Sam Reed

Cancer patient and military veteran Mark Collier alleges that staff at Bradford Royal Infirmary failed to follow required hydration procedures before and after administering high-dose methotrexate, putting him at risk of kidney toxicity and potentially death. He says the experience has caused lasting physical and psychological distress and has left him fearful of hospital appointments. Collier has also raised concerns about an incorrectly arranged CT scan transfer and what he describes as poor handling of his complaints. Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it takes the concerns seriously, has investigated the various incidents and will provide detailed responses, while offering support through its veterans service.

Wibsey Community Café was burgled less than four weeks after opening, with intruders smashing two doors and stealing food supplies, including chocolates and sweets worth about £500. The café is run by Bradford Organic Communities Service at Wibsey Community Gardens. CEO Jen White said staff were shocked and upset, but the charity planned to repair and secure the site and reopen it. West Yorkshire Police are investigating the break-in, which occurred in the early hours of 19 August, and are appealing for information.

Children and vulnerable adults detained in Bradford and elsewhere in West Yorkshire are experiencing longer waits for independent support in police custody because demand for Appropriate Adults has increased by more than 20% since 2022. The Appropriate Adult Service (TAAS) is recruiting people across the region to provide safeguarding, explain legal procedures and protect the rights and welfare of detainees during police interviews. The flexible role requires training in safeguarding, custody rights and mental health awareness, with applicants particularly sought from care, criminal justice, criminology and social care backgrounds.

Renewed calls have been made to gate off the alley connecting Ivegate and New Market Place in Bradford city centre after an 18-year-old man was injured in a reported stabbing. Bradford Council submitted plans in April for wrought-iron gates, citing years of serious criminal activity and anti-social behaviour, but no planning decision has yet been published. Councillor Nazam Azam and Drum Winder manager Scott Harrison support the proposals, while Bradford Civic Society, which initially objected over the loss of a historic public thoroughfare, has softened its position after discussions about design and seasonal access.

An 18-year-old man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after a reported stabbing near The Drum Winder pub on Ivegate in Bradford at around 6 p.m. on 18 August. Armed police, paramedics and crime-scene investigators attended, and a cordon was placed near the pub. West Yorkshire Police are appealing for witnesses, while The Drum Winder said the incident was unrelated to the pub and that its staff and customers were safe.

David Bush, 77, died after being struck by a Toyota Prius in the Aldi car park on Halifax Road in Brighouse. A 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and released on bail while West Yorkshire Police investigate. Officers are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage, while Bush’s family described him as a much-loved husband, father and grandfather.

Three fire engines from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a small kitchen fire on Cape Street, near Bradford city centre, at 8:16 p.m. on Tuesday. The blaze was extinguished, no injuries were reported, and the cause was recorded as cooking.

Lee Ellis, 55, of Calder Grove in Wakefield, has been charged with manslaughter and being responsible for a dangerously out-of-control dog that caused an injury resulting in death. He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Bradford Magistrates' Court. The charges relate to a dog attack on the old trainline footpath off Blacker Lane, in which a 55-year-old man suffered critical injuries and later died in hospital. A German Shepherd was seized and remains in police kennels while the investigation continues.

Cannabis was found at a derelict factory on Warwick Road in Batley after a major fire in the early hours of Saturday. West Yorkshire Police are investigating the circumstances, with no injuries reported and a scene remaining in place. Four fire engines, specialist rescue crews and an aerial ladder platform attended, while nearby residents were advised to close windows and doors and several roads were closed. Police have appealed for information.

An accident caused heavy westbound traffic on the M62 between Junctions 25 and 22, with delays of about 16 minutes. Traffic was moving particularly slowly between Junctions 23 and 22, and tailbacks were reportedly extending to Brighouse. Motorists were advised to expect delays.

An ASDA petrol station on Rooley Lane in Bradford was closed after a police cordon was put in place. Four police vehicles and an ambulance attended, with officers and paramedics remaining at the scene. West Yorkshire Police had not provided details, while Yorkshire Ambulance Service confirmed that ambulance resources responded on 17 August.

