A man was found dead in a wheelie bin outside a flat where a woman was discovering hanging just six days earlier, an inquest has heard.

Assistant coroner for the Bedfordshire Ian Pears opened an inquest into the deaths of Adim Baba and Tabussum Winning today (Thursday).

Addressing Ampthill Coroners’ Court he said: “An unresponsive male was found in a wheelie bin outside (a flat in) Essex Close Luton, on October 16.

“At 9.18pm paramedics on the scene confirmed death. The male was later identified as Adim Baba, otherwise known as Mohammed Yasin.”

Odontologist Dr Alfred Martin later examined Mr Baba’s body as well as Home office pathologist Dr Charlotte Randall who carried out a post mortem.

They confirmed the 49-year-old died from blunt force trauma to the head, only six days before Ms Winning, who was originally from Pakistan, was found dead.

Opening her inquest Mr Pears said: “Tabussum Winning was found hanging in a doorway of (a flat in) Essex Close at 4.24pm on October 10.

“Paramedics attended and confirmed death.”

Dr Randall carried out a post mortem on the 34-year-old’s body and found that she died from hanging.

Ms Winning’s death was originally treated as not suspicious but a large scale investigation was launched by Bedfordshire police after the discovery of Mr Baba’s body.

The pair did not live together.

Police arrested a man in connection with both deaths after launching a double murder investigation, but he has since been released on bail.

A full inquest in their deaths will be held at the same court on March 2, 2017.

Rail passengers are being thanked for their patience as engineers continue to fix signalling equipment which was damaged at Luton.

On Tuesday, November 8, a cable came into contact with the overhead lines, creating a power surge which caused extensive damage to the signalling that controls trains.

Passengers faced significant disruption on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday.

East Midlands Trains continues to operate the majority of services on its London route today (Thursday 10 November) but there is still significant disruption for Thameslink passengers.

Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “I am sorry for the continued disruption to passengers. I know this situation is immensely frustrating and our engineers are working to resume services as quickly as possible.

“Today we are renewing the signalling equipment which was damaged beyond repair. This equipment is an essential part of how we move trains safely so we need to carry out methodical and meticulous testing overnight to make sure that it is working as it should. If this goes as planned East Midlands Trains will run a full service tomorrow. Unfortunately the level of disruption to the network means that there will be some changes to Thameslink services but we will work with them to get a full service restored as soon as possible.

“Testing is a safety critical process which can identify issues, therefore we have back-up plans in place with the train operators in case further work is needed, meaning that they have to run a similar service tomorrow as today.”

Passengers are advised to check with their operator or www.nationalrail.co.uk for the most up to date service information.

Jake Kelly, Managing Director of East Midlands Trains said: “We’d like to take this opportunity to thank our customers for their patience and apologise for the inconvenience they have experienced over the past days. Following the repair work carried out by Network Rail engineers, the majority of our services are running as normal on the London route today Thursday, November 10.

“We will keep our website, eastmidlandstrains.co.uk, up to date with full information on our services and there’s also information on how customers who have been disrupted can claim compensation.”

Thameslink’s Passenger Services Director Stuart Cheshire said: “Work carried out by Network Rail has allowed us to run some more trains today between Bedford and St Pancras but the service is still severely reduced meaning very difficult journeys for our passengers for the third day running and for this we sincerely apologise.

“We continue to urge people to follow travel advice at www.nationalrail.co.uk and to use alternative transport wherever possible.

“This includes buses we have running between key Thameslink stations and the Great Northern route where trains run into King’s Cross and Moorgate.

“There is also ticket acceptance with East Midlands Trains, which is now running a near-normal service. Anyone who is delayed by 30 minutes or more can claim compensation via our website www.thameslinkrailway.com/delayrepay.”

Eye witnesses tell of their horror after a 24-year-old man was shot dead by armed police following reports of a woman being attacked.

The young man, described as white and British, was fatally shot at a block of flats in Luton Beds., after officers were called at around 1.30pm yesterday.

