Welcome to the Huddersfield Examiner's breaking news service.
In light of yesterday's terror attack in Westminster, we will be bringing you all the latest updates as West Yorkshire Police step up surveillance and Kirklees Council, police and fire services fly their flags at half mast.
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
Rush Hour Round-up
Slow traffic at the following locations:
- Manchester Road heading off the town centre
- A629 Wakefield Road from Aspley into Huddersfield town centre and from Dalton towards Waterloo
- A629 Wakefield Road towards Ainley Top in both directions.
M62 clear except for westbound junction 24 (Ainley Top) exit.
Pic of the day
This beautiful night shot comes courtesy of BASD (Barnsley and Surrounding Districts) pictorial archive.
This long exposure shot captures the south end of the town centre, the ring road and New Hey Road and Halifax Road heading out towards the hills.
Rush Hour Round-up
Slow traffic on the following roads:
- A62 Leeds Road from Bradley to Three Nuns roundabout and in opposite direction coming from Mirfield towards Three Nuns
- A644 off the M62 at junction 25 (Brighouse) towards the Three Nuns roundabout
- Bog Green Lane and Colnebridge Road, Colnebridge, heading towards A62 Leeds Road
- Very slow on A58 Halifax Road and Brighouse A644 at Hipperholme
M62 looks pretty clear
Appeal in memory of murdered police officer Keith Palmer breaks £100k
Well-wishers have donated more than £100,000 online for the family of murdered police officer Keith Palmer.
Multiple fundraising pages have been set up to help the loved ones of the husband and father who was stabbed outside Parliament, as well as other victims of the deadly Westminster attack.
The Metropolitan Police Federation launched an official memorial page at 9.13am on Thursday which smashed its £100,000 target within hours.
The association, which has 30,000 constables, sergeants, inspectors and chief inspectors, was prompted to set up the page after receiving a huge number of pleas from members who wanted to help, chairman Ken Marsh said.
Belgians tighten secure after driver attempts to mow down pedestrians in Antwerp
Belgian authorities have tightened security in the port city of Antwerp after a Frenchman drove his car at high speed through a busy shopping area, forcing pedestrians to jump out of the way.
French president Francois Hollande compared the incident to the attack in London the day before, saying the Frenchman was “trying to kill people or create a dramatic event”.
The federal prosecutor’s office said the car was intercepted late on Thursday morning at the port docks and police arrested a man, identified as 39-year-old Mohamed R, who has been living in France.
In the car, authorities said they found knives, a shotgun and a gas can with an unknown liquid.
There were no immediate reports of injuries.
Slow M62 traffic due to broken down vehicle
Very slow traffic due to earlier broken down vehicle on M62 Eastbound between J25 A644 (Brighouse) and J26 M606 / A58 (Chain Bar).
All lanes have been re-opened.
Police name who they believe to be Westminster attacker
Scotland Yard have named the man believed to be responsible for the Westminster attack as Khalid Masood, 52.
Police charge 29 people over string of historic sex offences in Huddersfield
Kirklees police have charged 29 people - including two women - predominantly from Huddersfield over numerous sexual offence allegations, including rape, trafficking and sexual activity with children.
The allegations against the defendants are non-recent sexual offences, having occurred between 2004 and 2011 and relate to 18 women. The offences were committed against them as children in the Huddersfield area and are alleged to have taken place while the women were aged between 11 and 17-years-old. These arrests were made as part of Operation Tendersea.
The defendants have all been bailed and are due to appear at Kirklees Magistrates next month.
One of the men, Amere Singh Dhaliwal, 34, of Huddersfield, is charged with 21 counts of rape, four counts of supplying of Class A drugs, supplying Class B drugs, supply of controlled substances with intention to engage in sexual activity, 14 counts of trafficking a female within the UK with a view to her sexual exploitation, five counts of inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, sexual assault by penetration, three counts of sexual touching, three counts of possession of indecent images of a child, racially aggravated assault and inciting a child into prostitution.
