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 .

That’s all from the blog today. Have a good evening.

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If I'm ill over Easter where do I go?

We hope you’re not ill over Easter - being ill is particularly rubbish when you’re on holiday.

Just in case though, we’ve produced a little guide on what to do if you’re not feeling too chipper.

Kirklees has one of the highest rates for antibiotics being prescribed by GPs
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A bit of riot training for Huddersfield PC Charlotte

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Rush Hour Round-up

Slow traffic on the following roads:

  • A637 Barnsley Road through Flockton
  • A629 Huddersfield Road towards to Ainley Top roundabout
  • A641 Bradford Road heading out of Huddersfield town centre
  • A641 Huddersfield Road heading into Brighouse
  • A644 Wakefield Road into Brighouse and from the M62 junction 25 towards the Three Nuns roundabout

M62 looks OK but is rather slow westbound between junction 27 and 26.

Examiner Save HRI A&E Battle Bus journey to Calderdale Royal Hospital - traffic queueing on Calderdale Way.
Examiner Save HRI A&E Battle Bus journey to Calderdale Royal Hospital - traffic queueing on Calderdale Way.
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Pic of the Day

Daniel Howarth’s shot from Castle Hill sees the sky split between blue-greys on the left and orangey-reds on the right.

View from Castle Hill by Daniel Howarth
View from Castle Hill by Daniel Howarth (Image: Daniel Howarth)
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See which of your benefits could be cut this week.

If you’re disabled and in work, about to have a child or recently widowed there could be benefit cuts coming your way this week.

And if you’re on jobseekers’ allowance or receiving child benefits that’s going to be frozen this week, in spite of inflation and the rising cost of living.

The cuts that come in this week were set last year by then Chancellor George Osborne – and they’ve been slammed by campaign groups as an attack on hard-up families and low paid workers.

George Osborne
George Osborne
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Let's talk about sex... in a church

Tomorrow at 3pm, Huddersfield Parish Church will be discussing about gender, sexuality and the Bible.

Last month gay cleric Jeffrey John accused Welsh bishops of ‘homophobia’ after they refused to give him the job of Bishop of Llandaff.

Meanwhile Philip North withdrew from becoming Bishop of Sheffield because of the reaction to his opposition to women being ordained.

All these issues, and more, will be broached by Rev Maggie McLean (Vicar of Christ the King in Battyeford) who will take a look at what the Bible says about sexuality and gender roles

Rev Simon Crook, curate at Huddersfield said: “This is the last of the 2017 series of Lent Talks at the Parish Church and the University that have featured two bishops, one dean, and two vicars speaking on a range of topics from murderous artists to miracles, and now to sex.

“The people of Huddersfield have been stimulated and challenged by all the talks so far and this last talk will be a fitting finale to the season, encouraging us to engage with a topic that often divides the church, yet is rarely openly discussed.”
The 3pm talk at the Church is repeated in the Faith Centre at 5:30pm. Entry is free.

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Public urged not to approach missing skunk

We have an update on the missing skunk! The Ponderosa farm have confirmed the skunk is not one of their animals, but they are currently out looking for it to temporarily rehouse it until its owners come forward.

A spokeswoman said: “We would urge people not to approach the skunk if they see it. It is possible that it may not be neutered and if they spray, the smell can take weeks to get rid of. “We have the equipment needed to capture the skunk and keep it safe, so if anyone does sight it please get in touch. We are able to rehome it temporarily until its owner comes forward.” Ponderosa can be contacted on 01924 235276.

Needless the say, this is one missing creature that’s causing a scent-sation online. Its owners must be incense-d!

An aerial view of the Ponderosa site at Heckmondwike
An aerial view of the Ponderosa site at Heckmondwike
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Warning over fake £20 notes in Colne Valley

Some falsies have been spotted in the Colne Valley area. And we’re not talking eyelashes.

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Sir Patrick and Jason McCartney shown round University

As mentioned earlier, Sir Patrick Stewart is visiting the University of Huddersfield today, and has been shown round one of its newest departments along with Jason McCartney.

The Hollywood star and Colne Valley MP (those are two separate people!) were given a tour of the Future Metrology Hub department, where the science of measurements is studied. They’ve also been shown round the Institute of Railway Research.