A man living in a neighbouring street spoke of the moment emergency services frantically tried to save the unnamed male who was pronounced dead at 2.50pm.

He said: “I was walking down the road and I saw this blonde Eastern European looking women was getting escorted out of the building by a policeman.

“She wasn’t under arrest but he was holding her hand and he led her away into a van.

“She was crying and looked upset.

“Then some copper came out with of the building with a bandage on his hand.

“There was a police officer running around at the same time with a balaclava on and a sniper rifle.

“Then loads and loads of police cars and ambulances arrived. They rushed in the flats with a spinal board and brought this guy out.

“His neck was covered in blood. I thought he’d had it slashed. They tried to revive him for about 20 minutes and then put him in an ambulance.

“As they were putting him in the ambulance they were doing chest compressions on him.”

The East of England Ambulance Service attended the scene at around 1.30pm but were unable to comment on the injuries the male sustained.

It is alleged the man was armed with either a knife or gun at the time he was shot by a firearms officer.

All the roads surrounding the block were closed by police as they carried out investigations on Wednesday night.

His next of kin have been informed.

Bedfordshire Police referred the incident to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

Train services are returning to normal for Thameslink passengers.

A full service is in operation on East Midlands Trains this morning, Friday, November 11, as engineers successfully tested and brought into service a new signalling control system after the old one was damaged beyond repair by a power surge.

Rob McIntosh, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “I want to thank passengers for their patience while we carried out this complex repair.

“My team and I are genuinely sorry for the disruption they have faced this week and have worked around the clock to restore services as soon as quickly as possible.

“The signalling equipment which was damaged beyond repair is an essential part of how we move trains safely so we needed to carry out methodical and meticulous testing overnight to make sure that it is working as it should.

“I am pleased that this has gone as planned and that services will be able to return to normal.”

Jake Kelly, managing director for East Midlands Trains said: “We know that many of our customers will have had very difficult journeys this week and we would like to thank them for their patience during a challenging few days.

“I’m pleased that we are able to return to our full and normal timetable today.”

Owing to the level of disruption caused by this incident there are still alterations to Thameslink services today.

Thameslink aims to run a normal service between Bedford and Brighton, and between Sevenoaks and London. However, there will be a reduced stopping service between Luton and London St Pancras, and between Sutton/Wimbledon and London Blackfriars as the service recovers.

Passengers should check www.nationalrail.co.uk or 03457 48 49 50 for the latest service information.

Thameslink passenger services director, Stuart Cheshire, said: “It’s been a long and difficult three days for our Thameslink passengers and staff who will be relieved now to learn that Network Rail has repaired this major fault.

“The effect on our service has been severe, especially north of London where we have had to cut back the number of trains to just a few an hour between Bedford and St Pancras, and also reduce the service to and from Sutton and Wimbledon. I would like to thank people for their patience.”

Anyone whose journey was delayed by 30 minutes or more can claim compensation from either Thameslink or East Midlands Trains websites.

A man was rushed to hospital with stab wounds after a clash in Bury Park.

Shortly after 4pm yesterday Beds Police was called to an incident involving a group of men in Dunstable Road, Luton.

A man was found with stab wounds and taken to hospital for treatment. His injuries are not thought to be life threatening.

A 49-year-old man was arrested over the incident and is currently in police custody.

Anyone with any information is asked to call Beds Police on 101 and quote incident 228 of 10 November.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

More than £50,000 worth of ‘House of Marley’ speakers were stolen froma lorry parked at Toddington Services.

This afternoon (Friday), police released details of the theft which took place overnight on October 26-27 in the hope that witnesses will come forward.

A total of 10 pallets were taken from the trailer of the lorry while the driver was asleep. Call police on 101 quoting crime reference number JD/43895/16 with information.

Luton Borough Council’s strategic planning team have registed their ‘significant concerns’ over Luton Town’s plans to build a mixed used scheme at Newlands Park.

The Hatters recently submitted planning applications for a new stadium at Power Court, plus the scheme on the land adjacent to Junction 10 of the M1, which would include offices, retail space, a hotel and leisure amenities.