Some 26 of the 29 charged are from Huddersfield.
Congestion on M1 northbound
Problems on the M1 again this afternoon - this time heading northbound.
Congestion is between junctions 40 and 41 around Wakefield.
Food blogger shortlisted for national award
A Huddersfield nutritionist has been shortlisted for a national award for her blog on food and fitness.
Dr Emma Kirke, based at Fitness First in Waterloo, has seen her blog Medicinal Kitchen nominated for the Health & Social Care category for the Odeon UK Blog Awards.
Finalist Emma, from Wakefield, has already won several awards for her site which provides recipes and advice on keeping fit and healthy.
Emma said: “My recipes and articles arise from a health stand point and I am mindful of allergies and the way food can affect mood and disease processes. I write meal plans to give quality of life to people that maybe suffering. This can give them a sense of well being and control back.”
Armed police in Leeds
Armed officers are also in the centre of Leeds today. Officers have been seen in Huddersfield and Brighouse town centres so far.
This picture was tweeted by ITV journalist Jonathan Brown.
Birkby shooting victim released from hospital
We have a small update on the shooting in Birkby yesterday.
A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police says the victim has now been discharged from hospital.
Two men arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remain in custody at this moment. We will let you know when we hear any more.
ISIS claim responsibility for terror attack
Islamic State have claimed responsibility for yesterday’s terror attack in Westminster.
According to the SITE Intel Group, which monitors jihadist groups, an IS statement said: “The attacker yesterday in front of the British Parliament in London was a soldier of the Islamic State executing the operation in response to calls to target citizens of coalition nations.”
Hunt for man wanted in connection with attempted murder
Police have renewed an appeal in a desperate bid to trace a man wanted in connection with an attempted murder, and say he could be anywhere in Yorkshire or the North.
Joseph Lowther is wanted by police in Barnsley over a stabbing at a nightclub, and authorities fear he may have travelled outside the county and could be anywhere.
Acting Detective Inspector Stuart Hall said: “We believe Lowther could have travelled outside of South Yorkshire and has some connections to the north of England, but he really could be anywhere in the country.
“I’d urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact police and I’d warn any individual who may be shielding Lowther that you could face prosecution for helping him stay undetected.”
Luckily, the victim is now recovering and no longer in hospital. If you see Lowther, you are advised not to approach him but to call 101 asking for South Yorkshire Police.
Armed police patrol Huddersfield town centre and Kingsgate
Many have reported spotting armed officers in Huddersfield town centre this morning.
Officers have been seen in Kingsgate shopping centre among other places in town.
One member of the public wrote on social media: “Fantastic to see armed Police patrolling the Kingsgate shopping centre this morning. I feel safe in our country’s wonderful Police force’s hands. Thank you to each and every one of you.”
Water turned off to repair burst main in Heckmondwike
Water is being turned off on a street in Heckmondwike due to a burst pipe.
...and so do Calderdale Council
...also followed by Calderdale Council at Halifax Town Hall.
Council follow suit and fly flags at half mast
Kirklees Council have followed police and fire services and are also flying flags at Huddersfield and Dewsbury Town Halls at half mast this morning. The council tweeted these pictures just now with the hashtag #WeStandTogether.
Police and fire services raise their flags to half mast
Both West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire Service has raised their flags are half mast today to pay respect to those killed and injured in yesterday’s terror attack.
The services’ headquarters in Wakefield and Bradford respectively made the display this morning, following the Houses of Parliament and many other police forces and organisations across the country.
Motorist viciously assaulted near Nont Sarah's
Police are appealing for witnesses after a motorist was assaulted near Nont Sarah’s in Scammmonden.
The male victim was driving a blue VW Beetle on New Hey Road when he noticed he was being followed by a black vehicle. After pulling over, the vehicle pulled up alongside and two men inside assaulted the Beetle driver, causing him serious injuries to his wrists.
Officers want to speak to two men, described as being of Asian ethnicity, in connection with the assault.
