Alex Moss

A 44-year-old man from York was arrested after an air rifle was discharged outside York Mosque and Islamic Centre on Bull Lane at about 02:15 BST. No one was injured, the weapon was recovered, and the suspect remained in custody after reportedly leaving in a silver vehicle. North Yorkshire Police were conducting CCTV and forensic inquiries, while the mosque was closed temporarily and extra patrols were planned. Police said the incident’s motivation was not yet clear, and the mosque’s president said the organization was cooperating fully with the investigation.

First Bus and Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are providing 100 free travel passes each month until next March to vulnerable pregnant women, particularly those from minority and disadvantaged communities, who struggle to reach hospital appointments. Passes will be allocated after a financial assessment, while the trust will monitor clinic attendance and outcomes. The initiative is intended to improve access to scans, maternity appointments, and urgent obstetric care.

Former West Yorkshire Police officer Ben Hutchison, 26, pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court to sexual assault and assault by beating against two women during a night out in Leeds in August 2025. He received a community order requiring rehabilitation activities, 120 hours of unpaid work and 90 days without alcohol. Hutchison resigned from the force in April, but West Yorkshire Police said he will still face a gross misconduct hearing that could result in his being banned from policing.

A hedgehog found painted blue and yellow in Yeadon, Leeds, died despite rescue efforts by Prickly Pigs Hedgehog Rescue. Rescuer Diane Cook said the animal suffered severe breathing problems from paint fumes, and four males were arrested on suspicion of causing unnecessary suffering. The case has raised concerns about human impact on hedgehogs, which are already on the red list due to environmental pressures.

An inquest heard that a house fire in Heckmondwike that killed a father and his nine‑year‑old daughter most likely began in a tumble dryer, according to a fire investigation officer who cited burn patterns in the kitchen. The victims were found unconscious in the smoke‑filled home, and despite rescue attempts, both died. An independent expert for the tumble dryer manufacturer said alternative ignition sources could not be ruled out and that the V‑shaped burn pattern indicated fire development rather than origin. The exact cause remains undetermined as the inquest continues.

An unannounced Care Quality Commission inspection downgraded urgent and emergency care at Bradford Royal Infirmary to requires improvement after identifying long waits, safety risks, staffing pressures and environmental hazards. Inspectors reported patients waiting over 24 hours, delayed pain relief, overcrowding and unmet hygiene needs, with the department receiving far more patients than it was designed for. Despite operational failures, staff were praised for compassion and refusal to deliver corridor care. Bradford Teaching Hospitals said it has since implemented an action plan, increased staffing and remains confident that improvements have addressed the issues, while noting ongoing challenges from high demand and ageing facilities.

Kirklees Council elected Reform UK’s Sarah Wood as its new leader after months of political deadlock, securing 36 votes in a secret ballot against 30 for Green group leader Andrew Cooper. Wood attributed the victory to improved understanding of council processes and a commitment to collaboration, outlining priorities focused on Reform principles and fiscal responsibility. Cooper welcomed the end of the leadership impasse but questioned the detail behind Reform’s plans while pledging constructive opposition.

A policy change by North Yorkshire Council to fund school transport only to the nearest school has raised concerns about reduced enrolment at Settle College and potential loss of funding. Critics warn the shift could disrupt long‑standing feeder routes and drive pupils to schools outside the county, further diminishing financial resources. A motion to reverse the policy was rejected and sent to a scrutiny committee, drawing anger from parent groups who accuse the council of avoiding accountability. The council maintains the issue requires full review and proper consultation.

Centenary Bridge in Leeds has been repainted and upgraded as part of the Leeds 400 celebrations marking four centuries since the city received its royal charter. Designer Colin Harris recalled creating the original curved structure in the early 1990s and highlighted its role in regenerating the South Bank. The restoration, carried out by Leeds City Council, is intended to support the increasing number of residents and workers along the riverside, with officials celebrating the bridge’s renewed condition and historical significance.

Children in Leeds grew fruit and vegetables at school and sold them at Kirkgate Market as part of the Young Marketeers programme run by School Food Matters. The project helped pupils learn gardening, pricing, advertising and customer interaction, with proceeds going to Incredible Edible Leeds. Teachers and organisers highlighted the value of hands‑on food education and the life skills gained through the initiative.

A man running a cannabis farm in Hemsworth was found guilty of murdering an intruder by shooting him with an illegal sawn-off shotgun. CCTV and phone evidence showed Adrian Frost armed himself and waited before firing at 26-year-old Connor Batty, who had entered the property with two others to steal drugs. Police described Frost’s response as grossly disproportionate. A search of his home uncovered extensive cannabis production, weapons and evidence of illicit wealth. Batty’s accomplices received prison sentences for burglary-related offences.

A 58-year-old motorcyclist died in a crash on the northbound A1(M) between junctions 42 and 43 in West Yorkshire, prompting a full road closure and diversions. Emergency services, including an air ambulance, responded to the incident, and police are appealing for witnesses. National Highways officers are managing traffic and advising drivers to allow extra travel time.