The development is absolutely crucial to Luton’s bid to build a new stadium at Power Court, with Newlands Park funding most of the new costs for the ground.

However, the advice of the council’s strategic planning team was published on their website earlier this week, in which they raised issues with the plans received, declaring the proposal would be like building a ‘new town centre.’

The statement also stated the planning proposal of the new ground at Power Court and not in Newlands Park are a step away from the original Local Plan, as it said: “With the exception of B1 office uses, the scale of other proposed uses and omission of a football stadium represent a departure from the local plans in terms of the role and function of Stockwood Park and the ambitions for development on this site.

“This is particularly the case in respect of the sub-regional scale of comparison retail development proposed, which appears to be contrary to policy objectives to ensure the vitality of town centre.

“Chapter 9 of LLP1 (extant Luton Local Plan 2001-2011) and paragraph 4.44 of LLP2 clearly explain that sports facilities (of various scales) are the appropriate form of development for the site, with limited ancillary uses to help support the viability of those sports facilities.

“LLP2 (Luton Local Plan 2011-2031) recognises the need for some level of enabling development to support the relocation of the football stadium at Stockwood Park.

“However, the applicant has not, thus far, provided sufficient information to justify the departure from policy in respect of out-of-town uses to support the development of the stadium on an alternative site.

“Similar consideration should also be given to the other main town centre uses being promoted (e.g. hotels and indoor leisure).

“Along with the retail, this will mean that the development effectively becomes a destination of a scale and function similar to being a

new town centre that will draw trade, footfall and investment away from other locations.

“In summary, from a strategic planning perspective, the proposals at Stockwood Park raise some significant concerns particularly focussing on potential adverse town centre impacts.”

The retail and food aspects planned at the Newlands Park appear to be one of the major sticking points, as the statement continued: “Of particular note in this regard is the quantum of retail development.

“The level proposed as part of the planning application appears to be substantially lower than that indicated as part of pre-application proposals, yet the supporting illustrative material suggests that both the pre-app and planning applications are essentially the same.

“This variation in the quantum of retail development needs to be clarified. Is it, for example, that the level envisaged as part of the planning application could be followed by a further phase of growth? If this were to be the case then the retail assessment would significantly underplay the impact.

“Significant weight should be given to the impact of the proposed level of retail on the vitality and viability of existing town centres within Luton and neighbouring authorities.

“This should consider not only current provision but also planned investment such as at Junction 11a and regeneration objectives.

“For example, whilst recognising the applicant’s scheme for development at Power Court, will retail in this location hinder investment in the key regeneration area of Luton town centre between the rail station and The Mall?

“It is understood that White Young Green has been commissioned to provide advice on these matters.”

Half of British children will own a mobile phone by the age of ELEVEN, according to new research.

The study of 2,000 parents shows the average child will receive a phone worth £120 on their eleventh birthday, and will then spend two hours every day glued to the device.

But four in 10 parents end up regretting giving their youngster a phone at such a young age - as by their teenage years the child is transfixed by the likes of social media, texts, and computer games.

Incredibly, researchers found one in 20 children will own a mobile handset by the age of SIX as parents give in to primary school peer pressure.

Owning a mobile phone comes at a price for parents - in addition to the £120 upfront fee, mums and dads will be expected to replace the phone at least twice due to it being lost, stolen or damaged.

Dan King, Nationwide’s Head of FlexPlus Current Account, which commissioned the poll, said: “Mobile phones have become central to our lives, so it’s not surprising that more and more young people are being given a phone.

“With children as young as primary school age being entrusted with a device, parents shouldn’t be surprised if it needs replacing or repairing on more than one occasion.”

The study, which considers mobile phone ownership amongst children, reveals two thirds of parents will allow their child to have internet access on their device as soon as they get it.

And 28 per cent of kids are then allowed to use their phone all day without any supervision from an adult - despite 46 per cent have access to social media channels.

A third of parents fear their children spend far too much time on their phone - with one in eight kids spending more than four hours a day chatting to mates and playing games.

