Police News
Harrogate Residents Urged To Check CCTV After Car Window Smashed In Late-Night Theft
Police are appealing for witnesses after a vehicle was targeted during a late-night theft in Harrogate.
The incident happened in the early hours of Friday, 5 June, on Franklin Square, where a car window was smashed and a number of items were stolen from inside the vehicle.
North Yorkshire Police is now urging residents and businesses in the area to review any CCTV or doorbell camera footage that could help identify those responsible.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
“We are keen to hear from anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area at the time in question, or who may have CCTV footage that could help identify the perpetrator.
“Please email 000690@northyorkshire.police.uk if you have any information that could help our investigation.
“Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and quote reference 12260103423, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their website.”
Anyone with information is asked to quote reference 12260103423 when contacting police.
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the Franklin Square area during the early hours of Friday morning and may have seen suspicious activity.
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Police Appeal Mystery Surrounds Disappearance of One of North Yorkshire’s Most Recognisable Land Rovers
A highly distinctive Land Rover Defender that doubles as a mobile bar has vanished without a trace, prompting an urgent police appeal across North Yorkshire.
The black and white Defender, registration CP12 OJE, was stolen from a site near Masham, close to Ripon, and officers believe someone must have seen it.
This is no ordinary Land Rover. The vehicle is emblazoned with ‘Magic Rock Brewing’ branding and fitted with working beer taps, making it one of the most recognisable vehicles on North Yorkshire’s roads.
Despite its unmistakable appearance, the converted mobile bar has not been recovered.
Now, police are appealing to motorists, residents and businesses across Yorkshire and beyond to help locate the missing vehicle.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
“Due to its unique appearance, officers believe the vehicle is easily identifiable and may have been seen either being driven or parked since the theft.
“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has seen this distinctive mobile bar vehicle since it was stolen, or anyone who may have been offered a similar vehicle or bar equipment in suspicious circumstances.”
The unusual theft has left investigators searching for answers and hoping a member of the public can provide the breakthrough needed to track down the missing Defender.
Anyone with information should contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference 12260078367, or email sylvia.matla@northyorkshire.police.uk.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Police are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have spotted the vehicle parked, transported, advertised for sale or stripped for parts since April.
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Harrogate Woman Charged Following Alleged Burglary and Fraud Against Elderly Resident
A woman is due to appear in court after an elderly Harrogate resident was allegedly targeted in a burglary that led to her bank card being used in shops across the town.
North Yorkshire Police say they received a report on the afternoon of Sunday, 31 May, that a woman in her 70s had her purse stolen after a suspect entered her home.
The incident has prompted concern due to the age of the victim and the alleged use of her debit card shortly after the theft.
What Happened?
According to police, the suspect allegedly entered the victim’s property and took her purse.
Officers say the victim’s debit card was then used to make purchases at a number of shops in Harrogate soon after the incident.
The report triggered an immediate police response.
Swift Police Action
Acting on information received, officers attended a location a short distance from the victim’s address.
A 61-year-old woman was arrested and has since been charged with:
At a Glance
Location: Harrogate
Date of Incident: Sunday, 31 May 2026
Victim: Woman in her 70s
Charges: Burglary and fraud
Defendant Age: 61
Court: York Magistrates’ Court
Hearing Date: 13 July 2026
Court Appearance Scheduled
The woman is due to appear before magistrates at York Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 13 July 2026.
The case will now proceed through the courts, where the allegations will be considered.
North Yorkshire Police have not released any further details at this stage.
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Chaos at Ripon Pub as 20-Person Brawl Erupts – Police Release Images in Hunt for Key Witnesses
A quiet afternoon at a Ripon pub descended into chaos when a confrontation involving around 20 people exploded into violence, leaving two people injured and prompting an urgent police appeal.
North Yorkshire Police are investigating the dramatic incident at the One Eyed Rat on Allhallowgate after what began as a verbal dispute rapidly spiralled into a large-scale brawl.
An 18-year-old man was allegedly punched in the face in the pub’s outdoor seating area before the disturbance escalated further.
