A woman pedestrian suffered serious injuries when she was involved in a collision with a Land Rover at St James Retail Park in Knaresborough today.

The woman, in her early 60s, was injured at about 12.15pm near the McDonald’s roundabout.

She was treated at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital by ambulance with a serious leg injury.

There has been extensive traffic disruption while the emergency services worked at the scene.

North Yorkshire Police is asking witnesses to make a report via its website or by calling 101. Quote reference NYP-07102022-0176 when providing details.

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North Yorkshire Police has urged people not to support online child abuse activists and said it will not work with them.

The constabulary issued a statement today saying the number of online vigilante groups had increased in the county but they risked hampering prosecutions and often targeted innocent people.

Such groups often use a decoy victim – an adult pretending to be a child – to snare suspected child abusers.

They then live-stream or post videos on social media of them confronting suspects, often calling the police at this stage.

The statement said:

“We have specialist teams working hard around the clock to identify and bring offenders to justice and all too often these groups put the lives of innocent people in danger, interfere with our ongoing investigations and risk the course of fair justice.”

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Detective Inspector Paula Eccles, from North Yorkshire Police’s safeguarding team, said:

“The police service does not endorse online child abuse activist groups and we will not work with them.

“Unlike our highly-trained officers in the online abuse and exploitation team and the digital forensics unit, they operate without any procedures to keep people safe.

“Accused people can become vulnerable to self-harm and there are cases around the country of people dying by suicide because of the action of such groups.”

‘Cause cases to collapse’

Det Insp Eccles added some groups operated as a cover for crimes like blackmail and extortion and there was “no way of making sure that these groups act on reliable evidence”.

She added:

“The standard of evidence that is gathered is also often poor, there are issues with legal disclosure, and the way the groups share their evidence publicly online before it has been tested at court.

“Some evidential issues can even cause cases to collapse. This is completely unacceptable.”

Police nationally arrest more than 400 people for child sexual abuse and protect more than 500 children from harm each week.

North Yorkshire Police said its specialist teams “have the expertise and experience to carry out thorough, complex and intelligence-led investigations, as well as preparing evidence that can stand up to scrutiny by the Crown Prosecution Service”.

It urged anyone concerned about indecent images of children and sexual abuse to report it online via its website or by calling 101, or 999 if it’s an emergency.

North Yorkshire Police has issued an appeal for help finding an American Bulldog called Biscuit who was taken during a burglary last week.

It took place at a home on Bramham Drive in Jennyfields at some point between 7pm on Friday September 23 and 5pm the following day.

Police said today “a number of items” were taken as well as the pet.

Biscuit is described as medium-sized, stocky, and has light tan and white fur. She also has a white marking at the tip of her tail.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation should email katie.bell@northyorkshire.police.uk.

You can also call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC Katie Bell 220.

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Firefighters and councillors have called on Zoe Metcalfe, the Conservative police, fire and crime commissioner for North Yorkshire, to tackle the long-running issue of Starbeck crossing holding up emergency vehicles.

As many as nine trains an hour can pass through Starbeck Station heading to Leeds or York.

It means when the barriers are down there are waits of several minutes for all vehicles, including fire engines, police cars and ambulances.

At a Harrogate Borough Council meeting last night, Liberal Democrat councillor for Hookstone, Pat Marsh, asked Ms Metcalfe if she’d had feedback from firefighters about the problem as she believes delays could potentially be costing lives.

Cllr Marsh said:

“It worries me, that a five minute wait can be the difference between doing something and not.”

In response, Ms Metcalfe said the problem has been raised to her by both firefighters at Harrogate and Knaresborough fire stations.

However, she said firefighters “know exactly what times trains come and go” and can also use other routes to avoid the crossing.

Ms Metcalfe said:

“I went back to the fire service and they quite rightly said that out of Knaresborough fire station you can also turn left out of the fire station and go into Harrogate via Morrisons. They can also go into Starbeck and can turn right into Bogs Lane.

“There’s not just one way into Harrogate. Even if they did get to a crossing they can call ahead (to Network Rail) to let them know they are coming down.”

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Her response didn’t please fellow Conservative and councillor for Old Bilton, Paul Haslam, who also chairs Transport for the North‘s scrutiny committee.

Cllr Haslam told Ms Metcalfe he was “a little disappointed that you weren’t upset about the crossing at Starbeck”, particularly as it’s an issue that was raised to her by the firefighters themselves.

He added:

“I’ve tried for five or six years to get Network Rail to improve technology that would reduce waiting time to two minutes but they’ve refused to do it at the moment.

“I feel if your firemen had been upset that could have been leverage. I’m concerned about it for lots of reasons. The cars are just idling.

“Network Rail have told me all the reasons they can’t do it but they’ve also told me what technology they need.”

Ms Metcalfe promised Cllr Haslam that she would raise the issue with Network Rail.

Conservative Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe has appointed Mat Walker as the new deputy chief fire officer of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Mr Walker, a 43-year-old father-of-three who has been in the role on an interim basis since June, will receive a salary of £95,294 plus an operational allowance.

He joined the fire and rescue service in 2003 in South Yorkshire before moving to a national role where he was involved in the response to major incidents including east coast flooding and the Salisbury Novichok attacks.

He has since worked in the West Yorkshire service, most recently as an area manager responsible for service assurance and improvement.

Mr Walker was appointed after three candidates were interviewed by an independent panel.

