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
M62 disruption after crash
Traffic is very slow on the M62 westbound at junction 27 (Gildersome) after a collision on the exit sliproad earlier this evening.
Police said no-one was injured in a crash involving a Mercedes Vito van and a silver Vauxhall Vectra.
Congestion is back to junction 28, Tingley.
Police release CCTV images after woman raped in Huddersfield nightclub
Images of a man police wish to speak to following the rape of a woman in a Huddersfield nightclub have been released by detectives.
The 18-year-old victim was raped in Tokyo nightclub, Queen Street, in the early hours of Sunday morning, police said.
Police would like to speak to the man pictured.
He is described as a black male, 6ft, in his mid to late 20s, with a large build and closely shaven black hair.
He was wearing a denim jacket and did not have a local accent.
PC Samra, of Kirklees Adult Safeguarding Unit, said: “This was an extremely traumatic ordeal for this young woman and she is being supported by specialist officers.
“We are releasing these CCTV images in the hope that anyone who was in and around the premises on the night will recognise this person or has any information and I would ask them to come forward as soon as possible to assist with our enquiries.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the police via 101 quoting 13170518407 or information can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police launch inquiry into attempted sexual assault
Police are appealing for information following an attempted sexual assault on a woman in Leeds.
The victim, a 23-year-old woman, returned home to the Saxton flats complex, in The Avenue, near the city centre, at about 5.25pm yesterday when she was followed into the building by a man.
He spoke to her briefly before she went to her flat. Moments later, the man knocked on her door and asked if he could use the toilet.
While inside the flat, he then grabbed the victim and attempted to sexually assault her.
The woman fought back and the suspect left the flats and ran off towards Ellerby Road.
He was described as black, about 5ft 7in tall, aged in his early to mid-20s, and of medium to athletic build. He had dark stubble and was wearing dark clothing and carrying a rucksack.
Det Inspr Fiona Gaffney, of Leeds District CID, said: “This was a really traumatic experience for the victim to be attacked like this in her own home and we urgently need to identify this man and arrest him.
“We are treating this incident very seriously and are carrying out extensive enquiries, including checks on CCTV in the area. We would like to hear from anyone who saw a man fitting this description in the area or running off from the building after the incident.
“We would also like to hear from anyone who has seen anyone like this acting suspiciously in the area or attempting to follow people through the secure entrances.
“Officers from the local neighbourhood policing team have increased their patrols of the area around the flats to reassure residents who will be understandably concerned by what has happened.
“We would like to remind people to always be conscious of their personal safety and to be wary of anyone trying to access communal areas of buildings such as this.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact Leeds District CID via 101 quoting crime number 13170543474 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
About time too
Plans to issue firefighters in West Yorkshire with body-worn cameras after attacks on crews could be given the go-ahead.
The Executive Committee of West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service will decide at a meeting tomorrow (Wed) whether to purchase six body-worn video devices to be used on a trial basis at the stations which have seen the most attacks – Fairweather Green and Odsal in Bradford, and Leeds.
Second chance to get Peter Kay tickets a comic adds extra Yorkshire date
Comedian Peter Kay has added an extra Yorkshire date to his forthcoming 2018 and 2019 tour.
The star of Car Share and Phoenix Nights has added an extra show at Sheffield Arena on May 31, 2019.
And there will be an additional two dates at Birmingham Arena (May 24/25, 2019) and eight extra dates at London 02 Arena (June 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 21 and 22).
Click here for more information and how to get tickets.
Poll on what matters to you ahead of tomorrow's budget
What’s the most important issue for you with regards to the economy here in West Yorkshire?
We’ve tweeted a poll to find out as chancellor Philip Hammond prepares to unveil the Autumn budget tomorrow. Head to our Twitter page to cast your vote from four of the biggest areas and let us know, or drop us an email at editorial@examiner.co.uk to give us your view.
Student goes on trial accused of owning terror attack guide on computer
A 24-year-old dental student from Crosland Moorwent on trial today (Tues) accused of three terrorism charges.
