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 .

Cyclist seriously hurt following collision with bus.

A cyclist has been seriously hurt following a collision with a bus.

The accident happened around 5pm on Pye Nest Road, Halifax, near the junction with the A58 Rochdale Road.

The injured cyclist was taken to Leeds General Infirmary.

The A58 Rochdale Road is closed in both directions.

Accident, Pye Nest Road, Halifax
Accident, Pye Nest Road, Halifax (Image: Google Maps)
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Broken down vehicle causing motorway delays

M62 eastbound lane blocked on entry slip road, heavy traffic due to broken down vehicle at J25 A644 (Brighouse).
Lane one (of two) is closed.

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Fleeing driver hits woman before crashing into tree

A driver, who failed to stop for police, hit a pedestrian before crashing into a tree.

The incident happened in King Cross, Halifax, on Tuesday at around 6.15pm.

The blue VW Scirocco drove down Manor Drive and failed to give way at the junction with Free School Lane before hitting the woman and a tree.

The driver, a 51-year-old man, fled the vehicle but was arrested before he was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries. He has since been discharged.

The woman, in her 60s, suffered minor injuries.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw the vehicle travelling before the incident, or has any information to contact PC 3387 Mark Maiden at the Western Safer Roads and Neighbourhood Support Team via 101 quoting 13170364927.

Information can also be passed to the independent crime fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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Lockdown on Armley Prison wing

A wing of Armley Prison was on lockdown this morning.

Reports were circulating on social media the whole prison had been shut down.

But the Ministry of Justice confirmed only one wing was closed.

A spokesperson said: “A single wing at HMP Leeds was locked down for around 45 minutes this morning following an incident between two prisoners.

“It was successfully resolved by staff with no injuries to prisoners or officers. The wing is now operating as normal.”

Armley Prison is officially named HMP Leeds. It is located in the Armley area of Leeds.

The prison opened in 1847 and houses category B male prisoners.

The ‘Castle style’ entrance range of the building and the 200 metres of perimeter wall received a Grade II* heritage listing in 1976.

Leeds Prison, aka Armley Jail
Leeds Prison, aka Armley Jail
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Worries for missing young man who hasn't been seen in a week

Have you seen James Andrew Smith? Parents are worried as the 23-year-old from Horbury hasn’t been seen in nearly a week.

James was reported missing at just before 10pm on Thursday August 3 after he was last seen by his parents during the morning. Enquiries have been ongoing to locate him since and officers have received positive sightings of him in the Otley area.

He is described as white, around 5ft 10in tall, very slim and with light brown medium length hair. The 23-year-old was last seen wearing a black Nike running top over a grey hooded top and blue jeans.

Insp Sohail Mohammed, of Wakefield District Police, said: “We have had a number of enquiries ongoing to trace James and both the police and his parents are very concerned for his welfare.”

James Andrew Smith
James Andrew Smith
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Using apps to find sexual partners becoming more common among women

Using technology such as dating apps to find relationships and sexual partners is becoming increasingly popular among women, new research has claimed.

According to a survey of more than 130,000 women globally who use female health app Clue, more than one in three British women (36%) said they had used an app to help find a partner.

The research also found that while 18% of British women have used an app to look for a long-term relationship, 10% have done so looking for a one-night stand and 14% for chatting and “sexting”.

The survey was created in consultation with the US-based Kinsey Institute, which examines human sexuality and relationships.

The findings suggest that more than two-thirds (67%) of women globally have engaged in sexting, predominately through SMS messages, but 18 to 20 year-olds were found to be more likely to use messaging app Snapchat.

Dating apps such as Tinder, Bumble and Happn, alongside social media platforms, have become increasingly popular ways to meet new partners.

Research by TSB from early 2017 suggested that dating apps are now responsible for one in seven new relationships in the UK.

Tinder
Tinder (Image: Getty Images Europe)
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Today's top read stories

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

  • Felix the Station Cat has predicted straight wins for Huddersfield own’s first three games of the season. Because of course she has. Watch the delightful video here.
  • Huddersfield Town’s head of coaching Tony Carss has left the club. Read more here.
  • Up to 80 firefighters battled a huge blaze above shops in Halifax town centre in the early hours. Find out more here.
Fire at retail building in Halifax town centre
Fire at retail building in Halifax town centre
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M1 to close tomorrow night

An advance warning has been issued for motorists planning to use the M1 tomorrow evening.

