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 Huddersfield and the rest of 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 social media here .
Key Events
Empty shelves at Morrisons
Fruit and veg shortage at Morrison’s, Elland.
What’s going on?
Celebrate Mother's Day early with selfies
Don’t wait until Mother’s Day 2017 to show your mum how much you love her – start early by sharing a selfie.
Every year we invite sons and daughters to send in a selfie with themselves and their beloved mum.
Sending your selfies is a doddle; simply email david.himelfield@examiner.co.uk or tweet @Examiner or share them on our Facebook page.
Rush hour round-up
Slow and very slow moving traffic on the following roads:
- A644 Wakefield Road from the M62 towards the Three Nuns roundabout and into Brighouse
- Colnebridge Road towards Leeds Road; traffic is backing up to Bog Green Lane
- Bradley Road heading towards Bradley Bar roundabout
- Woodhead Road, at Berry Brow, due to roadworks
- A642 Wakefield Road from Dalton towards Waterloo
M62 looks pretty clear in both directions.
Old man assaulted on bus
An elderly man was assaulted on a bus - and police would like to speak to a hooded man in connection with the incident.
The attack took place a single decker 203 service on Leeds Road, near Leeds Road Retail Park, on Saturday at around 12.30pm.
Officers want to speak to a white male in connection with the incident.
He was sitting behind the victim wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with the hood up.
PC Vicky Wilby, of Huddersfield Police, said: “We have been carrying out extensive enquiries but so far have been unable to trace this individual.
“We believe there were people on the bus who may have witnessed this incident and I would appeal to them to come forward with information.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police on 101 quoting crime reference 13170067727.
One for petrolheads
No, that’s not a psychedelic paint job.
This new Jaguar, decked in camera confusing camouflage, was spotted on the A62 ring road by ‘RS’.
Car manufacturers often deck their vehicles in bizarre swirly decals when they’re road testing as-yet-unreleased vehicles.
See plans for Isaac's skatepark
A drop-in session to see plans of skatepark in memory of Isaac Nash takes place at Kirkburton Library on March 27 (6pm to 9pm).
Kirklees officers and the local councillors will be on hand to explain the design and landscaping around the park and drawings showing the proposed layout.
Isaac, a sporty 12-year-old, lost his life off the shores of Aberffraw, Anglesey, in August 2014, when a rip tide swept him and his younger brother Xander out to sea.
Despite the courageous efforts of his dad Adam and his grandfather Paul to rescue them only Xander was saved.
Spring is here - and it's going to snow
The rain may have put a dampener on our weekend – and forecasters say snow is likely this week.
Today is the official day spring begins with the spring equinox when the sun crosses the celestial equator.
Forecasters say the weather will feel more wintry and we’re likely to see some snow on the hills.
Two separate reports of road accidents
Two separate reports of road collisions this afternoon which have been causing traffic delays.
There’s been an accident on Ashbrow Road near to Bradley Boulevard which has left the road blocked in both directions, causing slow traffic. This has now been cleared.
Reports say there has also been an accident on Church Street in Longwood at Brow Road and Market Street.
WATCH: Moment theatre group get trapped in Byram Arcade lift
Here’s a tale that beggars belief - a theatre group practicing a play called Unnecessary Farce literally livd out the name of their production this afternoon after getting stuck in a lift in the Byram Arcade!
The group of nine, including actors and tha play’s director Jake Pratt had been rehearsing at a unit in the arcade and got stuck inside the elevator for well over an hour as they waited for engineers to come and release them.
Director Jake rang the Examiner while they were stuck to explain their plight.
He said: “We’ve been here for an hour and 15 minutes. We’ve worked out our combine weight is 630 kg and the maximum for the lift is 750.”
Luckily, the group did see the irony and the funny side, and were released shortly after speaking to us. Want to see some video of them trapped inside? Of course you do... (no sniggering at the back now).
Faulty traffic lights cause traffic problems
Slow traffic on Fountain Street in Halifax this afternoon if you’re in the area.
