Charles Heslett

West Yorkshire Police has referred a crash in Bradford to the Independent Office for Police Conduct after two 17-year-olds on a suspected stolen motorbike failed to stop for officers and collided with a car. The rider sustained a serious leg injury and remains in hospital, while the passenger suffered minor injuries. Both were arrested on suspicion of offences including vehicle theft, failing to stop and causing serious injury by dangerous driving; one was also arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer. Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage.

West Yorkshire Combined Authority has approved more than £120m for its publicly controlled Weaver Network bus scheme, including up to 48 new diesel buses alongside 193 zero-emission vehicles. The diesel purchases are intended to bridge delays in installing electric charging infrastructure at depots, with the authority retaining the option to convert their engines later. Officials said the final number will depend on negotiations over inherited bus fleets and that Euro 7 models were not currently available from contracted manufacturers. The first franchised services are expected to launch in May 2027, with full regional coverage planned by the end of 2028.

Residents of Marsden and nearby communities express strong support for banning disposable barbecues following recent moorland fires in West and North Yorkshire. Locals cite health concerns, wildlife loss and difficulty enforcing existing rules. York and North Yorkshire mayor David Skaith is campaigning for removal of the items from sale, while the Co‑op highlights its policy of not selling them near National Parks. The National Trust advises avoiding any naked flames on the moors and reporting smoke or barbecues immediately to emergency services.

Pride banners funded by a public campaign will remain in place across Calderdale despite the council stating it did not approve their installation. Councillor Sarah Courtney said the banners were legally placed in licensed advertising spaces, while Calderdale Reform UK said it intended to remove them and pursue legal action. The dispute follows changes to the council’s flag‑flying protocol, which removed several observance days linked to LGBTQ+ and anti‑violence campaigns. A vote on the revised policy will proceed to a full council meeting next month.