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
Drivers snared in tax and MoT crackdown
A young driver who had allegedly been smoking cannabis was among drivers stopped by police on Leeds Road today.
The driver, who was in a Ford Fiesta, was arrested at the scene after he failed a drug driving test. The Fiesta was found with bald tyres.
The man, who is in his 20s and from Huddersfield, was taken into custody for questioning.
Several vehicles were seized as they were found to be untaxed.
A number of private hire and taxi drivers were also stopped in the operation which was supported by Kirklees Council and HM Revenue and Customs.
At least two cabs - both believed to be from Bradford - were taken off the road due to illegal tyres.
Vehicles were also checked for MoTs and for illegal red diesel.
The full tally of drivers caught out by the operation has yet to be disclosed.
Fire service to commemorate tragic Kirkheaton mill fire
West Yorkshire Fire are planning a memorial service to remember the people who died in a mill fire in Kirkheaton 200 years ago.
The Colnebridge Mill fire killed 17 girls and young women on Valentine’s Day 1818, and is thought to be one of the most tragic fire disasters in British history.
The service have joined with Kirkheaton Family History Group to hold a service at Kirkheaton Parish Church, where most of the victims were laid to rest and a headstone bears their names. A plaque will also be unveiled during the service by Kathy Butterworth - a descendant of Sarah Moody who was one of the few survivors of the fire.
You can read more about the tragedy here.
Police searching for wanted man
Have you seen Mantas Eriminas?
The 32-year-old Lithuanian national, from Horbury, is wanted on warrant. Officers have been conducting enquiries in the area in a bid to try and trace him. They also believe he may have been living in Hull at some point.
Anyone who sees him or who has any information is asked to contact Pc Rebecca Greenwood at West Yorkshire Police via 101 referencing crime number 13170485454.
Pictures emerge revealing derelict state of George Hotel
What a shame one of our town’s most glorious buildings has been left to get to this state...
Read more here.
Heavy traffic on M62
Reports that traffic on the westbound carriage between junctions 24 and 23 around Huddersfield is busier than usual this lunchtime.
Coral staff member stole cash then lost it gambling in William Hill
You can’t make this stuff up. Reporter Stephanie Finnegan has been in court for this...
Wagner press conference
We’re running separate live updates for David Wagner’s press conference ahead of Town’s match against Manchester United this weekend.
Check out our updates here.
Eureka! had highest number of visitors in 20 years last year
The children’s museum has announced its biggest footfall in two decades.
Bosses at the attraction announced this morning that it welcomed 303,545 people through its doors last year - which was its 25th anniversary.
The figure was the highest since 1998. Eureka! announced plans last year to build a second museum in Merseyside.
Chief Executive Leigh-Anne Stradeski said: “The huge increase in numbers was very much down to lots of new first-time visitors from across the UK coming to see digiPlaySpace, which is so pleasing as it was a very different exhibit for us.”
National news
Here’s what’s occurring in the main headlines today.
90 FEARED DROWNED OFF COAST OF LIBYA AS PEOPLE SMUGGLER’S BOAT CAPSIZES
Ninety people are feared to have drowned after a smuggler’s boat carrying mostly Pakistani migrants capsized off Libya’s coast, the UN’s migration agency said. International Organisation for Migration spokeswoman Olivia Headon said 10 bodies have washed ashore near the Libyan town of Zuwara following the tragedy early on Friday. Eight of the dead are believed to be Pakistani, with two from Libya.
NEW TRADE COMMISSIONER TO CHINA NAMED
A new trade commissioner for China has been appointed with the aim of boosting British exports to the Asian economic giant. International Trade Secretary Liam Fox named Richard Burn for the role as he accompanied Prime Minister Theresa May on a trade mission to China. Mr Burn is the first of nine trade commissioners set to represent and promote the UK in key markets across the world.
FIVE SHOT DURING VIOLENT CLASHES BETWEEN MIGRANTS IN CALAIS
French police reinforcements have been sent to Calais after clashes among migrants left 22 people injured during a worrying spike in violence. Interior Minister Gerard Collomb told reporters in Calais that five of the victims were injured by gunfire in Thursday’s fighting, blaming “totally organised” gangs. Police are seeking a shooting suspect but have made no arrests.
WATCH: Council's new pothole-fixing toy in action
Do you want to lose a minute of your life watching Kirklees Council fixing a pothole? Of course you do...
Strangely satisfying to watch, if I do say so myself.
JoJo Kelly urges fans to get behind the Terriers in impassioned speech
Any regular listeners to Capital Yorkshire will be familiar with legendary breakfast presenter JoJo.
The presenter has issued a rallying call for Town fans to get behind the club ahead of this weekend’s battle with Manchester United as they edge closer into the danger zone.
JoJo spoke exclusively to us earlier this morning - find out what she had to say here!
Watersports suspended due to toxic water fears
Authorities have temporarily banned watersports at a nearby country park after dangerous levels of bacteria were found in the water.
The water at Pugney’s Watersports Centre has been found to have high levels of bacteria which could cause serious illness. Wakefield Council have suspended use of the lake and are asking dog owners to make sure their pets stay away.
A spokesperson for Wakefield Council said: “We will be working with partner agencies to identify the source of the bacteria and ensure action is taken as soon as possible.”
Man rescued after getting stuck in bog
A walker stuck in a moorland peat bog up to his waist was ‘sinking further by the minute’ as rescuers arrived at the scene.
The 56-year-old man had been stuck for around 60 minutes in freezing and snowy conditions at the top of the Chew Track above Dovestones reservoir. Read more here.
Train put on for football fans travelling back from Birmingham
Good news for Town fans heading to and back from Birmingham on Tuesday night - there’ll be a train service especially for the game.
TransPennine Express have agreed to stop a train from Birmingham at Huddersfield which doesn’t normally do so, meaning train travel will be a viable option for fans.
The timings would be the 10.30pm Cross Country service from Birmingham New Street to Manchester Piccadilly, then a connecting TP Express service at 00.57 at Piccadilly which will arrive in Huddersfield at 01.30am.
Three injured in Heckmondwike crash
More details on the crash in Heckmondwike last night here.
Huddersfield weather
Another dry and chilly day on the cards, but at least the sun will be making an appearance...
Consultation announced for Manchester to Sheffield link
Highways England have unveiled a timetable for a consulation over plans for major improvements and building of routes between Sheffield and Manchester:
Serious collision in Heckmondwike
One person was taken to hospital following a serious collision last night.
It happened on Halifax Road near the The Junction pub after a car lost control going round a bend and collided with a road sign, ending in debris strewn across the road. One person was taken to hospital although their injuries are not thought to be life threatening.
Traffic update
Looking pretty quiet so far on the roads this morning.
Heavy traffic at Salterhebble Hill near to the hospital due to roadworks, and busy as usual on Leeds Road and Halifax Road heading up to Ainley Top.
No incidents to report on the M62 at the moment but we’ll let you know if this changes.
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.
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 .