According to the data, one in 10 children will use their mobile during the school day, and 12 per cent will log in to their phone as soon as they get home from school.

Just 10 per cent of children can wait until after dinner before checking their phone.

That’s on top of the £163 parents spend on securing a new mobile phone deal or device for themselves.

Just one in six parents will limit their child’s phone usage to emergencies only - with many admitting their child uses their phone for a range of activities.

Six in 10 children use their phone to play popular computer games, while 54 per cent will watch videos on the likes of YouTube and other social media channels.

More than half of youngsters will spend much of their time surfing the internet, and 49 per cent regularly listen to music.

But many parents purchase a phone for their children because they want them contactable at all times - 55 per cent want the flexibility to stay in touch and more than a third cite safety fears as a reason for getting a handset for their children.

Unfortunately, purchasing a phone only ADDS to the worry parents have.

A fifth of parents are concerned their child’s phone has now led to them not enjoying enough quality time with the family, and 16 per cent are concerned their child is missing out on face-to-face interactions with others.

One in five mums and dads understandably worry about how much they are having to spend on phone calls, apps, music and games.

As a result, two thirds of parents control how long their child spend on their phone by limiting their credit (42 per cent), confiscating the device in the evenings (21 per cent) and introducing strict rules on phone use (16 per cent).

Now temperatures are falling many people across Bedfordshire will be lighting their open fires to warm their home and enjoy the flicker of a real coal or wood fire.

But each year there are chimney fires in Bedfordshire that are generally caused by lack of sweeping of the chimney or flue or a blockage in the flue.

Chimney fires usually occur because not all the fuel (coal, wood etc.) is burnt during combustion and leaves combustible particles coating the chimney flue that can be ignited by high temperatures or flames from a very hot fireplace. This can cause the chimney to weaken and ignite other parts of the house with devastating consequences.

To prevent this happening:

>Ensure your chimney is swept regularly by a professional chimney sweep

>Between “sweeps” keep chimneys, flues and appliances clean and well maintained

>Always use a fire guard to protect against flying sparks from hot embers

>Store fuel away from the appliance so sparks do not set it alight

>Ensure the fire is completely out before going to bed or leaving the house

>Ensure good quality and appropriate fuel is used

> Avoid blocking air vents or air bricks or interrupting the air supply

Steve Allen, Homes, Roads & Leisure Safety Manager, said: “Keeping your chimney clean and free of debris helps prevent any build-up of combustible soot deposits that could catch fire. During the summer, when chimneys aren’t used much, they can also become home to birds’ nests, cobwebs or other material that helps a chimney fire start. This debris can also block the flue which can lead to smoke and deadly carbon monoxide gas, released naturally during burning, seeping back into the house poisoning the occupants.

“We recommend that you have a working carbon monoxide detector in any room with a solid fuel appliance. Under new laws, which came into effect last year, landlords are required to fit carbon monoxide alarms in rooms containing solid fuel appliances. Every home should also have a working smoke detector on each floor.

“Home insurance policies often state you should take reasonable care of your chimney and for thatched properties could specify how often your chimney is swept.

Ignoring this could mean you are uninsured if your chimney catches fire, so check your policy and have your chimney swept.

“Even chimneys that have been lined still require regular sweeping and if you have “slumber” mode* on an appliance please avoid using this as much as possible.

Having your chimney swept also enables you to get advice from an expert about chimney safety. Why not remind your friends and family to get theirs swept as well.”

People of all ages and walks of life gathered at the War Memorial near Cheddington village green to remember the fallen.

The moving service was led by Rev Gill Rowell of Saint Giles Church and was followed by a Parade of Remembrance, headed by Scout leader Ian Hale and joined by more than 100 children and young people from village Scouts, Cubs, Beavers, Brownies and Rainbow groups.

The role of honour was read by parish council chair Cllr Chris Poll.

Cheddington History Society has traced a number of local men who served in the First and Second World Wars.

Chairman John Smith – who read the Kohima epitaph – said 124 from the First World War and 71 from the Second had been discovered.

