A man has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of a Canadian businessman in a Luton hotel.

IT engineer Ashwin Desai was staying at the Hampton by Hilton hotel in Luton while on a business trip when he was savagely attacked on September 20, 2015.

At Luton Crown Court yesterday, Reinis Pupolins, 22, from Latvia, denied murder but admitted the manslaughter of Mr Desai on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Mr Desai was due to return home to Canada the next morning, when at around 9pm he was brutally attacked by Pupolins with a fire extinguisher.

His injuries were so severe that he never regained consciousness and, after being repatriated to Canada, he died as a result of his injuries on 31 December.

Pupolins was sentenced to be detained in a secure mental health hospital under Section 37 of the Mental Health Act and a restriction order under Section 41 with an indefinite time limit.

A further charge of assault against another man in the hotel on the same night will lie on file.

In a statement after his death, Mr Desai’s family said: “Ashwin was a very gentle soul, someone who was always there for his friends and family, and active in the community in which he lived. He will be sorely missed.

“His simple and caring nature has made this world a better place to live in. Ashwin came from humble beginnings and, with dedicated hard work he built himself a happy life in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.”

He left behind a wife and seven-year-old daughter.

Det Insp Jerry Waite said: “This was a tragic case in which a man who was due to fly home to his family after a business trip was brutally injured, costing him his life.

“The Beds, Cambs and Herts major crime unit are dedicated to bringing dangerous individuals off the streets and this sentence passed by the courts will ensure that Pupolins gets the treatment he needs and no longer poses a danger to the public.”

The name-calling, bluster and lack of clear policy pronouncements in one of the most divisive US presidential elections ever is at an end.

Today, America will finally find out who will lead it for the next four years.

For those planning to stay up and watch the results roll in tonight, here is what you need to know.

By the day’s end, more than 130 million Americans out of an eligible 225 million are expected to have cast ballots across the 50 states. But the voting system is nothing like the UK’s.

The Electoral College

Instead, the election is determined by the mysterious Electoral College – a group of people known as “electors”, appointed by each party. Their total number is equal to the number of members in Congress – 535 – plus three electors from the District of Columbia. But the number in each state varies, depending on the size of its population.

As the largest state, California has 55 electoral college votes, while sparsely populated Wyoming and tiny Washington DC have only three each. So if Hillary Clinton were to win Wyoming, she will get all three electoral votes. The goal is to get to 270, which is just over half of 538.

All but two states – Maine and Nebraska – use a winner-takes-all system. So if you win the most votes in a state, you take all of its electoral college votes.

The drama is likely to unfold in swing states such as Arizona, Colorado, Ohio and Florida, where the election has been hardest fought.

The polls close

The first polls close at about 11pm GMT in Kentucky and Indiana, home to Mr Trump’s running-mate Mike Pence. Voting in the crucial battlegrounds of Florida and Ohio closes soon after midnight.

Look out for Florida in particular: a Clinton win there would probably spell curtains for Mr Trump. If you are willing to believe the exit polls, you might even have a (relatively) early night.

Ms Clinton starts with an advantage in the Electoral College and she could afford to lose Ohio and Florida, but if she were to fall short in North Carolina and Pennsylvania, Mr Trump would probably succeed.

Voter turnout is key

Safe Republican and Democratic states will probably declare their results early, but it could be well into tomorrow morning by the time the results become clear in swing states.

One thing to watch out for is voter turnout, particularly among Hispanic voters in places like Arizona, Florida and Nevada, and African-American voters in states like Ohio and North Carolina. If their numbers are low, it could pose trouble for Ms Clinton.

After Barack Obama won the past two elections comfortably, John McCain and Mitt Romney gave concession speeches at about 5am. But if neither Mr Trump nor Ms Clinton reaches the 270 mark, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives will decide the outcome – and we could end up with President Trump after all.

