Daryl Ames

After his 19-year-old son Ethan died by suicide in June 2024, Silsden father Michael Buckett wrote the book “Ethan: Forever 19” to preserve his son’s memory as a person rather than define him by his death. Memorial football matches organised by Ethan’s friends raised £12,000 for Andy’s Man Club and helped inspire Forever 19, a community interest company focused on improving young people’s mental health. Its schools programme for students aged 13 and over promotes early conversations, recognising when peers are struggling, and seeking help before a crisis.

A 55-year-old man died after being bitten by a dog during an altercation on a footpath off Blacker Lane in Calder Grove, Wakefield. Police arrested another 55-year-old man on suspicion of murder and of owning a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused injury. The dog was seized, and investigators are seeking witnesses, especially two women who assisted the injured man at the scene.

A wildfire broke out on Friday night at a disused reservoir off Westfield Lane, between Idle and Wrose in Bradford. Resident Darren Vidamour recorded drone footage showing flames burning in a ring across the hillside and said the fire could have posed a serious threat to nearby homes and lives if neighbours had not contacted the fire brigade. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, leaving extensive damage to the grassed area, and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service was asked for further information.

At least three grass fires broke out across the Bradford district during a period of very high wildfire risk, including a blaze on Idle Moor near Westfield Lane, a large fire at Bolton Woods, and a shed fire that spread to grass in Keighley. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed multiple crews and specialist equipment, while residents expressed concern about possible deliberate ignition, prolonged dry weather and the effects of hotter summers on farming. A separate pallet fire occurred at a commercial premises in Bradford.

A fire at a three-storey derelict industrial unit on Warwick Road in Batley prompted road closures and advice for nearby residents to stay indoors with windows and doors shut. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service deployed four fire engines, a technical rescue team and an aerial ladder platform after receiving the call at 2:28 a.m. Bradford Road and Warwick Road were closed while crews worked to make the area safe.

West Yorkshire Police have renewed their appeal for information about the 2005 arson attack at a home on Prospect Grove in Shipley that killed 36-year-old engineer and father James Tomlin. Tomlin escaped through a window but died from smoke and gas inhalation. His pregnant fiancée, Sonia Chadwick, and their two young sons were rescued by firefighters. The Major Investigation Review Team is treating the death as murder and says that new information, including evidence made available through changed friendships or modern forensic techniques, could help identify those responsible.

The Low Moor pub in Low Moor, Bradford, has warned customers not to bring their own alcoholic drinks onto the premises, particularly during functions. Management says the practice is becoming more common and costs the business money, and has threatened to close any function where customers are found bringing outside drinks and ask everyone to leave.

Fation Kalemaj, a 44-year-old Albanian national, has been charged with facilitating illegal immigration after an incident near Holland-on-Sea in Essex on July 1. He appeared at Bradford Magistrates’ Court on August 11 and was remanded in custody until a Bradford Crown Court hearing on September 10. Four other men—Konrad Dabrowski, Damian Ciuron, Christian Albano and Illia Prendi—have also been charged with people-smuggling or facilitation offences and are due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on September 3. Six Albanian nationals found aboard the boat were detained and dealt with by Immigration Enforcement.

A resident on Catherine Street in Keighley was reportedly distracted by a young man offering gardening services, allowing a purse containing cash and a bank card, a Nintendo Switch console and a mobile phone to be stolen. West Yorkshire Police described the suspect and advised residents to be wary of uninvited callers, secure their homes and avoid leaving strangers unattended. Witnesses or anyone with information were asked to contact police on 101 or a local PCSO.

Bradford Council will begin some refuse collection rounds an hour earlier on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday because temperatures are forecast to reach 31°C on Wednesday and 32°C on Thursday. Residents are asked to put their bins out the night before, while missed bins should remain outside for later collection.

A West Yorkshire Police motorcycle and a car collided at the junction of Church Lane and High Street in Heckmondwike at about 1 p.m. on a Monday. The police officer sustained minor, non-serious injuries, and both vehicles were later recovered.

Eight-month-old Ted Johnston is completing a nine-mile trike challenge over nine days to raise money for Silence Between Sirens, a charity supporting the mental health of police and other emergency-service workers. Supported by his mother, serving West Yorkshire police officer Jess Johnston, Ted’s challenge aims to raise £358, enough to train 16 workers in suicide prevention and mental-health first aid. The charity, founded by Hannah Cooper after her own experience with PTSD, funds training, peer support and wellbeing initiatives across the UK.

