A memorial stone was unveiled this morning in honour of Harrogate police officer David Haigh, who was murdered on duty in 1982.
Father-of-three PC Haigh, 29, was shot by Barry Prudom at Norwood Edge car park in Stainburn Forest.
Prudom went on the run and killed two more people before turning the gun on himself 17 days later after Britain’s biggest ever manhunt, which involved 4,000 police officers.
PC David Haigh was just 29 when he was murdered.
Family members, who return to the site annually to lay a wreath, told the Stray Ferret last year they were in discussions with the Police Memorial Trust, a charity that erects memorials to British police officers killed in the line of duty.
Those discussions finally bore fruit today and numerous relatives, including PC Haigh’s widow Annette Jakes, children, grandchildren and brother, attended the ceremony. Many still live locally.
Geraldine Winner, the widow of film-maker Michael Winner, unveiled the stone at the spot where PC Haigh is believed to have fallen.
Mr Winner founded the Police Memorial Trust, which has now created 57 memorials to officers killed in the line of duty.
Family and representatives of North Yorkshire Police and the Police Memorial Trust at today’s ceremony.
A 58th is due to be unveiled tomorrow in honour of sergeant David Winter, 31, who was shot during the search for PC Haigh’s killer.
North Yorkshire Police representatives, including chief superintendent Catherine Clarke, were also in attendance.
Ms Jakes told the Stray Ferret the memorial “has been a long time coming” but she was delighted PC Haigh’s sacrifice had now been formally recognised.
Youngest son Richard Haigh said:
“I’m really pleased that after all these years we finally have somewhere where we can come and reflect and think about dad.
“It’s somewhere for everyone to see what he sacrificed — how he went to work and never came home.”
A QR code on the memorial stone takes phone users to a page on the Police Memorial Trust website that gives information about PC Haigh.
The memorial stone is situated where PC Haigh lost his life.
You can watch a video of the stone being unveiled on our Facebook page here.
Read more:
- Family of murdered Harrogate policeman seeks permanent memorial
- 40 years ago today: PC David Haigh was murdered in Beckwithshaw
Police release CCTV images after criminal damage in Harrogate
Police have released two CCTV images of a man they would like to speak to following criminal damage to a Harrogate building.
The incident took place on Mount Parade in the town centre at 1.30am on Thursday, August 9.
It involved damage to a block of flats.
North Yorkshire Police has asked members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the person in the images, as it believes they will have information that will help the investigation.
The force said in a statement:
“Anyone with information is asked to email mark.burrows@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for PC 296 Mark Burrows.
“If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
“Quote reference number 12230149604.”
Read more:
- Man pleads not guilty to seriously injuring teens in collision outside Harrogate school
- Police warn of spate of sneak-in burglaries in Ripon
- North Yorkshire Police improve 999 answer times
Police name victims of fatal A61 crash near Ripon
The victims of a fatal crash on the A61 near Ripon have been named by police.
Daria Bartienieva, 35, her son, Ihor Bartienieva, aged 6, and Daria’s step-daughter, Anastasiia Bartienieva, 15, died after a three-vehicle crash that involved a double decker bus on Ripon Road near South Stainley at 2.20pm on Sunday (September 3).
It was the second fatal collision on the road between Ripon and Harrogate on consecutive weekends.
A North Yorkshire Police statement this afternoon added:
“All three were from Ukraine and living in Ripon, North Yorkshire, at the time of the collision.
“Our thoughts are with their family members in the UK and Ukraine at this time.”
Holy Trinity Church in Ripon was open this afternoon for people to say prayers and light candles for the victims of the crash.
The church said in a post online:
“A space has been created where people can sit quietly, light a candle and write in a condolence book.
“There will be someone available to pray with you if you would like this.
“If you do come please keep quiet at this sensitive time.”
Read more:
- Two children and woman killed in collision between Ripon and Harrogate
- Candles to be lit in Ripon for children and mother killed in crash
Police release CCTV image after Bilton-in-Ainsty church theft
Police have issued a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to after historic items were stolen from a church in Bilton-in-Ainsty.
