Local and National News

A 26-year-old Bradford woman has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after causing the death of her 20-year-old passenger in a high-speed crash on the M62. Humaira Batool reached speeds of up to 143mph in a hired Lamborghini Urus before losing control in wet conditions, killing Mohammed Shaan Hussain.

Residents near Queen's Park station in West London say their homes are developing serious cracks and suffering subsidence following HS2 tunnelling work. Emergency scaffolding has been installed at one property, with some residents relocated. HS2 says ground movement from tunnelling has been small and that unusually dry weather may be contributing to the damage.

A 51-year-old man has suffered potentially life-changing injuries following a serious assault on a bus in Uxbridge, West London. Police are investigating the incident, which happened on Belmont Road on Monday afternoon, and are appealing for witnesses.

A man and woman, both aged 68, have been charged following an investigation into historical child sexual abuse in Bradford. The allegations relate to offences involving a 14-year-old girl in the Thorpe Edge area during the late 1970s.

A 36-year-old man has been found guilty of raping a woman in the Hyde Park area of Leeds. Uvesh Vahora was convicted following a trial at Leeds Crown Court and has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing on 11 November.

New research from the This Girl Can campaign reveals that 54 per cent of women in London feel unsafe exercising outdoors alone after dark. Concerns about harassment and intimidation are forcing many women to change their fitness routines, with a London running club planning additional group sessions to help women exercise safely during winter.

A 40-year-old woman has been left with life-threatening injuries following a stabbing in Buttershaw, Bradford. A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon as police investigate two linked scenes.

A Bradford woman convicted of causing her friend's death in a 140mph Lamborghini crash on the M62 has been arrested at hospital after failing to attend her sentencing hearing. Humaira Batool, 26, has been remanded in custody and is due to be sentenced today (3 November).

Six men with connections to London feature on the National Crime Agency's most wanted list, including suspects linked to major drug trafficking investigations, alleged holiday fraud and money laundering. The NCA is appealing for information to help locate those wanted in connection with the investigations.

Motorists in Milton Keynes face approximately six months of road closures and diversions as Monkston Roundabout undergoes a major transformation into a traffic-light-controlled 'hamburger' junction. Main construction is scheduled to begin on 11 January 2027, with the council aiming to improve traffic flow and accommodate future growth.

Bradford's iconic Alhambra Theatre is set to undergo major external painting and repair works starting in mid-November. The £-unspecified improvement programme will take approximately 12 to 16 weeks, with scaffolding installed around the building. Bradford Council has confirmed that all performances will continue as planned, with no disruption to audiences.

West Yorkshire Police have dismantled a major drugs network responsible for distributing 4.5 tonnes of cocaine worth more than £450 million. The operation involved drugs concealed in shipments of cheese, with distribution hubs in Huddersfield, Cleckheaton, Halifax and Blackburn. Prison sentences totalling more than 220 years have been handed down.

Nearly 200 businesses and organisations, including Sky, IKEA and Octopus Energy, have urged the Chancellor to support the proposed West London Orbital railway. The 18.5-kilometre route would connect Hendon and Hounslow, potentially creating thousands of jobs, supporting new homes and improving transport links across West London.

A former Metropolitan Police officer from Meltham, West Yorkshire, has been convicted of serious sexual offences after abusing his position of trust to exploit a vulnerable woman he met through his duties. Mark Tyrrell, 57, was also convicted of attempting to destroy evidence and had previously admitted misconduct in public office.

A 55-year-old man from Huddersfield has been convicted of eight offences, including five counts of rape, following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. Muhammed Khalid, who fled the UK while under investigation, was arrested at Manchester Airport in April. He is due to be sentenced on 24 November.

A couple living in Holme Wood, Bradford, say years of alleged harassment and anti-social behaviour have left them feeling unsafe in their own home. West Yorkshire Police have confirmed an active harassment investigation, while housing provider Incommunities says it is investigating the complaints.

A 27-year-old drug dealer from Accrington has been jailed for five years and seven months after police discovered 90 wraps of crack cocaine concealed inside a false deodorant can. Sadakat Ali was already on licence from a previous prison sentence for supplying drugs when officers raided his home.

Blackburn with Darwen will welcome the world-famous Tour de France on Saturday 3 July 2027, as riders travel through Blackburn, Tockholes and Belmont during the 223km second stage from Keswick to Liverpool. The historic event will give residents the opportunity to watch elite international cycling for free.

Vandals have damaged Albert Promenade in Halifax, ripping out two bollards and reportedly damaging a lamppost. A local councillor has described the incident as shocking and requested a review of CCTV footage to help identify those responsible.

Bradford Council has unveiled plans to save £50 million during 2027–28, potentially ending its reliance on exceptional government financial support two years earlier than expected. The proposals follow £150 million in savings over three years, with the council insisting frontline service availability will be protected.