Royal Mail has responded to a Wilsden resident's complaint that she received no post for more than two weeks. The company said mail is still being delivered across the Bradford village but that sickness and other short-term local issues have affected some routes. Royal Mail said outstanding mail is cleared as quickly as possible, with First Class mail and medical letters prioritised during periods of disruption.

Bradford-based Encon Staffing Associates Ltd has marked its 25th anniversary with a garden party for employees and their families. The company supplies temporary and permanent workers to the UK construction industry, employs 10 staff and credits its growth to supporting local workers and adapting through recession and the Covid-19 pandemic. Its newer division, Encon Pharma, has expanded from a pharmacy recruitment agency into a 13-person software business with offices in the UK and Lahore, providing community pharmacies with a centralised service-management portal.

The Oddfellows Arms on Harrogate Road in Eccleshill has been acquired by Punch Pubs & Co and added to its leased and tenanted estate. Local publican Tony Good is taking over from Mick Gallagher, who ran the pub for more than 20 years. Punch representatives said the pub would remain a community hub, offering dining, casual drinks, pool and darts, while receiving the company’s training and operational support.

Bradford chocolatier Chakelet, founded by Kiran Khan in November 2025, has expanded beyond hand-crafted chocolates to serve hot and cold drinks, including coffee made with wild Kopi Luwak beans. The Leeds Road business also offers bespoke chocolate displays for weddings and promotes sustainability through edible cups and refillable drink containers. Khan says the business’s handmade products, luxury presentation and fruit-inspired chocolate flavours have helped it gain recognition, including her Entrepreneur of the Year award.

A man was found dead in the River Aire near East Street and the Royal Armouries in Leeds after emergency services were called shortly after 4pm. West Yorkshire Police pronounced him dead at the scene and are treating the death as unexplained while working to establish his identity. The man was described as Black, tall and muscular, with short black dreadlocks and a beard, and police appealed for information. Fire and ambulance services also attended, while enquiries continue.

A man in his thirties was taken to hospital with a head injury after a physical altercation on Wroe Street in Dewsbury Moor. Police also received reports that an air rifle had been fired, but confirmed the injury was not caused by the weapon. His injuries were neither life-threatening nor life-changing, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Evelyn Wood celebrated her 106th birthday at Anchor’s Springfield care home in Bradford, surrounded by her family. Care staff organized a party, and home manager Vicki Hemsworth highlighted Wood’s cherished place in the community. Born in 1920 and married in 1940, Wood credited her longevity to black tea and salad. She also received a birthday card from the King as part of the celebration.

Police responded to a serious assault on Bertram Road in Manningham, Bradford, where a man suffered significant injuries and was taken to the hospital. Several cordons were put in place, and investigations by West Yorkshire Police are ongoing.

Fire investigators confirmed that burning wooden pallets caused a large blaze off Thackley Old Road in Shipley, which spread to a nearby building and required eight fire crews to bring under control. The fire produced significant smoke visible for miles and disrupted local businesses and roads before being fully extinguished and closed by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Organisers of Bingley Pride have postponed the 2026 event to July 31, 2027, citing unforeseen difficulties. They say the delay will allow more time for fundraising and promise a larger celebration when the event returns. Smaller events will be held throughout the year to continue supporting the local LGBTQIA+ community.

A crash on the M62 eastbound between junctions 24 and 25 caused severe delays, with traffic moving at around 10mph and journey times increasing by up to 12 minutes. Vehicles were moved to the hard shoulder, but congestion extended back to junction 24. West Yorkshire Police have been contacted for further details.

A Bradford fireworks retailer criticizes UK government proposals to restrict access to the loudest fireworks, arguing that poorly run temporary shops create safety problems while established businesses follow regulations. The government consultation seeks to limit noisy fireworks to professional displays, expand bans on certain pyrotechnics and review safety classifications, aiming to reduce anti-social behaviour and protect communities and animals.

Police issued a national appeal for sightings of James, a 42‑year‑old from Bingley who has been missing since May 31. Detectives highlighted that he often visits remote areas such as the Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia and urged walkers to report any potential sightings. His family’s concern is increasing, and police released his physical description and asked anyone with information to contact Bradford CID quoting a specific log number.

Tributes were issued for Mohammed Hasan, who died from a gunshot wound to the head following a July 8 shooting in West Bowling, Bradford. Police believe the shot was fired from a BMW, and armed officers responded to the scene at Gaythorne Road and Parsonage Road. Community group Bradford Pakistanis shared condolences on social media, emphasising the impact of violence and calling for unity and safer communities.

A man suffered a cardiac arrest and fell onto the first‑floor roof of a building on Willow Street in Girlington. Fire crews assisted ambulance personnel using an aerial ladder platform to access and rescue him. The severity of his injuries is unknown, and authorities have been contacted for further details.

