Dallow Primary School remains closed after a nearby shooting in the early hours of this morning.

Police were called at 1.30am to reports of a large-scale disturbance in Dallow Road in which shots were believed to have been fired.

Officers attended and found a man in his 20’s, with an apparent gunshot wound, in the school car park.

He has been taken to hospital where he is being treated for serious injuries, not thought to be life-threatening.

Part of the road is closed while police investigations are on-going.

A scene guard is in place at a house in the road and also at a small section of Dallow Primary School car park where the victim was found.

A lady who lives on Dallow Road, near to the area that was taped off, said: “I did hear something last night, it was after midnight but I’m not sure what it was, and then this morning I come out and see this, it’s not good.

“It’s scary as it is so close to the school, children should not walk to school and see all those police and it all taped off like that, I think the school is closed.

“Dallow Road is getting worse, I have lived here for five years now and I have not seen anything like this.

“In February my house got robbed, and then my neighbours house got robbed and then there was another robbery up the road, the area is getting worse.

“I think there should be cameras on the road, there is a primary school here and cars just speed on here.”

Dallow Primary School will be open tomorrow.

A full police investigation into the incident has been launched and anyone with information is asked to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 19 of today.

Police are investigating after a man was assaulted and robbed in Kingsway, Luton, on Sunday morning.

At around 4.10am a man was near the Connaught Road junction in Kingsway when he was approached by two men travelling in a light coloured Vauxhall Astra.

The two men assaulted the victim before stealing his phone, keys and money.

The men are described as white, one is believed to be around 25-years-old and the other in his late 30s.

Detective Constable Mirian Khajavelidze, investigating, said: “I would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the vehicle in the area or any suspicious behaviour.

“This was a violent and completely unprovoked attack. Anyone with any information that could help us find the people responsible are asked to contact us.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact DC Khajavelidze on 101 quoting reference number C/44404/2016.

Muddy but magnificent – that was general consensus after several of the cast and crew from Dunstable Grove Theatre’s panto took part in the annual Swanbourne Endeavour to raise money for Medical Detection Dogs.

Aladdin (Joe Ashman from Leighton Buzzard) and Jasmine (played by Olivia Chan) were joined by a team of 10 dancers plus panto producers Simon Cossons and Jamie Alexander Wilson.
They were cheered on by Corrie killer Richard Hillman (Brian Capron) who takes the part of Abanazar. 
Joe said: “It’s an amazing charity, based close to Dunstable, so it’s great we’ve been able to support them. So far we’ve raised more than £1,500 and donations are still coming in.”

> Go to www.justgiving.com/MagicBean

Recent research has revealed concerning figures relating to the number of car thieves, and thieves targeting items left in cars, that escape prosecution.

The figures, which were the result of a freedom of information request answered by 58 per cent of the nation’s police forces, also revealed the number of stolen vehicles that were recovered last year.

Luton burns survivor Shamiam Arif was guest of honour at the Centrebus depot in town last week.

Inspector Neil Somers presented her with an annual bus pass which she and her mum will use for the return trip to Luton station for one of her many appointments at Great Ormond Street Hospital and the Luton & Dunstable Hospital.

The Challney Girls High student was badly injured in a fire when she was a baby.

Operatons manager Peter Homes said: “Centrebus is happy to play its part in the community and we’ve really taken Shamiam to our hearts. We’re delighted to be able to help this brave young lady who has been such a role model to all of us with her can-do attitude.”

Shamiam’s mum Tahira said she was extremely grateful to the company for their ongoing generosity - this is the second bus pass they have been given.

Fourteen-year-old Shamiam won three awards at school last year.

Drivers were caught in delays in Luton this morning as Hatters Way was closed as police attended a road traffic collision.

Police were called at 8.50am to a minor road traffic collision involving two cars.

A spokesperson for Bedfordshire Police said: “There were two cars involved and no serious injuries.

“The vehicles have now been recovered and the road should be reopened shortly.”

The Red Devils parachute jumped into the base at Chicksands on Saturday, kick-starting the Bedfordshire Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.

The spectacular display was enjoyed by a crowd of dignitaries, former and current Service Personnel, and their families. After landing, the parachute team’s leader Corporal Nathan Connolly presented a wreath, a lone bugler played the Last Post, and two minutes’ silence was held in remembrance of those who gave their lives for the Country.

