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New boss for IPCC probe into death of Yassar Yaqub

The IPPC says the investigation into the death of Yassar Yaqub is now being overseen by Steve Noonan, acting IPCC Deputy Director of Operations for the North of England.

In a statement, the IPCC said: “This is because the IPCC is beginning the transition into the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) – which will see the current Commission structure come to an end – and is taking steps to ensure all investigations can continue normally during this period of change.”

Steve Noonan said: “I am fully up-to-date with the progress of our investigation and will continue to monitor it closely. The West Yorkshire Police officers involved in the police operation remain witnesses to our investigation.
“We have recently received the results of independent detailed forensic tests, which have taken some months to complete, on the Audi vehicle in which Mr Yaqub was a passenger on the evening he was shot by police.

“Publication of the results, or the sharing of this information, isn’t possible at this time. This is because this information is likely, as are other findings from our investigation so far, to be used in evidence during the forthcoming criminal proceedings. To do so could prejudice these proceedings.
“There is no doubt that the ongoing criminal trial will delay some of the investigative work still to be carried out or prevent us from publishing our findings so far.

“This is something we understand and accept. I appreciate that some may feel frustrated by this, but it is vital that we observe the judicial process and play our part in ensuring a fair trial can take place. We will continue to monitor this should our position change in the future for any reason.
“I hope that this update provides some context as to how this investigation is progressing, as well as making clear some of the external factors we must continue to consider.
“We want to ensure all aspects of Yassar’s death are properly explored. This takes time. Right now, it is vital that this thorough and robust investigation into the actions of West Yorkshire Police continues, and we enable the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to complete its work.”

IPCC statement on Yassar Yaqub

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has today released a statement on its investigation into the fatal police shooting of Yassar Yaqub in Huddersfield.

Mr Yaqub, 28, from Crosland Moor, was shot by a West Yorkshire Police firearms officer during a police operation off Junction 24 of the M62 on January 2 2017. He died at the scene.

The statement says: “IPCC investigators continue to keep Mr Yaqub’s family updated about the investigation and frequently meet with the coroner, who remains satisfied with its progress.”

What the investigation has completed and/or established so far, according to the IPCC.
• A non-police issue firearm, a handgun, was found in the vehicle in which Mr Yaqub was a passenger, and the weapon has been forensically tested.
• Forensic examination of the vehicle in which Mr Yaqub was a passenger and its contents, including data from mobile phones.
• Confirmation that there is no body worn video, dash cam footage or CCTV of the incident.
• Analysis of CCTV of Yassar Yaqub’s movements in the hours before his death – this is currently under review.
• Initial accounts and additional detailed accounts from all officers at the scene, who remain witnesses to the investigation at this time, have been collated and reviewed.
• Statements taken from witnesses travelling on the M62 at the time of the incident and those living nearby.

Police appeal after shotgun is fired

Police are appealing for information following an incident where a shotgun was fired in Leeds last night.

At 11.04pm on Tuesday police received reports of an incident in Hawthorne Drive, Gildersome, where a car had rammed gates at an address and a shotgun had been discharged.

No-one was injured and the Audi car involved drove off towards Gelderd Road.

Armed officers went to the scene and confirmed there was evidence of a shotgun being fired.

Shortly afterwards police were made aware of an incident on the Cottingley Springs caravan site where an Audi car had been set on fire.

Detective Chief Inspector Jaz Khan, of West Yorkshire Police’s Firearms Prevent Team, said: “Both these incidents are believed to be linked and are being treated as targeted attacks between parties known to each other.

“We are carrying out extensive enquiries to identify those involved and would like to hear from anyone with any information that could assist the investigation.

“We are working closely with our colleagues at Leeds District who have increased their patrols of the areas to reassure the community.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact officers via 101 quoting log number 2172 of October 3 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Another one with no insurance

Sam Hunter walks free from court

Former tip boss Sam Hunter has walked free from court after being found guilty of assaulting a woman as she enjoyed a night out in Slaithwaite.

Kirklees magistrates handed Hunter an extended suspended sentence after hearing he was already on a suspended prison sentence following his conviction for illegally dumping waste at a site in Horbury last year.

Hunter’s suspended sentence has now been extended by three months.

He will also be bound by a curfew which means he cannot leave his home on Boothroyd Lane, Dewsbury between 8pm and 5.30am.

Hunter must also pay £200 compensation to Catherine Richardson who had hit her head on the ground after being smacked in the face by Hunter during the night out.

Magistrates ordered Hunter to pay £400 court costs and £175 compensation to a member of Miss Richardson’s party whose mobile phone he smashed when she tried to call police.

Hunter had claimed he acted in self defence.

