centre, but it would need to be extensively renovated to make it fit for purpose.

It is hoped that by moving the trust’s fracture clinic, orthopaedic clinics, some musculoskeletal services and associated imaging to the site a large amount of space will be freed up for other works on the main hospital site.

Though the plan is still awaiting a sign-off from the hospital’s board of directors the hotel site is currently being leased by the L&D to assist design work for the new hub.

Melanie Chalk, deputy programme director of the hospital redevelopment, told the Luton News that the department could be in place by the end of the year.

She said: “At the moment plans for the hospital are evolving and we are delving into detail on what to do with this service.

“When we expand the emergency department we will be moving into where the fracture clinic is.

“At the moment the clinic doesn’t work too well so the idea is to take it off site and bring it all into one hub.”

Melanie added: “This will help us unlock the rest of the site and we have worked with our design team to see how this will work.”

On the main hospital site a new block will be built to house a delivery suite and midwifery led birthing centre, a neonatal unit offering parent accommodation, a new critical care floor, a theatre reception and a theatre floor.

The emergency department will be expanded to help it cope with increasing demand, while the main entrance will be overhauled to simplify the flow of patients through the hospital.

General improvements will also made across the rest of the L&D site.

> A consultation on the plans will be open to the public on the first floor of the Luton Central Library between 11am-6pm on June 22 and between 10am-5pm on June 23 and 24.

Potton resident and the former East of England Area Director of Acas,Peter Harwood, has been honoured in the Queen’s Birthday honours list with an OBE for Services to the economy and employment relations for his work as Chief Conciliator at Acas.

Peter retired in September 2014 from his post as Chief Conciliator after 28 years service in the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas). During this time at Acas, he distinguished himself by his work in both individual and collective mediation in the East of England, and latterly, since 2008, in his role as Acas Chief Conciliator when his successes indirectly touched upon every household in the UK.

The prime responsibility of the Chief Conciliator is to resolve significant national industrial disputes, and Peter’s achievements during his time in the role were outstanding. Among his most significant successes, both from the perspective of the UK economy as well as the complexity of the issues at hand, four disputes stand out in particular. These were the Lindsay oil refinery in 2009; the fuel tanker drivers in 2012; the bus companies prior to the 2012 Olympics; and Royal Mail 2013.

Peter described the honour as: “a nice surprise”.

“It’s is not just for me but a recognition of the good work that all our conciliators do.”

Area Director for the East of England, Caroline Plummer said: “I am delighted that Peter’s contribution to industrial relations has been recognised. He has given outstanding service in the resolution of countless difficult disputes, this honour is well deserved. ”

It’s a crime known to be under-reported, but this week Beds Police are raising awareness of male rape as part of Men’s Health Week.

In the last year to 31 May, 16.8 per cent of all serious sexual offences reported to Bedfordshire Police involved a male victim – amounting to 117 cases.

Of these, 27 were rapes committed against men.

Detective Inspector Jenni McIntyre-Smith said: “We have come a long way in debunking many of the common myths about rape and serious sexual offences – however, there is still a lot that needs to change.

“There is unfortunately a mindset in which people think men cannot be a victim of rape or serious sexual assault – that they are only the perpetrators.

“We know that these crimes exist between same-sex couples and indeed as male-on-male stranger attacks. Women too can be responsible for serious sexual assaults against men.

“It is important that men understand this and don’t feel ashamed. No victim should ever feel that way, no matter what their age, gender or social background.”

With Men’s Health Week leading to Father’s Day this Sunday (21 June), Bedfordshire Police is raising awareness of male-oriented crimes and encouraging those who have been victims to come forward.

Rape and sexual assault remain under-reported crimes by victims of all profiles.

DI McIntyre-Smith added: “We take all reports of rape and sexual assault extremely seriously and will do all in our power to bring offenders to justice.

“Alongside this work, we also provide individually-tailored support and guidance for male and female victims, through Bedfordshire’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre and the force-commissioned Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA) service.

“In order to give victims this care and advice, and to help get those responsible off the streets, we need them to have faith in us and report what has happened.”

Survivors UK is a support charity for men who have been victims of any type of sexual violence.

Find out more by visiting www.survivorsuk.org, calling 020 3598 3898 or emailing info@survivorsuk.org.

<If you have been a victim of rape or sexual assault, you can report the incident to Bedfordshire Police on 101 or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

<Always call 999 if a crime is in progress or you are in immediate danger.

Police are investigating after a man was pushed to the ground and mugged in Luton on Tuesday night (June 16).

The victim was walking along Castle Street at around 11.15pm when he was approached by a man who pushed him over and made off with his mobile phone.

The robber is described as white, between 45 and 50-years old, with medium length grey hair and around 5ft 8ins tall. He was wearing light grey sports clothing.

Anyone with information is contact police on 101, text 07786 200 011, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

A man has appeared in court today charged with causing the death of an unborn child after an attack on a University of Bedfordshire graduate.

Malorie Bantala, 21, who was 32 weeks’ pregnant, lost her unborn child and remains in a critical condition after the assault near her home in Peckham, on Monday night.

Police said that Miss Bantala– who graduated from the University of Bedfordshire’s Luton campus last year– was pushed to the ground by two men in motorcycle helmets who kicked and stamped on her stomach.

Detective Chief Inspector Robert Pack from the Homicide and Major Crime Command said: “This was a truly abhorrent and vile attack on a heavily-pregnant woman who has now, tragically, lost her baby.”

