Abby Backhouse

A person was pronounced dead at Potters Bar Station after British Transport Police and paramedics responded to a reported casualty on the tracks. The incident disrupted LNER services between London, York, Harrogate and Leeds, causing cancellations and delays. Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious and that a file would be prepared for the coroner; all lines have since reopened.

North Yorkshire Police are investigating an alleged fuel theft from a Vauxhall Astra parked at Britannia Car Park in Tadcaster between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on August 17. The vehicle owner discovered that the fuel warning light had come on and believes the fuel was drained while the car was unattended. Police are seeking witnesses, dashcam or CCTV footage, and other information, with reports accepted via 101, the North Yorkshire Police website, or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Police believe a body found in a black vehicle down an embankment on the A172 near the Cleveland Tontine is that of Tracey Smith, 57, who went missing from the Stokesley area on July 24. Formal identification has not yet taken place. The road was closed while investigators examined the scene and recovered the vehicle, and an investigation will assess how it left the road.

Residents reported seeing several caravans on playing fields used by All Saints RC School on Sim Balk Lane, near York College. The report follows two other Traveller groups leaving nearby sites in recent days. Stamford Bridge Parish Council also temporarily closed its overflow car park after reports of a Traveller encampment and said it would reopen the facility when safe.

Starbucks is set to open a new coffee shop at Selby Three Lakes Retail Park in North Yorkshire on September 3 at 6 a.m. The store will occupy the former Tim Hortons location, which closed on May 16. Starbucks began recruiting for the site in spring and still has a barista vacancy.

Millions of people in York and North Yorkshire received a government emergency phone alert warning them not to undertake activities that could start a wildfire, including using barbecues, firepits or fireworks. The alert followed a fire near Kirk Balk Lane in Claxton, York, which spread across approximately 1 kilometre. Crews from Acomb, Malton and York extinguished the blaze using two hose-reel jets before leaving the incident in the farmer’s hands.

North Yorkshire Council officers have recommended approval to demolish the café, ice cream shop, retail kiosks and public toilets at Royal Parade on Filey seafront. An inspection by Align Property Services found the building unsuitable for public use and at risk of structural failure because of worsening weather damage, water exposure and inadequate foundations. The site would be cleared and left with a flat, presentable surface, while separate plans are developed to replace the amenities.

A Selby crew from North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a well-alight Porsche Boxster on High Street in Carlton, near Selby, at 11:16 a.m. on August 13. Firefighters extinguished the vehicle using a foam hose reel, but the cause of the fire was unknown.

North Yorkshire Police are investigating the alleged theft of a bank card from Station Road in York city centre on July 18. Police believe a male suspect subsequently used the card around central York and are asking anyone who recognises the person shown on CCTV to contact them or Crimestoppers, quoting reference 12260139136.

York student Benjamino De-Giorgio has secured a place at Hull York Medical School after achieving three A grades in Biology, Chemistry and Psychology at All Saints RC School. He said an investigation into a heart condition sparked his interest in medicine and that strong UCAT and A-Level results enabled him to pursue his goal of becoming a doctor. Headteacher Sharon Keelan-Beardsley praised students’ hard work, resilience and wider personal development.

Whitby Lit Fest will run from November 19 to 22, with more than 50 events featuring Si King, John Boyne, Steph McGovern, Louise Minchin, Ann Cleeves, Mark Billingham, Greta Scacchi, Corinne Bailey Rae and other authors, broadcasters and performers. The programme spans cookery, crime and gothic fiction, screenwriting, travel writing, memoir and children’s literature. Organizers say the festival’s inaugural success has led to charitable status and ambitions for a lasting role in Whitby’s cultural calendar. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale on August 31.

A visitor suffered a medical incident on the roof of York Minster and was rescued by emergency crews using an aerial platform ladder. Yorkshire Ambulance Service, Yorkshire Air Ambulance and North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended, while parts of the Minster and Minster Yard were temporarily cordoned off. The patient was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary and was in a stable condition. The cordon was later lifted, and York Minster thanked visitors, residents, businesses and emergency services for their cooperation and response.

North Yorkshire Police are appealing for information after a vehicle was criminally damaged at Tesco in Thirsk at about 4:50pm on June 4. Officers believe a woman captured in CCTV may have information relevant to the investigation and ask anyone who can identify her or provide information to contact police, quoting reference 12260125800.

A barefoot, topless man caused a commotion involving three security staff outside Sainsbury’s Local in Piccadilly, York, at around 2:30 p.m. on August 10. Shoppers expressed concern and described the incident as peculiar, but reported seeing no emergency services and hoped the man was safe. Sainsbury’s was contacted for comment.

Overnight closures on Bishopthorpe Road in York have been brought forward to August 13 and 14 because resurfacing and related traffic-signal and drainage works are ahead of schedule. Businesses will remain open, diversions will be signposted, and bus routes 11, 15 and 21 will be diverted. The Bishopthorpe Road bus stop will be temporarily suspended, while residents of Ebor Street will retain access but may be asked to park elsewhere.