He added: “We commemorate those who gave their lives and we tend to miss many other heroes who returned.

“Today I want us to remember one of our own villagers whose name is not given on the memorials because he returned to civilian life after the Second World War.

“His name is Horace Dan Bonham, always known as ‘Son’ Bonham, husband of the late Elsie Bonham.

“He served in the Royal Army Medical Corps at Kohima.

“The 1944 battle there was significant as it ended the Japanese threat in south-east Asia and was fought in the hill country of India, near the border with Burma.

“It led to more than 4,000 Allied casualties and even more Japanese.”

Mr Smith said ‘Son’ must have saved many lives, judging from a newspaper report which read: “The blood transfusion expert is Corporal Horace Bonham of 5 New Street, Cheddington, who helped to give 400 blood transfusions during the two months of the Kohima battle. He is a laboratory technician in peace time.”

Wreaths were laid by various village organisations and residents were invited to lay stones at the foot of the Memorial to represent all those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The choir sang a touching rendition of the Remembrance anthem and everyone gathered for refreshments in the Methodist Hall.

> Cheddington School held a service on November 11.

Four little words – they’re all you need for a blissfully happy marriage, according to octogenarian Derrick Baxter.

And he should know – he and his wife Muriel celebrate their diamond wedding on Thursday (November 17).

Derrick, 82, says: “It’s important to respect each other but saying ‘Yes dear’ and ‘No dear’ is also helpful.”

The former jack-of-all-trades is quite a comedian, according to daughter Carole Webb, who lives in Welwyn.

“He does party tricks for the smaller members of the family and is called ‘Magic Grandad’ by the little ones,” she says.

Derrick Thomas Baxter and Muriel Joy met old time dancing at Whipsnade Village Hall.

Carole says: “They shared a taxi back home. Dad managed to get locked out of his house and ended up at my grandparents’ on a camp bed in the front room. I guess it just developed from there.”

The pair were the second couple to marry at St Luke’s Church in Leagrave. Derrick was best man for the first.

He wore his RAF demob suit and his bride made her own dress. Times were tight and they couldn’t afford a honeymoon.

The Baxters – who now live in Round Green and have three great grandchildren – both went to school at Beech Hill.

Derrick had various jobs and went from being a baker/confectioner to draughtsman with British Aerospace’s predecessor. When the company moved from Luton to Flitton, he decided it was a good opportunity for the family – which by then included two more children, Wendy and Michael – to emigrate to Australia.

Carole explains: “My aunt, uncle and cousins were already there and we lived in Speers Point, which is about 100 miles north of Sydney.

“But my Mother was homesick and my Dad couldn’t get a decent job as they didn’t recognise his qualifications.”

So the Baxters returned to England where Derrick ran a car and body repair business.

Carole says: “Mum’s always had her feet firmly on the ground and ensured we were all fed and dressed even through the harder times when Dad was made redundant.

“She’s still the same – she’s a silver surfer and helps out older friends who don’t have a computer.”

The diamond anniversary will be celebrated at the Lilley Arms with close family and friends.

A huge feline predator feared to be a wild leopard that was spotted prowling near a sleepy Warwickshire village has been unmasked - as a pet cat.

Footage that appeared to show a 4ft (1.2m) long beast skulking in a field went viral after dad-of-one Philip White, 39, spotted it on October 29.

But despite having the same markings as a lynx the mysterious animal on the loose in Warwickshire was in fact a 50cm long Bengal Cat called Hiro.

His perplexed owner, who did not wish to be named, came forward after footage of her 14-month-old puss spread across the internet.

The 4kg domestic pet has a very long tail that has identical markings to an Asian leopard and regularly hunts for mice in the field where he was filmed.

Hiro’s owner said: “The moment I saw the video footage I knew it was Hiro.

“The story has gone viral, appearing in local and national newspapers and across social media and has sparked real fear among some of the people in the village.

“I can assure everyone that there is no Big Cat stalking the fields of Great Alne - at least not this time - it is just my lovely pet cat Hiro.

