Ryedale District Council's leader says the "disgusting behaviour" is a threat to human health.

An incident room has been set up in part of Hull to offer food and emergency heaters to people who have been cut off from their gas supply since last night.

Image source, Gareth Fuller/PA Wire

About 250 properties are affected around the Marina area after a water pipe burst.

Engineers have worked through the night to remove the water and the gas is expected to be back on later today.

In a statement, infrastructure firm Northern Gas Networks says, external: "Our engineering team is continuing to work in the Kingston Street, Wellington Street and Manor House Street areas.

"Unfortunately, we cannot give an exact time when reconnection will start, but our team is working as quickly as possible, and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to customers."

Vulnerable people who can't get to the food van on St James Street are being asked to call the Northern Gas Networks customer care team for help and advice.

Flood defences and pumps have been checked in York ahead of possible flooding caused by Storm Christoph, according to the Environment Agency (EA).

Image source, PA Media

The EA has warned of a "volatile situation" across Yorkshire as heavy rain combines with melting snow.

Ben Hughes, from the EA, says: "We made sure a lot of our systems are working, that reservoirs are ready to take water and pumping stations are working.

"What we also do within York itself is work closely with City of York Council and Yorkshire Water to erect temporary defences and put pumps in vulnerable locations to keep the water out."

A total of three flood warnings - meaning immediate action should be taken as flooding is expected - and five flood alerts - meaning "flooding is possible, be prepared" - are currently in place in York:

The flood warnings are for:

• River Ouse at Naburn Lock, external
• River Ouse at York - Riverside properties, external
• River Ouse at York - St George's Field and Queen's Staith, external

The flood alerts are in place on the:

• Lower River Derwent, external
• Lower River Nidd catchment, external
• Tidal River Ouse from Naburn Lock to Selby, external
• Tidal River Wharfe, external
• Upper River Ouse, external

An amber "be prepared" Met Office heavy rain warning remains in place for Yorkshire until 12:00 on Thursday., external

Police are appealing for witnesses after the death of a pedestrian who was seriously hurt in a collision in Leeds city centre.

Image source, West Yorkshire Police

Gilberto Miranda (pictured), 58, from Rochdale, was hit by a white Ford Transit van at the junction of Duke Street and York Street at about 17:30 on Wednesday 13 January.

Mr Miranda was left with serious injuries and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary for treatment where he died on Sunday, police say.

Det Sgt Fiona Allan said: "We are continuing to investigate what has now sadly become a fatal collision which has claimed the life of Mr Miranda.

"Officers would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision or may have seen the Transit van in the area prior to the collision."

Anyone with dash camera footage which they think may be relevant to the investigation is also being asked to contact West Yorkshire Police.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

The number of children attending Barnsley schools during the current coronavirus lockdown has increased seven-fold compared to the March lockdown, figures show.

Image source, Martin Rickett/PA Wire

During the first national lockdown last March, the government closed schools to all except key workers or vulnerable children in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.

However, Department for Education statistics suggest many more children are physically attending school during the current lockdown.

On 24 March 2020, 795 youngsters in Barnsley went to school, with the majority being home- schooled. However, on 11 January this year, 5,846 pupils attended schools – seven times more.

Government guidance states "only vulnerable children and young people and the children of critical workers" should attend school, and all other pupils should learn remotely until February half-term.

Councillor Margaret Bruff, spokesperson for children’s services at Barnsley Council, said: "It’s clear many more children are attending school now than did during the first lockdown period.

"We’d urge parents to pay attention to government guidance which says children with at least one parent or carer who is a critical worker can go to school or college if required, but parents and carers should keep their children at home if they can."

A total of 20 flood warnings, external - meaning immediate action should be taken as flooding is expected - are in place in Yorkshire as emergency services prepare for possible widespread flooding caused by Storm Christoph.

Image source, PA Media

There are also 47 flood alerts - meaning "flooding is possible, be prepared" - in place on the county's rivers.

The Environment Agency has warned of a "volatile situation" as heavy rain combines with melting snow, while police in South Yorkshire yesterday declared a "major incident" ahead of expected flooding.

An amber "be prepared" Met Office rain warning remains in place for Yorkshire until 12:00 on Thursday., external

The Met Office said there was a "danger to life" due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater, and told some communities they might be "cut off" by flooded roads.

A government spokesperson said it had provided additional advice to local agencies to help them manage any evacuations and shelter provision in a Covid-secure way.

Patrols are being carried out in part of a North Yorkshire town after complaints of a footpath being used as a toilet.

Image source, Ryedale District Council

Ryedale District Council says it's taking action after a series of incidents on the footpath running alongside Priorpot Beck in Norton.

Following several complaints of "human mess" being found in the area, an investigation was originally launched in 2019.

Since then, council officers have been monitoring the site to try and identify the culprits, but they haven't found enough evidence to solve the mystery of who is responsible, the council says.

Now, following renewed complaints of "human fouling" in the area, a new appeal's been made for information.

Councillor Keane Duncan, leader of Ryedale District Council, said: "Complaints of human mess have surged in recent months. Dog mess, littering and anti-social behaviour are also an issue.

“Our officers will be out on regular patrol in and around the area to provide public reassurance and to help deter offenders.

“This disgusting behaviour should not be happening. It is a risk to health and it needs to stop."

The council says intelligence from local businesses and residents is going to be "vital" in identifying the culprits.

A spokesperson said: "We’re calling on businesses and citizens to be aware of this issue, and if they see something, or know who is responsible, to report it."

