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 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 .

Live blog from M62 incident

We have set up a separate live blog for the crash on the M62.

The link can be found here

  • Share

M62 queue

This appears to be the front of the queuing traffic on the eastbound M62 as motorists wait for emergency services to clear the lanes of debris caused by a four-vehicle crash.

  • Share

Debris scattered on M62 after four-vehicle crash

Four vehicles were involved in the crash on the M62 eastbound carriageway near Milnrow, according to Greater Manchester Police.

There is a lot of debris on the carriageway. All the damaged vehicles are on the hard shoulder and the fire service are in attendance.

A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said West Yorkshire Police were dealing with the incident.

Traffic is queuing for 10 miles.

  • Share

A car has 'rear-ended a trailer'

  • Share

Traffic at a standstill

  • Share

Long delays on M62 near Milnrow

There are delays for drivers heading over from Manchester on the eastbound M62 near Huddersfield.

Three lanes are closed and traffic is queuing for eight miles due to a multi-vehicle accident between Milnrow and Rishworth Moor.

Lanes one, two and three (of four) are closed . Emergency services are at the scene.

  • Share

Coroner's appeal for Batley man's relatives

Coroners are appealing for the family of a Batley man to get in touch.

Allen Hartley, 70, of Wellington Street, was found passed away at his home today. There were no suspicious circumstances and coroners would like to speak to any relatives.

Relatives are asked to contact Coroner’s Officer Jayne Dawson on 01274 373754.

West Yorkshire Coroner's Office
West Yorkshire Coroner's Office
  • Share

Huddersfield's 'most prolific offender' dies aged 35

One of Huddersfield’s most prolific offenders has passed away, it’s been announced.

Clinford Joseph, 35, of Paddock, had hundreds of minor crimes to his name - although has been described in court as “perfectly pleasant”. A story will be on our website shortly.

Clinford Joseph, dubbed Huddersfield's most prolific offender, who has died aged 35.
Clinford Joseph, dubbed Huddersfield's most prolific offender, who has died aged 35.
  • Share

Major town centre road closed for safety reasons in Halifax

Cross Hills has been closed in Halifax for safety reasons this afternoon due to safety reasons.

The road connects Dean Clough and North Bridge in the town centre and has been closed by the council as work is completed to make sure a partially-collapsed building is safe. The road closed at 2.20pm and this is likely to affect rush hour traffic tonight.

Drivers and public transport are being rediverted.

Commuting times have been creeping up in West Yorkshire
  • Share

Today's most read stories

Here’s what people have been reading the most on our website today...

  • Live updates as decision to downgrade Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and move A&E services to Halifax is referred to Secretary of State. Follow them here.
  • Two men caged for their part in a ‘ruthless’ scam targeting the elderly in Huddersfield and elsewhere got the punishments they deserved, senior judges have ruled. See the full report from court here.
  • We’ve also published a feauture on citizen’s arrests and when you can and can’t arrest someone for suspecting them of a crime. Find out more here.
Protesters outside Huddersfield Town Hall before the health scrutiny meeting this morning
Protesters outside Huddersfield Town Hall before the health scrutiny meeting this morning (Image: Huddersfield Examiner)
  • Share

WATCH: Officers speak to railway staff targeted by vandals

Kirklees Rural neighbourhood policing team have been doing a Facebook Live this morning as officers visit Kirklees Light Railway in Clayton West.

The family attraction has been hit by vandals and arsonists in recent weeks and officers have been speaking to staff.

Stuart Ross, the general manager, says some children have been wedging rocks in the rail lines, which could lead to some trains being derailed. Watch their conversation below.

  • Share

BREAKING: Hospital shake up plans referred to Secretary of State

The decision to downgrade Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and axe A&E services is to be referred to the Secretary of STate Jeremy Hunt - it has just this minute been announced.

Follow our separate live updates here.

  • Share

Puppy to train as moorland rescue dog

*CUTE ALERT* Calder Valley Search & Rescue Team have introduced their newest recruit.

Eleven-week-old Springer Spaniel Orion is to start training to join the team with owner and handler Gary Smith, from Todmorden.

Orion gets his name from the three distinct markings on his back that resemble the Orion’s Belt constellation. If successful in his two years’ training, Orion will help in searching for people stranded on the moors around Calder Valley through using human scents in the air. According to CVSRT, rescue dogs can pick up a scent of a missing person as far as 500 metres away.

Trainee rescue pup Orion
Trainee rescue pup Orion (Image: Calder Valley Search & Rescue Team)
Trainee rescue dog Orion with owner Gary Smith
Trainee rescue dog Orion with owner Gary Smith (Image: Calder Valley Search & Rescue Team)
  • Share

Bus replacement service for Penistone Line trains

Services between Huddersfield and Penistone will be replaced with a bus service on the weekend of the Huddersfield Food & Drink Festival, it’s been announced.