Commissioner Zoë Metcalfe said:

“I am delighted to be able to appoint Mat into this permanent role. He faced a strong challenge from an excellent field of candidates but I’m confident he’s the right person to help lead North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on its continuing transformation.

“This is also an exciting time to be joining the service as we begin to put in place our refreshed plans on how to keep the people of North Yorkshire safe, and feeling safe over the next two years.”

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Mr Walker takes up the role at a time when unions have raised concerns over cuts worth around £8m a year.

At Harrogate fire station, it means the number of night-time fire engines will be reduced to just one.

At a meeting this month, it was revealed North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service’s fire engine availability was classed as being at a “critical” level for 10% of the time during May this year.

This level refers to the service having fewer than 32 staffed engines and other appliances available across North Yorkshire. Commissioner Metcalfe described availability as “incredibly concerning”.

Police said this evening that a missing Harrogate schoolgirl has been found safe.

North Yorkshire Police issued an appeal for information this afternoon after the girl had failed to return home since Thursday.

But officers said tonight she had been “found safe and well”.

We have consequently updated our coverage by removing details of the girl in order to conceal her identity.

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A man and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine following a drugs raid by North Yorkshire Police.

Police used a warrant to enter a house in Ripon and seized a large quantity of powder, believed to be cocaine.

According to officers, a number of other items including scales, mobile phones and cash, were also seized during the operation in the south of the city on Friday.

A local man and woman, both in their 20s, were arrested on suspicion of possessing class-A drugs with intent to supply and taken into custody.

They were interviewed and have been released under investigation to allow further enquiries to be carried out, including forensic tests of the substances.

Inspector Penny Taylor said:

“Information from communities is vital to help us tackle drug offending, and I’d urge anyone who has information about drug activity to share it with us.

“All reports are taken seriously and could help us make a real difference in your community.”

Anyone with information about drug dealing in their community can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, and select option 1 to speak to the force control room.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 and the charity will share the information with North Yorkshire Police.

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A suspected thief has been arrested after police responded to reports of a man trying car door handles in Harrogate.

Officers spotted the suspect inside a vehicle in the Knaresborough Road area at about 8.20pm last night.

According to North Yorkshire Police, the man ran off when he saw police and was detained following a short foot chase. Officers then found what are believed to be stolen items in his possession.

Further enquiries showed he was also wanted by police in connection with burglaries and he had only just been released from prison.

The man, who is in his 20s and of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of theft from a motor vehicle, vehicle interference and burglary.

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He has been taken into custody where he remains while enquiries continue.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“We regularly patrol areas where vehicle crime has been reported, both on foot and with vehicle patrols.

“The two officers who dealt with this incident were able to apprehend a suspect very quickly and a full investigation is now under way.

“Anyone who has had items stolen from their vehicle, or has seen anyone acting suspiciously or trying door handles, should contact us on 101. If you witness a crime taking place, it’s 999.”

A suspected rogue door-to-door seller has received a dispersal order in court banning him from operating anywhere in North Yorkshire.

Police received complaints about a rise in aggressive and suspicious door-to-door traders calling at homes in the Ripon area uninvited.

During village patrols, two PCSOs found the man from Teesside, who has not been named, operating in Grewelthorpe.

According to a North Yorkshire Police statement, “a number of other things” concerned officers, “including his reason for being in the area”.

The man been issued with a dispersal notice covering all of North Yorkshire. He was also reported for summons regarding the certificate and is due to appear in court at a later date.

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A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said:

“Many legitimate organisations use doorstep sellers.

“But some criminals also use this tactic to catch victims off guard, get personal information or gain entry to people’s homes.

“Knowing how to respond could prevent you from becoming a victim, so we’re sharing the following information to help people make informed choices if someone knocks on their door.”

Police advice on dealing with doorstep callers

North Yorkshire Police issues the following guidelines:

• When answering the door, use a peephole or door chain if you have one. Never invite a stranger who calls unannounced into your home.
• If a caller is legitimate, they will be happy for your to check their identity. Ask for ID and call their company. To verify a police officer’s identity, you can call 101.
• Take your time to make decisions about buying – ask for contact details so you can get back to them when you’ve had a think. Research the price elsewhere.
• Never give out personal information and don’t feel bad about saying no and closing the door.
• If you have concerns about doorstep callers where you live or have been visited by someone you think may be bogus, please tell us using the ‘report it’ link on the North Yorkshire Police website or by calling the force on 101.
• If someone calls at your home, becomes aggressive and you fear for your safety, call 999 immediately.

A dog walker was taken to hospital with serious injuries after he was hit by a vehicle near Ripon.

The driver failed to leave any details and police are now trying to trace him.

The victim was walking his black Alsatian dog when a vehicle struck him and his dog.

The dog is believed to have been injured and ran off.

The incident happened at around 6pm on Sunday, September 11 on a country lane at Gate Bridge Road, which is between Grantley and Galphay.

The driver is described as a white man with short brown hair, a local accent, a short stubble beard and aged 30 to 40 years old.

He drove the victim to Harrogate District Hospital, left him outside and drove off without leaving any details.

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The victim, who is in his 30s, cannot recall the make of vehicle but remembers it was black.

He suffered serious injuries, which are not life-threatening. The dog has yet to be found.

North Yorkshire Police today urged anyone who has information, dashcam footage from surrounding roads at the time, or saw anything in the moments leading up to the incident is asked to email craig.taylor@northyorkshire.police.uk

You can also contact Traffic Constable Taylor on 101, select option 2 and ask for Craig Taylor.

Quote reference 12220163189 when sharing information.