Jason McCartney and Patrick Stewart visiting the University of Huddersfield
Jason McCartney and Patrick Stewart visiting the University of Huddersfield. Pictured with Simon Iwnicki. (Image: Jason McCartney)

Here is a picture of Sir Patrick being shown a large wheel. He looks wheel-y inspired...

Sir Patrick Stewart visits the Institute of Rail Research
Sir Patrick Stewart visits the Institute of Rail Research
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WATCH: Skunk on the loose in Mirfield!

Is anyone missing a skunk?! This little critter was spotted at stables just off Leeds Road between Mirfield and Roberttown.

It’s not been confirmed the creature is a skunk - although it does look particularly skunk-like. Alex Farley, who spotted it, said: “This animal has arrived on our yard this morning and obviously are not native to this country... if anyone knows of any places around that holds these animals get in touch please.

“It just ran into our horses’ field and then ran off and popped across the road to another farmers land.”

It’s possible the critter is a resident at nearby farm Ponderosa (or should we say, Pong-derosa?) Apparently, if you do see it and get sprayed, tomato juice helps get rid of the smell...don’t ask me how I know.

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Man accused of sex offences still on the run six months later

Police have revealed they are still searching for a man accused of sex offences six months after he failed to appear in court.

Asif Ghafoor Butt, from Dewsbury, failed to appear at Leeds Crown Court in October last year where he was due to appear on the charges. Since then, officers have conducted extensive enquiries to trace Butt, 35, but have so far been unable to locate him. Anyone who knows of his whereabouts or has any information is asked to contact Wakefield Police via 101.

Asif Ghafoor Butt
Asif Ghafoor Butt (Image: West Yorkshire Police)
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Volunteers move one step closer to saving Dewsbury Museum

Plans to turn the former Dewsbury Museum into a community hub have edged a step further this morning.

The Dewsbury Park Mansion closed as a museum in November and plans to save it being sold have been put into action so that it can be kept for community use.

Friends of Dewsbury Park Mansion announced on Facebook this morning that an Expression of Interest put in to the council has gotten through to the next stage. If successful and funding is granted, the building will become a community hub with a focus on physical and mental health and wellbeing.

The Park Mansion House which houses Dewsbury Museum in Crow Nest Park
The Park Mansion House which houses Dewsbury Museum in Crow Nest Park
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Man arrested after cannabis found growing in Newsome

Police discovered cannabis growing at a house in Newsome last night.

Fire services were called to assist as officers forced entry into the property on Lockwood Scar at around 10.20pm.

A spokeswoman for West Yorkshire Police said:

Police were called to a property on Lockwood Scar in Huddersfield on Monday evening (3 April).

During a search of the property a small quantity of cannabis was located in the loft space.

A 57-year-old man was arrested for the production of Class B drugs.

Lockwood Scar, Newsome
Lockwood Scar, Newsome (Image: Google Street View)
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Sir Patrick Stewart is in Huddersfield today

Sir Patrick Stewart is in Huddersfield today! The legendary actor, born in Mirfield, is hosting a Q&A session at the University.

The Logan star is one of the University’s former Chancellor’s, a position currently being filled by the Duke of York (bet you never thought you’d hear those two names in the same sentence).

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Concerns for missing teenager with Yorkshire rose tattoo

Have you seen missing Jordan Sheils? The 19-year-old was reported missing and police are concerned for his welfare.

He was last seen at his home address in Halifax last night. Jordan has a tattoo of a Yorkshire rose on on his right leg and was last seen wearing a dark blue Berghaus jacket. He is described as mixed race, 5ft 8ins tall, of slim build, with short, brown hair and brown eyes.

Officers are concerned for Jordan’s welfare and urgently need to establish his whereabouts. Anyone with information on Jordan’s whereabouts is asked to contact Calderdale District CID via 101 quoting log number 2065 of April 3.

Missing Jordan Sheils
Missing Jordan Sheils (Image: West Yorkshire Police)
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Idea for a park and ride in Huddersfield

Reporter Nick’s had an epiphany. Do you think this would work to cut congestion?