  • Share

Delays on Woodhead Pass

Reports that the Woodhead Pass is blocked in both directions this lunchtime at High Peak due to a broken down lorry.

This appears to be causing hold ups so avoid the road is possible.

Traffic on the Woodhead Pass
Traffic on the Woodhead Pass (stock image)
  • Share

National news

Here’s what’s happening in the main national headlines this midday...

BRITAIN ‘READY TO GIVE EU CITIZENS FREE MOVEMENT FOR YEAR AFTER BREXIT’
Britain is ready to maintain free movement for EU citizens during a transition period lasting a number of years after the official moment of Brexit, reports have suggested.
A report in The Times said Prime Minister Theresa May is ready to offer free movement for two years under a plan drawn up by Chancellor Philip Hammond, while the Guardian quoted “a senior Cabinet source” as saying that the period could last for three or even four years.

CHARLIE GARD’S PARENTS TO BRING NEW EVIDENCE TO HIGH COURT IN TREATMENT CASE

Charlie Gard’s parents are preparing for the latest stage of their legal fight over treatment for the terminally ill baby.
A judge is listed to further analyse issues at a hearing in the Family Division of the High Court in London on Friday.

Chris Gard and Connie Yates want Mr Justice Francis to rule that their 11-month-old son, who suffers from a rare genetic condition and has brain damage, should be allowed to undergo a therapy trial overseen by a specialist in New York.

COMBINING SUGARY DRINKS AND HIGH PROTEIN MEALS STORES MORE FAT, EXPERTS SAY
Sugary drinks and high protein meals make a highly unhealthy combination, new research suggests.
Consuming the two together impairs energy balance and causes the body to get fatter, say scientists.

Dr Shanon Casperson, from the US Department of Agriculture, said: “We found that about a third of the additional calories provided by the sugar-sweetened drinks were not expended, fat metabolism was reduced, and it took less energy to metabolise the meals.”

Britain may give EU citizens freedom of movement for a year after Brexit, it's been suggested (Image: Daniel Leal-Olivas/PA Wire)
  • Share

Sliproad on M62 closed

Watch out for this if you’re using the M62 this morning:

  • Share

Body cameras could be trialled on local fire fighters

West Yorkshire fire fighters could be joining police in the use of body-worn cameras to prevent attacks of them and secure convictions.

West Yorkshire Fire Authority are going to be discussing the idea in a meeting today. If they decide to go ahead, fire fighters could be joining our police officers in wearing cameras on the job in case of an assault.

  • Share

Family of Zack Barrett announce his funeral will be held on Wednesday

The family of brave youngster Zack Barrett, who sadly lost his battle with a brain tumour yesterday, have announced his funeral will be held on Wednesday.

Inspirational Zack, six, had been battling an aggressive form of tumour known as Diffuse Pontine Glioma (DIPG) for eight months and died at home in Kirkheaton yesterday. You can read some of the lovely tributes paid here.

His family have released a statement announcing plans for the ceremony at St John’s Church in Upper Hopton, Mirfield, at 11am, to give Zack a fitting send off.

Terminally ill Zack Barrett visits Rastrick Fire Station.
Terminally ill Zack Barrett visits Rastrick Fire Station.

Mum Katie wrote on the Zack’s Fight Facebook group: “Everyone is welcome to attend to show their support for Zack and the family. We ask that immediate family and close friend get the seats in the church as it is only small and there will be a sound system outside for all others to hear the service. Same applies around the grave side.

“We ask everyone to please wear black as a sign of how sad this loss really is for such a young boy. Only our flowers on the day please. Any donations will be going towards our fundraising into research for DIPG.”

  • Share

Today's weather

Here’s what Mother Nature has in store for Huddersfield today...

A pretty cloudy and mild day with temperatures reaching up to 20 degrees. We may see a little sunshine later on but overall it’s set to stay fairly overcast.

As for the weekend, showers are in store throughout the day tomorrow, but slightly drier on Sunday.

  • Share

Live updates from the town hall

We are now running live updates from Huddersfield Town Hall where the scrutiny meeting over hospital shake up plans is being held this morning.

You can follow them here.

The meeting is due to take place at Huddersfield Town Hall
The meeting is due to take place at Huddersfield Town Hall
  • Share

Honley couple caught up in terrifying earthquake in Greece

An ex-pat from Huddersfield has told how he and his wife were caught up in a ‘surreal’ earthquake on the Greek island of Rhodes which has killed two people.

The quake in the early hours of this morning (Friday) measured 6.7 on the Richter scale, making it a high enough magnitude to destroy buildings. The epicentre was near the island of Kos, between Greece and Cyprus.