Kevin Wilson, 20, of Stansfield House, Longfield Estate, south east London, appeared at Camberwell Green Magistrates Court accused of child destruction and grievous bodily harm with intent.

He has been remanded in custody.

Police took Miss Bantala to hospital after waiting an hour and ten minutes for an ambulance to arrive.

A London Ambulance Service spokeswoman said: “We were called at 8.16pm on 15 June to Talfourd Place, SE15.

“We are very sorry that we were unable to send an ambulance before we were cancelled by the police at 9.25pm and are now looking into the circumstances of what happened.”

The spokeswoman said the first 999 call from a member of the public was assessed to be a “lower priority call” - or a category C call.

The Archbishop of Canterbury has urged leaders of far-right group Britain First to abandon its plans for a march through Luton on June 27, telling them that “confrontation gets you nowhere”.

As part of a visit to the town this morning the Most Reverend Justin Welby stopped off at St Mary’s Church and spoke with church leaders who met with Britain First chairman Paul Golding and deputy Jayda Fransen a fortnight ago.

Following the meeting the Britain First pair made an unannounced visit to Bury Park, where they claim they suffered ‘abuse and violence’ from men on the streets.

Footage of the driveby shows Paul Golding shouting “This is our country, why don’t you go back to your own country?” to one man and “Go back to the desert” to another.

Golding and Fransen are also seen holding Christian crosses and a banner which reads “Britain First No More Mosques” outside Bury Park Jamie Masjid.

Church leaders and the Luton Council of Faiths denounced the footage and renewed calls for Britain First to drop its plans to demonstrate.

Speaking to the Luton News this morning, the Archbishop backed the approach taken by local faith leaders.

He said: “I support very strongly the letter that has been written by church leaders here, a very significant number of church leaders,

“It is gracious but a clear challenge to the leaders of Britain First to do things through dialogue and not confrontation.

“It is gracious, courteous, polite and invites them to talk.

“I hope that they will take that up and make the most of that opportunity.

“Confrontation gets you nowhere and Luton shows that very clearly, the church leaders have made a very clear stand on this.”

The Archbishop also welcomed work between church and mosque leaders in the town.

He said: “There is a very strong history here of intelligent, thoughtful work between faith leaders.

“When you see the churches here they are quite clear that they are proclaiming Jesus Christ but with hospitality, generosity and welcome and building relationships rather than any kind of aggression.”

During his visit to Luton this morning the Most Reverend was taken through The Mall to meet shoppers and traders in the market.

He briefly stopped outside the Luton Town FC club shop to ask a colleague how the Hatters have been faring.

The Archbishop was told “they are hoping for promotion this year”.

After chatting with a number of workers he moved onto the Town Hall, where a private reception was held with the council and community guests.

During the ceremony the Most Reverend added his name to a list of signatories on an open letter denouncing Britain First’s “harmful and divisive” rhetoric.

Three men from Luton have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing in Cambridge on Tuesday.

The men– aged 23, 27 and 58– have been taken to Parkside Police Station in the city.

Their arrests follow that of Ali Mohammed Tobeiji, 61, of Selbourne Road, Luton– who has been charged with attempted murder.

He appeared at Cambridge Magistrates Court today and has been remanded in court.

At 1.15am on Tuesday morning a member of the public flagged down a police car after finding a 30-year-old man injured in East Road, Cambridge.

The victim, who is in late 20s/early 30s, had a number of stab wounds and was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with severe, life threatening injuries.

He is said to be in a stable condition.

A 26-year-old man also arrested in connection with the incident has been released with no further action.

Det Insp Andrea Warren said: “I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of East Road during the early hours of this morning and saw anything suspicious or witnessed the incident itself.”

Call 101 if you have any information

Seventeen people have been arrested today on suspicion of immigration offences after they were seen running in fields in Toddington.

Police attended a farm in Toddington after receiving a call at around 3.25pm today, June 18.

The news comes just one day after a number of people were found in the back of a lorry on the M1.

In total, sixteen people were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences yesterday, June 17, and have been transferred to the care of the UK Border Agency.

A 44-year-old man from Romania was arrested on suspicion of facilitating entry to the UK has been bailed until 12 August.

A father-of-one who died in custody at Luton Police Station was found with ‘no suspicious injuries’, an inquest opening heard this morning.

Istiak Yusuf, 25, of Purley Centre, was arrested on suspicion of domestic violence just after 8.45am on Saturday but within hours “fell ill” and died.

An inquest held this morning in Ampthill heard that the IT recruitment consultant was compliant with the arrest, and that on his arrival at Luton Police Station he advised officers that the he had been “out drinking until 2am in the morning”.

It was said that Mr Yusuf was checked on at 11.35am and found “in order” but at 11.55am his condition concerned officers and an alarm was raised.

Paramedics attempted resuscitation but it was unsuccessful and the 25-year-old was declared dead at the scene.

The following day a post mortem found no suspicious injuries and the only marks present were bruising to Mr Yusuf’s mouth and chest.

The inquest heard that these injuries are consistent with resuscitation efforts.

The 25-year-old’s cause of death has not yet been ascertained.

Luton and Bedfordshire senior coroner Tom Osborne opened and adjourned the inquest to run over the 15th, 16th and 17th of December.

A pre-inquest review will also be held on August 27.

Mr Osborne said: “Can I express my sympathy to the family for the circumstances of Mr Yusuf’s death, this will be thoroughly investigated.”