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Latest York Flood alert from the Environment Agency

The Environment Agency has issued an update saying that flood levels could reach 4.5 metres by Monday afternoon.

They are not expected to reach 2012 levels.

The flood warnings for the River Ouse at York riverside properties and St George’s Field remain in force due to rising levels on the Ouse in response to rain in the upper catchments. The current river level at the York Viking Recorder is 3.62m or 11 feet 11 inches. We are expecting the River Ouse to rise during Sunday. Currently we expect the peak to be during Monday afternoon and evening at around 4.2m to 4.5m or 13 feet 9 inches to 14 feet 9 inches. Our Incident Response teams are on 24 hour duty. We will continue to monitor the situation and update this forecast as new information becomes available.

Situation last changed 10:03am Sunday 06 December 2015

Follow the environment Agency on Twitter https://twitter.com/EnvAgencyYNE

Live York river level gauge here https://twitter.com/riverlevel_1900

click to access live cam

Serious flooding can be expected if the top of the no entry sign disappears underwater.

Warning that crime level is increasing in York

Officials are warning that crime in York may rise by 11% this year.

Adverse trends have been evident on the Police real time tracking web site for some months (click to access). The September figures have recently been added.

In West York by far the largest number of incidents reported concern anti-social behaviour. Violence and sexual offences come second and criminal damage/arson third.

A report to a York Council meeting says,

“Significant increases are forecast in violent crime, shoplifting and burglary non-dwelling categories.

Latest benchmarking information show rates of crime at a national level have also risen significantly in Q2, and levels of overall crime in comparable authorities are increasing at greater rates than in York.

Reports of domestic violence are predicted to be 6% greater than those reported during the same time frame in 2014/15”.

York man jailed for killing his best friend in drug-induced attack

A York man has today (13 November 2015) been jailed for six years and eight months for killing his best friend. He was also handed a 32-month concurrent jail term for attacking another man in the street.

Samuel Frederick Donley, 20, of Hamilton Drive West, stabbed 20-year-old Liam Miller 32 times on the night of 27 July 2015. Liam died despite the courageous efforts of neighbours, paramedics and police who gave medical assistance at the scene.

Donley was sentenced at Leeds Crown Court after pleading guilty to the manslaughter of Liam and to causing grievous bodily harm to a 60-year-old York man.

Liam Miller and Samuel Donley were good friends, and on the night of Monday 27 July 2015, while Donley’s parents where away, they decided to experiment after both expressing an interest in using hallucinogenic drugs.

They both took the drug 25i-NBOMe early in the evening and began to record their feelings and experiences as the effects of the drug took hold.

Later that night, in a horrific and violent attack, Donley killed Liam while under the influence of the drug. No motive for the attack has been established and the conclusion is that Donley killed Liam during a psychotic episode brought on by the drug.

As Liam lay fatally injured in the driveway of Donley’s home, a 60-year-old man stopped to help, believing someone had suffered a seizure. After comprehending the events that were actually taking place, the man ran from the scene in fear for his life, closely followed by Donley who caught up with him and attacked him several times with a knife.

At the same time, Donley’s neighbours were disturbed by the noise and came out to see what was happening. On realising the situation, one immediately administered first aid to Liam. The other ran after Donley, preventing him from inflicting further harm to the man. He made Donley return to the house and shut him inside, all the while holding on to the door to prevent Donley from escaping and attacking anyone else.

When the emergency services arrived at the scene, Donley was arrested following a violent confrontation with police officers.

Detective Inspector Mark Pearson of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “This case is one of absolute tragedy brought about through the use of illegal drugs. What started out as two best friends enjoying a night together, has ended in catastrophic circumstances.

“Liam Miller’s promising life has been cut short. Sam Donley is facing several years in prison and has to live with the fact that he has killed his best friend. If ever there was a stark reminder of the dangers in taking drugs – this is it.

“Our thoughts remain with Liam’s family who have been utterly devastated by his death yet have shown great dignity throughout the investigation.”