“There is no question whatsoever it is him - just look at him and then factor in that he plays in the field in question all the time.

“I do have to see the funny side of things, but I want the story put to bed now before it escalates further.

“I want the people of the village to know they are perfectly safe to let their pets out and I want everyone who is interested in spotting the mystery Big Cat to realise it is Hiro.

“You never know how silly some people might be if they thought there was a chance to find themselves a genuine Big Cat.

“In fact, I’ve been so worried about what people may do that I haven’t been able to let Hiro or Qurroa out.”

Bengal cats are bred to look like exotic jungle cats and are descended from Asian leopards.

The sighting baffled experts due to the angle from which the film was shot giving no sense of scale.

Big cat expert Frank Tunbridge, 70, who has investigated wild animal sightings for 30 years, said at the time: “From the size of this big cat, it looks like some kind of leopard.

“It has an enormous tail and appears to be preparing to get into a crouching position, probably to pounce on a small mammal.

“It is definitely a big cat, you can tell that from its body movement and the size of its tail.

“It could be jaguar but the colouring suggests it’s a leopard hybrid of some kind.”

Police are appealing for information after a woman was robbed in the car park at Asda Luton on Saturday.

The woman was sitting in her car at the Wigmore Lane store’s car park around 8.20pm when a man approached the vehicle. He knocked on the window before opening the door and asking her for the time.

He then grabbed the victim’s handbag and got into a light-coloured car that was being driven by someone else, and left the scene.

The man is described as white, around 40 years-old and of slim build.

He is described as being of scruffy appearance and unshaven, speaking with an English accent and wearing a light grey jacket.

If you have any information please contact DC Lydon via 101 quoting the reference number C/46704/2016. Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

A man was pulled from his bike and attacked by robbers in Luton last week.

The assault took place in Skimpton Road on Saturday, November 5, at around 3pm as the man was riding his Honda bike in Caddington Park.

He was approached by three thugs who pulled him off his bike and attacked him.

One of the offenders made off on the victim’s bike while the two others left in a blue BMW.

Beds Police would like to appeal to anyone who might have witnessed the incident or knows of the bike’s whereabouts.

Anyone with information contact 101 quoting the reference number C/45782/2016.

Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

He’s only been playing with Disability Bowls England (DBE) since New Year, but Lutonian Jonathan Stokes has already won the coveted Player of the Year crown.

And no-one was more surprised than the 36-year-old from Limbury.

Jonathan, who works as an online shopper for Sainsbury’s Bramingham, said: “I didn’t expect it at all. There are lots better players than me, with lots more experience.

“I do get nervous but I try to relax so it doesn’t affect my game.”
It’s a remarkable achievement for the man who was born with cerebral palsy and who’s already collected two bowling awards this year – runner-up in the national pairs and a regional challenge.

Now the former Lealands High pupil is hoping someone will step forward to sponsor him and the team.

He said: “When we go to competitions we have to pay for all our own travel and accommodation which can be expensive, particularly if they’re abroad.”

But on the plus side he’s made many new friends. “My group has multiplied,” he smiled. “Not just from club and county but also from DBE. I feel as if I’ve known them for years, we just clicked.

“We all play in different competitions and follow each other on Facebook to see how we’re doing.”

As a youngster, Jonathan was football mad. “I never gave bowls a thought,” he admitted. “It was just an old people’s game.

“I occasionally watched it on TV because Mum and Dad were interested, and we sometimes played on holiday.

“Then about five years ago I went to a club in Scarborough where there were nine, 10 and 11-year-olds playing and decided to give it a go. I took to it like a duck to water.”

He played with able-bodied people initially but was encouraged to join DBE by its chairman, Paul Brown, after meeting him on Facebook.

And he was picked for the national team almost straight away. He now has his sights set on the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and is hoping bowls will be included in the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

A Hatters and Spurs fan, he claims his life consists of work and bowls

“But I love both and wouldn’t want it any other way,” he confessed.

Charities and community groups around town are recruiting volunteers to help over the festive period in all sorts of ways.

