Welcome to the Huddersfield Examiner's breaking news service.
Stay with us throughout the day to be the first to know everything that's happening across West Yorkshire.
The biggest stories today are former waste site manager Sam Hunter appearing at County Court, as well as major hold ups on the M62.
We'll be bringing you updates on crime, health, sport, politics, education and more live from the Examiner team.
And remember to check back before you travel as during peak times we'll provide you with all of the latest traffic updates on the M62 and roads around the region.
If there's something you've noticed and want us to check out then please feel free to get in touch - you can call us on 01484 437712, email editorial@examiner.co.uk or tweet @Examiner. You can also find us on Facebook here .
Or, if you'd prefer to submit a story anonymously, you can enter details in the 'Got a story?' box on our homepage .
Key Events
Arrest over 'suspicious van man'
Parents have been warned after a van driver was seen acting suspiciously around children in Huddersfield.
Bradford man jailed for more than 40 years of sex abuse
Regional news: A serial Bradford sex abuser has been jailed for life today.
Phillip Longbottom was caged for a minimum of seven years at Bradford Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to more than 40 sexual offences committed against 12 males between 1969 and 2010.
The 67-year-old first came to police attention last year when two brothers, now living outside of West Yorkshire, informed officers here that he had abused them and several other children when they lived in Bradford.
Holmfirth Food & Drink Festival
Heading into the Holme Valley for the food and drink festival this weekend? Check out our guide that tells you everything you need to know ahead of this year’s event.
More than a staggering 40,000 people attended last year - and I’m sure this year will be no different!
Traffic update
Earlier problems on the M62 look to have more of less cleared. Traffic is still busy as per, but queues seem to have gone. Until tomorrow, eh?
Meanwhile there’s slow traffic eastbound on the Machester side between junctions 19 and 21. Other than that, no issues we are aware of in the area.
Jo Cox's family invited to the White House
Jo Cox’s husband Brendan, and their two children, are visiting the White House in Washington DC today, following an invitation from President Barack Obama.
President Obama has previously extended his sympathies and well wishes to the family after Mrs Cox was shot and stabbed in the street in Birstall in June.
A Labour members’ meeting in Batley this evening will announce the candidate to replace her at an upcoming by-election next month.
Judge: "Taxpayers shouldn't pay for clean up"
The judge has adjourned the injunction hearing against Sam Hunter at Huddersfield County Court.
District Judge Claire Jackson said: “It is with a great deal of reluctance that I adjourn this matter.
“I cannot imagine the effect of this smoking rubbish is having on local residents.”
She added: “First the fire needs to be put out and the site cleared, and if the council is to clean it up somebody has to pay for that.
“I don’t think it’s right that tax payers of Kirklees should pay for that.”
Fire cannot be extinguished until waste is removed
Here is a statement issued by the fire service on the Hunter tip fire today:
“West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service have been conducting on-going firefighting operations at the abandoned Waste Site, Lockwood, Huddersfield since 9 August. As the fire developed, 5 appliances with crews and support from a High Volume Pump were used to bring the fire under control.
“The fire is now deeply seated within the waste pile and there are areas that we are unable to reach with our equipment due to the amount of accumulated waste.
“The Kirklees District Team are working closely with Kirklees Council and the Envirmonet Agency to develop a plan which involves the removal of waste to access the areas that continue to burn.
“We are currently in a monitoring phase with this incident and crews are ready to respond. Where necessary crews revisit the site and use water from local water mains to extinguish any flames when they become visible.
“The deep seated nature of this fire within the pile is such that we will only be able to fully extinguish it once the pile is separated and pulled apart. Previous experience tells us that this will only be done once the waste material is removed from site, until then it is likely that the fire will continue.”
M62: Lanes re-opened
Looks like all lanes have been re-opened on the M62: the broken down vehicle has now been recovered.
Expect delays around the Brighouse area to continue for a short while but the queues should be easing now.
Update on Jake the snake
An update on the snake found in Longwood: he (or she!) has been taken in and given warmth and food.
The orange corn snake was spotted by resident Susy Hellawell on Wednesday and RSPCA came round to collect it.
An appeal online has asked for the owner of the reptile, or anyone who may know the owner to come forward and phone 01484 519601.
Delays of 45 minutes on M62
The latest on the M62: There are still long delays westbound after a broken down lorry which has blocked on lane in the centre of the road.
Services have been to the scene for recovery but delays are now up to 45 minutes long - unless you hate yourself, avoid the motorway and take an alternative route where possible.
Here’s the scene near Ainley Top.
Red van driver arrested after "acting suspiciously"
Police have arrested a man after reports of a red Transit van driver acting suspiciously in Salendine Nook and Golcar.
Several members of the public notified police over the past week with concerns a van was stopping to speak to children in the area, with sightings on New Hey Road. Moorlands Primary School are aware of the issue and have notified parents, saying they want people to “remain vigilant”.
Police say a man is now helping them with enquiries in relation to the matter.
Work to repair Calderdale flood damage
Work is still ongoing to repair the damage from December floods.
WATCH: Sam Hunter gives the V-sign outside court
Watch the moment former Hunter Group manager Sam Hunter shamelessly gives our reporter two fingers...
Broken down lorry causes M62 troubles
Looks like this was what’s been causing major issues on the M62 westbound this morning. Delays are still ongoing and traffic is all the way back to Chain Bar.
Sam Hunter: Updates soon
Stay with us - we’ll be bringing you the latest from Sam Hunter’s court hearing this morning. We should hopefully have a story up soon along with some very interesting video...I’ll say no more for now!
First picture of Sam Hunter arriving at court
Here is Mr Hunter turning up for his court hearing this morning...in a vest.
Sam Hunter turns up at County Court
Sam Hunter, manager of the former Hunter Group waste site in Lockwood, has appeared at Huddersfield County Court this morning.
Mr Hunter is due for an injunction hearing brought by Kirklees Council over the amount of rubbish dumped at the site off Queens Mill Road.
We have a reporter in court this morning for the hearing due to start at 10am, who will be asking Mr Hunter if he has any plans to pay for the clean up.
M62: Update
Traffic still looks really busy on the M62 westbound heading both to and away from Huddersfield this morning. Looking at motorway cams, the worst congestion appears to be between Chain Bar and Brighouse where it looks almost standstill at one point.
Batley & Spen Labour candidate announced tonight
Labour will announce later this evening their candidate to replace Jo Cox for the Batley and Spen by-election. Both ex-Emmerdale actress Tracy Brabin and former Keighley candidate Jane Thomas are shortlisted to stand.
The chosen candidate will be announced at about 9pm tonight at a Labour members’ meeting in Batley. The party will also be announcing their next leader at the Party conference in Liverpool tomorrow.
Woman accidentally dialled 999 at party
I’m sure this was a harmless accident - but one that could have had very bad consequences. Always keep your phone locked, folks!
Bottleneck at junction 25
Here’s the scene near junction 25, which looks fairly gnarled up.
Black line of traffic around Ainley Top
This Traffic England live map shows the traffic around Ainley Top. Not sure about the look of that black line...
Why the long face?
Er, please don’t wear masks while at the wheel folks. Even if the M62 traffic is giving you a long face...
Lorry fire on M62 eastbound
Looks like traffic on the M62 eastbound is snaking back to Brighouse now. Our traffic partners INRIX report this is due to a lorry fire.
Morning!
Happy Friday, folks. We have queues on the M62 westbound between Ainley Top and Rishworth due to debris on the road earlier. Also very busy eastbound around Chain Bar going back to Hartshead. Ripponden Road in Oldham is also very busy this morning if you’re commuting that way. Have a great day!