Read more at: https://inews.co.uk/essentials/armchair-guide-us-election/

Police investigating an incident in which blank shots were fired in a Luton street have charged a 16-year-old.

The teenager from Luton, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Luton Juvenile Court on Monday charged with two counts of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and was remanded in custody to appear at Luton Crown Court in December.

The charges follow alleged incidents in Dorrington Close, Luton, on 25 August and The Crossway, Luton, on 28 August.

Anyone with information on gun crime can contact Bedfordshire Police on 101.

There are major disruptions for rail commuters with no trains currently operating between Luton and Bedford.

Network Rail state: “Due to a piece of cable coming into contact with the overhead electric lines at Luton station we are currently unable to run trains through the area.

“We are working to repair the problem and get trains running again as soon as possible.

“We apologise for the inconvenience and advise passengers travelling through Luton this evening to check @nationalrailenq for information.”

A concerned Luton mother has launched a petition to help disabled students receive more support at university.

Jane Collier, 54, has started a UK Government and Parliament petition calling for the Education Health and Care Plan to be extended to higher education students up to the age of 24.

Jane was inspired to take action after claiming her autistic son, Tom ‘Tomm’ Collier, 20, struggled to start his Computer Games Development BSc (Hons) degree at the University of Bedfordshire this September.

Tomm previously had an EHC Plan which allowed him to receive daily one to one support at Barnfield College from the charity MacIntyre, paid for by Luton Borough Council.

But the plan does not cover higher education and ‘Tomm’ now has a council support worker who can only work Mondays.

Jane said: “The university have been trying really hard – it’s the system I’m angry with. Without the EHC Plan they can only offer ten hours of support for his part-time course.

“Tomm is the same person he was at college. In new environments he can become stressed easily, pulling his hair or wanting to run.”

Jane argues that to begin with, Tomm needs at least 25 hours of support per week for travel, lectures and private study, ranging from note taking to nerve calming.

She said: “My son is a bright student. I know after university he will do well in a stable job. He has so much to give back to society and there are families like us suffering in silence.”

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: “A Luton Council adult social care representative attended a meeting held by the university on the 25.10.16 with Mr Collier and his mother present at which the arrangements for Mr Collier’s attendance at the university were confirmed.

“Mr Collier started his course on the 31.10.16. and the arrangements are to be reviewed in six weeks’ time. If the arrangements are not working for Mr Collier then, of course, we will look at an earlier review.”

A University of Bedfordshire spokesman said: “Tomm’s study support needs have been independently assessed and awards were made by Student Finance England (Disabled Students’ Allowances). At our last meeting with Tomm and his family we agreed the university will provide support for Tomm’s academic needs such as note taking in lectures while Luton Borough Council will cover Tomm’s personal needs.

“However as Tomm’s family are aware, unlike at school and at further education level, the Government does not provide funding for 1:1 wrap-around personal support at higher education level.

To sign Jane’s petition, visit: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/169008.

Railway passengers are being advised to check before they travel today following issues with the overhead wires at Luton.

A piece of cable came into contact with the overhead wires at approximately 2:45pm on Tuesday. This caused a power failure and loss of signalling, which affected train services.

Network Rail engineers have been on site working to repair the problem, but this work is expected to run into the morning peak, affecting passengers on Thameslink and those using East Midlands Trains into London.

A Network Rail spokesperson said: “Owing to a piece of cable coming into contact with the overhead wires at Luton station there is currently a very limited train service through the area. We are working to repair the problem and get a full service running again as soon as possible, however this work is likely to continue into the morning peak. We apologise for the inconvenience this will cause and advise that passengers use an alternative route where possible and check with their train operator before they travel.”

A Thameslink spokesperson said: “We’d like to apologise for the continued severe disruption so many of our passengers are experiencing. We are doing all we can to keep people updated through our web, app and Twitter feed and have extra staff out on the ground.”