This appears to be due to traffic lights near the Victoria Theatre which are broken. Traffic is slower than usual in both directions and may affect motorists in Halifax town centre.
Anti-social behaviour patrols lead to arrests
Police claim they have made three arrests over the weekend following anti-social behaviour in Heckmondwike.
Batley & Spen Neighbourhood Police Team say they have received reports of up to 50 youths in the village, with reports including racial abuse, criminal damage, public order, fighting and anti-social behaviour including blocking shop doorways, throwing stock around, jumping in front of moving vehicles as well as spitting at staff.
Officers on patrol on Friday evening said they made three arrests and 10 Dispersal Orders (a 48-hour ban from an outlined area).
Sgt Chris Field said: “We will not tolerate large groups of youths causing a nuisance and interfering with the local community going about their business. These operations will continue until we are satisfied that the community is no longer affected by their behaviour.”
Anti-hate crime strategy laid out for next three years
Police and council chiefs launched an anti-hate crime strategy in Huddersfield this morning.
Along with the council, police laid out plans to tackle hate crime over the next three years at a meeting at the Brian Jackson House. Councillor Judith Hughes, Head of Safe and Cohesive Communities Carol Gilchrist and officers from West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire were at the meeting.
Some 1,013 hate crimes were reported in the three months following the EU referendum in West Yorkshire last year - with the region the third highest in the country for hate crime after London and Greater Manchester
Charity set up in memory of toddler who died of rare genetic condition
Parents of a toddler who passed away after being diagnosed with a rare genetic condition have set up a charity in her memory, saying it will be her “lasting legacy”.
Joe and Gemma Baum, from Meltham, have been working tirelessly to establish the Maia Mouse Foundation, named after Maia Olivia, who was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer of the central nervous system in January 2016 and passed away four months later, aged eleven months. The couple said setting up the charity was the best way to focus their emotions after the loss of Maia. The new charity will help other families who find themselves in situations similar to their own.
£25,000 worth of jewellery stolen in burglary
A huge stash of valuable jewellery was taken at a burglary in Cleckheaton, police have said.
Watches and jewellery worth £25,000 were taken from the home on Nibshaw Road on Friday after thieves broke in through a window and raided the house looking for items to steal.
Among the items stolen were two gold sovereign rings from 1879. Also taken were:
- Omega Co-Axial Aqua Terra
- Omega Geneva watch - 18 carat gold with diamond bezel
- Omega 14 carat gold Hunter Pocket watch
- Walthem 14 carat gold pocket watch
- Three Ladies 14 carat gold pocket watches
- Three 9 carat double Albert pocket watch chains
- Fifteen 9 carat gold fob seals
- Large silver Albert pocket watch chain
- Fourteen fobs
- Distinctive Ladies silver fob watch on an Albertine chain with articulated fish vinigret
- Omega ‘Bird cage’ clock
- Variety of gold men’s and ladies watches
- Gold charm bracelet with gold charms
- A small metal safe containing cash and passports
Pc Sally Baines said: “The items taken during this burglary are very distinctive and unusual and will stand out if they are offered for sale. They represent a lifetime of collecting antique watches and this incident has caused the victim considerable amount of distress and heartache and we are working to reunite these pieces with their rightful owner.
“I would urge anyone with any information about this burglary to contact me at Huddersfield CID via 101 quoting crime reference 13170122780 or alternatively information can be passed to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Yorkshire "tops list" for motorists who text while driving
When it comes to texting while driving Yorkshire comes top, according to a new poll.
Some 44% of drivers in the region have admitted to using their phones at some point while behind the wheel - more than any other region in the country - a BBC report claims this morning.
It comes after police announced tougher penalties on those caught using phones to text or use social media at the beginning of this month.
Police called to street after group of men seen "brandishing weapons"
Police attended Pilgrim Crescent in Dewsbury last night after residents reported a group of men brandishing weapons.
Three men have since been arrested; two aged 30 and one aged 33. They are still in custody at this time.