Mohammed Abbas Idris Awan, whose family home is in Rudding Street, is appearing at Sheffield Crown Court. He is accused of owning a Mujahadeen guide on his computer. Read the full report from court here.
Woman injured in racially-motivated attack
Police say a woman has been injured in a racist attack in Batley.
Pictures have been circulating online of the victim after she was left needing stitches to her face following the attack. The woman, a 32-year-old, was walking on Lady Ann Road near to the Mill Village Shopping Complex when she was approached and assaulted by three men.
The men verbally abused her and pushed and kicked her and she fell to the floor, sustaining the serious injury to her forehead. The suspects are described as three Asian males.
Detective Inspector Mark Atkinson, of Kirklees CID, said: “This was a terrible incident and one which left the victim with very serious injuries. We have been in regular contact with her to enable us to investigate the incident fully.” Anyone with information should contact police via 101 quoting crime reference 13170506171.
Police tape removed from assault scene in Lindley
Reporter Andrew Robinson is there and says there are traces of blood on a parked Ford Focus:
Caught on camera: CCTV released in theft appeal
Do you recognise this man? Kirklees police want to speak to him after a theft from a shop?
The theft happened on November 13, last week. Anyone with information should contact 101 quoting crime reference 13170533689.
'Emotional moment' for Sarah Lancashire as she receives OBE
Happy Valley star Sarah Lancashire has been at Buckingham Palace today to receive an OBE.
The actress, 53, who has also starred in Last Tango in Halifax, was presented the accolade by the Duke of Cambridge this morning. Sarah, whose three children watched her receive her award, said she had been nervous because “I don’t do things like this very easily”.
She said: “I think it is an emotional moment. I wish my father had been alive. I think at times like this, really, one tends to focus on parents and my father would have been the proudest man in the world.”
Police investigating attack in Lindley
A police cordon has been up on Acre Street in Lindley this lunchtime.
A scene was in place near to Lindley Grange Care Home, near to HRI. A police spokesperson has given us this very short statement:
Police received a report at 10.47am today (Tuesday, 21 November) of an assault in Acre Street, Lindley. Enquiries are ongoing.
We’ll let you know more on this as we get it.
Overturned van recovered
Bog Green Lane at Colne Bridge has been blocked this lunchtime due to an overturned van.
The vehicle has been recovered and the road will shortly re-open.
National news
Here’s a round up of the main headlines today...
ZIMBABWE’S OUSTED VICE PRESIDENT SAYS ROBERT MUGABE SHOULD RESIGN IMMEDIATELY
Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe should acknowledge the nation’s “insatiable desire” for a leadership change and resign immediately, the recently fired vice president said as impeachment proceedings were set to begin. The statement by Emmerson Mnangagwa, who was dismissed earlier this month, added to immense pressure on 93-year-old Mr Mugabe to quit after nearly four decades in power.
BREXIT BILL RETURNS TO COMMONS AS THERESA MAY SECURES BACKING FOR BIGGER PAYOUT
The Brexit battle returns to the Commons after key Cabinet players agreed Theresa May should offer the EU a bigger divorce bill settlement to speed up trade talks. With the Prime Minister facing a fresh crunch vote on landmark Brexit legislation in Parliament, Mrs May secured top-level backing to try to end the log-jam on exit negotiations.
EXPLORER RESCUED FROM PAPUA NEW GUINEA ‘BEWILDERED’ BY INTEREST
A British explorer who was rescued from Papua New Guinea after trying to find a remote tribe has dismissed accusations the mission was a publicity stunt.
Benedict Allen, 57, who had no mobile phone or GPS device with him, was picked up by a helicopter crew three weeks after he left Heathrow airport bound for the jungle. Speaking from his home in west London, the father-of-three told his friend, BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, that his symptoms of malaria were genuine.
Police appeal over racist assault on train
Do you recognise either of these two women? Police want to speak to them after a man had a can of beer thrown at him and was racially abused on a Huddersfield train.