At the current time, East Midlands Trains is expect to be running a reduced service to and from London whilst the repair work takes place. Customers are strongly advised to check before travel at http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/information/media/Disruption-Information/DELAYS-Luton-Bedford/

Thameslink passengers should expect severe disruption with a limited service of at most 3 trains per hour from Bedford to London St Pancras only in the morning peak and no cross-London trains expected beyond St Pancras. There is also expected to be a limited Thameslink service only from Wimbledon and Sutton into London Blackfriars while Sevenoaks services will run to Blackfriars and Victoria only.

Trains from Brighton area also expected to be disrupted.

Passengers are urged to use alternative routes wherever possible, including the Great Northern route from stations such as St Neots, Hitchin and Hatfield into London King’s Cross.

Thameslink car park season tickets will be valid at Great Northern stations and other Thameslink stations. Please check www.thameslinkrailway.com for more information.

A Dunstable man who was seriously injured following a collision on the A5 in Markyate, close to the junction with London Road, on Thursday, November 3, has died.

The collision took place at approximately 9.20pm after a white Ford Connect van was in collision with a large red Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV).

The driver of the van, a 44- year-old man from Dunstable, was airlifted to Addenbrooke’s Hospital where he died on November 5.

The driver of the HGV – a man in his 30s – was not injured and has been arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He is on police bail until December 17.

Officers are continuing to appeal for information about the collision.

PC Andy Ralph, of the Road Crash Investigation Team, said: “I am continuing to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to please get in touch.

“I’d also like to speak to anyone who may have seen the HGV in the area during the evening before the collision happened.

Any information you provide could help us to piece together the circumstances of this incident.”

> Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the non-emergency number 101.

Luton’s Young@Heart dementia cafe was the beneficiary at a tasty curry evening in Sundon Park.

Hosts at the venue, Dildar restaurant in Sundon Parade, donated a percentage of the bill, bringing the total raised to £405.

The money will be spent on arts and crafts equipment, as well as tea and cakes at the cafe.

Support has been growing for Young@Heart which takes place every Wednesday from 2pm to 4pm at St John’s Parish Centre in Sundon Park.

It was opened in response to the need for dementia respite in the town and offers refreshment, entertainment and a chance for those with the condition and their carers to mingle with like-minded people.

The initiative is a partmership between Holy Family and St John, music therapy organisation Music 24 and care company Home Instead Luton and Central Bedfordshire.

> For more information visit www.homeinstead.co.uk/luton-and-central-bedfordshire/7008.do/youngheart-dementia-cafe-is-launched

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses and information into a shooting in Luton last week.

Police were called at 1.30am last Tuesday (November 1) to reports of a large-scale disturbance in Dallow Road in which shots were fired.

Officers attended and one man was found to have suffered a gunshot wound. He was treated at hospital for serious injuries which were not life-threatening.

Bedfordshire Police have been conducting house-to-house enquiries in the area.

Sgt Mark Pugh from the force’s Operation Boson team, which deals with gun-related criminality, said: “We appreciate this is a highly-concerning incident for the community in and around Dallow Road. As a result of the incident we understand people will feel unsettled and so would reassure them that we believe the shooting to be an isolated incident contained within a party or gathering which was taking place at the time, and do not perceive there to be any wider risk to the public.

“We are thoroughly investigating this incident and are carrying out a number of enquiries in order to establish the exact circumstances, and most importantly to trace those involved.

“I would urge anyone with any information about the party, or the shooting itself, to contact me on 101.”

A woman has been left with serious injuries after being involved in an accident on a waterslide at Woburn Forest Center Parcs, Bedfordshire.

Anne Jennings, 67, sustained a laceration to the back of her head, a soft tissue injury to her neck, left ankle, back, chest and right thigh, as well as post-concussive symptoms and psychiatric injuries after she fell from the Tornado water slide at the Sub Tropical Swimming Paradise at the park.

Mrs Jennings was enjoying a family holiday at Center Parcs when she decided to go on the Tornado slide with her husband and two other family members.

