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.
A collision has closed a section of the M1 northbound in South Yorkshire. Motorists are being diverted at junction 34 near Rotherham whilst emergencies tend to the scene. The road is expected to remain closed until 5.30pm.
We'll also 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 notifications 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
Harry Gration and Christine Talbot presenting the news...together!
Who’s looking forward to this tonight? Look North;’s Harry Gration and Calendar’s Christine Talbot will be presenting the new together from Birstall tonight.
You can find out why here.
M1: Severe delays
Here’s a picture from the scene on the M1 this afternoon.
Highways England say they expect the northbound carriage to remain closed between junctions 34 and 35 until 5.30, so expect long delays if you’re heading towards Huddersfield from Sheffield. Definitely wise to avoid it altogether and use an alternative route.
M1: Police at the scene of a collision
Here’s what police have said regarding the closure of the M1:
“The M1 northbound is currently closed at junction 34 as emergency services deal with reports of a collision.
“Traffic is currently being diverted off at junction 34 and there is no entry to the M1 northbound from the junction. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and plan alternative routes where possible.”
M1 closed as police deal with 'serious incident'
We’re seeing reports the M1 is currently closed due to a serious incident.
The motorway is currently shut between junctions 34 and 35 northbound near Rotherham:
A Highways England spokesman has said: “This incident is led by South Yorkshire and it is anticipated that the road will be closed for a number of hours while police investigation works take place.” Diversions are currently in place.
Broken down vehicle on the M62
Watch out for this if you’re heading between Leeds and Huddersfield:
WATCH: Police scouring fields for missing woman
Have you seen missing Paula Pickles? Police are extremely woried about her and say her disappearance is completely out of character.
The 55-year-old was last seen in the early hours of Wednesday morning at her home in the Idle area of Bradford. Officers have been searching nearby fields looking for her. She has dark, curly, shoulder length hair and could be wearing a khaki-coloured fleece.
DCI Paula Bickerdike said: “We are increasingly concerned about Paula, who has now been missing for over 48 hours.”
Leeds Bradford Airport director stands down
The director at Leeds Bradford Airport has resigned, it’s been announced this afternoon.
Tony Hallwood says he is leaving his role as Aviation Development Director after nine years to join his wife’s business. He said:
“I am immensely proud of my achievements at LBA in driving record passenger growth from 2.6 to 3.6m and delivering a string of major route development successes for the Leeds City Region and Yorkshire.”
Police hunt for escaped prisoner
Police are trying to trace a prisoner after he escaped while at the same hospital where he committed the offence he is in jail for.
Daniel Brown, 22, escaped while being escorted to a police van outside St James’ Hospital in Leeds on Wednesday morning.
He was dressed in black tracksuit bottoms, a black t-shirt and black trainers and was wearing two pairs of handcuffs. Brown is in jail after using a fake handgun to intimidate people at the hospital in June last year.
Det Insp Phil Jackson said: “While we are satisfied that Brown presents no immediate danger to the public, we urgently need to find him and take him back into custody. I would like to remind people that it is a criminal offence to assist someone who is unlawfully at large and we will take robust action against anyone who we establish has been helping Brown.”
WATCH: Video shows how we have more in common on anniversary of Jo Cox's murder
This is a lovely video posted by a charity supported by Jo Cox which shows how we have more in common than what divides us.
A really heartwarming watch!
National news
A round up of the main headlines this Friday lunchtime...
- The death toll from the fire at Glenfell Tower in West London has been confirmed as 30, but fire services say this figures is still expected to rise. The Queen has visited the scene this morning to meet some of the victims of the tragedy.
- Russia says it is investigating the possibility that ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi may have been killed in one of its airstrikes two weeks ago. The raid was carried out on May 28 in Raqqa, north Syria
- A man has been held at police gunpoint outside the Houses of Parliament after reports he reached for a knife when approached by officers. The man was brought down with a taser then spotted being held against a fence shortly before midday.
Public warned against swimming in canals and reservoirs as temperatures heat up
Teenagers in Huddersfield are being warned of the dangers of cooling off in the canal as temperatures are set to rise this weekend.
The Canal & River Trust have issued an appeal for young people not to enter any of our local waterways. Of the 400 reported drownings last year, more than half of the fatalities happened at inland waters such as canals, rivers and reservoirs. Risks include murky water which can be shallower than expected if people jump in, rubbish and shopping trolleys trapping feet and causing injuries as well as the risk of waterborne diseases and cold water which can be fatal.
Tony Stammers, from the Trust, said: “Inland waterways, like canals, rivers and docks, can look really inviting but you can’t tell what is below the surface. The water is often murky and you won’t be able to see the depth or any obstacles in the water. We’re asking people to find another way to cool off this summer – have an ice cream, stay in the shade, go for a swim at your local pool. Please don’t get in the water, it’s just not worth it.”
New modernised Northern trains launched
Northern Rail has launched its 10th train in a multi-million pound fleet refurbishment.
All 10 of the refurbished units now in service sport Northern’s new external livery and the interior of the trains has also changed. They are all now fully accessible, carriages have been repainted, new floor coverings installed, and seat cushions replaced and recovered. New LED lighting has also been fitted to create a lighter and brighter on-board environment and the refurbished toilets include improved baby changing facilities.