This was the last display this year for the Red Devils, the British Army’s freefall display team, which performs 60 displays a year in the UK and internationally. The Officer Commanding the team, Captain Joe Palmer, promised a “fast and furious” display, and the team delivered, with 7 parachutists performing intricate manoeuvres, falling from 2000 feet at ground-speeds of up to 50 mph before braking at the last minute to touch down perfectly around a huge poppy painted by local schoolchildren.

The event was particularly poignant for two of the jumpers, for whom this will be the last display with the Red Devils. Lance Corporal Chris Sharman, who has been with the team for 7 years, performing over 2500 jumps, and Lance Corporal Alexis Mcnaughton, who has been with the team for 3 years. Alex said he was “Definitely going out on a high. It was an awesome event to go out on.”

The Bedfordshire Royal British Legion Riders “The Clangers”, and Mike Lewis Racing, led by Mike, a former Parachute Regiment Soldier, also displayed their vehicles.

Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal Website: http://www.britishlegion.org.uk/poppy-appeal-2016/

Bedfordshire’s councils are being urged to ban sky lanterns ahead of Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve to protect residents, businesses, and environment from the “enormous” risks they pose.

The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses, has contacted the county’s councils asking for the release and sale of lanterns to be outlawed.

CLA East Regional Director Ben Underwood said: “The fire risks associated with releasing sky lanterns is significant, posing a threat to homes, businesses and lives in both urban and rural areas. Our campaign to have lanterns banned has been running for almost three years and is supported by the RNLI, The Chief Fire Officers Association, and Local Government Association (LGA). A total of 25 councils in England have already banned them.

“A council ban sends out a strong message that this is a very important issue and highlights to the public the risks associated with releasing a sky lantern.

“It would be a real boost if Bedfordshire’s councils backed our stance and helped ensure that someone’s home, property, business or life isn’t destroyed by one of these flying bonfires.”

The organisation also wants councils to feature information on their websites regarding the dangers of releasing lanterns and a plea to the public to reconsider their use.

Mr Underwood added: “Even after it has finished flaming, the fuel cell of a lantern can register a spot temperature of over 200°C – and even after two minutes it can be around the 100°C mark. Lanterns landing or crossing fields can panic livestock, but the biggest concern to farmers is that their animals can suffer a slow, agonising death if they ingest debris from spent lanterns.”

A litter pick in Luton’s Vestry Close and a cultural awareness project at Hilltop Court have been given the go ahead, thanks to the efforts of Aldwyck Housing Group youth worker Nazia Haque.

The former Challney Girls High pupil was successful in obtaining £2,500 in community grants through the council’s Your Say Your Way campaign.

Nazia, 21 - now in her third year studying youth and community at the University of Bedfordshire – said: “It’s been really exciting for me to apply for my first community grants and secure funding for both projects.

“The money we receive will help not only to educate our young people, but also to look at bringing the people of Vestry Close together to help make the streets a cleaner place.”

Aldwyck Housing Group’s youth and ASB interventions officer, Hafi Rahman, said: “It’s superb to see Nazia leading and securing community grants for the people of Luton.

“She has built fantastic relationships with the communities she works in and that is testament to her hard work and passion for really making a difference.”

> Participatory budgeting is a part of the Your Say, Your Way programme, giving individuals an opportunity to bid for resources and make changes to their communities.

A high speed chase in Luton ended dramatically when the car involved crashed into a wall.

The crash happened at around 1am in Bury Park Road yesterday.

A police spokesman told Luton Today: “We were called at approximately 12pm to reports of two men who were believed to have stolen items from a supermarket in Houghton Regis and who were driving dangerously on leaving the supermarket.

“A police pursuit ensued but was called off as a precaution due to the traffic conditions. Shortly afterwards the car collided with a wall in Bury Park Road, Luton.

“No-one was injured and two people were arrested.”

Representatives from Macmillan Cancer Support visited Icknield Primary in Luton to say a big thank you to pupils and staff for their magnificent money-making enterprises.

A total of more than £1,000 was achieved through a bake sale and non-uniform today, well surpassing previous targets.

Headteacher Lyn Lyman said: “We’re very proud of the pupils, parents and staff for their fundraising efforts.

“The charity is a very worthy recipient and is a cause close to the school community’s hearts. The students were delighted to speak to them about their work.”