Hillingdon Council has approved major increases to parking charges, with residents facing rises of approximately 70% from April 2027. The changes include higher parking tariffs, reduced resident discounts and increased permit costs, prompting criticism from the local Labour MP.

Milton Keynes City Council has stepped up enforcement against scams, illegal sales and businesses posing risks to public health.

Two men have been jailed for a combined 28 years after their dangerous driving caused the deaths of a mother and her four-year-old daughter in Leeds.

West Yorkshire Police are appealing for two young women to come forward following a reported indecent exposure incident near a bus stop in Slaithwaite, Kirklees. Officers are also seeking witnesses who may have seen the incident or similar behaviour in the area.

A family home in Kensington is set to become the new Embassy of Turkmenistan after councillors approved a change of use. The decision comes despite objections from residents concerned about the loss of residential accommodation in the borough.

Manchester City Council has welcomed plans for a £7 million government investment to explore bringing the Olympic and Paralympic Games to the North of England. The proposed Northern Games could create opportunities for communities, businesses and sporting organisations across the region, although a formal bid has not yet been confirmed.

Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a 38-year-old man died following an attack involving weapons in New Wortley, Leeds. Police believe four armed individuals carried out a sustained attack outside a property on Hedley Chase on Saturday night (24 October).

A 24-year-old man has been jailed for six years and eight months after causing the death of a 79-year-old man following an altercation at a bus stop in Garforth. Thomas Childe admitted manslaughter after an investigation established a link between the confrontation and Colin Starbuck's fatal heart attack.

Transport for London has revealed that the proposed West London Orbital railway could cost up to £900 million. The new London Overground service would connect communities across west and north-west London, with construction potentially beginning in the early 2030s. A public consultation is open until 18 November 2026.

Calderdale has been recognised as one of England’s top 25 places for children and young people in a new report from the Children’s Commissioner. The borough is one of just three local authority areas in the North of England to feature among the highest-ranked locations.

Five young men have been sentenced at Bradford Crown Court for their involvement in a series of violent incidents targeting three victims, including two teenage boys. The attacks involved robbery, group violence and the use of a baseball bat, with two brothers receiving immediate custodial sentences.

A 27-year-old Leeds man already serving a prison sentence for possessing indecent images of children has been jailed for a further two years after falsifying references to secure nursery employment. Police have reassured parents that no images of children in nursery settings were found on his electronic devices.

Police have named 35-year-old Erdem Mustafa as the victim of a fatal shooting inside a pub in Enfield, north London. Detectives believe the attack was targeted and have launched a manhunt for the gunman, who remains at large.

The full Leeds route for the 2027 Tour de France Femmes Grand Départ has been unveiled, with cyclists set to travel through the city centre, Headingley, Kirkstall, Bramley, Farnley and Drighlington. The historic event takes place on 30 July 2027, marking the first time the world's biggest women's professional cycling race will visit Britain.

A Bradford-based solicitor has been secretly filmed by the BBC appearing to suggest how a business owner could avoid a £45,000 penalty for employing an illegal worker. The solicitor denies wrongdoing, while Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has announced a review of how immigration fines are issued and collected.

A teenage driver has received a suspended detention sentence after leading police on a dangerous pursuit through Halifax, reaching speeds of up to 90mph and colliding with several vehicles. Two pedestrians were forced to jump out of his path, while the damage caused exceeded £10,000.

A 16-year-old boy has been found not guilty of murdering 18-year-old Maliki Sharma, who died following a stabbing in Feltham, west London. The Old Bailey heard that the fatal confrontation followed an escalating dispute between two groups of young people.

A 10-year-old girl from Old Trafford has been treated in hospital after liquid from a cracked glitter-filled phone case reportedly caused painful chemical burns to her stomach. Her mother is warning other parents about the potential dangers of similar products.

Two men have been charged with burglary following a reported break-in at the Endless Kettle Café in Keighley. The independent business is preparing to reopen today after the incident forced it to close and cancel customer bookings.

A convicted drugs gang ringleader from Ravensthorpe has been ordered to repay more than £260,000 following a financial investigation by West Yorkshire Police. Mohammed Tasadiq Khan, 38, is already serving a 16-year prison sentence for his role in a drugs network worth an estimated £100 million.

A 30-year-old man from Leicester has been jailed for three years and three months after targeting two women in their eighties in a bank impersonation scam. The victims, from High Wycombe and Oxford, lost a combined £5,222.

Calderdale has been recognised as one of England's top 25 places for children and young people to grow up, according to a new report from the Children's Commissioner. It is one of only three local authority areas in the North of England to make the list.

A serving West Yorkshire Police officer has been found guilty of raping a woman in 2002, three years before joining the force. PC Jo Lavender, 45, will be sentenced at York Crown Court on 3 November.