Officers said the items have been located after the force issued an appeal to find them in July.
The artefacts have since been returned to their rightful owner.
Now, North Yorkshire Police has issued a CCTV image of a man they would look to speak to in connection with the incident.
A force statement added:
“Officers investigating the theft have also now issued CCTV stills of a man they would like to speak to, as he may have important information that could assist their ongoing enquiries.
“If you recognise him, or have any information about the theft, please email sophie.hodgson@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for PC 1787 Hodgson. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Please quote reference number 12230134302 when passing on information.”
Read more:
- Two children and woman killed in collision between Ripon and Harrogate
- Police warn of spate of sneak-in burglaries in Ripon
Man wanted after woman’s purse stolen in local supermarket
Police have issued a photo of a man they want to talk to after a purse was stolen from a woman in her 80s.
In a statement issued today, North Yorkshire Police said the theft happened at Morrisons supermarket on Harrogate Road in Ripon.
The incident happened at 3.30pm on Thursday, August 3. However, the images have only been released today.
Do you recognise this man?
The statement said:
“Officers are asking members of the public to get in touch if they recognise the man in the CCTV images, as he may have information that will help the investigation.”
Morrisons in Ripon
Anyone with information is urged to email richard.coulthard@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for Richard Coulthard.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Quote reference number 12230144835.
Read more:
- Two children and woman killed in collision between Ripon and Harrogate
- Police warn of spate of sneak-in burglaries in Ripon
Two children and woman killed in collision between Ripon and Harrogate
Three people, including two children, were killed in a collision on the main road between Harrogate and Ripon yesterday.
A silver Vauxhall Meriva, a blue Toyota Aygo and a double-decker bus were involved in the incident near South Stainley at 2.20pm yesterday.
It was the second fatal collision on the A61 Ripon Road between Ripon and Harrogate on consecutive weekends.
North Yorkshire Police today said a woman and two children from the same vehicle died and appealed for witnesses and dashcam footage. Their names have not yet been revealed.
The force said in a statement:
“The Vauxhall and Toyota were travelling south towards Ripley and the bus was travelling in the opposite direction.
“Sadly, all three occupants of the Vauxhall Meriva, a woman in her 30s, a teenage girl and a six-year-old boy, died following the collision. Their next of kin have been informed and are receiving specialist support.
“The driver of the bus was taken to hospital with leg injuries, some of the bus passengers sustained minor injuries and were taken to hospital, and the two people in the Toyota were not injured.”
The road was closed to allow all emergency services to attend to the collision and for investigators to examine the scene. It reopened at around 11.30pm.
Officers are appealing to anyone who saw any of the vehicles prior to the collision or witnessed the collision to get in touch if they have not already spoken to officers.
They are also appealing to anyone who may have dashcam footage of the vehicles travelling along the A61 prior to the collision or of the collision itself, to get in touch.
You can email Julie.brown@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information for incident 12230166439.
Read more:
- Man dies after crash between Harrogate and Ripon
- Dashcam appeal after runner injured in collision with car in Harrogate
Cow in Valley Gardens was ‘reunited with owner’, say police
It’s the mystery that has been hanging over Harrogate for a week: how did a cow get into Valley Gardens — and was it reunited with its herd?
The story of the cow wandering towards the Magnesia Well Tea Room last Saturday morning is one of our best-read this week.
It has provoked numerous head scratching because Valley Gardens is nowhere near grazing cattle. It has even inspired a poem, which we’ve published below.
Dog walker Lucy Emma Renshaw-Martin spotted the bovine beast when she was taking her usual morning stroll.
The cow heads to the tea room.
Police dealing with the incident.
Lucy, who sent us these photos, still has no idea how the cow got there or what happened to it. She left as the police were struggling to deal with the loose cow.
The Stray Ferret asked North Yorkshire Police last weekend for details of the incident. The force finally replied today with a one-line statement saying only that ‘the cow was reunited with its owner’ — leaving the mystery only partially solved.