Det Insp Mark Walker of Kirklees CID said: “We are working closely with the community and our partners and there will be increased Neighbourhood Policing Patrols in the area to reassure local residents.
“I would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed the disorder last night or has any further information to come forward and contact the police to assist with our investigation.” Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact CID via 101.
Rape accused appears in court
An update on Daniel Firth: The 26-year-old appeared at Kirklees Magistrates Court this morning.
More on this on our website later.
Man charged with rape following Paddock incident
Police have charged a man with rape following a sex assault on a woman in Paddock over the weekend.
Daniel Firth, 26, from Bradford, was charged following the incident on Beech Street in the early hours of Saturday morning, in which a 21-year-old woman was victim of a serious sexual assault.
Police reveal reason for helicopters over Golcar
Have you been spotting police helicopters over Golcar and Colne Valley over the past fortnight?
Well, we’ve found out why. Police have confirmed their presence is due to police training exercises, and nothing to worry about.
A spokesperson for NPAS Carr Gate, the Wakefield-based centre for the force’s helicopters, said: “We can confirm the presence of the helicopter in that area over the last two weeks has been for the purpose of crew training.”
That ruins my theory of James Bond and the Queen practising their jumps in the Colne Valley .
Former Archbishop of Canterbury to host talks in Huddersfield
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams is to visit the University of Huddersfield to host talks on spirituality, it’s been announced.
Dr WIlliams will address audiences at a conference announced for July 11, speaking about the role of faith in healthcare before delivering the annual Harold Wilson lecture, both of which are open to the public.
Dr Williams was Archbishop of Canterbury between 2002 and 2012.
Stolen motorbike stuffed in car boot in Huddersfield police chase
Think you’ve got a struggle packing the car for a week in Wales? Check out the load these thieves had on their hands when they shoved a huge stolen motorbike in a car boot!
West Yorkshire’s Road Policing Unit tweeted this photo this morning after they pursued a car in Huddersfield. Two men have since been arrested.
One injured and one in shock after Liversedge collision
An update on the accident on Halifax Road in Liversedge - police say two people were involved.
Officers were called to the scene at the junction with Windy Bank Lane, near to Hartshead Moor, at 8.24am following a two-vehicle collision.
A Vauxhall and Ford Fiesta were in collision and fire services attended the scene to rescue trapped motorists.
Two people are believed to have received minor injuries - although one of those is reportedly suffering from just shock. One has been taken to hospital to be checked over.
Traffic has resumed as normal.
Signalling problems lead to delays at Halifax Station
Possible delays if you’re getting the train to or from Halifax this morning...
Liversedge accident cleared
That was brief - our traffic partners INRIX claim the accident has been cleared on Halifax Road. We’ll try to find out more.
Road accident in Liversedge
We’re hearing reports of an accident on Halifax Road in Liversedge at the moment.
Reports say the accident has happened near to the junction with Windy Bank Lane. There is currently heavy traffic in the area so do take care. We’ll bring you updates on this if we hear anymore.
Traffic "returned to normal" on M62
Traffic has returned to normal on the M62 eastbound following the accident earlier.
There are still reports of things being a little slow in the Chain Bar and Ainley Top areas though, so watch out for that.
Sir Patrick Stewart honoured for his career at Empire Awards
Mirfield actor and Hollywood legend Sir Patrick Stewart was honoured for his contributions to the industry at a prestigious awards ceremony in London last night.
Sir Patrick received the Empire Legend Award at the Empire Awards, and took centre stage as he enjoyed a tender moment with old friend Sir Ian McKellen. Oo-er.
The Logan star also led tributes to Dame Vera Lynn who celebrates her 100th birthday today. He told media that her music still makes him cry. Aww.
He said: “The other day I was in the car and I suddenly found myself singing The White Cliffs Of Dover, and I began to cry. My wife said ‘What’s wrong with you?’ and I couldn’t begin to explain, because there’s too much history.”