Witnesses report scenes of disorder as groups clashed, with police saying a chair was thrown and another victim was struck on the back of the head during the melee.
Now officers have released images of two men they urgently want to trace and are asking the public for help identifying them.
“The Situation Rapidly Escalated”
According to police, the trouble began shortly after a group entered the pub at around 1.30pm on Friday, 8 May.
What started as a heated exchange quickly turned into a confrontation involving around 20 people.
A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police said:
“The situation rapidly escalated into a wider disturbance involving around 20 people.”
The force believes the men pictured may hold crucial information that could help detectives piece together exactly what happened.
Were You There?
Investigators are particularly keen to hear from anyone who:
- Witnessed the disturbance
- Recorded mobile phone footage
- Knows the identities of those involved
- Can help identify the two men pictured
Police Appeal to the Public
Officers say even seemingly minor details could prove vital to the investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, report online, or email Sylvia.Matla@northyorkshire.police.uk quoting reference 12260083522.
Information can also be passed anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
As enquiries continue, police are hoping members of the public can help identify those involved in the dramatic scenes that unfolded at one of Ripon’s best-known pubs.
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Ripon man jailed after brutal attacks on two women – victim says she thought she would die
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Police are urging parents to keep tabs on their children this half term after a number of teenagers were taken into custody.
Six boys aged 14 and 15 have been arrested in connection with a violent incident in Harrogate. Investigations into several other incidents involving aggressive and antisocial behaviour are ongoing.
Officers are also addressing a wider group in Harrogate that is attracting “hangers on” and is likely to land children in trouble with the law.
The six suspects have been arrested on suspicion of assaulting other young people, members of the public and a police officer who was dealing with the incident.
In addition to the arrests, some youths have been given warnings or behavioural orders.
Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team has also put a pre-emptive dispersal order in place for today, which covers the town centre and Stray, to prevent any antisocial behaviour more generally on the last day of term.
Inspector Greg Davies of Harrogate Neighbourhood Policing Team said: “I want to be very clear that everybody in Harrogate and across North Yorkshire deserves to go about their day feeling safe, without the fear of being attacked or intimidated.
“If that doesn’t happen, we will deal with the perpetrators swiftly and decisively. This sometimes involves arrests, court and getting a criminal record.
“We’re also working closely with parents and urging everyone whose child goes out tonight or during half term to keep tabs on where they are.
“Have a talk with your teenager in advance – make sure you know who they’re associating with and where they’re going.”
Insp Davies added: “We’re seeing groups with lots of impressionable ‘hangers on’ who are engaging in antisocial behaviour, and whilst not directly perpetrating crime are at risk of becoming embroiled in it. That can involve police attention, which no parent wants for their child.
“Teenage years can be difficult to parent, but a bad decision now can have a significant impact on a teenager’s future.
“So our ask to parents is simple – have a talk to your child, keep tabs on what they’re doing and help us prevent them from falling in with the wrong crowd this half term.
“I also want to reassure the wider community that we’re aware of concerns and we are acting decisively so that Harrogate remains a very safe community that everyone can enjoy.”
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Chaos Outside Harrogate McDonald’s as Police Launch Urgent Witness Appeal
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Published:17:1015/05/2026
Police have arrested five people following a report of a disturbance in Harrogate.
In the early hours of Friday 15 May, officers were called to reports that a number of people were making threats to the occupant of a property in the Bilton area.
Four suspects were arrested initially, with the fifth refusing to come out of a property and making threats. Police negotiators were called to the scene and at around 10.30am on 15 May, the fifth suspect was arrested and taken into custody.
Officers believe the incident is targeted and there are no threats to the wider community.
Members of the public will have seen an increased police presence in the area for the rest of the day as officers worked at multiple locations in Bilton that are linked to the incident.
The arrested suspects include four men aged 39, 37, 30, and 20, and a woman aged 19, all arrested on suspicion of affray. They remain in police custody at this time.
