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 .
Key Events
Main road smash causes delays
A crash on a main Huddersfield road caused long delays today.
Two cars were involved in the smash on Manchester Road near the junction with Factory Lane in Milnsbridge at 1pm.
They were a white Hyundai and a silver Peugeot.
One woman was taken to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary but was not badly hurt.
A paedophile has been jailed after he was found guilty of sexual offences involving a child.
Frederick Holmes, aged 60, of Cordingley Close, Bradford, was jailed for eight years at Bradford Crown Court yesterday after he was found guilty of incitement and sexual offences involving a five-year-old girl.
An investigation was launched last October when the girl’s mother reported the offences to police.
Holmes was arrested and later charged with both crimes.
He was given eight years for the sexual activity offence and two years for the incitement. The sentences will run concurrently.
Speaking after the sentencing Det Con Jodie Hayes, of Bradford District Safeguarding Unit, said: “We hope the victim and her family find some comfort in this result and hope they can move on from what must have been a horrendous ordeal for them.
“We also hope it will encourage others to come forward and report sexual offences to our officers, who will sensitively and thoroughly investigate all reports with the aim of bringing perpetrators to justice.”
Trial date set for Paddock murder
A date has been set for the trial of a man accused of murdering his stepfather at their home in Huddersfield.
Wayne Thornton, 52, is charged with the murder of 79-year-old John Uttley at Royds Avenue, Paddock on June 28 this year. Mr Uttley’s body was discovered after Thornton went to a police station. He had died from head injuries.
Seven day countdown to Food Festival begins
Only one week until the best food festival in the country gets going. Well, we would say the best - obviously we’re biased.
Here is a round up of everything you can expect from this year’s massive event, including the stalls, weather forecast, entertainment and of course the dubious-looking public transport...
Also, check out this video the council have made of Sam Watt - who runs the festival - appealing for anyone who volunteers. Read more about volunteering at the festival here.
National news
A look at some on the headlines from the rest of the UK and abroad this afternoon...
CHANCELLOR: TRANSITIONAL DEAL EXPECTED WITHIN THREE YEARS OF LEAVING EU
A transitional deal is expected to be completed within three years of the UK leaving the European Union, according to the Chancellor.
Philip Hammond said trade deals with third countries may not come into force during the period, but claimed there was a “broad consensus” treaty-based arrangements with the EU would be in force by the next scheduled general election in June 2022.
PRINCE HARRY VISIT OFFERS ‘A BOOST AND RECOGNITION’ FOR GRENFELL VOLUNTEERS
Prince Harry buoyed the spirits of volunteers helping with the Grenfell Tower relief effort with a visit to the sorting hub for mountains of donations.
Harry was seen smiling and chatting to British Red Cross workers who have taken over a Royal Mail site in Greenford, north-west London.
During a 50-minute private visit on Thursday, Harry also talked to the Royal Mail staff who have facilitated the operation with the charity.
UNISON CLAIMS COURT VICTORY OVER CONSULTATION ON WORKPLACE CHANGES
Lanes re-open on M62
All lanes have now been re-opened on the M62, traffic is still heavy but beginning to clear.
Uninsured driver has car seized in Birchencliffe
Forgetting to update your car insurance can be an expensive job, as one Huddersfield driver found out today.
CCTV appeal after break in at Batley Bulldogs
Recognise these lot? Batley Bulldogs Rugby League club have tweeted these CCTV stills following a break in at their grounds yesterday.
It happened at around 4pm and the club say some damage was caused when they broke into a sponsors’ box.
Problems on the M62
One lane is closed causing congestion on the M62 westbound between junctions 25 at Brighouse and 24 at Ainley Top.
This is due to a broken down wide load vehicle on the inside lane.
Traffic is also slow eastbound between junctions 22 and 23 as a result of traffic restrictions due to strong winds.
Serious crash on Scammonden Moor
We’re hearing reports of a serious road traffic collision up at Scammonden near to Nont Sarah’s pub.
An air ambulance is in attendance.
Efit appeal after woman grabbed near canal
Do you recognise this man from his efit? Police want to trace him following a suspicious incident near the canal at Longroyd Bridge.