Plans for a new railway station at Bradford Interchange have received backing from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI), which says the development could strengthen transport connections, attract investment and support regeneration across Bradford city centre.

A man who murdered his former girlfriend at a property in Earls Court after she ended their relationship has been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a minimum term of 28 years. Deepak Sandhu was also convicted of perverting the course of justice after attempting to flee the country.

A man has died following a police pursuit involving a motorcycle on the M56 near Manchester Airport. Greater Manchester Police are appealing for dashcam footage, while the Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an independent investigation.

Plans have been submitted to Calderdale Council for roof repairs and a major solar panel installation at the historic Dean Clough complex in Halifax. The proposed scheme could generate renewable electricity while helping fund essential repairs to leaking roofs.

A man has been charged after West Yorkshire Police discovered an industrial-scale cannabis farm worth an estimated £2 million at a property on Little Horton Lane in Bradford.

A 23-year-old man has been found guilty of murdering his former girlfriend at an Airbnb property in Earls Court, West London, after becoming increasingly angry when she ended their relationship. Police arrested him as he attempted to flee the country.

Greater Manchester Police have confirmed that a 25-year-old man is no longer suspected of murdering 26-year-old Alisha Samuels, who died following a stabbing in North Manchester. Detectives are continuing their investigation and appealing for information.

West Yorkshire Trading Standards is urging residents to buy fireworks safely and reminding retailers of strict age restrictions ahead of Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations. Businesses selling fireworks illegally could face fines of up to £5,000.

Seven people have been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice as West Yorkshire Police continue searching for two men who absconded during a child sexual offences trial in Bradford. Both men were subsequently convicted and sentenced in their absence.

A former supply teacher from Salford has been jailed for six years after admitting multiple child sexual offences involving pupils at seven secondary schools across Greater Manchester, including the creation and sharing of inappropriate images using artificial intelligence.

Leeds City Council is inviting residents, commuters and businesses to have their say on plans to improve public transport, road safety, walking, cycling and public spaces on the eastern side of Leeds city centre.

A pioneering new centre has officially opened in Bradford to support children with complex special educational needs and disabilities, helping schools prevent exclusions and improve attendance.

The David Hockney Gallery at Bradford's Cartwright Hall will reopen on 21 October following a major update, showcasing the celebrated artist's early works alongside later creations in a tribute to his life and legacy.

Stockport Council says culture will play a central role in the town’s regeneration as major transformation projects continue across the borough.

A new exhibition showcasing contemporary South Asian artists is opening at Cartwright Hall Art Gallery in Bradford.

A new programme aimed at improving men’s mental health and wellbeing has been launched in Blackburn with Darwen.

A former teacher has been charged with a number of alleged child sexual offences dating back to the 1990s in the Wakefield district.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is calling for tougher penalties for fly-tipping after court fines were found to be lower than the council’s own enforcement penalties.

A man who sexually exploited a vulnerable teenage girl in Stockport has been jailed after being convicted of rape and sexual assault.

Milton Keynes’ popular free Midsummer Festival will return this summer, bringing live music, entertainment and family activities to Campbell Park.

Leeds City Council has outlined plans for a major year of investment and development, with several large regeneration, transport and housing projects expected to move into delivery.

Detectives investigating the murder of Suhail Choudry in Keighley have made further arrests as enquiries continue into the fatal assault in February.

Calderdale Council is considering new enforcement powers to tackle poor housing standards and improve animal welfare, with proposals due to be discussed by Cabinet next week.

Plans to convert Blackburn’s former St John’s Church into a digital and cyber business hub have taken a major step forward after councillors approved the appointment of a contractor.

Tributes are being paid to one of the country’s oldest hospital radio broadcasters, Patrick Murphy, who has died in Bradford at the age of 95 after more than a decade on air.

Bradford Council’s Executive is being updated on improved financial stability, following a major increase in government funding and progress on long-term recovery plans.

Two Bradford-area nurseries are among 37 Partou settings nationwide to be awarded the prestigious Reputation ‘900 Club’ status, recognising exceptional customer satisfaction and trust.

Three people have been arrested following a stabbing outside Dewsbury bus station which left a 17-year-old boy seriously injured. Police say the incident was targeted and enquiries are continuing.

Public realm improvement works are set to begin on Darley Street in Bradford city centre this week, aiming to better connect key regeneration areas and improve walking and cycling access.

Plans for a new state-of-the-art sports and leisure facility at Squire Lane in Bradford have moved a step closer after the planning application was approved.

Muslim Aid has launched its annual UK Winter Programmes, aiming to support thousands facing homelessness and poverty during the coldest months of the year.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a serious road traffic collision on Canal Road in Bradford during the early hours of Tuesday (30th Dec) morning.

Nearly 3,000 volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association marked 30 years of nationwide New Year clean-ups by clearing litter across more than 75 UK towns and cities.