Ref: 12260087960
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Harrogate police chase: man arrested after high-speed pursuit to Ripon
A 37-year-old man has been arrested following a high-speed police chase from Harrogate to Ripon on Tuesday night (April 28), after officers tracked a suspected stolen vehicle across North Yorkshire.
The incident began shortly after 9.15pm when North Yorkshire Police received reports of a car believed to have been stolen in Harrogate. Roads Policing officers quickly located the vehicle, but the driver failed to stop, triggering a pursuit.
Police followed the car towards Ripon, with aerial support from the National Police Air Service (NPAS), allowing officers to monitor the vehicle’s movements as the suspect attempted to evade capture.
The chase ended when a stinger device was deployed, bringing the vehicle to a controlled stop. The driver then fled on foot but was detained a short time later.
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Knaresborough Man arrested for False Imprisonment
Knaresborough police incident: Man arrested after hours-long stand-off over ‘false imprisonment’
A major police incident in Knaresborough has ended with a man arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment following a tense stand-off at a residential address.
Officers were called to Marbled White Place shortly after 8am on 22 April amid reports that a man had refused to leave a property and was preventing a woman from leaving.
A cordon was quickly put in place as North Yorkshire Police responded, with specialist officers attending and negotiations continuing for several hours.
The man, believed to be in his 40s, was later detained and arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment. He has been taken to hospital for treatment and remains under close police supervision.
Police have confirmed the incident has now been safely resolved and is being treated as isolated, with no wider risk to the public.
Neighbourhood officers will carry out reassurance patrols in Knaresborough this evening to support residents following the incident.
An earlier update at 10:25am advised the public to avoid Marbled White Place while emergency services dealt with the situation.
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Harrogate Crime Alert: Thieves Steal Over 1,000 Litres of Fuel in £1,000+ Raid on Housing Site
A major fuel theft has been reported in Harrogate after criminals targeted a housing development, stealing more than 1,000 litres of diesel in a raid worth over £1,000.
The burglary happened at a Persimmon Homes building site on Kingsley Drive between 4pm on Friday, 10 April and 7am on Monday, 13 April. Offenders are believed to have siphoned fuel from multiple vehicles over the weekend, leaving significant losses for the site.
North Yorkshire Police have launched an investigation and are urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly those living near Kingsley Drive and surrounding areas of Harrogate.
A spokesperson said officers are “particularly keen” to hear from anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or unusual vehicles during the timeframe. Residents with CCTV, dashcam, or doorbell footage are also being asked to check recordings that could help identify those responsible.
Anyone with information is urged to email Grace.Haigh@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 12260065477.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Stay updated with the latest Harrogate news, crime alerts, and local updates as this investigation develops.
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Harrogate police appeal: indecent exposure incident on Wheatlands Road East sparks CCTV call
North Yorkshire Police have issued a public appeal following a reported indecent exposure incident in Harrogate, urging residents to come forward with information and footage.
The incident took place at around 4pm on Thursday, 16 April, on Wheatlands Road East in Harrogate. Officers are investigating reports that a man, believed to be in his 20s or 30s, was involved while inside a small white Transit-style van.
As part of the ongoing Harrogate police investigation, officers are particularly keen to identify and trace the van. Residents and drivers in the area are being asked to review CCTV, dashcam and doorbell camera footage captured at the time, which could provide crucial evidence.
A police spokesperson said even the smallest detail could help build a clearer picture of what happened and assist in identifying the suspect.
Anyone with information about the Harrogate indecent exposure incident is asked to email Chloe.Winter-Atkinson@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference 12260068898.
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Harrogate assault: man suffers head injury after attack by four males on Fairfax Avenue
A man has been left with a head injury after being assaulted by four males in Harrogate, as police launch an urgent investigation and appeal for witnesses.
Officers from North Yorkshire Police say the incident happened at around 8.30am on Wednesday, 15 April, on Fairfax Avenue in Harrogate. The victim was attacked by a group of four males before they fled the scene.
The suspects were last seen running in the direction of Tyson Place, and enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved.
