Over 1,100 Signatures and the Incidents Continue
Thank you to everyone who has signed and shared this petition. We have now reached 1,117 signatures, demonstrating the strength of concern about safety in Leicester City Centre.
Unfortunately, serious incidents continue to occur.
Since summer, Leicester has seen a succession of violent incidents in and around the city centre, including:
27 June 2026 – City centre assault involving a broken bottle
12 July 2026 – Stabbing on Belvoir Street resulting in serious injuries
22 July 2026 – Murder near De Montfort Place / London Road
21 August 2026 – A boy left with life-changing injuries after a knife attack, with reports stating his hand was left "hanging"
12 September 2026 – Stabbing on Welford Road, close to the city centre
17 September 2026 – Murder investigation launched following an incident on King Street
23 September 2026 – Group assault in Leicester city centre leaving a man with multiple broken bones
In addition, Leicester was recently identified in national media as the least safe university city in Britain, raising further concerns for students, residents, businesses and visitors alike.
We do welcome positive developments. Leicestershire Police recently announced Project Guardian, an initiative focused on reducing knife crime and serious violence in Leicester:
However, it remains to be seen whether these measures will deliver the long-term improvements that residents, students, businesses and community organisations have been calling for.
Our calls remain unchanged:
- Sustained visible policing
- Improved CCTV coverage and lighting
- Stronger action against violent crime and drug-related activity
- Long-term investment in city-centre safety
- Better protection for residents, students, businesses and places of worship
- A coordinated strategy involving police, council, universities and government
Thank you again for helping us reach 1,117 signatures. Every signature strengthens the case for lasting change.
Leicester deserves a city centre where residents, students, visitors and businesses can feel safe again.