Generous readers have already started dropping off their lovingly-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

Samaritan’s Purse – the charity spearheading the campaign to deliver boxes of joy to underpivileged and needy children – hopes to send more than 12 million this year.

They will go to more than 100 countries around the world after being collected and shipped through the charity’s offices in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as partners in places from Germany to Japan.

And Luton is certainly doing its bit to spread a little happiness this festive season. People of all ages, races and religions are sitting down to create something special for a small person they will never meet but who will blossom in the knowledge that someone, somewhere, was thinking of them.

> Last drop off date is Friday, November 18. Bring your shoeboxes to our office at 39 Upper George Street, Luton LU1 3RD during office hours.

A Luton car park spat turned awry as one man was alleged to have deliberately driven his car into a another man last Friday.

The incident took place at outsideStaples on Castle Street, and saw the store’s car park cordoned off for much of the day.

A Beds Police spokesman told Luton News: “We were called at approximately 2.50pm on October 28 to reports that a man had deliberately driven at another man in Castle Street, Luton, injuring his arm.

“Officers attended and are investigating.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 210 of 28 October.

Two men from Luton will serve time in prison after attempting to gain access to the home of an elderly lady with the intention of stealing items.

Carl Drein, 34, of no fixed address, and Darren Smith, 35, of Kingsland Road, were sentenced on Monday at Luton Crown Court.

Both pleaded guilty to attempted burglary and were sentenced to two years imprisonment.

On Friday, September 2, they went to the elderly victim’s home, Drein knocked on the door and claimed his son had kicked a ball into her garden.

She believed him to be genuine and allowed him into the garden to look for the ball, while Smith rang the front doorbell in an attempt to distract the victim and gain entry to her property.

After leaving the scene, unsuccessful in their attempt to access the property, the victim called the police.

Officers spoke with the victim, gained a description and viewed CCTV.

Drein and Smith were identified by police and arrested later the same day.

They were interviewed, charged and remanded in custody where they remained until sentencing.

Detective Constable David Adams, who investigated the incident, said: “The sentence Drein and Smith received reflects the severity of the crime against the victim in this case.

“This is another success for Op Fidelity, Bedfordshire Police’s commitment to tackling burglary, and I am pleased these men are now off the streets, unable to target other innocent victims.

“I would like to thank the victim in this case for coming forward and supporting the police investigation.

“The strength of the evidence in this case was from CCTV; neither Drein nor Smith were able to explain why they attended the address of the victim that day, other than they were intending to burgle her and steal her property.

“Burglary and any attempt to burgle anyone will not be tolerated by Bedfordshire Police.

“We remain dedicated to protecting the public and fighting crime; if we can trace and identify offenders we will bring them to justice, as we have in this case.”

Kingham Hill School student Joshua Lima is one step nearer his dream of a career in rugby after being accepted at the acclaimed London Wasps Academy.

The Year 13 pupil began his training earlier this month following successful trials in Coventry.

All players selected to join the Academy – where current and former England players began their international careers – have to show a high level of ability and commitment. This is tested through a number of drills and matches that assess speed, power and ball handling.

During his time at Wasps, Joshua will take part in weekly squad training, sessions and matches against other academies.

Speaking about his success, the 18-year-old said: “It’s always been my dream to play the sport I love.

“I hope to become the best player I possibly can be.”

He added: “The Academy gives me an opportunity to develop at a higher level and to learn from the very best, while also giving me the tools to improve myself.”

Joshua’a achievement comes hot on the heels of fellow Year 13 pupil Adam Smith’s success in being chosen to play for Irish Exiles – the rugby organisation representing Ireland at youth international level.

As a member of the Under 18 squad that toured Ireland, Adam got to play in their winning matches against the renowned Leinster and Ulster Rugby Clubs.

> Kingham School is nestled in the Cotswold countryside in a stunning 100 acre estate where pupils have a safe place to explore, enjoy and make their home. Numbers are limited and every child is nurtured, challenged and inspired to reach their full potential.

> More details at www.kinghamhill.org.uk

The cost of fuel continued to rise last week, albeit at a slightly less sharp rate than previously.Unleaded petrol is now at 116.0 pence per litre. This is 0.8 pence per litre more than the previous week.

Office of National Statistics figures show that the cost of diesel has risen by 0.7 pence per litre with the price at the pump now 118.4 pence per litre.