Police are urging anyone who witnessed the Harrogate assault, or who may have captured footage on CCTV, doorbell cameras or dash cams, to come forward as soon as possible.
A spokesperson said: “We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has information about the incident or who can help identify the four males involved.”
Residents in the Fairfax Avenue and Tyson Place areas are being asked to check any footage recorded around the time of the attack.
Anyone with information should email abbie.roberts@northyorkshire.police.uk or call 101, quoting reference number 12260067011.
Information can also be shared anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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Harrogate crime: Police appeal after ‘derogatory graffiti’ sprayed on van in early-hours vandalism
Police have launched an urgent appeal after a van was targeted in an early-hours vandalism incident in Harrogate.
Officers from North Yorkshire Police say a suspect spray-painted a derogatory word onto a parked vehicle on Nesfield Close at around 2:26am on Monday, 6 April 2026.
The offender was seen approaching the area from Stonebeck Avenue before carrying out the damage and leaving the scene.
Police appeal for witnesses and CCTV in Harrogate
Investigators are urging residents in the Nesfield Close and Stonebeck Avenue area to check CCTV, doorbell and dashcam footage from the time of the incident.
Even minor details could prove crucial in identifying the suspect.
How to contact police
The investigation is being led by PC 813 Sarah Danby.
Please quote reference 12260060906 when providing information.
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Harrogate assault: Police appeal after man attacked inside Burns Way home
Police have launched an appeal for information following an assault at a property in Harrogate.
Officers from North Yorkshire Police say the incident happened at around 3pm on 1 April at a home on Burns Way, Harrogate.
The victim was reportedly verbally abused before being grabbed by the arm, causing injury. The suspect also made threats during the incident, prompting a police investigation.
The man being sought is described as white, in his late 50s, approximately 5ft 6in tall, with short grey hair and a proportionate build. He was wearing a high-visibility yellow jacket at the time.
North Yorkshire Police are urging anyone who was in the Burns Way area of Harrogate on the afternoon of 1 April to come forward if they saw or heard anything suspicious.
A spokesperson said:
“We are asking members of the public if they saw or heard anything at this location on the date and time.
“If anyone has any information about this incident, please contact North Yorkshire Police and quote reference number 12260057898.”
Anyone with information about the Harrogate assault is asked to contact police as enquiries continue.
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Police Hunt Man After Court No-Show Linked to Burglary and Theft Charges
Police are urgently trying to trace a man who failed to appear in court over burglary and shop theft offences.
Darren Gill, 46, is wanted after missing his court hearing, with officers now carrying out enquiries to locate him. He is from Middlesbrough and is known to have links to Harrogate and Knaresborough.
He is described as white, around 5ft 5in tall, of medium build, with grey hair.
Police are asking anyone who may have seen him or knows where he is to come forward as soon as possible.
If you have information, call North Yorkshire Police on 101 quoting reference 12250170299, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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12-Year-Old Injured in Daylight Street Attack in Harrogate
A 12-year-old child has been injured after being attacked by a man in broad daylight in Bilton, Harrogate.
The incident happened at around 4.20pm on Thursday, March 26, at the junction of Knox Lane and Crab Lane. Two children were standing on the pavement with their bicycles when the man approached from Crab Lane.
One child was assaulted before the suspect walked away along Knox Lane.
Police have released a description of the man and are urging anyone who may have seen what happened to come forward.
He is described as around 5ft 11ins tall, in his late 30s to early 40s, and was wearing a light-brown hooded top with long trousers.
Anyone with information is asked to email ellie.paul@northyorkshire.police.uk, call 101 quoting reference 12260054129, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a man suffered serious injuries in a collision on the A658 at Calcutt.
It happened at approximately 07.40am yesterday morning (Monday 23 February 2026) on the A658 at the junction with the B6163.
A white Toyota Aygo collided with a grey Audi Q2. Following the collision the driver of the Aygo, a man in his 60s was taken to hospital where he remains in a serious condition. The driver of the Q2 is helping officers with their enquiries.