Potential witnesses sought after man killed outside station

Police want to speak to these people in connection with the death of a man at a nearby train station.

Terry Bailey died outside Leeds Station in the early hours of 29 August. Two men have been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death.

Officers would like to speak to any of the people in these pictures, as they may have information which could help the investigation. They are not suspects or connected to the incident in any way, but CCTV shows they may have seen something which could help officers. As it’s a train station, police think they may have travelled from elsewhere in West Yorkshire, or possibly further afield.

Anyone with information is asked to contact British Tansport Police by calling 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016, quoting reference 21-290817.

Police welcome young new recruits

Kirklees District Police has welcomed 24 new cadets at the launch of their Police Cadet scheme this week.

Officers yesterday attended at Moorend Academy in Crosland Moor and welcomed 24 new Police Cadets to the District and gave a presentation to the cadets, their parents and guardians. The Volunteer Police Cadets (VPC) is a nationally recognised police uniformed youth group which runs throughout the UK. The purpose of the Cadet scheme is not to recruit police officers of the future, but to encourage the spirit of adventure and good citizenship amongst its members.

Pc Michelle Linney, Police Cadets Coordinator for Kirklees, said: “Police Cadets are similar to other Cadet Schemes and allow young people an opportunity to join weekly group workshops where they can gain knowledge and skills about policing.

“Young people won’t be deployed to incidents or police events; they will come along each week to learn about various aspects of policing and get involved in community initiatives.”

National news

Here’s what’s happening in the rest of the country’s headline today...

PM’S ‘SENSE OF DUTY’ HAILED AFTER MUCH-INTERRUPTED CONFERENCE SPEECH

Cabinet ministers rallied round Theresa May following her dramatic speech to the Conservative Party conference. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said he believed Mrs May’s speech showed a “great sense of duty”, adding she “did really well” to cope with a persistent cough and a prankster waving a P45 unemployment notice in her face. Environment Secretary Michael Gove added to the Press Association: “I thought it was a fantastic speech from a Prime Minister at the top of her game.”

LAS VEGAS GUNMAN HAD CAMERA INSIDE HOTEL ROOM PEEPHOLE ‘TO SPOT ANYONE COMING’
The gunman who killed 59 people in Las Vegas had planned the massacre so meticulously that he set up a camera in the peephole of his hotel room in an apparent attempt to spot anyone coming for him, investigators said. Stephen Paddock also transferred 100,000 US dollars (£75,000) overseas just days before he opened fire on crowds attending an outdoor music festival. The 64-year-old sprayed bullets on revellers enjoying the Route 91 Harvest Festival from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino on Las Vegas Strip.

FUNDRAISING APPEAL LAUNCHED AFTER VIOLENT CLASHES IN BURMA
A major fundraising appeal has been launched to help the hundreds of thousands of people fleeing violence in Burma. The 13 member charities who make up the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) took action to step up their humanitarian relief in the wake of more than half a million people seeking medical care, food and sanctuary. The majority of those are Muslim ethnic minority Rohingya people, who have fled to Bangladesh amid atrocities and fatalities in Rakhine state, on Burma’s western coast, following clashes between insurgents and security forces in recent weeks.

Hunter guilty of assault

Sam Hunter has been found guilty of assault at Kirklees Magistrates Court.

The former tip boss is proved by the bench of one count of assault and another of criminal damage. He was found not guilty of a second charge of assault.

He will be sentenced later today. More on this breaking story on our website shortly.

Weather warning issued for heavy rain and strong winds

The Met Office have issued a warning for West Yorkshire residents for weather tonight and tomorrow.

Tonight is expected to bring heavy downpours, and weather experts say there will be strong winds likely to cause disruption.

The Yellow Weather Warning is from 10pm tonight and remains in place through to 9am tomorrow.

Warning over bogus fish seller in Kirkburton

Police are warning Kirkburton residents after a man tried to sell an elderly lady some fish - then stole money from her house.

It happened on Monday at around 1pm on Fairfield Rise, when he knocked on her door and sneaked his way in, before taking the money and leaving a small amount of food in her fridge. The suspect is described as white male, approximately 50-years-old, 5ft, dark hair which was thinning on top, spoke with a Yorkshire accent and wearing a white apron.

PC David Butler of Kirklees CID, said: “We are urging residents to remain vigilant if any cold callers approach their homes. Also not to hand over any money or any personal or bank details to anyone they are not expecting. If you are unsure always ask for official identification or a contact telephone number. Never feel under pressure, you are under no obligation.”

WATCH: Live from the bottom of the tower!

Our reporter Stephanie is currently live from Emley Moor Mast where DJs at Capital FM are abseiling down for charity!

Watch below or head to our Facebook page to catch her broadcast.