The slide is a flume tunnel slide with a sheer drop into an enclosed cavern and has an inflatable raft which is designed for four people to experience the ride together.

As Mrs Jennings and her family entered the cavern area, the raft was propelled up the opposite side of the cavern due to the speed they had come down the slide.

During this, she struck the top of her head on the slide, causing her to fall out of the raft and into the water.

One of Mrs Jennings’ family members, who is a trained life guard, entered the water and brought her out.

Center Parcs lifeguards saw what was happening and they helped to put Mrs Jennings onto a stretcher.

She was then taken by ambulance to Bedford Hospital for treatment for her injuries.

As a result, Mrs Jennings has experienced ongoing symptoms due to her head injury, including headaches, nausea, dizziness, tiredness, memory loss and confusion with speech, as well as ongoing pain and discomfort in her neck and left ankle.

This is the second incident to have been reported on the slide in the last 18 months, with another visitor to the park sustaining injury which was captured on a GoPro video camera by another rider.

Mrs Jennings said: “I was enjoying a lovely family holiday at Center Parcs when the accident happened. The ride looked like lots of fun and it didn’t cross my mind that it could be dangerous at all for me to go on the slide.

“There were no signs to warn of the nature of the slide, and none of the attendants warned us to the speed we would experience. No protection whatsoever was offered to us as we got onto the slide.

“I remember entering the cavern area of the slide, and then coming to whilst under the water and then being taken to the hospital.
“The NHS and in particular A&E are under great strain at the moment without unnecessary burdens being placed upon them.

“I was taken by an ambulance, which required cleaning after my sickness, I had a CT scan to check for brain and spinal damage.

“The scan revealed a sub-cutaneous haematoma which was evacuated by a Consultant who then closed the wound with seven staples. ”

Mrs Jennings added: “The accident left me with lots of ongoing problems; I suffered from lots of headaches and dizziness, and also trouble searching for the right words to say sometimes. Because of these symptoms, I sought specialist treatment privately to ensure I made the best recovery possible.

“I want answers as to why this was allowed to happen, especially after someone else had already been injured on the slide.”

Remarkably, Mrs Jennings has made a great recovery, thanks to receiving early treatment for her symptoms.

She is now pursuing a personal injury claim with the help of CFG Law (part of the client first group) to compensate her for the pain and suffering she has experienced as a result the accident.

Sabrina McCarron of CFG Law said: “This was a traumatic event for Mrs Jennings on a day out with her family.

“Questions have been raised in relation to the risk assessments undertaken by Centre Parcs in relation to the Tornado water slide especially as this was the second serious injury within a matter of months.

“Mrs Jennings suffered a post -concussion head injury and psychological injury, however I am pleased she is making a good recovery following treatment. “

Mrs Jennings has said that if she receives compensation for her accident, she would like to donate some of the money she receives to Bedford Hospital as a thank you for the excellent care and attention she received from the staff there after her accident.

Center Parcs have accepted liability for the accident.

A spokesperson from Center Parcs, said: “We have a very good safety record but any injury is a matter we take seriously.
“This is an unfortunate incident and we have conducted our own investigations and are committed to take any action to prevent a similar incident happening in the future.

“We are sorry for the upset caused to Mrs Jennings and her family and hope that she makes a full recovery soon.”

Network Rail is sorry for the disruption to rail passengers as engineers work to fix rail equipment at Luton.

A piece of cable came into contact with the overhead wires at approximately 2:45pm on Tuesday, which caused a power failure and damaged the signalling equipment that controls train movements.

Network Rail engineers have been on site working to repair the problem all night.

However, this is complicated equipment and passengers are being warned that disruption may last all day.

Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “I am sorry for the disruption this has caused to passengers. Our engineers have been working through the night and new teams are on site today to fix the damage. At this point we cannot say how long that work will take.

“I understand how frustrating this is for passengers and we will provide more information about when full services will resume as soon as possible.”