Waj's Fast Food on Manchester Road, Bradford, is celebrating 25 years in business. Brothers Majid Asghar and owner Wajid Asghar have kept the takeaway focused on affordable fish and chips, burgers, pizza and other fast food despite the pandemic, changing customer spending and the cost-of-living crisis. The business is maintaining low prices, exploring new suppliers and planning to expand while preserving its quality, community focus and family ownership.

Bradford recorded a substantial improvement in A* and A grades, with 25.6% of results reaching those levels compared with 23% the previous year, the 12th-largest increase nationally and the strongest improvement in Yorkshire. Yorkshire and the Humber also improved but remained below the national average for top grades. Bradford Grammar School, Shipley College and Belle Vue Girls' Academy reported strong results, with students securing university places, apprenticeships and further education opportunities. Bradford Council and local advisers will provide support to students deciding their next steps.

Bradford Grammar School student Abdullah Mahmood achieved two A*s and two As in his A-levels despite losing his mother, Misbah, during his final year. He has secured a place at the University of Leeds to study aeronautical and aerospace engineering, fulfilling a goal his mother encouraged him to pursue. His father and headmaster praised his academic success, resilience, humility and dedication.

The £82.5 million A59 Kex Gill bypass between Skipton and Blubberhouses is expected to open to traffic within weeks after delays caused by revised designs for unexpected ground conditions and prolonged wet weather. The 2.5-mile route replaces a landslip-prone section that has suffered repeated winter closures. North Yorkshire Council says the project remains within budget, with drainage, reinforced embankments and other measures intended to prevent future ground movement. Environmental work includes tree planting, wildlife boxes and protections for nesting birds and lizards. Tie-ins to the existing road remain unfinished, while landscaping and other completion work will continue until early 2027.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible from Bradford on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, beginning at about 6:17pm, peaking with roughly 91% of the Sun obscured, and ending around 8:06pm. Viewing conditions may be affected by patchy cloud and the Sun’s low western position, with elevated sites such as Baildon Moor and Ilkley Moor suggested as potential vantage points. Optegra Eye Hospital Bradford advises using certified ISO 12312-2 solar glasses or a pinhole projector and warns that ordinary sunglasses are unsafe. Otley Science Festival and the Institute of Physics will provide guidance and distribute certified eclipse glasses at Otley Market Square.

Bradford and the wider Yorkshire region have entered prolonged dry weather status, the final stage before a formal drought declaration, amid worsening conditions, heat-health alerts and England’s driest July on record. Yorkshire Water says reservoir stocks are stronger than last year and that it does not expect to introduce hosepipe restrictions, although demand could exceed 1.5 billion litres per day during another heatwave. Fire authorities warn that dry moorlands face increased wildfire risk, while farming organizations report exceptionally poor harvests, low crop yields and growing pressure for government investment in drought-resilient agriculture and wildfire prevention.

An inquest at Bradford Coroner’s Court concluded that 63-year-old Adam Henson, a father of eight from Five Lane Ends, died by suicide on March 5. Evidence described his history of depression, loneliness and alcohol misuse, as well as attempts to obtain support. Police found no evidence of third-party involvement, and toxicology detected no substances. Assistant Coroner Angela Brocklehurst said his efforts to seek help had not developed into sustained engagement and offered condolences to his family.

Sambuca restaurant in Shipley has reopened after a major refurbishment that added a redesigned entrance, illuminated signage, an outdoor waiting area and a modernized bar with expanded storage. Owner Antonio Ajolinaj said the changes aim to support an authentic dining experience and maintain high-quality food and service. A relaunch party will include an all-you-can-eat buffet, a complimentary drink and live music from Janet Jaye, with tickets priced at £30. Ajolinaj credited strong local support for the restaurant’s success and said he hopes to continue attracting happy diners and staff.

Bradford cyclists Mark Cunningham, Gavin Waddell and Steve Gilbert will undertake a three-day, 400-mile ride from Bradford to Nairn beginning August 28 in memory of Tony Coates, who died aged 58 after a two-year battle with a brain tumour. The route will pass through Gretna Green and Perth before ending in Nairn. Donations will support Marie Curie, which cared for Coates in his final days, and the TIA Greyhound Rescue Centre. Cunningham has previously raised nearly £60,000 for Marie Curie, and the current campaign had exceeded £8,400 toward a £10,000 target by August 4.