A new £2.2 million Keighley Fire Station has opened on Bradford Road, replacing the 1964 facility that was demolished after more than 50 years of service. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service celebrated the opening on July 14, 2026, highlighting upgraded training and community spaces, improved welfare facilities, and design features supporting firefighter health. Planning approval was granted in 2022 following earlier delays tied to the pandemic, with the project funded through the fire authority’s 2020–21 budget.

Inspectors praised Lidget Green Primary School for its positive environment, strong community and effective early years provision while noting that pupil achievement at the end of Key Stage 2 remains below national averages. Leaders were commended for high expectations and significant improvements driven by values of inclusion, nurture and respect. The headteacher and the Pennine Academies Yorkshire Trust welcomed the findings, highlighting staff efforts to overcome barriers faced by pupils and to strengthen early learning.

Police are seeking information to locate 35‑year‑old Nathaniel Walsh, who is wanted in connection with disqualified driving and assault offences. Walsh, who has links across Huddersfield, Kirklees, Brighouse and Bradford, is described as medium build, 5ft 10in, with distinctive dental features and a tattoo reading “Loved by some, hated by many.” Authorities urge anyone with information to contact West Yorkshire Police or provide anonymous tips via Crimestoppers.

Police stopped a driver speeding at 41mph in a 30mph zone on Hard Ings Road in Keighley and discovered the motorist also had no licence or insurance. The vehicle was seized and the driver faces prosecution for all offences.

A large wildfire covering more than 80,000 square metres of Ilkley Moor prompted a major response from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, with 12 fire engines and specialist equipment deployed to control the blaze. Crews worked through the night in challenging terrain while officials urged the public to avoid the area and follow safety guidance amid extremely high wildfire risk due to warm, dry conditions. Authorities issued renewed warnings against activities that could ignite fires and encouraged immediate reporting of any signs of danger.

A man suffered a serious but non-life-threatening head injury after an assault on Queen's Road in Bradford late Monday night. Police responded to the report around 10:46 p.m. and transported the victim to hospital. West Yorkshire Police stated that inquiries into the incident are ongoing, and Yorkshire Ambulance Service has been contacted for additional details.

Police on patrol in Baildon stopped a vehicle after detecting a strong smell of cannabis, ultimately bringing it to a safe halt when it initially failed to stop. The driver was arrested on suspicion of drug driving and possession of a Class B substance by officers from the Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team.

Police arrested three people in Armley, Leeds, after discovering more than £10,000 in suspected counterfeit banknotes along with printing equipment, false documentation, and hologram rolls. Two men and a woman were detained on suspicion of money laundering and later released on bail as investigations continue.

A BMW collided with a school fence and a van on Fenwick Drive in Bradford, blocking the road before the driver reportedly fled. Police attended and the vehicle was later removed, with no confirmed information yet on injuries. Authorities have been contacted for further details.

Bradford Forster Academy received a positive SIAMS inspection rating that praised its inclusive culture, ambitious curriculum, strong enrichment activities and support for students with special educational needs. The report noted improved behaviour and attendance following earlier challenges highlighted in recent Ofsted inspections. School leaders and the Bradford Diocesan Academies Trust welcomed the findings, emphasising continued efforts to raise standards and strengthen the school’s role in the community.

The inaugural Bradford City Mela will be held on August 1 and 2 in City Park and Centenary Square, showcasing music, dance, food and cultural activities. Organised by Royale Festivals CIC with sponsorship from the University of Huddersfield, the event aims to celebrate Bradford’s cultural diversity and engage local communities. Performers include F1rstman, Sahara, Saloni, D8 and Mumzy Stranger, with Dance United Agency leading dance performances and workshops. Darley Street Market will host a community stage curated by Aswad Arts, further highlighting local talent and cultural expression.

Ellis Thornton was sentenced to eight years and three months at Leeds Crown Court for firing shots at a Halifax home in January 2023 before fleeing the UK, triggering an international manhunt. He was later arrested in the United States and extradited to the UK. Police highlighted the danger of his actions. Rashawn Bedeau was previously jailed for financially supporting Thornton as he evaded authorities across several countries.

An Ofsted inspection of Little Wonders Nursery in Bradford identified safety and behaviour‑management concerns, including children accessing batteries and a lack of staff vigilance. The report noted inconsistent risk assessments and insufficient intervention when children displayed disruptive behaviour. Positive findings included strong staff‑child relationships and a clear curriculum vision. The nursery accepted the findings and said it had taken steps to strengthen risk assessments, supervision, behaviour‑management training and quality‑assurance procedures, emphasising its commitment to continuous improvement.