Poem about the cow
Carole Keegan, a member of Harrogate Writers’ Circle, compiled this imaginative poem about the cow’s sojourn to Valley Gardens.
“I want to break free” sang the Friesian cow
Not to the abattoir just right now.
Aha! A hole in the fence, looks big enough for me
Plenty of Flora and Fauna and of course the magnesia well for a cup of tea
It’s strange to be here without the herd
A few pics and police but nobody’s saying a word
Everyone’s looking at me but not even a MOO
Perhaps I should pop over and shout BOO!
It’s a mystery how I got here, buts it’s been such fun
I do love Patrica Hodge as Miranda’s mum!
AND an added boost I can manure the roses and plants
Maybe to the onlookers it will be pants.
I’ve looked all over and don’t know how I will be taken away
Oh the memories of such a glorious day
Gosh,I know I will put a daisy in my mouth, with a pout
Join the Magic Roundabout….hey Zebedee
Please wait for me!
Read more:
- Cow found wandering around Harrogate’s Valley Gardens
- Last Post marks 100th anniversary of Harrogate war memorial
Knifepoint robbery at Harrogate betting shop
A knife-wielding man with a scarf around his face robbed terrified staff at a Harrogate betting shop last night.
The man entered Betfred on Kings Road at about 8.15pm wearing a black Nike tracksuit and brandishing a kitchen knife.
North Yorkshire Police said it has launched a full investigation and appealed for witnesses and information.
It said in a statement:
“He left with a small amount of cash before making off, crossing the road and is believed to have headed down Back Dawson Terrace.”
The man is described as white, around 5ft 9ins tall with blue or green eyes and brown hair.
He is described as in his early twenties with a local accent.
Detective sergeant Tom Barker of Harrogate CID said:
“Clearly this was frightening for the staff at Betfred. Fortunately no one was hurt in the incident.
“I want to emphasise that we don’t believe any members of the local community are at risk. The suspect in this case has clearly targeted the location to steal cash.”
He said detectives have many lines of enquiry, including video footage from the area. They have released an image of a man they need to locate as part of their enquiries.
Read more:
- Harrogate Town striker Luke Armstrong joins Wrexham
- Cash and bank cards stolen from car parked in Harrogate
DS Barker added:
“If you live nearby we encourage you to review you doorbell cameras.
“Equally if you were in a vehicle at the time with in-car footage please review your cameras.
You can phone 101 or report online at www.northyorkshire.police.uk
If you would prefer to remain anonymous. contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or go to their website wwwcrimestoppers-uk.org”
Quote incident number 12230165267.
Cash and bank cards stolen from car parked in Harrogate
Cash and bank cards were among the items stolen from a car parked on Queens Road in Harrogate yesterday.
North Yorkshire Police today appealed for information, including CCTV or doorbell video footage, about the crime.
A police statement said:
“It happened in the early hours of Thursday 31 August when the grey Hyundai was broken and personal items taken from inside including bags, bank cards, cash and clothing.
“We are appealing to anyone who saw any suspicious activity on Queens Road or has private video footage of the potential suspects to get in touch.”
You can email Sam.Clarke2@northyorkshire.police.uk or call North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2, and ask for PC 1136 Sam Clarke.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Quote reference number 12230163997.
Read more:
- Delayed finish to roadworks on Harrogate’s Skipton Road
- Green light expected soon on £15m plan to transform historic Harrogate building
Witness appeal after person hit by car in Ripon
A person has been injured after being struck by a car in Ripon city centre.
The incident happened on Fishergate this morning and the extent of the injuries is not yet known.
A North Yorkshire Police spokesperson said:
“Shortly after 11.30am today, police received a call from the ambulance service reporting that a person has been hit by a vehicle on Fishergate in Ripon.
“Officers are currently at the scene of the incident.”
North Yorkshire Police urged anyone with information to get in touch. The incident number is NYP-01092023-0161.
Read more:
- Police warn of spate of sneak-in burglaries in Ripon
- Police criticised over delays to Ripon Town Hall move