Ahead of expected flooding due to Storm Christoph, Yorkshire Water has issued guidance on who to report different types of flooded drains to.

Image source, Yorkshire Water

Writing on social media, the company said: "With rainfall set to continue today and flood alerts out in Yorkshire, we wanted to ask do you know who to report flooding to?

"Solid covers and unblocked road gullies: Please report this to us. Blocked road gullies with leaves and debris: Contact your local council."

A total of 20 flood warnings, external - meaning immediate action should be taken as flooding is expected - are in place in Yorkshire.

There are also 44 flood alerts - meaning "flooding is possible, be prepared" - in place on the county's rivers.

Local Democracy Reporting Service

Hotels and bed and breakfasts could be used to launch a “Covid-safe” evacuation plan as York faces a serious flood threat in the next two days due to storm Christoph.

Image source, LDRS/Chloe Laversuch

A council spokesperson said hotels and B&Bs would be used for evacuation rather than rest centres to ensure residents were in Covid-safe accommodation if needed.

Letters are being sent to residents whose homes are at risk of flooding, including people who are shielding and may need to be evacuated from their homes.

Heavy rain is forecast to last until Thursday and river levels are expected to rise significantly.

People who have an appointment to receive the coronavirus vaccine or a coronavirus test are being encouraged to check their route before travelling in case the weather causes disruption on the roads.

Image source, LDRS/Chloe Laversuch

Sandbag barriers are being created at key points in the city and homes at risk of immediate flooding are being provided with sandbags.

Councillor Paula Widdowson said: “Our frontline teams have been deployed and flood defences are in place to help protect the city.

"We are expecting river levels to rise fast because of melting snow and heavy rain, so are putting in place the local and citywide flood defences ahead of time.”

BBC Weather

Today will be mild day with outbreaks of rain and brisk winds.

Staying unsettled tonight with heavy rain pushing in, heightening the risk of flooding.

An amber "be prepared" rain warning, external has been issued for Yorkshire as Storm Christoph approaches:

A total of 20 flood warnings, external- meaning immediate action should be taken as flooding is expected - are in place in Yorkshire as emergency services prepare for widespread flooding caused by Storm Christoph.

Image source, PA Media

There are also 44 flood alerts - meaning "flooding is possible, be prepared" - in place on the county's rivers.

The Environment Agency has warned of a "volatile situation" as heavy rain combines with melting snow, while police in South Yorkshire declared a major incident.

An amber "be prepared" rain warning is in place for the county until 12:00 on Thursday.

A government spokesperson said it had provided additional advice to local agencies to help them manage any evacuations and shelter provision in a Covid-secure way.

The Met Office said there was a "danger to life" due to fast-flowing or deep floodwater, and told some communities they might be "cut off" by flooded roads.

Ros Jones, mayor of Doncaster, said key risk areas had been inspected over the past 36 hours, with the delivery of sandbags continuing today.

Highways England advised drivers to take extra care on motorways and major A roads, while the RAC breakdown service said motorists should only drive if absolutely necessary.

Police in Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire say they are expecting flooding in their regions.

Leeds striker Patrick Bamford donates £5,000 to a local primary school to help children access remote learning during lockdown.

Jon Taylor's first-half strike is enough to secure a sixth win in seven League One matches for Doncaster as they beat Rochdale.

Flood sirens have been sounded in Walsden in the Calder Valley tonight.

It comes as the Environment Agency (EA) issued a flood warning for the area after heavy and continuing rainfall due to Storm Christoph.

The EA said: "River levels across the Upper River Calder Catchment have risen as a result of persistent rainfall and are now approaching levels where we expect properties to flood."

The agency added that areas most at risk are properties in Walsden, especially around the station.

Calderdale Council has asked residents to put their flood plans into action and move valuables to a safe place.

Earlier it had said staff were on standby to respond overnight.

Hull City move to the top of League One with a comfortable victory at home to 10-man Accrington.

Pawel Relowicz told police he offered to help Libby Squire when he saw her crying, a court hears.

Claire Mercer says ministers wanted to parade her as a grieving widow at the launch of a safety review.

People in Leeds are being urged to plan ahead for possible flooding as storm Christoph approaches.

Image source, Steve parsons/Pa wire

Writing on social media, Leeds city Council said: "With Storm Christoph slowly moving into Leeds, if you live in a flood risk area, it is important to plan ahead so you're prepared for possible flooding."

The authority has issued advice on how to prepare for possible flooding, external.

Several flood alerts, external are now in place on rivers across North, South, East and West Yorkshire.

Meanwhile, flood warnings are in place for parts of the rivers Nidd, Derwent, Seven and Ouse.

The Met Office has issued an amber "be prepared" weather warning, external for rain in Yorkshire and the Humber, the North West, East Midlands and the east of England over the next two days.

Two suspected drug dealers have been arrested after cocaine and cash were found in a vehicle and at a property in Harrogate, say police.

Image source, North Yorkshire Police

The men, aged 22 and 38, were travelling through the town when officers stopped their vehicle.

In a search of the car and of both men, officers found a quantity of cocaine and an amount of cash, according to North Yorkshire Police.

Both men were then arrested and taken into custody, police said.

Image source, North Yorkshire Police

Subsequent searches carried out at the men's home addresses uncovered "a large amount of suspected cocaine, a large amount of cash, and equipment associated with drug dealing, including small bags, scales and a mobile phone", officers added.

Both men have been arrested on suspicion of possessing cocaine with intent to supply.

The 22-year-old was also arrested on suspicion of possessing criminal property, police say.

The men have been released while further inquiries are carried out, according to the North Yorkshire force.