Det Insp Pearson added: “I must also acknowledge the actions of both the second victim who stopped to help, only to find himself on the receiving end of Donley’s frenzied attack, and the two neighbours who attended to Liam and ensured Donley was confined to the house once they persuaded him to return. They put their own life in danger and are to be commended for their quick thinking which potentially saved further tragedy.”

Family statement

From Liam’s father, brother and sister and their partners and Liam’s nephew.

“It is impossible to find the words to describe how we feel about Liam’s death. He is the first thing we think about in the morning and the last thing we think about at night. It is hard to accept that he had his whole life in front of him. It was such a waste of life and he didn’t deserve what happened. Without any doubt, this is the hardest and most painful experience any human being will have to go through.

“It is very difficult for us to put into words or express how we feel or what we wanted the outcome to be. We know that nothing can ever bring him back. Nothing is going to make up for the suffering our family and friends have had to deal with over the last few months.”

Warning

25i-NBOMe is also known as 25i, INB-MeO, N-bomb, Smiles, Mr. Happy, Solaris and Cimbi-5.

The potential effects of this drug can be catastrophic. Users of the drug have been found to suffer from paranoia, violence, agitation, seizures and hallucinogenic effects. It can also cause increased heart rate and blood pressure which can in extreme cases lead to heart failure. There are numerous reports both in the UK and worldwide where people who have taken the drug have gone on to inflict serious harm upon themselves.

Det Insp Pearson added: “Members of the public need to be aware of the potential dangers of this drug. As with all drugs, people may not be aware of what they are taking and the effects it may have. This case must surely be a wake-up call to everyone who experiments with illegal drugs. It is simply not worth putting your life or anyone else’s in such grave danger.”

NBOMe is a synthetic drug and was made illegal in June 2014 becoming a class A controlled drug.

If you or anyone else becomes unwell after taking illegal drugs or legal highs, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Further information about drugs, including the NBOMe family of drugs can be found on the website www.talktofrank.com/drug/n-bomb.

Support, information and advice regarding drug use is available from the following services:

www.talktofrank.com

Lifeline (York) 01904 464680 (Young and adult persons in York)

North Yorkshire Horizons 01723 330730 (Adults 18+ in North Yorkshire)

Compass Reach 0800 0087452 (for under 18 year olds in North Yorkshire)

Flooding risks in York

10th Nov 2015

It’s that time of year again and a flood warning has been issued by the Environment Agency.

River levels are not expected to increase to those seen in 2012.

Detailed river levels can be found on the EA web site http://tinyurl.com/Ouse-catchment

The best indicator remains the real time CCTV camera which records river levels on Kings Staith (above).

There is a significant risk if the top of the “no entry” sign disappears under water!

You can register to receive flooding alerts by clicking here (phone text or Email)

Electric bus award nomination for York service

City of York Council along with partners First York and Optare have been shortlisted for an award at the prestigious UK Bus Awards.

The nomination is for the Environment category and notes the work that the council, First York and Optare have completed by creating and running a fully electric Park&Ride service from the newly built site at Poppleton, which was opened in June 2014.

(more…)

York Police launch “hate” crime initiative

“Report it so we can sort it” – North Yorkshire Police support National Hate Crime Awareness Week.

National Hate Crime Awareness Week takes place from 10 to 17 October with the aim of the week being to raise awareness about hate crime, what it is and if you are a victim – how to report it.

Policing in North Yorkshire exhibition photo

Throughout the week North Yorkshire Police are supporting a number of local groups and events across the region, to spread the message that hate crime will not be tolerated and to encourage victims to come forward and report it.

Events are taking place in Scarborough, Northallerton, York and Selby with the support of local Safer Neighbourhood Teams. Members of the public are invited to come along to receive information and support.

Hate crime is described as any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by a hostility or prejudice based on a person’s disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity or perceived disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or gender identity.

It can take the form of;

Physical attacks – such as physical assault, damage to property, offensive graffiti, neighbourhood disputes and arson.
Threat of attack – including offensive letters, abusive or obscene telephone call, intimidation or malicious complaints.
Verbal abuse or insults – including offensive letters and posters, abusive gestures, and bullying at school or in the workplace.