A Thameslink spokesperson said: “We’d like to apologise for the continued severe disruption so many of our passengers are experiencing. While Network Rail is working on the problem we urge people to check travel advice at thameslinkrailway.co.uk and use alternative transport wherever possible.

“We are doing all we can to keep people updated through our web, app and Twitter feed and have extra staff out on the ground.”

An East Midlands Trains spokesperson said: “We’re sorry for the disruption our customers are experiencing today. We’re working hard to keep customers on the move whilst Network Rail engineers carry out the necessary repairs works.

“We have detailed information on our website which includes advice on alternative routes that our customers can use, and we also have extra staff out at stations helping customers with their travel today.”

Passengers who are delayed by 30 minutes or more should claim compensation via the operators’ websites.

East Midlands Trains are running a reduced service, operating to and from London.

Customers are strongly advised to check before travel at: http://www.eastmidlandstrains.co.uk/information/media/Disruption-Information/DELAYS-Luton-Bedford/

Thameslink are running a limited service of, at most, three trains per hour in operation from Bedford to London St Pancras and there are no cross-London trains beyond St Pancras.

There is also a limited Thameslink service only from Wimbledon and Sutton into London Blackfriars, while Sevenoaks services run to Blackfriars and Victoria only.

Trains from Brighton area are also disrupted. Passengers are urged to use alternative routes wherever possible, including the Great Northern route from stations such as St Neots, Hitchin and Hatfield into London King’s Cross.

Thameslink car park season tickets are valid at Great Northern stations and other Thameslink stations.

Please check: www.thameslinkrailway.com for more information.

The Movember Foundation has a big brief. It’s addressing some of the biggest health issues faced by men, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Under the slogan ‘Grow a Mo, save a Bro,’ it encourages men to grow a moustache in November – Movember – to raise funds to stop men dying too young.

This is the fifth year assistant solictor Martin Boniface has taken on the challenge.

The 29-year-old Lutonian, who works in the family law department at Pictons, said: “Over the past few years, I’ve been concentrating on my career, so this tends to be my only big charity event.

“In terms of the ‘tache, it grows relatively quickly and depending on the style, it can be quite lush.”

There’s just one discordant note in his otherwise selfless charity challenge - his girlfriend claims embracing him is like “kissing a bog brush.”

But Martin is man enough to carry on with his hairy endeavour and hopes to raise £100.

Sponsor him at http://mobro.co/martinboniface78

> The Movember campaign started in Australia in 2003 when two mates from Melbourne – Travis Garone and Luke Slattery – persuaded 30 friends to take part in a fundraiser for prostate cancer. From those humble beginnings a global phenomenon has emerged. More than £443 million has been raised in 21 countries, enabling the funding of 1,200 health programmes.

A twin born severely disabled, after complications which caused the death of her sibling were missed by NHS doctors, has been handed a £6m payout.

The girl, known as “A” for legal reasons, was a victim of extremely rare twin transfusion syndrome before her birth at Luton and Dunstable Hospital in 2001.

The condition meant that the “recipient twin” had increased circulation, at the expense of the “donor twin”, London’s High Court heard.

A’s twin died before birth, and A herself has been left blind, with severe physical and mental handicaps and a much shortened life expectancy.

Through her parents, A sued Luton and Dunstable Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, for damages. The family’s lawyers claimed medics were negligent in missing warning signs of the condition before her birth.

The Trust admitted full liability for what happened in 2008 and, through its barrister Judith Rogerson, apologised to the family in court on Thursday.

Mr Justice Foskett, approving a £6m settlement of the case, praised the “extraordinary devotion and care” given to A by her parents and siblings.

The payout is made up of £2.6m lump sum, plus annual, index-linked and tax-free payments to cover the costs of A’s care for life.

Those payments will start at £255,000-a-year, before rising to £300,000-a-year in 2020, the judge said.