The A658 was closed for most of the day for collision investigation work and recovery to take place.
Please email chris.storey@northyorkshire.police.uk if you witnessed the incident, have any relevant dashcam, or have any other information that could help our investigation.
Alternatively, you can call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and ask for Chris Storey.
Please quote reference 12260033278 when passing on information.
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Pilot Seriously Injured After Light Aircraft Crashes at North Yorkshire Sculpture Park
A pilot in his 20s is in a serious condition after a light aircraft crashed in North Yorkshire.
Emergency services were called to the Himalayan Garden and Sculpture Park, near Masham, at around 12.21pm on Wednesday, 18 February. The park was closed to the public at the time.
The aircraft came down within the grounds of the popular attraction in Grewelthorpe. No members of the public were injured.
Airlifted to Leeds Hospital
North Yorkshire Police confirmed the pilot was the only person on board. He was freed from the wreckage by emergency crews before being airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary.
As of 20 February, he remains in hospital in a serious condition.
The Yorkshire Air Ambulance said its Topcliffe-based crew was first on scene. After treatment at the crash site, the casualty was flown directly to Leeds for specialist care.
The Yorkshire Ambulance Service also dispatched an ambulance and a team leader to assist, alongside fire crews from Leyburn, Thirsk and Ripon.
Aircraft Reportedly Experienced Engine Problems
Unofficial reports suggest the plane was a Cessna 150H, registration G-BBDT, believed to be operated by Sherburn Aero Club. It is understood the aircraft may have encountered engine trouble before coming down, although this has not been formally confirmed.
Investigation Launched
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full investigation.
A spokesperson said a multi-disciplinary team, including specialists in aircraft operations, engineering and flight data, has been deployed to gather evidence and establish the cause of the crash.
A police cordon remains in place while enquiries continue.
North Yorkshire Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the aircraft in flight or has video footage to contact them on 101,
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CLICK HERE TO SEE PICTURES
Police Appeal
Updated appeal 11.50am Wednesday 03 Decemeber 2025
Officers who are searching for a man who went missing five days ago have released two new CCTV images.
Robert Rees-Hughes, was last seen around 3.10pm on Saturday (29 November) in Easingwold.These CCTV stills are from Crabmill Lane.
Robert is described as white, 5ft 3in tall, medium build, and dark brown short receding hair. He has an injury (described as a gash) to the top of his head. He was last seen wearing a dark waterproof jacket, grey chino jeans, and walking boots.
Extensive resource is being used to assist with the searches for Robert which includes the use of police drones and specialist police search officers.
Inspector Michael Smith from North Yorkshire Police said: “The stills released today shows Robert walking along Crabmill Lane in Easingwold on Saturday, which is the last confirmed sighting of him.
“We continue to carry out a range of enquiries and search activity to locate Robert, who remains a missing person. As time goes on, we’re increasingly concerned for his welfare, particularly now the weather has turned and temperatures drop to freezing at night.
“I would urge anyone who has seen Robert to contact us with any information.”
If you believe that you have seen Robert or have any information that could assist us, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101. If you know his immediate whereabouts, please call 999.
Please quote reference number 12250225146 when providing any information.
Original appeal
Our officers are currently searching for 35-year-old Robert Rees-Hughes, who was last seen around 3.10pm yesterday (29 November) in Easingwold.
We’re growing increasingly concerned for his welfare. Extensive enquiries are ongoing to locate Robert and as part of our enquiries, we are asking for anyone who may have seen him, or who has information about his whereabouts, to contact us immediately.
Robert is described as white, 5ft 3in tall, medium build, and dark brown short receding hair. He has an injury (described as a gash) to the top of his head. He was last seen wearing dark waterproof jacket, grey chino jeans, and walking boots.
We believe he could be in the Easingwold or Harrogate area.
If you see this missing person, please call 999. If you have any other information that could help us find them, please call us on 101 and select option 1 to speak to our control room.
Please quote 12250225146 when sharing information.
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