A Bradford drive-through fan zone at Wunder Crumble by MyLahore offers free outdoor screenings of England’s World Cup matches on a large screen, aimed at creating an inclusive and family-friendly environment. The venue provides kerbside food service, limited outdoor seating, and welcomes visitors of all ages, with optional donations collected for Bradford Hospitals Charity.

Volunteers from the Ahmadiyya Muslim Association Bradford distributed nearly 200 free bottles of water at a pop-up stall in Shipley to support residents during a heatwave exceeding 30°C. Dr Abid Ahmad emphasized the importance of protecting vulnerable people in extreme heat and noted the positive public response. The initiative aimed to promote compassion and community engagement, reflecting the association’s motto, “Love for All, Hatred for None.”

Two pubs in Bradford and Cleckheaton reported abusive and unsafe behaviour during England’s World Cup match. The Moorland halted its screening after bottle‑throwing endangered customers and staff, while The 147 reached full capacity and faced hostility when legally turning people away. Both venues emphasised safety, condemned aggressive behaviour, and thanked patrons who acted responsibly.

Fans at Bradford Live celebrated England’s 2–1 World Cup quarter‑final victory over Norway, erupting into chants and joining in post‑match songs after Jude Bellingham scored twice, including the extra‑time winner. Bradford Live described the event as its biggest fan park night yet and encouraged supporters to return for the upcoming semi‑final against Argentina.

Police recovered a stolen bicycle linked to anti-social behaviour outside Springfield Youth Centre in the Thorpe Edge area of Bradford. Bradford East Neighbourhood Policing Team said officers continue to work across communities to address concerns and outlined the legal measures available under the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. The public is encouraged to report related issues via police channels or Crimestoppers.

Leylands Medical Centre in Bradford received an ‘outstanding’ rating from the Care Quality Commission after adopting a prevention‑focused model aimed at reducing health inequalities. Senior partner Dr Mohammed Bhamani highlighted efforts to improve accessibility, identify underserved groups and detect chronic conditions earlier. Manager Tom Baker described a holistic, personalised approach that has increased patient engagement and improved adherence to vaccinations and screenings. Staff collaboration across clinical and non‑clinical teams has contributed to earlier intervention in conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which the practice considers a significant advancement in care delivery.

Pam Rushforth is retiring after 33 years as the lollipop lady on High Street in Wibsey, where she has helped generations of children cross the road safely. Her daughter and local residents expressed admiration for her long service, while the headteacher of Wibsey Primary School praised her dedication to the community. A local community group also thanked her for her decades of commitment. She plans to retire at the end of the school term in July and looks forward to the next chapter of her life.

Police are seeking 24-year-old Luqman Khan in connection with a shooting in West Bowling that left a 28-year-old man with life-threatening head injuries. Officers believe Khan has travelled to Suffolk and may be in Ipswich or Felixstowe. Two men in their 20s were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, and a vehicle was recovered as part of the inquiry. Authorities continue to conduct searches in multiple Bradford locations and urge anyone with information to contact West Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers.

Emergency services responded to a report of a body found in a vehicle at the Asda car park in Lidget Green, Bradford. Police initially described the death as unexplained but later confirmed it is not being treated as suspicious. Yorkshire Ambulance Service attended alongside multiple police units, and a cordon was established as inquiries began.

Police responded to an incident at Ivegate and Sunbridge Road in Bradford, where about 50 people had gathered and officers appeared to make arrests. Further details were being sought from West Yorkshire Police.

Forecasts indicate a new heatwave across the UK, with Bradford expected to reach highs of 29 degrees later in the week and temperatures remaining elevated into early next week. Southern England may see temperatures climb into the mid-30s, though forecasters do not expect records to be broken. The Met Office notes that most of England and Wales will experience hot conditions, with slightly cooler temperatures in northern regions. The heatwave should continue into the weekend before gradually easing, with possible showers or thunderstorms as humidity increases.

Community and faith leaders mark 25 years since the Bradford riots by highlighting extensive progress in cohesion, investment and regeneration. The riots in 2001 saw large-scale disorder, injuries and significant damage, but local organisations, faith groups and public services have since strengthened intercommunity relationships and reduced tensions. Local MP Judith Cummins emphasises ongoing efforts to secure investment and opportunity, while religious and cultural representatives describe improved cooperation, neighbourhood policing and a more positive narrative for the city.

Emergency services responded to a concern for safety on Godwin Street in Bradford, where a woman was assessed by paramedics and required no treatment. Police confirmed attendance, and further details were sought from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

A police pursuit in Bradford ended on Legrams Lane when officers stopped a vehicle and arrested a 23‑year‑old man on suspicion of drug driving and dangerous driving after a helicopter and traffic units tracked the car across the city.