He added that A is sadly not expected to live beyond the age of 30.

Fiona Neale, for the family, told the court that as a result of her in-utero injuries, A suffers from “full body cerebral palsy”.

She has serious learning disabilities and is also blind.

She has “no real appreciation of day or night” and so needs 24-hour care, the barrister added.

Praising the child’s family, she said they had given “over an above anything that would be normally expected. They have all pulled together.”

Miss Rogerson, on behalf of the trust, said: “I’d like to repeat the apology already offered to the family and say how sorry we are that there were these shortcomings in care.

“Although no amount of money can compensate for what has happened, we hope that this settlement can provide some comfort and security for the family and we wish them well in the future.”

Mr Justice Foskett, approving the settlement said: “All cases involving brain injury at the time of birth are sadly distressing and this is no exception.

“Here, the mother was carrying twins and suffered twin transfusion syndrome, a serious complication which means that one twin has an increased circulation at the expense of the other.

“Unfortunately the position was not identified and the donor twin died in utero, causing serious brain damage to the surviving twin.

“This claimant is totally dependant for care on a round the clock basis. Fortunately she has an immensely supportive family, which has and will continue to give extraordinary care. Her parents and siblings have given a huge amount of care.

“It is difficult to find words to describe the type of support she has received. In this case it is truly exceptional.

“This settlement will relieve the family of some extent of their enormous burden and ensure that A receives the support she needs and their will always be funds to meet her care requirements,” the judge concluded.

A timely reminder for all our kindhearted readers rushing to complete their Operation Christmas Child shoeboxes before deadline: Closing date is Friday, November 18.

That means you’ve got just over a week to fill and wrap boxes of lovingly chosen gifts for needy children in the Third World.

The Herald&Post is once again a drop-off point for this wonderful charity that brings so much joy. Many of the youngsters may never have received a gift before and they’re filled with wonder and hope that someone, somewhere, has sent them something special and is thinking of them.

If you’re taking part at the last minute, you can choose to make a box for a boy or a girl in one of three age categories – two – to four-year-old; five to nine-year-old; and 10 to 14-year-old.

Suggestions include toys, school supplies, hygiene items (like wrapped soap, toothbrush and paste, flannel and comb or hairbrush) and clothes.

You might like to consider tucking in a personal note and photo.

The charity Samaritans Purse also asks for a £3 shipping donation, which can be done online.

> For more information call 01993 770620 or visit www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk

A Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade has been presented to Luton firm Squirrels UK Ltd.

Managing director David Yolland received the honour from Lord Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis, withthe Mayor of Luton, Tahir Khan, also present.

Mr Yolland said: “It was a great honour to receive this honour on behalf of my company. We all appreciate that many people have contributed to this success… our wonderful staff, loyal customers and the support of suppliers.

“Only 243 companies were acknowledged this year with a Queen’s Award which makes it very special that we are one.”

Squirrels, a member of Sugro UK, have been national distributors for 30 years. The company was founded by Ron Yolland, David’s father, in 1970 at Walthamstow Market.

It then expanded into retail stores. David joined the company in 1980 and his brother, Michael, in 1986. At that time, Squirrels developed into the wholesale market distributing confectionery and impulse products to market traders and the discount retail sector.

In 1990 the company started importing a range of exclusive products under their own brand, ‘Thurston’s Fine Foods’. These include confectionery, biscuits, jams, pickles, olives, sauces etc, which are imported from over eight countries. In 2006 Squirrels became sole UK distributors for a range of sugar free biscuits, produced in Spain, under the ‘Gullon’ brand.

In 2007 Squirrels started an export business which has grown impressively, especially over the last three years, which is the period that is evaluated for the presentation of The Queen’s Award. Over this period sales volumes have increased threefold and the company now delivers to over ten countries around the world.

In 2015 Squirrels was acquired by Kitwave Group which operates 15 depots across the UK providing a wide range of wholesale services.

