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.

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.

You can also download our app to get news on the go and push notification for the latest breaking stories here .

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 .

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That's it from me this evening. Good night

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Vehicle going wrong way down M62, Ainley Top

Beware - vehicle travelling wrong way down the motorway near junction 24, Ainley Top.

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Man 'tried to take boy, 4, from mum'

Police have released an Efit of man they would like to speak to in connection with an incident at Crow Wood Park, Sowerby Bridge, on Wednesday February 1.

E-fit of the wanted man
E-fit of the wanted man

The incident occurred around 3.30pm, when a woman and her 4 year-old son were playing in the playground.

An unknown male has approached the boy and tried to lead him away as his mother was looking in her handbag. The man ran off out of the park when the boy’s mother shouted at him.

The man is described as being around 5”9” tall, in his late 30’s of slim build with short dark brown hair, a thin face and sunken eyes. He was wearing a dark grey or black coloured hooded top with Adidas emblem on the chest. He was also wearing grey coloured jogging bottoms.

Detective Constable James Taylor of Calderdale CID said; “Clearly this incident has caused great distress to the child’s mother, and to the young boy who was thankfully unhurt.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact DC Taylor at Calderdale Safeguarding Unit via 101 quoting 13170053821.

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Traffic: M62 queues

There are queues on the M62 westbound between Gildersome and Chain Bar because of an accident and a fuel spill.

It has also led to congestion on the M621.

Lanes two and three (of three) have been closed.

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Five armed men raid house

Detectives are appealing for information following a robbery in Heckmondwike.

Police (stock)
Police (stock)

The incident happened between 7 and 8pm on Sunday 12 February on Bevor Crescent where five suspects forced entry into a house.

When the suspects entered the property they were armed with weapons and demanded money.

They stole keys to the victim’s van and left the property, driving off in the white Ford Transit van.

The suspects were described as:

* Black or mixed race male, stocky build, 6ft; he was wearing a balaclava, black bomber jacket which had a small logo on it and also dark coloured trousers.

* The second suspect was described as Black or mixed race male, big build, also wearing a balaclava and dark coloured top.

* Another was described as a white male, big build, wearing a grey coloured jacket and again a balaclava.

* The fourth was described as an Asian male, 5ft 6”, slim build and he was wearing a balaclava and a grey jacket.

Detective Oliver Coates, of Huddersfield CID, said: “Thankfully the victim of this incident was left uninjured, but understandably very distressed by these suspects forcing entry into his home.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact DC Oliver Coates at Huddersfield CID, via 101, quoting crime reference number 13170068320 or alternatively contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Handover:

Well, that’s all from me for today. Handing over to Andrew Robinson.

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Cellar bar?

Mark Robertson, who owns The Plumbers Arms in Macaulay Street, is hoping to turn the former Armitage Sykes solicitors building next door into an upmarket wine bar.

Plumbers Arms, Macauley Street, Huddersfield.
Plumbers Arms, Macauley Street, Huddersfield.

And he tells me he is also looking into the feasibility of turning the cellars into a bar.

Long ago in the 1980s Huddersfield used to have an excellent cellar bar underneath The Zetland, by what is now the university, but the town is short on such bars these days and I can’t think of a single one.

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M62 update:

Heavy traffic and lane closed on exit slip road due to recovery work on M62 Westbound at J20 A627(M) Rochdale.


Lane one (of two) is closed as you head up towards the roundabout.

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M62 latest:

M62 Westbound lane closed on exit slip road, heavy traffic at J20 A627(M) Rochdale.


Lane one (of two) is closed as you head up towards the roundabout.

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Perfect match?

If you think you’ve met your perfect match online, make sure the person you’ve fallen for is only looking to steal your heart…

On-line scammers can target people looking for romance, building up online relationships with their victims and then asking for money and other goods before disappearing off into cyber space.

It is thought many victims are too embarrassed to come forward to report what happened.

Valentine's Day - but will you be celebrating?
Valentine's Day - but will you be celebrating? (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Det Insp Benn Kemp of the West Yorkshire Police Cyber Crime Team, said: “So called ‘romance fraud’ is particularly cruel and can have a devastating impact on victims simply looking for love.