The assault occurred on the Manchester-bound train as it approached Huddersfield from Leeds on October 16 at 4.29pm. The victim, a man who had boarded at York Station, had insults and foul language hurled at him by two women who boarded at Leeds after they tried to engage him in conversation. The women then made racial remarks and one became aggressive and threw a can of beer at him, which spilled over his shoulder. She then made threats and wanted to fight him. Both women left the train at Huddersfield.
Anyone with any information should contact British Transport Police on 0800 40 50 40 or text 61016 citing reference 361 of 16/10.
Jury retires in Ann Maguire inquest
A jury panel in the inquest of murdered Leeds school teacher Ann Maguire have retired to consider their verdict.
Mrs Maguire was killed by pupil Will Cornick at Corpus Christi Catholic School in April, 2014. Cornick received a life sentence for the crime.
A hearing into her death is currently being held at Wakefield Coroner’s Court, and a verdict over the ruling over her cause of death is to be expected within the next day or so.
Weather warnings issued for Yorkshire
Yellow warnings over wind and rain have been issued for the next two days.
The Met Office say bad weather will affect transport and journey times throughout tomorrow and Thursday. Heavy rain is expected tomorrow and a Met Office spokesperson has said, “spray and flooding on roads will probably make journey times longer”.
There is also a small risk of flooding to homes.
Govt advisor's fears for the future of our local health service
A former government health advisor fears the closure of HRI could leave Huddersfield with a “Third World” health service.
The comment, from Prof Peter Bradshaw, came amid a probe into hospital chiefs’ bid to move cardiology and respiratory wards from Huddersfield to Halifax. Read the full story here.
Accident on sliproad causing queues on motorway
The M62 westbound is currently congested due to the exit slip road being partially blocked at junction 26.
This is reportedly due to an accident and is causing queues back onto the motorway.
Train so overcrowded passenger had a panic attack
A TransPennine Express service from Huddersfield to Manchester Airport was so packed this morning that a passenger had a panic attack, a commuter has claimed.
Lawyer Rebecca Aspin was travelling on the 8.11 service which was delayed due to the conditions causing anxiety for one person travelling on it.
Rebecca said: “[The] passenger was okay. Other rail users managed to get her to a seat and get some water down her. The train was just so full of people and absolutely roasting. I couldn’t even reach anywhere to hold on or manoeuvre to even take my coat off!”
TP Express are yet to comment.
Accident in Netherton
Reports of an accident on Blacker Lane this morning.
This is near to the junction with Netherton Lane, according to traffic reports. West Yorkshire Police say this is something they have not been called to so hopefully it’s not too serious.
Huddersfield weather
Another damp and miserable looking day today, unfortunately.
We’re in for more showers later this evening, while most of the day looks to be grey and overcast with a chance of some showers at lunchtime. Mild temperatures of up to 12 degrees.
Here’s more on what’s in store for us weather-wise towards the end of the month.
Man dies in fatal crash
Police are appealing for witnesses to a fatal car crash last night.
It happened on Queens Drive in Ossett at around 10pm when a Peugeot collided into a stone wall. A 56-year-old man from Horbury was given medical treatment at the scene, but was sadly pronounced dead. Any witnesses or anyone with information about the incident should contact PC 264 Wilson on the non-emergency number 101.
Train lines blocked by trespassers
This may have a knock on effect on Huddersfield trains this morning:
Accident on M62 westbound
One lane has been closed on the motorway near Ainley Top due to an accident.
This is between junctions 24 and 23 westbound.
Local traffic
Here’s what’s happening on the local roads around Huddersfield and further afield:
- 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
- Delays on the approach to the Armley Gyratory coming off the M621 at junction 2 (Elland Road)
- Slow on Otley Road through Headingley, Leeds
Today's front page
Here is our front page today, with our leading story being plans for a multi-storey car park behind Huddersfield Station.
Traffic on the M62
Here’s what’s happening on the motorway this morning:
- Very slow traffic westbound around junction 21 with congestion back to junction 22 at Rishworth Moor
- Also very slow further towards Manchester in the same direction around junction 19
- Heavy traffic eastbound around junctions 24 for Ainley Top and 26 for Chain Bar