Appeal to identify suspect after elderly woman robbed

West Yorkshire Police are appealing to the wider public to help identify a suspect in a callous robbery of a pensioner.

The victim, a 74-year-old woman, was robbed of her handbag in Bradford on Monday lunchtime. She was taken to hospital for treatment but wasn’t seriously injured. A 30-year-old man has been arrested in connection and currently remains in custody.

The suspect was wearing a grey jacket with a black line on the shoulder and a small badge on the arms. Police want to know if anyone knows someone with a jacket like this. Anyone who can help should call 101.

Meteorites land in West Yorkshire!

Sort of...

Pupils at this school in Leeds arrived at school this morning to find some rocky visitors from ouer space.

As part of a Curriculum Enrichment Day entitled “Meteor Day” teachers at the school in the Alwoodley area of Leeds organized the event that involved local Police sealing off part of the school grounds with tape as if real meteorites had struck.

The supposed space rocks were actually sourced and supplied by Mone Bros’ Blackhill Quarry near Bramhope, Leeds.

Criticisms of Health Minister's silence over HRI

A group which wrote to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt over the future of Huddersfield’s A&E have described the response as “unhelpful and ludicrous.”

The Huddersfield Over Fifties Forum (HOFF) decided to speak out about the future of HRI’s Accident and Emergency to give the older generation a voice in the campaign to save it, and wrote to Mr Hunt citing five-hour waits for ambulances.

But they were disappointed that he didn’t reply to their letter, and instead a civil servant responded under her own name and not Mr Hunt’s. See more on this story here.

WATCH: Sir Patrick hopes for tighter gun laws

The Mirfield actor has criticised US gun laws in the wake of this week’s massacre in Las Vegas.

Sir Patrick was speaking at the Luminous BFI fundraising gala on the eve of the BFI London Film Festival last night. He has criticised President Trump for failing to tackle the issue of gun laws, saying many voted for him due to his stance on the right to bear arms.

See what he had to say here.

Police dish out advice for staying safe at Halloween

We don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer, but West Yorkshire Police have compiled a list of advice for those planning to trick or treat and you should probably check it out.

The Force have asked those planning to enjoy the festivities to be considerate of vulnerable people in their communities while also staying safe themselves.

Parents should take responsibility for their children’s behaviour - know where they are at all times, and follow a few key dos and don’ts.

Do:

• Only trick or treat in your own neighbourhood unless you are with an adult
• Stay in well lit areas where there are plenty of houses
• Make sure an adult knows the area you plan to visit and what time you’ll be back
• Look out for ‘no callers please’ posters and respect your neighbours
• Keep to pavements and trick or treat on one side of the street before crossing safely to the other side - don’t criss-cross
• Wait to eat any treats until you get home so that an adult can check them

Don’t:

• Don’t cut through back alleys, ginnels or fields, and don’t trick or treat too far from home
• Don’t go alone - take an adult with you or stay in a group

A spokesperson for WYP added: “If you do decide to go trick or treating, please respect the wishes of householders who do not wish to take part, and please do not use the season as an excuse for anti-social or intimidating behaviour.”

Heavy rain on the cards for today

Brollies out, people.

Looks like it’s going to be a wet and chilly day today. The rain is forecast to ease a little during the afternoon but could get going again later this evening.

Man struck by train on line

Some sad news I’m afraid.

A man has been struck by a train on the lines on the way to Greater Manchester. Police were called at 4.39am to the railway near Disley, Stockport, following a report of a body on the line.

Following a search of the area, a man’s body was discovered and he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Enquiries are ongoing to establish the person’s identity. The incident is not currently being treated as suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.

This may affect you if you’re travelling to Manchester or Derbyshire today.

M62 junction reopens after major repair work

The Lofthouse junction connecting the M62 and M1 is now back open following repairs to the bridge yesterday.

Dramatic sunset over Brighouse

This gorgeous picture was sent to us by Stuart Black from Clifton.

Did you spot the stunning sunset last night? We’ve put together a gallery of readers’ pictures which you can see here.

Broken down vehicle causes delays

Heavy congestion on the M62 eastbound now - looks like a vehicle broke down earlier which has been causing some backlog.

All lanes are now back open but traffic is very slow between junctions 26 and 27 if you’re heading over the Leeds way.

Today's Examiner

Here is today’s front page. Our lead story today is Sam Hunter’s trial at Kirklees Magistrates, where he’s accused of assaulting two women in Slaithwaite.

Hunter allegedly tipped a dog bowl of water over one of the women and called them “fat” and “Madge from Benidorm”.

Traffic update

Slow traffic on the M62 westbound in the Rochdale area if you’re a Manchester commuter this morning.

Other than that, just the usual congestion in the usual spots this 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

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.

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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 .