Antony Corby, a 65-year-old man from Wilsden who had his leg amputated because of diabetes-related complications, says a five-month wait for an initial prosthetics appointment has left him unable to move around his home, regain independence or care properly for his disabled wife. He disputes the hospital's record that he self-discharged and says he lacked appropriate equipment and support after leaving Bradford Royal Infirmary. Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says he left against therapy advice, declined a pre-discharge home visit and has since received rehabilitation equipment and community therapy visits. After the Telegraph and Argus contacted the trust, Corby was offered an appointment scheduled for late September.

Wibsey Community Café has opened at Wibsey Community Gardens in Bradford and attracted queues from local visitors. Run by environmental charity Bradford Organic Communities Service, the café offers affordable drinks, home-baked cakes and produce grown on site, alongside gardening activities promoting healthy living and outdoor participation. The new building uses a zero-carbon modular WikiHouse design and was developed over several years with government funding and volunteer support. The café operates throughout the year on selected weekdays and Saturdays, and is seeking additional volunteers and help with external signage.

A stallion stolen in Scotland in 2018 has been reunited with its rightful owner after members of the public provided information to West Yorkshire Police. The force’s Wildlife and Rural Crime Team and Shipley Neighbourhood Policing Team traced the horse, although police have not disclosed where it was found.

A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure after a video allegedly showing a man exposing himself in a garden in Bierley circulated on social media. He remains in police custody while West Yorkshire Police’s Bradford South Neighbourhood Policing Team investigates.

West Yorkshire Police uncovered a cannabis farm containing more than 70 plants at a property in Riddlesden during a visit by Keighley’s neighbourhood policing team. The plants were seized, and enquiries into the cultivation operation remain ongoing. Police said cannabis farms can be linked to wider criminality and pose risks to neighbouring residents, urging the public to report suspicious signs such as strong smells, covered windows, unusual foot traffic, and excess heat or condensation.

Former West Yorkshire Police sergeant Edward Howard would have been dismissed after a misconduct hearing found that he punched a taxi driver six times and strangled him while heavily intoxicated. Howard had already resigned from the force and had pleaded guilty to intentional strangulation and assault, receiving a 12-month community order, unpaid work, compensation and costs. The misconduct panel acknowledged his early admissions, guilty plea, remorse and previously strong record, but concluded that the seriousness of the attack and its impact on the driver meant a lesser sanction would undermine public confidence in policing.

A major upgrade of Thornton Road in Bradford has begun and is expected to continue until spring 2028, with final planting and seasonal work extending into early summer. The project, delivered by Bradford Council and the West Yorkshire Combined Authority with UK Government funding, will add segregated cycling infrastructure, improve pedestrian crossings, bus stops, junctions, drainage, lighting, parking and landscaping between Spring Head Road and Girlington Road. Construction will take place in six phases, causing narrowed lanes, temporary signals and possible night or weekend work, although the road, bus services, pedestrian access and access to properties are intended to remain available wherever possible. The schedule may change because of utility works, weather or unforeseen ground conditions.

Lynn Bullock has been recognized for 50 years of volunteer service with the Bradford Sea Cadets, having joined the Girls’ Nautical Training Corps in 1975. A celebration attended by family, former cadets and local dignitaries included the presentation of a commendation letter signed by First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins. Bullock said her greatest reward has been watching shy young cadets gain confidence and, in some cases, progress into staff roles or Royal Navy careers. She also reflected on how Sea Cadet training has become less male-oriented and more varied over the decades.

West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Coroner's Office are appealing for information to help trace the relatives of Alan Kitson, a 71-year-old man from the Bradford area who died on July 16, 2026. Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact the Bradford Coroner's Office.

Bradford councillor Riaz Ahmed has accused Bradford Council of failing to address dangerous parking and pavement obstructions linked to roadside fruit stalls. He says the stalls and customer vehicles endanger motorists, pedestrians, disabled people, parents with prams and elderly residents, and warns that a serious injury is only a matter of time. Bradford Council says its enforcement powers are limited to highway obstruction, road-safety concerns and traffic violations, while its environmental-health team handles trader registration and food-safety inspections. All four sellers visited by the newspaper said they were legally registered and trading lawfully, but Ahmed maintains that parking on pavements and council land remains dangerous and requires immediate action.

Grzegorz Grzech, 37, was sentenced to six weeks in prison suspended for 12 months after admitting that he sent Bradford councillor Susan Fricker a Facebook Messenger image of hanging bodies followed by a threat that she would one day be on the tree. Bradford Magistrates’ Court imposed an indefinite restraining order, rehabilitation activities and unpaid work. Fricker said the threat caused lasting fear for her safety and family, and argued that reporting the incident was important amid increasing hostility toward politicians. The court described the offence as serious while taking account of Grzech’s previous good character and early guilty plea.

Residents living near Homes by Honey's housing development on Abb Scott Lane, Low Moor, say construction work has repeatedly started before permitted hours, including before dawn and during weekends, causing disruption to families. They claim complaints to the developer and Bradford Council have not resolved the problem. Homes by Honey says it has reminded subcontractors and suppliers of the permitted hours, notified the council's planning team and will monitor the site. Bradford Council did not comment before the deadline.

A man died after suffering a medical episode on West Park Road in Bradford. West Yorkshire Police and emergency services attended the scene, and images showed several police officers and an ambulance. Yorkshire Ambulance Service said one patient was taken to hospital after the incident on July 29.

Residents and businesses near P Waddington’s animal rendering plant on Hammerton Street, Bradford, say persistent foul odours are making homes difficult to use, harming mental wellbeing and driving away customers. Residents also report seeing animal remains and residue on nearby roads. Bradford East MP Imran Hussain has urged Bradford Council to secure the site’s closure and relocation, arguing that such an industrial operation is unsuitable in a residential urban area. P Waddington director Alistair Collins attributed the stronger smells partly to pressure on the animal by-products sector during the UK heatwave and said the company was taking steps to reduce the impact.

The Royal Oak on Stony Lane in Eccleshill has been shortlisted among the top 10 pubs in Bradford Telegraph and Argus’s Best Pub 2026 competition, with the winner to be chosen by reader votes. Licensees Stuart and Claire McLean have run the pub for eight years. It is described as a community hub with long-standing regulars, a tap room, lounge, beer garden, function space, live entertainment, quizzes and sports screens. The McLeans credit the staff and local customers for the pub’s success and say the shortlist recognition has created a strong sense of pride and excitement.

Police recorded 13 driving-related offences during a road safety operation in Cleckheaton on July 24. Officers found drivers without seatbelts, vehicles lacking valid MOTs or tax, mobile phone use behind the wheel, non-compliant vehicle glass and driving without due care and attention. Operation Trimburg is supported by local ward councillors and resident intelligence, with similar enforcement activity planned across the district.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of affray after reports of fighting near Stadium Road in Odsal, Bradford, at about 2 p.m. on July 26. West Yorkshire Police confirmed the arrests, while residents reported a large police presence in the area.

A 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving while unfit through drink after a car was found overturned on Beckside Road in Bradford at about 1:45 a.m. No one was injured. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue made the area safe, while police said the man remained in custody and their investigation was ongoing.

Bradford-based independent fast-food chain Mahmoods is celebrating 25 years in business after opening its first branch on Great Horton Road in 2001. Founder and CEO Tariq Mahmood says the company was established to provide a more consistent and professional independent fast-food experience, including halal food prepared without cross-contamination concerns. The chain now has branches in Bradford, Leeds, Nottingham and Keighley, with long-serving employees and strong local support cited as key to its success. Anniversary promotions include free cheeseburger meals for the first 100 customers at each branch and a buy-one-get-one-free offer. Mahmood also indicated that expansion plans are in development, with his son Mohammad Ibrahim joining the business to help drive its future growth.

West Yorkshire Police are investigating a reported assault on a child in Birstall after a video of the alleged incident circulated online. Specialist safeguarding officers are supporting the child and family, while Detective Inspector Will Denton urged the public not to speculate about those involved and to allow the investigation to proceed.

Children’s art studio Scribble Studio in Bingley has raised more than £2,000 toward a Crowdfunder target to relocate from Bingley Music School to larger premises on Main Street. Founded by artist Remi Pavlovich, the studio plans to expand its children’s and adult classes, workshops, camps and community activities, with the new site expected to open in September 2026. Funds will cover legal costs, a rent deposit and other essential expenses, while local businesses have also supported the campaign.

A 22-year-old man suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries after two men attacked him with bladed weapons on Sissons Road in Middleton, Leeds. The suspects fled in a car, and West Yorkshire Police is appealing for witnesses or anyone with footage to contact Leeds District CID or Crimestoppers.

A 58-year-old woman was found dead in a flat at Cottingley Towers in Leeds after emergency services responded to concerns about people inside the property. A 52-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody. West Yorkshire Police said the incident appeared to be isolated, that no other suspects were being sought, and appealed for witnesses to contact investigators.

Police officers from the Keighley Neighbourhood Policing Team recovered several metal baseball bats and suspected Class C drugs in Highfield, Keighley, on July 24 after receiving information from members of the public. West Yorkshire Police said enquiries remain ongoing.

Four Bradford men were convicted of raping and indecently assaulting a girl between 2002 and 2004 after she reported the abuse in 2019. The victim described lasting trauma from the offences, while police praised her courage and noted the convictions form part of a wider investigation that has led to 13 men being found guilty. Authorities encouraged other victims of sexual abuse to come forward and seek support.

Police arrested and charged 19‑year‑old Joshua Watson after reports of a man with a knife on a TransPennine Express train at Leeds Railway Station. Officers boarded the train, detained him and recovered a knife. Watson appeared at West Yorkshire Magistrates' Court on July 18 and is scheduled to return on September 4 on a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.

Two fires broke out in the Bradford area within a short period, prompting deployments of four fire crews to a grass fire in Woodall Hills and eight crews to a second blaze on Poplars Park Road. The West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service reported both incidents occurred within 30 minutes, with crews working to control the fires’ spread.

A murder investigation has been launched after 28-year-old Mohammed Hasan died from a gunshot wound to the head in Bradford. His family paid tribute, calling him a devoted husband and father and urging the community to share information. Police confirmed the shot was fired from a BMW, with nine arrests made so far. One man, Hasnain Akhter, has been charged with attempted murder, while a manhunt continues for Luqman Khan, believed to be in Suffolk. Authorities continue to appeal for public assistance.

A dead animal found near the P Waddington rendering plant in Bradford heightened resident concerns over odours and powdery residue allegedly originating from the facility. Local business owner Rahan Khan reported the carcass and residue, prompting environmental health involvement. Company director Alistair Collins attributed the issues to increased livestock deaths and faster material degradation caused by extreme heat, adding that mineral residue may come from odour‑abatement vapour. The company is reviewing CCTV footage, while Bradford Council has yet to comment.

Bradford Council said it has not identified persistent roadside fruit trading issues in Whetley Lane and Toller Lane and enforces only when there is evidence of obstruction, safety risks or traffic violations. Previous complaints have not revealed breaches of highway legislation. Hygiene and food safety concerns are managed separately by Environmental Health, which inspects registered traders and investigates complaints, with registration details also available through the Food Standards Agency.

Rising temperatures and repeated heatwaves have driven a sharp increase in demand for air conditioning across Bradford, leaving suppliers unable to meet orders. Local installers report widespread stock shortages and long wait times, with domestic units becoming increasingly common as homeowners shift from viewing cooling systems as a luxury to a necessity. Business owners describe overwhelming call volumes and note that British homes are poorly designed for higher temperatures, reinforcing expectations that demand will continue to grow.

Bars and venues across Bradford are preparing for England’s World Cup quarter-final against Norway with special events that include karaoke, DJs, discounted drinks, free food, competitions, and themed fan‑park entertainment. Multiple pubs and a city fan park plan to show the match on numerous screens, aiming to attract strong crowds and boost local hospitality business.

A report revealed a sharp rise in Yorkshire Water pollution incidents, prompting MP Anna Dixon to condemn the company’s performance and call for an immediate improvement plan. The utility expects a downgrade in the Environment Agency’s performance assessment and faces increased Ofwat penalties. Despite profit growth and a large payment to chief executive Nicola Shaw, customer sentiment has declined following bill increases. Yorkshire Water acknowledged shortcomings but said improvements would take time, highlighting completed environmental obligations and progress on water quality and leakage.