Mike Warren-Madden and his wife Shirley, from Honley, woke to find their bedroom was shaking and described how they thought it was a dream before the reality hit. He said:

“It wasn’t frightening just a very strange experience. I thought we were dreaming at first then it hit us that the whole place was shaking.”

Debris sits on the damaged mosque after an earthquake in Kos on the island of Kos
Debris sits on the damaged mosque after an earthquake in Kos on the island of Kos (Image: AP Photo/Michael Probst)
  • Share

Decision day for hospital shake up plans to be referred to Secretary of State

A crucial meeting held at Huddersfield Town this morning will decide whether the decision to go ahead with plans to downgrade HRI will be referred to the Secretary of State Jeremy Hunt.

The joint meeting of scrutiny panels from Kirklees and Calderdale Councils will be held at 10.30am this morning. A protest is also being held outside the town hall. Find out how you can attend here.

We will have reporters both inside and outside the meeting today, and will be running live updates to keep you informed over the decision.

Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Acre Street, Lindley, Huddersfield
Huddersfield Royal Infirmary, Acre Street, Lindley, Huddersfield
  • Share

Police chief reassures communities following rise in crime figures

West Yorkshire Police have addressed yesterday’s news that levels of violent crime reported to police rose by 18% in the last year.

Chief Constable Dee Collins said only 5.3% of this was only from an increased risk of being a victim of crime, while the rest was an increase in people reporting crimes to the police.

She said: “Nationally crime rose by 11.1% in 2016/17 and while the West Yorkshire increase was higher, it was comparable to increases reported in other Metropolitan Forces which are faced with the same complex and diverse challenges. - these ranged up to 32.5% with an average increase of 16.7%.

“West Yorkshire Police is confident that greater accuracy in crime recording practices is giving the clearest picture yet of the complex threats and risks affecting local communities. The latest figures released today show that the rate of increase is now beginning to slow.

“We do not underestimate the impact that crime has on the individual but we do feel we are improving our service to victims with our ongoing work around crime recording and trying to ensure they have access to the most appropriate support and services.”

Chief Constable Dee Collins
Chief Constable Dee Collins (Image: West Yorkshire Police)
  • Share

Family pay tribute to 'beautiful' mum who died in car accident

A woman who died after being hit by a car has been named as 32-year-old mum-of-four Melissa Whittington, from Ossett.

Melissa, from Ossett, died after being struck by an Audi A5 on Healey Road on Friday evening last week. The 45-year-old male driver of the Audi was arrested on suspicion of driving over the prescribed limit and causing death by dangerous driving.

In a statement her parents said: “Our family and friends are absolutely devastated over the sudden, unexpected death of our beautiful daughter Melissa. She was an amazing mother to four beautiful children and loving partner to Mark. Melissa lit up a room with her beautiful smile and she was loved by so many people. She was tragically taken away from us all far too soon. Fly high our beautiful angel.”

Police would like to hear from anyone who may have seen Melissa or the car prior to the accident at 9.50pm last Friday. Anyone with information is asked to call them via 101.

Melissa Whittington
Melissa Whittington (Image: Police handout)
  • Share

Arson attack at Berry Brow

Fire services were called to Berry Brow in the early hours after arsonists set fire to a car which spread to two garages.

A crew were called at 2.40am after the car on a driveway at Hanging Stone Road was torched, before the fire spread to the garage containing another car, and then to the neighbouring garage. Luckily both garages were set back from the owners’ homes so there was no danger to life.

Both cars were written off - although fire services said these were both non-running vehicles being used for parts. Serious fire damage was also caused to both garages and the police are investigating the matter.

Hanging Stone Road, Berry Brow
Hanging Stone Road, Berry Brow
  • Share

Rush hour round-up

All running as normal on the M62 and M1 this morning with no major incidents to warn you about. Here’s what’s happening on the local roads this fine Friday morning...

  • Slow traffic on Halifax Road heading into Huddersfield town centre from Ainley Top
  • Busy but moving on the Huddersfield ring road by the old Tech college
  • Heavy traffic on Wakefield Road through Mirfield
  • Also very busy heading towards Cooper Bridge on Wakefield Road from Brighouse/the M62
  • Slow on Ovenden Road in Halifax
  • Busy on Whitehall Road, Wyke, heading towards the M62
New proposals would aim to reduce rush hour traffic on Halifax Road, Huddersfield
Rush hour traffic on Halifax Road, Huddersfield
  • Share

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.

Stunning views in the Colne Valley this morning. Golcar church just peeping through.
Stunning views in the Colne Valley - Golcar church just peeping through. (Image: @sarahearlyyears/Twitter)

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 .

  • Share