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Leeds news LIVE: Friday June 11
Key Events
Delta variant cases in Leeds up by 81 per cent - but no plans for surge testing
Surge testing is not being rolled out in Leeds, despite a recent spike in cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19.
The latest Public Health England (PHE) data, published today, shows 640 people in Leeds have tested positive for the variant so far. That is up from just 24 the week before.
Leeds City Council states hospitalisations and deaths remain low, but cases of Covid-19 have risen “among unvaccinated age groups” and the city’s infection rate has risen by 81 per cent over the past week, to 82.2 per 100,000.
Coun James Lewis, leader of Leeds City Council, said: “With restrictions changing and more people getting out and enjoying Leeds coupled with the increased prominence of the Delta variant, we have inevitably seen a rise in cases over these past few weeks.
“What remains key is that we are able to stay ahead of that spread and to make sure people in Leeds of all ages stay safe and informed. We are confident that locally, we have a robust and resilient network of partners, all working together to respond quickly and efficiently to this rise in cases among young people and to keep on top of any clusters.”
Read the full story here: No surge testing in Leeds despite spike in Covid-19 Delta variant cases
Vaccines minister warns against squandering “those hard fought gains” as June 21 restriction lifting in doubt
Vaccines minister Nadhim Zahawi has stressed the importance of being "really careful" in lifting coronavirus restrictions following reports there could be a four-week delay to the planned easing of all restrictions on June 21.
He urged against squandering “those hard fought gains" made by the vaccination programme amid concerns over the rise of the Delta variant, which was first identified in India.
It comes as The Times reported ministers are considering a four-week delay to what some are calling "freedom day", in order to give businesses certainty and allow more time for people to receive both vaccine doses.
Boris Johnson is due to make a decision shortly on whether England can go ahead with full reopening on June 21, with an announcement expected on Monday.
The Prime Minister is being urged to err on the side of caution and delay the next stage of his road map as new figures show case rates have increased in every region in England.
A total of 42,323 cases of the Delta variant have now been confirmed in the UK, up by 29,892 from last week, Public Health England said today.
Lunchtime headlines
Here are some of the latest stories on the website this lunchtime:
How you can help new tests at University of Leeds which could improve lung cancer survival chances
A new test is being trialled at the University of Leeds in a bid to improve the early diagnosis of lung cancer which could increase the survival chances of patients.
The 19 areas in Leeds where Covid cases were almost zero as England prepares to fully reopen on June 21
The vaccine roll out is in full swing and lockdown has been gradually lifting in Leeds and across England as cases and deaths dwindle.
TV legend Jeff Stelling to visit Elland Road on charity walk in memory of friend Lloyd Pinder
TV legend Jeff Stelling will stop at Elland Road on his fourth charity football walk for Prostate Cancer UK, in memory of his friend Lloyd Pinder.
Boris Johnson ‘considering delaying June 21 lockdown easing by a month’
Boris Johnson is considering delaying the next stage of lockdown easing in England on June 21 by a month, according to reports.
Edmondson close to joining ex Whites boss for season-long loan in League One
Leeds United striker Ryan Edmondson is close to securing a season-long move away from Elland Road to League One.
Teenager arrested after boy, 12, stabbed in Wortley
Detectives investigating the stabbing of a 12-year-old boy in Leeds are turning to the community for help.
They are asking anyone with information or who witnessed the incident to get in touch with Leeds District CID.
Officers had been called to Tong Road in Wortley at 5pm yesterday after receiving a report of a fight between youths.
A 14-year-old boy later arrested on suspicion of assault remains in custody today.
Read the full appeal: Teenager arrested after 12-year-old boy stabbed in arm
Man in custody after police pursuit through Leeds
A man is being held on suspicion of dangerous driving following a police chase through west Leeds.
The pursuit began when an Audi A3 failed to stop for police in Stanningley at about 6pm last night.
It ended in Bramley around 35 minutes later when the car crashed into two other vehicles.
G7 summit protest planned in Leeds city centre
Protesters will gather in Leeds city centre later today to stage a demonstration against the G7 summit.
Leaders of the G7 countries are meeting in Cornwall from Friday to Sunday.
The leaders – including US President Joe Biden – will spend the day discussing issues including the pandemic and climate change.
A number of protests will take place against the summit, including on the steps outside the University of Leeds Parkinson Building.
It has been organised by Yorks and Humber COP26 Coalition, part of a UK-wide movement campaigning for global and local “climate justice”.
Police launch appeal for woman missing from Bramhope
Police have launched an appeal to find a woman who has gone missing from Leeds.
Jessica Lintin, 26, is missing from Bramhope.
Can you help police find her?
Police launch appeal for missing 26-year-old woman from north Leeds
Police have launched an appeal to find a woman who has gone missing from Leeds.
Good morning
Welcome to the Yorkshire Evening Post’s live news blog on Friday June 11.
Here are the morning’s headlines:
Leeds foster mum attacked before carjackers drove off with her three kids
A foster mum was dragged from her car in Leeds before a pair of robbers drove off while her three children were still inside the vehicle.
This Leeds rooftop garden is opening up to the public for the first time
A hospital-based therapeutic garden designed to help cancer patients and their families recharge will be open to the public for the first time this weekend.
Thug injured three students in headbutt attack over spilled drink at Leeds nightclub
A thug headbutted three students in a nightclub attack after he became angry over a spilled drink.
Mafwa Theatre: Using theatre to bring diverse communities together in Leeds this Refugee Week
A Lincoln Green theatre group is using creativity to bring communities together, by using art to celebrate diversity in Leeds.
Co-Founder of Extinction Rebellion to hold talk at The Adelphi in Leeds
The co-founder of Extinction Rebellion is to hold a talk in Leeds this weekend.