Police are searching for 56‑year‑old Darren Inkpen, who has failed to comply with Sex Offenders' Register notification requirements after his release from prison in April. Although he was expected to move to the Leeds area, he has not met reporting obligations and officers have carried out extensive arrest inquiries. Inkpen has connections to Kent and Sussex, and authorities urge anyone with information to contact police or Crimestoppers.

Several Bradford pubs will open until 5am for England’s 1am World Cup match against Mexico following a government decision to relax licensing rules. Venues including The Crown, The Angel, Ancient Foresters, and The Flying Squirrel plan late openings, with managers reporting strong turnout and a lively atmosphere during previous matches. Greene King and Marston’s will extend hours across hundreds of pubs, and additional local venues may join the list.

An 18-year-old man from Bierley has been charged with multiple robberies and e‑bike thefts linked to fraudulent online transactions in Bradford’s Holme Wood area. Police report that a fake banking app was used to deceive sellers during arranged sales meetings. The suspect has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear at Bradford Crown Court on July 31, while investigations continue by the District Crime Team.

Two Polish nationals from Bradford and an Italian national were charged with facilitating illegal immigration after authorities observed a vessel dropping six people on the shoreline at Holland‑on‑Sea. Essex Police, the National Crime Agency, the Border Security Command and HM Coastguard carried out arrests, with all three suspects remanded into custody ahead of a court appearance. A fourth man remains in custody, and six individuals from the vessel were detained for immigration offences.

Armed officers attended St Matthew's Road in Bradford on Thursday morning, with multiple police vehicles visible as searches were carried out. West Yorkshire Police stated the activity was related to an ongoing investigation and confirmed that no arrests were made.

Seven people were arrested in West Yorkshire during a week-long operation targeting organised immigration crime across cash‑intensive businesses. Authorities inspected 31 locations, issuing £300,000 in fines and making more than 50 immigration referrals. Officers found individuals working on expired visas, being underpaid, and living in poor conditions. The operation led to the seizure of illicit cigarettes, cannabis and vehicles, and formed part of the national Operation Lockstream initiative aimed at disrupting criminal networks and safeguarding vulnerable people.

Police in Bradford are appealing for information on James, a 42-year-old Bingley man last seen on May 31 and known to visit remote areas such as the Yorkshire Dales and Snowdonia. Officers report growing concern for his welfare and provide a physical description along with contact details for anyone who may have information, including the incident log reference 0353 of June 29.

A pub on the Saltaire–Shipley border has reverted to its historic name, reopening as The Victoria Saltaire after operating as the Salt Cellar since 2017. The owners refreshed the exterior with new signage reflecting the building’s heritage and described the relaunch as a return to its roots. The pub dates back to 1875 and had been empty prior to its 2017 reopening.

A pedestrian in his forties suffered serious but non‑life‑threatening head and arm injuries after being struck by a dark blue Audi S3 in a hit‑and‑run on Thornton Road in Bradford. The driver fled toward Bradford, prompting a police cordon and traffic disruption, including bus diversions. West Yorkshire Police appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage and directed information to their Roads Policing Unit or Crimestoppers.

A man collapsed on Round Street in West Bowling, prompting ambulance crews and a specialist paramedic to respond and transport the patient to Bradford Royal Infirmary. Police set up a cordon while emergency services managed the scene, and further details are being sought from West Yorkshire Police.

Fire crews from the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service extinguished a car fire on Bingley Road in Baildon on Sunday afternoon. Two crews used breathing apparatus and hose reels to put out the blaze, which was attributed to a fault with the car. No injuries were reported.

Police are investigating the death of an 80‑year‑old woman at a home in Otley, which is not considered suspicious, while a 20‑year‑old man and a 44‑year‑old woman have been arrested on suspicion of neglect of a vulnerable person and preventing a lawful burial, and both have been bailed as enquiries continue by Leeds CID.

Police identified 29-year-old Dylan Sumner from Widnes as the motorcyclist who died in a collision involving a Yamaha MT motorcycle and a Fiat Ducato van in Greetland, Calderdale. The crash occurred on June 25, and a 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and later bailed. Investigators are seeking witnesses and dashcam footage to support the ongoing inquiry.

A police cordon was placed on Westgate in Bradford after emergency services responded to a medical incident on Saturday evening. Yorkshire Ambulance Service reported that one patient was taken to hospital, and West Yorkshire Police confirmed the situation was a medical emergency occurring in a public area.