Fuel is more expensive than at the same time time last year, with unleaded petrol 8.8 pence per litre more expensive and diesel 8.3 pence per litre more than it was this week in 2015.

Weathermen have issued a mixed forecast for November.

The Met Office says that although conditions are uncertain, it’s likely that the number of storms will be below average for the time of year.

But it’s probable that the country will be hit by a particularly cold spell.

The Met office UK forecast for November 5 to November 14 is: ‘For next weekend cold and unsettled weather is expected across the UK.

‘Winds are expected to be predominantly from a northerly direction and occasionally strong, bringing rain and blustery showers to most, with some snow possible over higher ground in the north.

‘There will be some brightness in places, but temperatures are likely to be below average, so feeling much colder for most compared to last weekend. Further ahead in the period there is a large degree of uncertainty, but signals suggest mostly below average temperatures, perhaps with brief milder interludes.

‘It will likely be mostly unsettled, with showers or bands of rain at times, and quite breezy in some places too, perhaps with gales.’

The longer-term forecast, for Tuesday November 15 to Tuesday November 29, is: ‘The forecast remains very uncertain for mid to late November.

‘However, spells of windier and stormier weather look to be less frequent than would normally be expected for the time of the year.

It looks more likely that we’ll see a continuation of winds from a broadly northerly direction, particularly in mid November, bringing colder than usual temperatures, with potential for widespread frosts at times.

‘It will likely be a mixed period of weather, with periods of unsettled, breezy weather, bringing rain or showers, and perhaps snow over higher ground in the north.

This will likely be interspersed with periods of drier and more settled conditions.’

A man who inflicted a series of fear and violence on his girlfriend has been jailed for 23 months.

20-year-old Kareem Carvelli Clement, from Butterworth Path, Luton was sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Thursdayafter pleading guilty to a string of violent and intimidating behaviour.

Carvelli Clement attended Luton Police Station in August to hand himself in for a vicious and aggressive assault on his girlfriend.

He admitted his abusive behaviour, stating that she didn’t deserve to be the victim of his actions.

A sustained campaign of violent abuse was revealed and he was arrested and charged for assault, threats to kill, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of a class A drug.

The judge handed Carvelli Clement consecutive sentences for the charges seeing him serve time behind bars for a total of 23 months.

PC Sally Chambers, from the force’s dedicated Emerald Unit responsible for investigating domestic abuse and serious sexual offences, said: “The custodial sentence reflects the serious nature of these offences and that domestic abuse will not be tolerated.

“We work closely with partners to offer support, advice and guidance to victims of abuse and encourage people to speak out.

“If you are suffering from any form of domestic abuse or are worried about a friend or relative, please contact us on 101.”

The Football Association is in discussions with Fifa over allowing players to show support for the Royal British Legion’s poppy appeal when England play Scotland.

Gareth Southgate’s side host their neighbours at Wembley on Armistice Day in a World Cup qualifier.

A report in the Sun claimed Fifa had banned the two teams from displaying poppies on their shirts during the game as political statements are not allowed.

In 2011, Fifa eventually backed down after threatening to ban the England team from wearing poppies in a friendly against Spain, allowing them to display the symbol on black armbands.

An FA statement read: “We are working closely with the Royal British Legion once again this year to honour and remember the sacrifices made by those serving in the armed forces.

“In recent weeks, the FA has led remembrance discussions with Fifa to allow the England team to show its support for the poppy appeal during the World Cup qualifier with Scotland.”

Fifa and the Scottish Football Association were unavailable for comment.

A Bedfordshire coach company is looking for imaginative young students to design them a company Christmas card.

Marshalls Coaches LLP, Leighton Buzzard, is running a competition, challenging pupils aged between five and 13 to come up with a festive coach-themed design.

The lucky winner will receive a £50 Smyths Toys voucher, while the company will offer the winner’s school free transport to and from a destination of their choice.

Dean Marshall, partner at Marshalls Coaches, said: “We’re a well established company and we thought it would be a fun way to give back to the community.

“The winning pupil’s school will receive free hire of a coach with a driver for the day. It’s up to school where they go and who they take - it just needs to be within a 50 mile radius of their grounds.”

Send entries to: Dean Marshall, Marshalls Coaches, Unit 4, Firbank way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 4YP.

The closing date is Friday, December 9.