Speaking about National Hate Crime Awareness week DCC Tim Madgwick said;

“North Yorkshire Police take hate crime extremely seriously and encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward and report it. Everyone has a right to live without fear – being who you are is not a crime – but being threatened or harassed because of it is. We would ask victims if they are under immediate threat or attack to call 999. Alternatively you can report it to North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the Supporting Victims service or Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625.”

Figures for hate crime are relatively low in North Yorkshire, but it’s believed this may be due to people either not being aware that they have been subject to a crime or reluctance to report it.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan said;

“We know that hate crime is under-reported but the reasons for this are not clear. In my Police and Crime Plan, I have set out a clear objective for improvements to be made in response to feedback from the public. I know the police take this very seriously and that once the North Yorkshire specific report I have commissioned is finalised, further improvements to the service will be made. In the meantime, it is important for people to report incidents to the police, or if they feel they’d rather talk to someone independent, they can call Supporting Victims on 01904 669276. The team are trained to ensure victims get the help they need.”

Advice and support will be available at all the events throughout the week and members of the public are invited to drop in and learn more about hate crime, how to recognise it and how they can take steps to stop it.
LOCAL EVENTS

A full list of events is available on the Stop Hate UK website –http://www.stophateuk.org/hate-crime-awareness-week/

Local PCSOs will be at York Designer Outlet on Sunday 11 October between 8am- 3.30pm with a hate crime awareness stand to give advice and information. On Monday 12 October the team will be at the University of York Student Union from 6pm-7.30pm. Throughout the week they will be running hate crime awareness sessions at local schools and on Wednesday 14 October a drop in session at Tang Hall Lane Community Centre from 12-2pm

Victim named following murder in Hamilton Drive, York – Police seek witnesses

York Police have named the man who died during the incident in Hamilton Drive, Acomb, York, on the evening of Monday 27 July 2015.

He is Liam Paul Miller, aged 20, from the village of Terrington near Malton.

Liam’s family have released the following statement:

“We are absolutely devastated by Liam’s untimely death. We cannot put into words the shock and disbelief we feel about what has happened. Liam was just 20 years old and had his whole life ahead of him. He had returned home for the summer from Liverpool University where he was studying graphic design and illustration. We will miss him more than words can say.”

Appeal for information

Detectives investigating the murder of 20-year-old Liam Miller on the night of Monday 27 July 2015, have issued new appeals for information.

As they continue their investigations into the events that led to Liam’s tragic death, they are appealing for the public’s help with the following lines of enquiry.

Officers have confirmed that they are treating the attack on the second victim – the man who went to Liam’s assistance and was also stabbed – as attempted murder.

Detective Inspector Mark Pearson of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said: “We know from our enquiries that the second victim, a local man in his fifties, was chased along Hamilton Drive West where he was stabbed close to the junction with Lady Hamilton Gardens. We know that the man desperately tried to flag down passing motorists for assistance and we are appealing for those motorists to contact us.

“The vehicles we want to trace are described as a black car and a white saloon car. We are also keen to speak to any witnesses who were in this area at around 10pm on Monday evening 27 July 2015.”

DI Pearson added: “Liam played in a local band called Nocebo and we are seeking to identify Liam’s movements over the weekend of 25, 26 and Monday 27 July. We are keen to speak to anyone who has been with Liam, either in person or in contact through phone or social media.”

The 19-year-old man who was arrested at the scene, remains in hospital where he continues to receive medical treatment. On discharge from hospital he will be taken into police custody for questioning.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit on 01423-539499.

If you do not want to give your name and wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Murder in Hamilton Drive West

Man arrested as police launch murder investigation in York

Updated 2.20pm 28 July 2015 Police remain at the scene of a property in Hamilton Drive, York as they continue to investigate the murder of a man on the night of Monday 27 July 2015.

Detectives from North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit and York Serious Crime Team are carrying out extensive enquiries to determine the events that led to his murder.

As part of the those enquiries, detectives will be conducting house-to-house enquiries at properties in the area to build up as much information as possible to assist their investigation.

The 19-year-old man who was arrested at the scene and sustained a self-inflicted injury during the incident, remains in hospital for treatment, however, his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. After being discharged from hospital, he will be taken into police custody for questioning.