The assault happened on Wednesday, March 1, between 1.30pm and 2pm. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Kirklees CID on 101 quoting crime reference 13170096217.
Brendan Cox urges public to remain united against hatred
One person who has been speaking out about events in London yesterday is the widower of Batley & Spen MP Jo Cox, Brendan Cox.
Brendan has condemned the attacker, saying his name will be forgotten while the name of victim Pc Keith Palmer will be forever remembered.
He said: “The person who did this yesterday is no more representative of British Muslims than the person who killed Jo was representative of the people of Yorkshire. These are extremists, we have to take them on and defeat them but without making the mistake they in someway represent the broader group.”
Spring scenes at Cannon Hall Farm
A beautiful morning at Cannon Hall Farm this morning! Despite the rain telling us otherwise, it seems Spring really has sprung.
WATCH: Birkby road remains closed following yesterday's shooting
Reporter Louise Cooper is at Crescent Road in Birkby this morning, which remains cordoned off following a shooting at Dappa’s barber’s shop.
Two men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the shooting and we ware waiting for an update on this from police.
Armed police in Brighouse
Residents in Brighouse have reported seeing armed police on patrol in the town centre this morning.
One member of the public said she saw officers on Commercial Street. We have spoken to West Yorkshire Police and they have confirmed they have no log of any ongoing incidents in the town centre currently, and this is more than likely to be a result of stepped-up security in light of yesterday’s events in London.
Have you seen armed officers in the area? Let us know via Twitter, Facebook or give us a call on 01484 437765 and we will check it out.
You can see a statement on stepped-up security from West Yorkshire Police here.
Standstill traffic on M1 southbound following multi-vehicle accident
There’s currently stationary traffic on the M1 southbound with long delays due to a multi-vehicle accident near Ossett.
Congestion is predominantly between junction 39 for Denby Dale and junction 40 for Ossett, although tailbacks are right back to junction 42 for the Lofthouse Interchange for the M62. One lane remains closed and traffic is ridiculously congested.
Do avoid the M1 if possible this morning.
Appeal for relatives of Mirfield man
Coroners are appealing for any relatives of a Mirfield man who has passed away.
David Sykes 77, of Co-operative Street, died at his home address on 13 March of natural causes.
Mr Sykes was known to have a sister and possibly a cousin although no further details are known about them. Any relatives or anyone with information are asked to contact Coroners Officer Sam Cariss on 01274 373721.
Muslim community condemns attacks and express sympathies to those affected
Huddersfield’s Muslim community have come together to condemn the attacks in Westminster yesterday.
Fatihul Haq, President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in the town, said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Huddersfield strongly condemns the barbaric attacks in Westminster today. Our sympathies and prayers are with the people of London and all those affected.
“Such attacks and violence against innocent people can never be justified under any circumstances.”
A spokesman for the Kirklees Imams & Mosques Advisory Board said: “The Muslim community of Kirklees is saddened to learn about the incident at Westminster today. We condemn this vicious attack on innocent people, whoever it may be perpetrated by and for whatever motive. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and those affected.
“Also, our tributes go to the Police, the Emergency services and the Authorities who have handled the situation with sensitivity. We stand by all the decent citizens in this country against this attack at the heart of Westminster; at the centre of democracy and together we must all do what we can to ensure the safety and security of our nation.”
Council hold minute's silence following terror attack
Councillors started their meeting with a minute’s silence yesterday following the terror attack in Westminster.
String of suspicious fires on Heckmondwike street
Fire services attended a string of fires on a street in Heckmondwike last night.
Crews from Cleckheaton and Dewsbury were called to Church Lane at 8pm after two Transit vans, a bin and a man’s front door were set alight. The fires are thought to be connected and started deliberately.
Watch Commander Darren Haley, of Cleckheaton Fire Station, said they targeted the bin fire while two crews from Dewsbury extinguished the vans. The man whose door was alight bravely managed to put it out himself.
Nobody was injured in the fires and luckily the property avoided any damage due to the resident’s quick thinking. Fire investigators will investigate the cause of the fires.