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Horses loose on the M1 southbound

If you’re heading down to South Yorkshire this morning, there are reports of horses loose on the carriageway after a horsebox caught fire earlier.

Is anyone getting a sense of neigh-ja vu? Something like this hasn’t happened since, oh, Friday...

The road is still open. Take care if you’re in the area.

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Worrying rise in trafficking in Yorkshire

An investigation by the BBC has revealed a worrying rise in the number of modern-day slaves trafficked into Yorkshire.

More than 300 potential victims were reported to the Government last year alone. Many victims were trafficked from Eastern European countries including Poland, Slovakia and Romania.

West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson heads the National Anti-Trafficking and Modern Slavery Network. He has said:

“Human trafficking is a vile crime perpetrated by money driven criminals who have no regard for the suffering of their victims. Being the lead Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for human trafficking and modern day slavery, here in West Yorkshire we are leading the way both regionally and nationally in tackling traffickers and criminal gangs, as well as rescuing and supporting the victims.”

(Image: Niall Carson/PA Wire)
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Accident causes delays in Wakefield city centre

Looks like there’s been a road accident in Wakefield city centre this morning - one to watch out for if you’re commuting there.

Reports of possible bus delays.

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Do you recognise this man?

Do you recognise this bloke? Kirklees police have released CCTV as they want to speak to him about a theft from a local shop.

The theft allegedly occurred on Sunday. Anyone with information should contact them via 101.

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Possible Ripper victim speaks out over new cases

A woman who believes she was attacked by the Yorkshire Ripper has spoken to the media this morning following news yesterday he is being questioned over 17 unsolved cases.

Mo Lea spoke to BBC Radio Leeds said she couldn’t understand why possible victims have waited so long to come forward.

She said:

“If there is 17 others that’s very alarming and the question that always comes to my mind is why have they knowingly withheld this information every year, every decade? And keep it from the public domain until quite recently? They’ve been forced to because of the public interest.

“I think they definitely should speak to people but I doubt very much at this stage 35 years on and more that he’s going to remember anything. To him it was a habit and it wasn’t necessarily anything out of the ordinary that he would recall.”

Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe
Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe
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Police activity in Marsh, Oakes and Edgerton

Residents reported police activity in the Marsh and Edgerton areas of Huddersfield last night.

Reports of an air ambulance landing on Oakes recreational field and police seen on Thornhill Road in Edgerton. Police are currently working to provide us with information and an update. It is not yet known whether these incidents are connected.

The victim was left terrified by this carjacking and police want your help
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Syngenta sirens to be sounded this morning

Leeds Road firm Syngenta will be carrying out their annual siren test today.

The alarms will be sounded on full blast at five-minute intervals between 10am and 12pm. The chemical firm want to reassure the public that this is merely a routine test and nothing to be alarmed about.

Syngenta, Leeds Road, Huddersfield.
Syngenta, Leeds Road, Huddersfield.
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Rush hour round-up

Elsewhere, traffic-wise, no major incidents to report this morning. Here’s what’s happening on the local roads...

  • Slow on Halifax Road, Hipperholme
  • Heavy traffic on Whitehall Road, Wyke
  • Busy on Halifax Road through Birchencliffe heading towards Ainley Top roundabout
  • Slow traffic on Huddersfield Road at Salterhebble, Halifax
  • Congestion on Wakefield Road, Mirfield
  • Heavy traffic on Tong Street in Bradford at the junction with Bradford and Heckmondwike Road
Commuting times have been creeping up in West Yorkshire
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M621 all clear

Good morning, Huddersfield. The M621 is all clear this morning following yesterday’s rush hour fire fiasco.

Heavy traffic on the M62 in the usual spots eastbound at Ainley Top and Chain Bar but no incidents out of the ordinary.

Fire from tyres causes black smoke to billow over M621
Fire from tyres causes black smoke to billow over M621 (Image: Highways Agency)
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Welcome to Tuesday's live blog

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 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.

A misty morning sunrise in the Holme Valley taken by Honley photographer Sandie Nicholson
A misty morning sunrise in the Holme Valley taken by Honley photographer Sandie Nicholson (Image: Sandie Nicholson)

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 Facebook here .

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