Les and Janice Hornby of Kirk Hammerton celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary after decades of marriage and community service. They met through the village amateur dramatics society, married in 1961, lived briefly in Cardiff, and later helped run the Hammerton Hotel and village shop. The couple have supported local institutions including the Methodist chapel, cricket club, village hall and playing fields, and Les continues to distribute newspapers and produce the village newsletter. Their anniversary was marked at Oaklands Nursing Home, whose staff and carers were praised for their support.

Tom Gordon MP has called for a full, independent inquiry into allegations that female recruits at Harrogate Army Foundation College experienced rape, sexual abuse and harassment. The college provides basic training to recruits under 19, including 16- and 17-year-olds. The Army described the allegations as extremely serious and criminal, urged victims and witnesses to come forward, and said such behavior has no place in the armed forces. Liberal Democrat defence spokesperson James MacLeary also demanded an investigation into the college’s culture and safeguarding practices, as well as independent civilian handling of serious cases.

Four women told the BBC they experienced rape, sexual assault or harassment while under-19 recruits at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate. Allegations include a multiple-perpetrator rape, unwanted sexual touching, dormitory harassment and inappropriate conduct by instructors. The Army called the reports extremely distressing and unacceptable, urged victims and witnesses to come forward, and highlighted the independent Defence Serious Crime Command. Labour MP Emma Lewell said 122 investigations into sexual offences against under-18s took place at the college between 2021 and 2024, including 80 involving sexual assault, while North Yorkshire Council received 89 safeguarding notifications concerning staff over five years. The allegations emerged as the college prepared to hold a graduation parade for 900 junior soldiers.

Stamford Bridge Parish Council has closed and secured the community’s overflow car park after reports of Traveller encampments at three nearby sites, including Gate Helmsley. Barriers, a gate and bollards were put in place following concerns from residents living near the field. The council expects the closure to continue through the Ebor Festival and briefly afterward, while monitoring the situation and intending to reopen the car park when it is considered safe.

Emergency services responded to a crash on the A166 Stamford Bridge Road near Dunnington Car Wash, on the route into York. North Yorkshire Police redirected traffic, which was backed up to Murton, and witnesses were asked to provide information or photographs.

North Yorkshire Police are investigating a burglary at a hairdressers on Rythergate in Cawood, where cash was stolen from a till at about 4am on Monday, August 3. Police want to identify a man pictured in connection with the incident and ask anyone with information to contact them via the force’s website or by calling 101, quoting reference 12260148996.

York Sport Village in Heslington closed its main and small swimming pools on July 31 after a burst water main disrupted the hot water supply and caused pool temperatures to fall to unsafe levels. Swimming lessons and café services were cancelled, and customers were warned that changing-room showers would be cold. The centre hoped to restore hot water later that afternoon, but it had not returned by 4:30pm, leaving the weekend reopening uncertain.

York railway station has been ranked as having the best train toilets in northern England in a Dark Horse analysis of TripAdvisor reviews from 52 major UK and European stations. Only 28% of York’s toilet-related reviews were negative, while Manchester Victoria performed worst among the northern stations, with 64% negative reviews. Preston, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street and Newcastle Central also received substantial criticism. The findings indicate that toilet facilities remain a problem at major rail stations, despite York’s comparatively strong result.

North Yorkshire councillor Malcolm Taylor and Linton-on-Ouse Parish Council chairman Marc Goddard are due to meet the Home Office over renewed plans to accommodate asylum seekers at the former RAF base. Taylor says residents lack information about the proposal and argues that the site is now less suitable than in 2022 because its remaining infrastructure has been decommissioned, it is close to a school, and the village cannot support up to 1,200 additional people. North Yorkshire Council and Mayor David Skaith oppose the plans, while the government says it is considering five former military sites to reduce reliance on costly hotels and will consult communities fairly. Residents remain distressed by the uncertainty and what they see as inadequate communication.

Wonder, a new lifestyle, homeware and gift shop owned by Ruth Phillips, has opened at 24 Fossgate in York. Phillips refurbished the former Remedy café premises with a bright, clean design and selected products for their aesthetic appeal and environmental credentials, including organic facial products and items made from recycled plastic. She also co-owns The Good Food Shop on Bishopthorpe Road with her husband Dan. Wonder is initially open from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, with opening hours subject to change.

Road improvement works on Bishopthorpe Road in York will begin with a southbound lane closure from August 3 to 13, overnight full closures on August 4 and 5, and resurfacing on August 24 and 25. The project will replace traffic lights, improve drainage and the street environment, and require diversions for buses, motorists and cyclists. Local businesses generally support the safety improvements but are concerned about delays, reduced footfall, noise and delivery difficulties. Shops will remain open, pedestrian access will be maintained, and the council is urging people to plan ahead.

The Press Community Pride Awards 2026 has announced 33 finalists across 11 categories, celebrating community contributions in and around York. Among them are Joanne Nicholson, who co-founded medical clothing brand EmAble after her daughter Emily's death from cancer; Parkinson's volunteer Tim Bryan; and cancer fundraiser Sarah Dargue, who has raised more than £35,000. The ceremony will take place at York Racecourse on September 10, sponsored by Aviva and hosted by ITV Calendar's Duncan Wood, with a performance by Britain's Got Talent finalist Finley Barrett-Carter.