Police are investigating reports of criminal damage at a takeaway on Saltaire Road in Shipley on New Year’s Day.

Police appeal for information following the death of a man found seriously injured in Burmantofts, Leeds, and the arrest of a 51-year-old on suspicion of murder.

From 27 October, new housing safety rules known as Awaab’s Law come into force — compelling social landlords to fix emergency hazards within 24 hours and protect millions of tenants from dangerous conditions like black mould.

Bradford Council is expanding its successful Housing First programme — inspired by New York and proven in Finland — to offer ten more places, helping more people with complex needs move from homelessness into stable, supported housing.

A major new exhibition, The Last Princesses of Punjab, will open at Kensington Palace on 26 March 2026 to celebrate the 150th birthday of Princess Sophia Duleep Singh — the trailblazing Punjabi royal and suffragette — exploring the lives of the remarkable women who shaped her story.

A celebration of creativity and belonging, The Leap’s SENDIVERSE Festival brought together over 1,700 people across Bradford for a series of inclusive arts and cultural events designed with and for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Police are appealing for information after a man in his 20s was seriously injured in a crash on Crown Point Road, Burnley.

A weapons amnesty in Bradford led to 93 knives and weapons being taken off the streets, contributing to a major drop in youth knife crime.

Leeds has unveiled a £20 billion economic plan aiming to create 100,000 new jobs and boost key sectors including finance, tech, and health.

Bradford Royal Infirmary has renamed the Listening for Life Centre after pioneering ear surgeon Professor Chris Raine MBE, who has restored hearing for hundreds across the North of England.

Airedale NHS Foundation Trust nurse Chloe Taylor has been named a finalist for Neonatal Nurse of the Year, recognising her work supporting families through trauma-informed care.

A new town square has opened in Sowerby Bridge, transforming the former market site into a welcoming space for events, markets and community life.

Following strong opposition to proposed parking changes in Ilkley, Bradford Council has put forward a revised plan that keeps a free one-hour option in parts of the town.

West Yorkshire Police and Wakefield Council are intensifying efforts to crack down on crime and anti-social behaviour through a joint taskforce and new enforcement measures.

Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association has been named a finalist in three categories at the Housing Executive Awards, including Housing Association of the Year.

University of Bradford staff will strike for 10 days from 22 September in protest against planned redundancies, disrupting the start of the new academic year.

Two Bradford Teaching Hospitals teams have been nominated for prestigious HSJ Awards, recognising their innovation in staff wellbeing and patient care.

A Bradford property owner has been ordered to pay over £20,000 after failing to comply with a Planning Enforcement Notice for unauthorised works in a conservation area.

Preparatory work has begun at North Bridge for Halifax’s new £multi-million leisure centre, marking a major step toward delivering modern, inclusive and sustainable facilities for health, wellbeing and community life.

Two community parklets originally installed in Brighouse town centre have been relocated to Rastrick Juniors Football Club and Rastrick Bowling Club, ensuring the spaces continue to benefit local people after being moved to make way for the town’s new market.

West Yorkshire Police have arrested ten men in connection with child sexual abuse offences reported to have occurred in Bradford during the 1990s.

Todmorden Library is fully reopening, with a special event to mark the occasion and celebrate the Victorian history of the building.

Multiple illegal vehicles have been seized in an ongoing operation to reduce dangerous and illegal driving in Dewsbury.

Investigation into two serious incidents in Accrington continues, Lancashire Police want to speak to the three men pictured.

A man has been given a five-year Criminal Behaviour Order as part of ongoing work to tackle crime linked to motorbikes and quad bikes in Leeds.

A woman from Bradford has been sentenced after being found guilty of stabbing her ex-partner.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a burglary at a property in Bradford.

People in Calderdale are being asked to share their thoughts about how they feel connected to their local neighbourhood and the wider Calderdale area

Bradford City Hall is to be lit up in red, white, and blue on Thursday 6 June to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

The new link road on the A629 south of Halifax is now open, as part of work to improve the flow of traffic and make it easier to walk, cycle or take public transport.

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.

Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee is to embark on a review of vehicle condition standards for hackney and private hire vehicles, following updates to national guidance.

Police have named the man who died after a road traffic collision on Leeds Road in Bradford last week.

Visitors to the stunning Van Gogh Alive UK exhibition in Bradford donated more than £4,000 to Mind in Bradford.

The Bradford Clean Air Zone has been live since September 2022 and is operating to improve air quality in the district by deterring the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone.

Lancashire: A paedophile who abused a young girl has today (Monday, February 6th) been jailed after being found guilty of a string of sexual offences.

Police are continuing to appeal for information to help locate a man who went missing in Leeds eight weeks ago.

Bradford Council arranged for 11 of the traders of the new Darley Street Market, to get a tour of the site, to give them an idea of where they will be trading from once the new market is complete.