In the weeks running up to Christmas, more people are needed to help pack food parcels for the local Foodbank. Another charity providing hot meals is looking for volunteers to be friendly and welcoming greeters, make teas and coffees and help with washing up.

You could dress up as a Santa’s helper and keep children entertained while they’re waiting to see the man himself, or join the fun on a fundraising Santa Sleigh.

Or you could extend the warmth of your own family Christmas to an international student who otherwise would probably spend the time alone on a closed-down university campus.

For help finding the right opportunity for you, or if your group needs extra helping hands this Christmas, contact Voluntaryworks Luton on 07584 687657 or email volunteer@action-centralbeds.org.uk

Or choose from hundreds of microvolunteering opportunities at http://helpfromhome.org/ hghgs

A man has been left fighting for his life after being punched to the ground in Luton on Saturday night.

Officers were called to Chapel Street at around 9.30pm on November 12 to reports that a man had been punched and had fallen to the ground, sustaining serious head injuries.

The man, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.

Det Insp Andy Southam said: “This incident took place outside a newsagents and so it’s possible someone may have seen something either before or during the incident which could assist our investigation.

“We have launched a full investigation into this attack which has left a man fighting for his life, and would appeal for anyone with any information to come forward.”

Call 101 quoting the reference 352 of 12 November with information or alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Bushmead Primary School children, from Foundation through to Year 6, attended assemblies in October where they learned about the work done by Childline and the NSPCC and how they could keep safe by identifying trusted adults.

Pupils from Year 5 & 6 also benefited from the interactive Speak Out, Stay Safe workshops.

The youngsters subsequently took part in fancy dress dancethons and colour runs while raising money for the charity.

NSPCC school service fundraising organiser Fiona Westwood said: “I have been so proud to work with Bushmead Primary, and have been stunned by the sum that they have raised.

“The commitment that all staff displayed was incredible. This and the never-ending enthusiasm from the children, their families and the whole school community is what made the event the success it was.

“I can’t thank everyone enough for all their efforts, and will never forget all those beautiful Bushmead smiles.”

> NSPCC Schools Service is currently recruiting more volunteers in Luton, Beds and Central Beds. For further information about the role and to apply online go to www.nspcc.org.uk/services-and-resources/working-with-schools/speak-out-stay-safe-service/

Or phone Rosie Green, area co-ordinator for Luton, Central Beds, Beds and Cambridgeshire on 07834 498352.

A 24 year old man who was fatally injured when he was shot by an officer from Bedfordshire Police on Wednesday 9 November in Luton, can now be named as Josh Pitt from Leighton Buzzard. He was formally identified on Saturday 12 November.

Mr Pitt was fatally injured following police attendance at a property in Hibbert Street at around 2pm.

IPCC investigators continue to carry out enquiries, including door-to-door and CCTV trawls. Forensic examination of the scene has taken place, and a number of knives have been recovered.

Investigators attended the post-incident procedure at a police station in Bedfordshire on Wednesday evening. Body worn video footage from some of the officers at the scene has been obtained, and will now be analysed by IPCC staff.

A post-mortem carried out on Friday (11 November) gave the provisional cause of death as a single gun shot wound to the chest.

IPCC Commissioner Mary Cunneen said: “My thoughts and sympathies are with the family and friends of Josh and all of those affected by this fatal shooting.

“Our investigation will look at the circumstances surrounding the incident and the actions of the officers involved. We have spoken to Josh’s next of kin to inform them of our role and will be keeping them updated.

“I ask anybody who may have seen or heard anything in the Hibbert Street area on Wednesday afternoon, which may be useful to our investigation, to contact us.”

Anybody who has any information about the incident or events leading up to it is asked to contact the IPCC on hibbertstreet@ipcc.gsi.gov.uk or call 0800 096 9072.

A budding artist has encapsulated the meaning of community policing in a design which has been emblazoned on the side of a non-response car.

Queensbury Academy pupil Eleanor Clark, 14, from Dunstable won the competition, designed by Bedfordshire Police crime reduction team and aimed at under 18s.