The motorway will be closed northbound between 9pm tomorrow and 6am Friday for roadworks between junctions 35A and 36 in South Yorkshire. The carriage re-opens at 36 but will be reduced to just one lane further up between junctions 37 and 38.

Two lanes will also be closed southbound between the same junctions, meaning delays are likely.

The new "Smart" motorway opens on the M1
The M1
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Official partners announced for Huddersfield Town

Grand Central Trains, Odeon Cinemas and West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue have been named as just three of the line up of official partners for Huddersfield Town this season.

The club’s director Sean Jarvis posted a tweet this lunchtime announcing all the companies and organisations the club have teamed up with. They also include local businesses such as Walker Timber and Caterers Choice. How many can you count?

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National news

Here’s what’s in the main headlines this lunchtime...

CHILDREN AS YOUNG AS FIVE EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL FOR SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
Children as young as five have been excluded from school for sexual misconduct, an investigation has found. Hundreds of school pupils have been either permanently or temporarily kicked out of the classroom in the last four years after being involved in sexual acts, including watching pornography and sharing indecent images, according to figures obtained by the Press Association.

FIVE TO FACE COURT OVER HILLSBOROUGH DISASTER

Five men charged following an investigation into the Hillsborough disaster and its aftermath are due to appear in court for the first time. Former West Yorkshire and Merseyside chief constable Sir Norman Bettison is expected to appear at Warrington Magistrates’ Court along with fellow retired police officers Donald Denton and Alan Foster, former Sheffield Wednesday secretary Graham Mackrell and solicitor Peter Metcalf, who acted for South Yorkshire Police following the disaster.

NHS TO SEE ‘BIGGEST EVER’ EXPANSION AS EXTRA DOCTOR TRAINING PLACES CONFIRMED

The NHS is set to see the “biggest ever” expansion to the NHS medical workforce in England after health officials confirmed plans to increase training positions. Following a consultation, the Department of Health has confirmed that an extra 1,500 doctors a year will be trained in the NHS by 2020 - boosting the current number of 6,000 by 25%.

Doctor, Stethoscope, NHS, Surgery, stock
The NHS is set to see the “biggest ever” expansion to the NHS medical workforce (Image: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire)
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Elland-born royal artist dies

A painter born in Elland whose work attracted the attention of the Queen and Prince Phillip has passed away aged 59.

Rebecca Hind’s work has graced numerous religious buildings around the world. One of her pieces covers the wall at the back of Christ Church at London’s Spitalfields. She was also commissioned to paint scenes from a presentation ceremony at the Banqueting Hall at Whitehall for the Queen’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, which hang in palaces and government offices worldwide.

Rebecca sadly passed away from cancer leaving behind her two children Thomas and Rachel, and a grandson.

Her funeral was held at Dorchester Abbey.

Elland-born artist Rebecca Hind
Elland-born artist Rebecca Hind
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Greetings card world record attempt to mark Hockney's 80th birthday

Another world record attempt is being made in West Yorkshire.

This time. it’s to celebrate the 80th birthday of Bradford artist David Hockney, with an attempt to break to Guinness Record for the most signatures on a greetings card. Hockney - who is arguably the world’s most famous painter alive today - hits the milestone today.

Officers from the newly opened permanent David Hockney Gallery at Bradford Council’s Cartwright Hall have got together with Bradford greetings card company Hallmark, to produce an enormous birthday card with space for over 22,000 signatures. There will be a special signing event at Cartwright Hall tomorrow from 10am to 4pm. People will also be able to sign the card at The Broadway Shopping Centre on Saturday between 9am and 6pm.

David Hockney, photographed by Jennifer Robertson and Lynne Fletcher for 'Yorkshire Made Me'
David Hockney
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80 firefighters attended Halifax blaze

Deputy fire service chief Dave Walton has confirmed nobody was injured in the blaze in Halifax earlier this morning, which was attended by 80 fire fighters.

The fire is now fully under control and investigators will look into how it started today.

Dave Walton said: “Crews worked quickly and skilfully to contain the fire and stop any further serious escalation. In total around 80 firefighters were on the scene from various stations across the brigade. The fire was out by around 4.30am and the incident was scaled back, however, two fire engines and an aerial appliance remain at the scene this morning and the road remains closed.”

A correction from earlier: WYFRS initially said the fire was above the Poundland store retail unit. This has now been corrected and was above the Game store on Southgate.