“As well as the emotional impact the financial cost can be high too – the average amount lost by UK victims of dating fraud is thought to be around £10,000.

“Between 2015 and 2016 there were 3,889 reported incidents in the UK, which led to losses of almost £40 million.

“We believe however, that there may be more victims out there with many too embarrassed to come forward and report what has happened.

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Russ Conlon latest:

Russ had been working for North Landing Boat Tours and Fishing Trips for the last three years and co-owner Jo Emmerson said: “No-one had a bad word to say about him ... he was a smashing fella.”

Russ Conlon
Russ Conlon (Image: Trinity Mirror)
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Russ Conlon latest:

We undertand Mr Conlon collapsed while helping to get a boat out onto the beach at Flamborough Head around 11.30pm yesterday morning.

Russ Conlon
Russ Conlon (Image: Trinity Mirror)
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Sad death:

Very sad breaking news: We understand that well-known former Huddersfield detective Russ Conlon has died aged just 54.

Russ Conlon
Russ Conlon (Image: Trinity Mirror)
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Date with a difference!

Forget Valentine’s Day, this is the date everyone has been waiting for... Huddersfield District Committee Meeting tonight from 7 pm – 9 pm at Huddersfield Town Hall, Ramsden Street.

Included on the agenda is Comoodle, which is encouraging local people to borrow and share stuff, space and skills to make things happen in their community.

Valentine's Day - but will you be celebrating?
Valentine's Day - but will you be celebrating? (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Members will also be talking about community safety – such as reducing crime, tackling anti-social behaviour and protecting people from serious harm.

There will be an update on cohesion and the new victim support service based in Huddersfield.

And if that’s not enough for you then the local police inspector is also planning on attending to share what the local policing priorities are across our district.

Everyone is welcome -and it’s a chance to meet your local ward councillors who will also be considering a number of budget proposals.

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Chess defeat for Huddersfield:

Huddersfield lost a thrilling match against Hebden Bridge A last night in a top of the table clash at Hebden Bridge.

Chess board
Chess board

Leo Keely scored an early knockout of Andy Bak on top board while his brother Chris also lost to Dave Keddie on board two.

But the three bottom boards failed to hold their own and Hebden ran out worthy 3-2 winners.

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Inflation shock:

Rising fuel prices have sent Inflation soaring to its highest rate for two-and-a-half years.

Petrol pump nozzle with fuel dripping out
Petrol pump nozzle with fuel dripping out

Annual inflation reached 1.8% last month, the Office for National Statistics said, up from a rate of 1.6% in December.

It is the fourth consecutive month that the rate has risen and takes inflation to its highest since June 2014.

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Valentine's Day message:

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Playhouse appointment:

Amy Leach will join West Yorkshire Playhouse as its new Associate Director from March.

She is currently directing a major production of Romeo and Juliet in the Quarry Theatre at the Playhouse which opens on Friday, 3 March, running until Saturday, 25 March.

Amy Leach who has been appointed Associate Director of West Yorkshire Playhouse
Amy Leach who has been appointed Associate Director of West Yorkshire Playhouse

West Yorkshire Playhouse’s Artistic Director James Brining said:Amy Leach has already created a series of brilliant shows for audiences in Leeds both at the Playhouse and on tour.


She has an excellent track record of creating acclaimed and accessible, powerful productions and she will be a huge asset to the Playhouse as we enter the next chapter of our exciting history.

Amy said: “I am absolutely delighted to be joining the Playhouse – a theatre which I have loved for over 20 years.”

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School visit:

Children’s author Damian Harvey is going to visit Almondbury Community School on Friday.

The 49-year-old from Blackpool is a formidable presence in children’s writing with more than 80 books to his credit.

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Food and drink fair:

Co Up in Slaithwaite are collaborating with a number of organisations to help celebrate The 2017 Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival.


The first ever South Pennines Artisan Food & Drink Fair will be launched at Co Up. in Slaithwaite on Saturday, 25 February.

Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival 2013. The moon is lifted from the canal
Slaithwaite Moonraking Festival 2013. The moon is lifted from the canal (Image: UGC HDE)

The event is aimed at showcasing artisan food & drink producers and purveyors from across the region and is part of a series of fringe events programmed in conjunction with the hugely popular Moonraking Festival.

The show starts at 10am and finishes at 5pm.


Event Curator, Danny Bulmer said: “ The quality will be excellent with the likes of recent DeliciouslYorkshire award winners, Peckish Kitchen with their outstanding relishes and jams, A Michelin trained chocolatier - In Truffle We Trust, Slaithwaite’s own - The Green Valley Grocer and British cured meats specialist - The Cure Fine Charcuterie who are making waves in Yorkshire & Manchester and the amazing Yorkshire Dama and their World Award Wining cheeses.”

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Cooper Bridge traffic latest:

Traffic returned to normal on A644 Wakefield Road Eastbound at A62 Cooper Bridge Road (Cooper Bridge Roundabout).

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A629 latest:

Heavy traffic on A629 Huddersfield Road Northbound at A6026 Wakefield Road/B6112 Stainland Road.

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Ainley Top latest:

Traffic returned to normal on A629 Halifax Road Southbound at A643 Lindley Moor Road (Ainley Top Roundabout).

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Manchester Road latest:

Slow traffic on A62 Manchester Road Eastbound at B6432 St Thomas’ Road.

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Club agm:

Private members club, Lindley Liberal Club, will hold its agm in the concert room on Tuesday, February 21, at 8pm.

Lindley Liberal Club
Lindley Liberal Club

The club, which is one of the best run in Yorkshire with more than 2,000 members, has had another successful year and members are looking forward to seeing the upstairs Gents toilets get a much-needed refurbishment later this month.

Sadly, President Andrew Prieditis has had to step down from his position due to work commitments but Vice-President Ian Fawcett has kindly agreed to fill the breach.

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Ainley Top traffic latest:

Heavy traffic on A629 Halifax Road Southbound at A643 Lindley Moor Road (Ainley Top Roundabout).

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Investigation:

Health & Safety Executive, (HSE), says it may decide today whether to begin a formal investigation into the accident at a farm in Grange Moor, Huddersfield, in which a 45-year-old man suffered life-changing injuries to his left arm.

Newhall Farm, Wakefield Road, Grange Moor.
Newhall Farm, Wakefield Road, Grange Moor.

Firefighters were called to Newhall Farm in Wakefield Road on Thursday morning to reports that a man had become trapped in a bailing machine.

The man, who has not been named, is believed to have been repairing the machine. He was released by fire crews and taken to hospital.

Initially the HSE said it was “making enquiries” into the incident but a source said that may become a formal investigation today.

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Canal towpath improvements:

One of Kirklees Council’s best-known councillors, Peter McBride, Cabinet Member for Place has urged Huddersfield residents to get involved in the plans to improve the canal towpath between Longroyd Lane in Huddersfield and Low Westwood Lane opposite Titanic Mills.

Proposals for the 4.6km stretch of towpath include resurfacing improvements to create a year-round usable surface, widening to allow people to pass each other comfortably, relaying and re-pointing the heritage cobbles around locks and bridges to make towpath more accessible and improved signage.

Peter McBride
Peter McBride

Peter said: “The proposals for the changes to the canal towpath will provide Kirklees residents and visitors with improved access to the district and surrounding areas whether they travel by bike, foot or on the water.

“The improvements and the wider city connect project will make it safer and more pleasurable to commute between our own and neighbouring towns, and provide a range of leisure opportunities and related health benefits.

“I would encourage everyone who likes to get outdoors and be active to get involved.”

Anyone wanting a hard copy of the consultation information, should email cityconnect@westyorks-ca.gov.uk

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M62 latest:

Slow traffic due to earlier broken down vehicle on M62 Eastbound between J26 M606/A58 (Chain Bar) and J27 M621/A650/A62 (Gildersome), congestion on M62 to J25 A644 (Brighouse). All lanes have been re-opened.


The hard shoulder which is normally used as a live lane (of four) was closed until 8.20am.

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Traffic latest:

Heavy traffic on A638 Wakefield Road Westbound at A653 Leeds Road, Dewsbury.

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