We can confirm that the 29-year-old man who was injured during the incident, and later discharged from hospital in the early hours of the morning, was not involved in the initial disturbance and was a passer-by who came to the assistance those involved.

Officers are currently conducting enquiries to establish the identity of the man who died, and until this has been confirmed, we are unable to release any further information about him.

To assist their enquiries, officers are appealing to anyone who was in the area of Hamilton Drive, Acomb last night, and saw or heard at disturbance, either from inside the property or in the street outside, to contact them.

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit on 01423-539499.

If you do not want to give your name and wish to remain anonymous, you can pass information to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Detective Inspector Mark Pearson, of the Major Crime Unit, said: “We continue to work at the scene of the murder and there will be a continued police presence in Acomb as we gather evidence from the scene and continue our house-to-house enquiries. I would like to reiterate that we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the murder.

“Once again our thanks go to local people who have been affected by the incident and the road closures, for their patience and understanding while our enquiries continue.

“If you were in the area at the time and have any information that could help our investigation, please contact the Major Crime Unit or Crimestoppers.”

To recap, the incident was reported at around 10.20pm on the night of Monday 27 July 2015.

Officers attended an address in Hamilton Drive where they found a man with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to hospital where he sadly died from his injuries. A second man, aged 29, who was found injured in the street by a member of the public, was treated in hospital and discharged in the early hours of Tuesday morning. A third man, aged 19, has been arrested in connection with the incident. He suffered a self-inflicted injury and is receiving hospital treatment.

Crime levels increasing in North Yorkshire

Drugs, robbery, sexual offences, violence, weapons offences show increases. Burglaries, vehicle offences & vandalism down

There were a total of 34,617 crimes in North Yorkshire 0.5% increase, 168 more crimes – in comparison to the same period in 2013-2014

Broken down into the main crime categories, the ONS figures for North Yorkshire show:

Domestic Burglary reduced by 13% (1,371 crimes in total, down 196 from ,1567), with overall Burglary down by 6% (3,960 crimes in total, down 258 from 4,218)
Criminal Damage and Arson down by 9% (5,097 crimes in total from 5,615)
14% reduction in Vehicle Offences (2,207 crimes in total, down 363 from 2,570)
Robbery increased by 25% (146 crimes in total, up 29 from 117)
8% decrease in Theft Offences (16,831 crimes in total)
Sexual Offences up by 50% (1,054 crimes in total, up 352 from 702). As previously explained, this rise is generally regarded as a positive reflection of the confidence victims have in North Yorkshire Police, particularly those making historical complaints. This is also influenced by Operation Yewtree and Operation Hibiscus (Jimmy Savile/Peter Jaconelli investigations), and the opening of a Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in York two years ago.
Violence Against the Person went up by 20% (7,366 crimes in total, up by 1,128 from 6,138). This rise is almost entirely attributable to the Violence without Injury category. This includes Common Assault and Harassment offences. A problem profile conducted on trends in this crime category in the Autumn of last year showed improved recording following a recent HMIC inspection, an increase in historical reports, increased pro-activity around enforcement of orders and improved victim confidence.
Drug Offences increased by 15% (2,085 crimes in total, up 272 from 1,813)
Possession of Weapons Offences up by 26% (230 crimes in total, up by 47 from 183)
Public Order Offences decreased by 1% (1,238 crimes in total, down by 18 from 1,256)
Miscellaneous Crimes Against Society, which includes the possession and publication of extreme sexual images, was up by 35% (570 crimes in total, up by 148 from 422).

Deputy Chief Constable Tim Madgwick said: “The latest crime figures reflect the sheer determination of North Yorkshire Police and our partners to make North Yorkshire the safest place in England.

“We will continue to focus our efforts on all elements of criminality and improve the service we provide to those who unfortunately become victims of crime. Certain crimes continue to become more challenging and complex to investigate, however we are investing in new technology and I am confident the skills and commitment of the North Yorkshire Police team will rise to any future challenges.”

North Yorkshire remains the safest place to live, work and visit in England, the Office of National Statistics confirm.

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