Papa's Fish & Chips is set to reopen its Whitby restaurant on August 6 after expanding into a neighbouring property. The revamped venue will have more than 250 covers, including over 100 on the ground floor, and will offer fish and chips, children's meals, vegetarian and gluten-free options, and takeaway service. Operations director Daniel Maund said the investment reflects the company's long-term commitment to Whitby, while the reopening is expected to create local jobs, support the community, and boost tourism.

The entrance to George Street off Walmgate in York has been closed to motorists while Yorkshire Water carries out works involving excavation of the road. The closure follows earlier Walmgate disruption linked to a burst pipe. The footpath remains open, and Yorkshire Water says it plans to replace nearly nine kilometres of mains in York by April 2027, with further work planned by April 2030 as part of a £406 million Yorkshire-wide programme.

A York Wheels volunteer driver highlights severe congestion around York Hospital that causes delays for elderly and mobility‑impaired passengers, often leading to missed appointments. The main bottleneck is identified as the Haxby Road roundabout, where queues regularly stretch back to Gillygate. City of York Council acknowledges the problem and outlines measures under consideration, including improved public transport information, car‑sharing initiatives, enhanced bus services, and shifting some hospital appointments to community venues to ease traffic near the hospital.

A closure order was issued on a Goole council flat following months of reported criminal activity, drug use and anti‑social behaviour, prompting action from East Riding of Yorkshire Council after numerous complaints to Humberside Police. The order, granted by Beverley Magistrates' Court, restricts access for three months to protect nearby residents. Local officials emphasised the measure as necessary to restore safety and quality of life in the community.

Fans in York celebrated England’s 2-1 extra‑time victory over Norway in the World Cup quarter‑finals, with Jude Bellingham scoring both goals after Norway initially took the lead. Around 200 supporters gathered at The Crescent Community Venue to watch the match in a sold‑out event. The result sets up England to face Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in the semi‑finals on July 15.

A grass fire in York was deliberately started by youths, prompting a North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service crew from Acomb to respond to Wains Road on a Saturday evening. The small two‑metre fire was extinguished and North Yorkshire Police were notified.

Emergency crews from York, Acomb, Malton, Ripon and Selby, along with police and paramedics, rescued a person trapped waist‑deep in the River Ouse in York. Police secured the individual with a throw line before firefighters used a ladder to remove them safely, after which the person was handed over to police and ambulance services.

A small grassland fire in Foxwood Park, York, was extinguished by firefighters from Acomb after reports of a blaze measuring five by two metres. North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service believes the fire was started deliberately.

A crash on the A59 York Road near Green Hammerton prompted North Yorkshire Police to close the road and advise motorists to divert through Kirk Hammerton or use alternative routes. The incident occurred shortly after 5pm, with AA Traffic reporting very slow traffic and partial blockage. Emergency services remain at the scene, and delays are expected.

Hundreds attended the annual Haxby Town Carnival, led by the City of York Pipe Band and culminating at Ethel Ward Playing Field, where families enjoyed games, stalls and entertainment in warm weather. A community tombola raised funds for the British Heart Foundation in memory of former Haxby Town Council vice-chair Grant Cockburn, who died in April. Councillor Ruth Pearson paid tribute to Cockburn’s contributions to local life. The event was supported by local residents, Haxby Town Council and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

Police in North Yorkshire issued a warning after youths were seen jumping into Selby and Brayton canals during hot weather. The advisory highlights hidden underwater hazards, strong currents, and infection risks from contaminated canal water. Parents and residents are urged to check on young people’s safety and call emergency services if anyone is in danger, with authorities stressing the need for community awareness to prevent serious injuries.

Heavy traffic is causing delays on the A64 Eastbound between Headley Bar and The Old Street in Tadcaster, with motorists facing average waits of around seven minutes and no other incidents currently reported.

A theft at the Yorkshire Trading Company shop in Malton prompted a police investigation, with officers releasing CCTV images and requesting public assistance. North Yorkshire Police provided several channels for submitting information, including email, online reporting, live chat, and anonymous tips via Crimestoppers.

Fire crews responded to an 80‑metre hedgerow fire on Glisthwaite Lane in Green Hammerton, where flames had spread into a nearby crop field. The fire was extinguished, crews used thermal imaging to check for hotspots, and the local farmer was notified before firefighters left the scene.

A theft occurred at the Boyes Department Store in Whitby on May 19, prompting North Yorkshire Police to release CCTV images and appeal for public assistance. Authorities requested information via email, phone, or anonymous contact through Crimestoppers to help identify those involved.

Police are searching for 34‑year‑old Jamie Foster, last seen late on July 5 in the Hob Moor area of Acomb. Descriptions of his appearance, clothing, and belongings were issued, with authorities warning he may have walked a significant distance. Police urged the public not to approach him but to call emergency services with any sightings or information.

A 24‑year‑old man from Scarborough was sentenced to 12 weeks in prison after pleading guilty to stealing washing products and alcohol from Tesco stores in the town. The court described his behaviour as showing a disregard for people and property, and ordered him to pay £236.95 in compensation.