David Yolland remains managing director of Squirrels and is a director of Kitwave.

In 2015, the company also moved from Romford to larger premises at Airport Way, Luton in order to take the company to its next level of development.

Looking to the future, David Yollandsaid: “Our export business will obviously benefit from the falling value of the pound. However The UK wholesale market is tough with rising costs and prices.

“However our customer base is mostly in the discount retail sector, which is a growth market and will further benefit from anticipated increased inflation in the UK.”

Festive fun starts in Luton on Saturday, November 26 with a full day of entertainment, including a special show from family pop group Go!Go!Go! They’ll bring their catchy tunes to The Mall’s Church Street stage at midday before opening the Christmas Fairyland Grotto in Central Square, followed by local choirs singing tradtional carols.

The annual lantern parade will make its way from Market Hill to the Town Hall balcony to join Luton Mayor, Cllr Tahir Khan, and Chase and Marshall from PAW Patrol for the big switch-on at 6pm – a family-friendly start to Christmas.

Emergency services attended en masse after unconfirmed reports of a shooting in Hibbert Street, Luton, this afternoon.

East of England Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to the scene at 1.59pm but were unable to comment on injuries.

Several neighbours have said that a shooting took place on the street.

Bedfordshire Police confirmed they are still investigating the incident at the scene.

A spokesman said: “At around 1.30pm today we were called to property in Hibbert Street, Luton, following a report for concern for the safety of those inside.

“Hibbert Street has been temporarily closed while investigations take place.”

More on this story to follow

A 24-year-old man has died after being shot by an officer responding to an incident in Hibbert Street, Luton.

Bedfordshire Police has referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after a man was shot by a firearms officer in Luton.

Police were called at around 1.30pm today to reports of a woman being attacked at a property in Tracey Court, off Hibbert Street.

Armed officers also attended and during the incident a 24-year-old man was shot by an officer.

The man was treated at the scene by officers and paramedics and then taken to hospital but was pronounced dead at 2.50pm. Next of kin have been informed.

Chief Constable Jon Boutcher said: “First and foremost our thoughts are very much with the family of the man involved in this tragic incident.

“The IPCC has been informed, as is standard protocol when someone has died following police contact, and as such it would be inappropriate for us to comment any further at this stage.

An award winning supermodel and actor helped inspire students seeking careers in film, theatre and television.

Kiran Rai, 24, who has been signed to ten international model agencies and appeared on Sky TV’s Sikh channel, met with students from Luton’s Bury Park area on Friday 4 to give advice about careers in the media and film industry.

During the meeting, held on Hightown Road, Kiran also offered three lucky students the chance to visit the Asian Bride Live show on Saturday, November 19, at Olympia Stage, London.

Kiran is presenting the event, which showcases the bridal industry’s ‘finest suppliers’, and will introduce the students to valuable media contacts to help encourage future work opportunities.

Kiran said: “The Asian Live Show is good fun. I am excited about helping people and giving them the chance to continue with there dreams.”

The actor grew up in Nottingham and is from a Hindu Punjabi background.

Kiran has starred in a one-man West End play, Good Things Happen to Good People, at London’s Soho Theatre.

It was based on a breakdown Kiran had in his youth, living in a hostel, and the actor wanted to inspire Luton students with his life story.

A car was stolen and towed away from a supermarket car park on Monday, November 7.

Thieves smashed a window of a red Vauxhall Corsa, registration number LR16 UXM, parked in Sainsbury’s car park, in Quantock Rise, Luton, between 3.30am and 11am. They gained entry and towed the vehicle away in a Vauxhall Astra.

Gary Maxey, from the force’s Crime Bureau, said: “We would like to speak to anyone who many have seen anyone acting suspiciously in the car park, or saw a red Corsa being towed in Luton on Monday. This was a very blatant theft of a vehicle and we want to catch those involved. ”

If anyone has any information they should call the 101 quoting reference C/45674/2016 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.