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Welcome to the Yorkshire Evening Post's live news blog on Friday June 11.
Live Leeds news on Friday June 11Live Leeds news on Friday June 11
Live Leeds news on Friday June 11

Scroll down for the latest headlines and breaking news from across the city.

Leeds news LIVE: Friday June 11

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.”

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:

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.

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?

Welcome to the Yorkshire Evening Post’s live news blog on Friday June 11.

Here are the morning’s headlines: