‘Human rights and civil liberties champion’ Ratna Lachman has passed away

More from Local and National News

• Nearly 200 Businesses Back Proposed West London Orbital Railway

  Nearly 200 businesses and organisations, including Sky, IKEA and Octopus Energy, have urged the Chancellor to support the proposed West London Orbital railway. The 18.5-kilometre route would connect Hendon and Hounslow, potentially creating thousands of jobs, supporting new homes and improving transport links across West London.

• Former Police Officer from West Yorkshire Convicted of Rape and Misconduct

  A former Metropolitan Police officer from Meltham, West Yorkshire, has been convicted of serious sexual offences after abusing his position of trust to exploit a vulnerable woman he met through his duties. Mark Tyrrell, 57, was also convicted of attempting to destroy evidence and had previously admitted misconduct in public office.

• Huddersfield Man Found Guilty of Historic Sexual Offences Against Teenage Girls

  A 55-year-old man from Huddersfield has been convicted of eight offences, including five counts of rape, following a trial at Leeds Crown Court. Muhammed Khalid, who fled the UK while under investigation, was arrested at Manchester Airport in April. He is due to be sentenced on 24 November.

• Bradford Couple Say Harassment Complaints Are Being Ignored

  A couple living in Holme Wood, Bradford, say years of alleged harassment and anti-social behaviour have left them feeling unsafe in their own home. West Yorkshire Police have confirmed an active harassment investigation, while housing provider Incommunities says it is investigating the complaints.

• Accrington Drug Dealer Jailed After Crack Cocaine Found Hidden in Deodorant Can

  A 27-year-old drug dealer from Accrington has been jailed for five years and seven months after police discovered 90 wraps of crack cocaine concealed inside a false deodorant can. Sadakat Ali was already on licence from a previous prison sentence for supplying drugs when officers raided his home.

• Tour de France 2027 to Race Through Blackburn and Darwen

  Blackburn with Darwen will welcome the world-famous Tour de France on Saturday 3 July 2027, as riders travel through Blackburn, Tockholes and Belmont during the 223km second stage from Keswick to Liverpool. The historic event will give residents the opportunity to watch elite international cycling for free.

• Vandals Rip Out Bollards at Popular Halifax Beauty Spot

  Vandals have damaged Albert Promenade in Halifax, ripping out two bollards and reportedly damaging a lamppost. A local councillor has described the incident as shocking and requested a review of CCTV footage to help identify those responsible.

• Bradford Council Proposes £50m Savings to End Reliance on Government Financial Support

  Bradford Council has unveiled plans to save £50 million during 2027–28, potentially ending its reliance on exceptional government financial support two years earlier than expected. The proposals follow £150 million in savings over three years, with the council insisting frontline service availability will be protected.

• Hillingdon Residents Face 70% Parking Charge Increase from April 2027

  Hillingdon Council has approved major increases to parking charges, with residents facing rises of approximately 70% from April 2027. The changes include higher parking tariffs, reduced resident discounts and increased permit costs, prompting criticism from the local Labour MP.

• Milton Keynes Council Cracks Down on Scams, Rogue Traders and Unsafe Businesses

  Milton Keynes City Council has stepped up enforcement against scams, illegal sales and businesses posing risks to public health.

• Two Men Jailed for 28 Years Over Deaths of Leeds Mother and Daughter

  Two men have been jailed for a combined 28 years after their dangerous driving caused the deaths of a mother and her four-year-old daughter in Leeds.

• Police Appeal to Two Women Following Indecent Exposure Report in Slaithwaite

  West Yorkshire Police are appealing for two young women to come forward following a reported indecent exposure incident near a bus stop in Slaithwaite, Kirklees. Officers are also seeking witnesses who may have seen the incident or similar behaviour in the area.