Ben Ackroyd, Engineering Director for Northern, said: “There are still plenty of improvements to come for Northern’s existing trains in the second phase of refurbishment, including the installation of free customer wifi and even further enhancements to the on-board experience, but we think our customers will agree that these first trains are a great start.”
Killer couple to be sentenced for murdering love rival
A couple from Berry Brow convicted of murdering a man will be sentenced today.
Leonie Mason and Mohammed Shiraz Bashir were found guilty of murdering Mason’s ex-partner Craig Preston in Rotherham before leaving his body on the moors by Woodhead Pass in August last year. Three teenage boys found guilty of manslaughter will also be sentenced.
You can read the story from our coverage of the case here.
MPs' tributes to Jo one year on
Some tributes and thoughtful words from some MPs on Jo, including local MPs and prominent figures.
Tracy Brabin appears as special guest on Woman's Hour
Batley & Spen MP Tracy Brabin is a guest on Woman’s Hour this morning as we mark the first anniversary of Jo Cox’s death.
Tracy wrote on her Facebook page last night to say: “This weekend will be a difficult one for many of us in Batley & Spen as we remember Jo one year on from her tragic death.”
Arrests made in cyber crime sting
Arrests have been made after police made searches across the UK in an operation to target people suspected of cyber crime.
Police made searches at addresses in Yorkshire as well as Wales, and the South East, in the sting last week to target people suspected of using cyber tools to get around anti-virus computer protection.
Alongside the arrests, officers conducted 31 ‘cease and desist’ visits to young people who are first time offenders, or on the fringes of offending, and may not realise the damage malware can cause.
Detective Chief Inspector Vanessa Smith, of West Yorkshire’s Cyber Crime Unit and the Regional Cyber Crime Unit, said: “The Yorkshire and the Humber Regional Cyber Crime Team have been working with the NCA and the four local forces and partners to conduct a series of cease and desist visits, which have led to valuable community intelligence being obtained. Individuals have been referred into partnerships to deter and prevent offending.”
Message from the House of Commons on anniversary of Jo Cox's death
The House of Commons have issued this message from Speaker of the House John Bercow as a tribute to the work Jo did to help and improve people’s lives.
Watch it here.
West Yorkshire Police hosting national LGBT conference
West Yorkshire Police will today host the national Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Police conference.
The Force were picked to be this year’s hosts and will discuss issues facing LGBT police officers and staff. Speakers at the event in Leeds will include representatives from the Blast Project, which is the UK’s leading male-only sexual exploitation service, charity Bernardo’s and Stonewall, a LGBT rights charity.
Detention Officer Warren Walker was appointed West Yorkshire Police’s LGBT Network chair in December 2016. he said:
“It is a good occasion for forces across the country to come together to show support for the LGBT policing community.”
Travellers leave Leeds Road site as more families arrive at Holmfirth playing fields
Travellers spotted at a site off Leeds Road have now left the area, according to eyewitnesses.
It’s thought more families have now moved to playing fields in Holmfirth. Here is some footage from the scene earlier this morning.
Let's Get Together to mark one year since Jo's death
Today marks one year since Batley & Spen Jo Cox was murdered in her constituency.
This weekend, events will be held across Huddersfield, greater Kirklees and the rest of the country as part of the Great Get Together, organised by Jo’s family in her memory.
There are tea parties, BBQs, family fun days, Iftaars, arts events, exhibitions and even the chance to take part in some Scottish dancing all happening right here this weekend. And the good news is, all the events are free with proceeds from any sales going to the Jo Cox Foundation, supporting charities close to the late MP’s heart.
Check out what’s happening where and when here.
Everybody appears to be taking part, with even our local broadcasters getting involved: yesterday BBC Look North announced they would be hosting tonight’s live news alongside ITV Calendar as a mark of coming together.
Man found unconscious in Greenhead Park
Fire services assisted the ambulance service after they were called out to Greenhead Park last night.
A man was seen lying unconscious on the path inside the park near to the Trinity Street entrance. Crews were called to help open the gate as it was locked and thought they would have to break in, although eventually managed to gain access without causing any damage.
The man, thought to be in his forties, was taken to hospital for treatment.
Rush hour round-up
Happy Friday everyone. What better way to start the day than by taking a look at the traffic. All’s running okay on the M62 and M1 this morning.
Here’s what’s happening on the local roads:
- Busy on Halifax Road through Edgerton/Birchencliffe towards town
- Slow traffic at Cooper Bridge in both directions
- Slow on Manchester Road at Chapel Hill heading towards the town centre
- Heavy traffic on Penistone Road at Waterloo heading inbound
- Slow on Aldams Road, Dewsbury in both directions
- Busy on Oxford Street, Huddersfield town centre
- Usual heavy traffic on the Huddersfield ring road by the Shorehead roundabout
- Busy on Whitehall Road, Cleckheaton
- Slow in Halifax on Ovenden Road and Cow Green
Good morning, Huddersfield
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 .