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Temporary traffic lights spring up across town

A few notices about temporary traffic lights which have gone up in the area this morning:

  • Ashbrow Road at Brackenhall due to sewer works, until August 15
  • Weather Hill Road at Birchencliffe by the junction with Briarlyn Avenue due to gas main works until August 24
  • Station Road in Kirkheaton in both directions at Fenay Bankside until August 18
  • Huddersfield Road in Kirkburton due to a burst water main at the junction with Cross Lane until August 11
  • Greenfield Road in Upperthong in both directions at Park Head Lane due to roadworks until August 11
  • Lane Head Road in Shepley (near the Sovereign garage), until August 16
Temporary traffic lights on Bellstring Lane near the junction of Cockley Hill Lane and Highgate Lane, Kirkheaton.
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Car crashed and abandoned in Netherthong

Residents in Netherthong woke up to find a crashed car abandoned in bushes this morning.

The vehicle had driven into greenery and let on St Mary’s Road at around 3am.

Abandoned crashed car on St Mary's Road, Netherthong
Abandoned crashed car on St Mary's Road, Netherthong
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Today's weather

A drier day in store than yesterday. It still doesn’t look much like August, though.

The Met Office predict a mild, overcast day with highs of 18 degrees. The sun should be making a rare appearance later in the early evening.

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Three straight wins for Town's first games, Felix predicts

Felix the Huddersfield Station Cat has predicted straight wins for the first three Town games of the PL season.

The Station’s senior pest controller regularly greets Town fans travelling in for the game and is a fan herself. The Facebook famous feline predicts wins for the first matches in Town’s Premier League campaign against Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Southampton.

Be aware, this is the same cat who had a framed painting commissioned, a Lego statue made, a book written about her as well as having made several TV appearances. I would take what she thinks very seriously...

Station staff put out three bowls of food with the club emblems and one marked ‘draw’, with Felix eating from Town’s each time. And the most my cat can do is lick his nether regions while watching TV.

Watch the video here.

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Appeal for suspect who punched man leaving him in hospital

Do you recognise this man? Police want to speak to him after a man was punched in a nasty attack.

The assault happened on Silver Street in Halifax town centre on Saturday, July 8, outside Yates’ bar. The victim, a 33-year-old man, was punched by an unknown man and fell to the floor. He was treated in hospital for serious injuries.

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Arsonists set car alight

Looks like it was a busy night for fire fighters last night - they also attended a car fire in Staincliffe.

The car was deliberately set alight on Occupation Lane. Nobody was injured and police are investigating. These pictures were taken by Mike Clark.

Car fire at Occupation Lane, Staincliffe
Car fire at Occupation Lane, Staincliffe (Image: Mike Clark)
Car fire at Occupation Lane, Staincliffe
Car fire at Occupation Lane, Staincliffe (Image: Mike Clark)
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Man in hospital after being cut free from car on roof

Rescue services were also called to a two-vehicle RTC in Batley last night.

One man had to be cut free from a Toyota Yaris which ended on its roof after colliding with another car on Mayman Lane shortly before 11pm. The other person was uninjured and managed to get themselves free. Police also attended the scene.

The injured man has been taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries. They are not thought to be life threatening.

Mayman Lane, Batley
Mayman Lane, Batley
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Rush hour round-up

Traffic-wise, there are no major problems to report this morning. All’s running in Bristol fashion on the M62 and M1.

Besides the closure on Southgate in Halifax, 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
New proposals would aim to reduce rush hour traffic on Halifax Road, Huddersfield
Rush hour traffic on Halifax Road, Huddersfield
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Huge blaze at Poundland building in Halifax

Fire fighters have been battling a blaze at a building in the centre of Halifax all through last night.

The building above the Poundland and Game stores, on Southgate, was well alight when crews turned up at around 2am. The first, second and thrid floors as well as the roof were on fire. Luckily the building is unoccupied and nobody was inside at the time. This picture was tweeted by the fire service.

Fire at Poundland building in Halifax town centre
Fire at Poundland building in Halifax town centre

The fire is now said to be in control and no-one is thought to have been injured. Fire fighters remain at the scene this morning and fire investigators will be trying to determine the cause of the fire.

Please be aware that Southgate remains closed to traffic this morning.

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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 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.

Sunset over Marsden Moor from Wessenden Head
Marsden Moor from Wessenden Head

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 .

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