It happened when a 26-year-old woman was grabbed by the arm as she walked down Stoney Battery Road near the canal, just off Manchester Road, on Saturday afternoon.
A short struggle ensued before the suspect ran back towards the canal. The suspect is described as a black man, in his 20s, approximately 5ft 8in, tall and of muscular build. He had short black hair, was clean shaven and had bruising round his right eye. He wore a shiny navy tracksuit with white stripes on the arms and legs and bright pink trainers.
Police seize off-road bike
Kirklees’ off-road bike team have seized this bike from Ravensthorpe.
The nuisance vehicle was taken from Ravens Crescent. Police are keen to hear from anyone who may know its owner - if so please do contact them via 101.
New residents take roost at Rastrick Fire Station
These little birdies have found a new home!
The swallows have taken roost on a CCTV camera at the fire station in Rastrick.
Hannah Cockroft to open the Piece Hall
Paralympian Hannah Cockroft is to ring the bell heralding the re-opening of Piece Hall, it’s been anounced.
The athlete and world record holder will sound the bell signalling a new era of business at 10 on Tuesday when the huge open market venue re-opens in Halifax.
Take a look at what to expect here.
Batley incident - separate live updates
We’re running separate live updates on the incident in Batley.
Reports of a stabbing in Batley
There is currently a police cordon up on Warwick Road in Batley.
Residents have been in touch with us claiming a person has been stabbed. We have approached police about this and will let you know when we hear any updates.
Jobs jobs jobs!
Looking for a job? Sky have launched hundreds of new roles in West Yorkshire...
The company have seen their overall profits fall thanks to the increased expense of having rights to live Premier League football, and with rival firms offering better competition for customers than in the past, Sky are having to innovate to stay ahead.
Robber who absconded from court is arrested
A man has been arrested in Heckmondwike after he absconded from a trial where he was convicted for committing a violent carjacking.
Waqas Hussain, 20, was found guilty on five counts of robbery as well as possessing a firearm at Bradford Crown Court last week. A judge sentenced him to 12 years in prison in his absence as he had not turned up to court.
A 15-year-old boy from Bradford, who cannot be named for legal reasons was given six and a half years at Bradford Crown Court yesterday (Thursday).
Among the offences Hussain was sentenced for was a robbery in St Matthew’s Grove in Wilsden, Bradford, last October, where a man in his forties was dragged from his Volkswagen Golf R and tasered by men with weapons, and one in Halifax Road in November, where a lone female with a baby was threatened with a firearm before a VW Polo was taken. The vehicle was later recovered.
Police said this morning: “A 20-year-old man was arrested last night from an address in Heckmondwike.
“He was wanted for absconding from court during a trial in Bradford last week for which he was convicted and sentenced to 12 years imprisonment. Police are no longer seeking Waqas Hussain.”
Today's weather
Today’s forecast looks to stay fairly mild throughout the day with a high chance of rain later in the early evening.
Up to an 80% chance of rain later, with temperatures of up to 20 degrees. The weekend looks to stay fairly mild and overcast with a small chance of showers on Sunday in the late afternoon/evening.
Dalton incident - separate live updates
We are now running separate live updates on this ongoing police investigation in Dalton.
You can see them here.
Police helicopter over Dalton
No suggestion this is connected but police air services were in the Dalton area last night.
Armed police in Dalton following another suspected shooting
Armed police are at another street in Dalton this morning following another suspected firearms incident.
Residents on Cross Fields say armed officers have been on the street since 9pm last night. We’ll let you know when we have more updates on this.
Police investigating suspicious car fire
Fire services attended a car fire in Cleckheaton last night where arsonists set fire to a car bonnet.
It’s thought accelerant was poured onto the Ford Focus before being set alight outside the owner’s home on Seventh Avenue on the Windy Bank estate at 4am. Serious damage was caused to the engine.
Fire services attended and put the fire out and the incident is now being dealt with by police. Nobody was injured.
What's happening on the roads?
No major incidents causing delays on the M62 or M1 so far this morning. I’ll let you know if this changes. Here’s what’s happening on the local roads...
- 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
Morning, Hudddersfield
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 .