‘Driving addict’ jailed for trying to cover up crash

POLICE have launched an appeal to find a family’s possessions which were stolen from a removal van while they were moving house.

While the Smith family was moving into their new home in Hipperholme thieves stole one of the three removal vans they had rented.

In the van, stolen from Lightridge Road, Hipperholme, on June 1, were children’s items including a Batman lamp, Star Wars toys and snowboarding gear.

The Luton van with the registration MV12 0HL was stolen between 11.30am and 12pm while a second van was being filled.

Ben Smith, who has two young children with his partner Sara, earlier said: “The sad thing is that 90% of the contents are worthless to them and will no doubt be discarded.”

Police said thousands of pounds of possessions were in the van including: ■■A Mama’s and Papa’s grey wardrobe, white wardrobe and chest of drawers;

Batman lamp, baby’s cot, children’s Star Wars toys and children’s soft toys;

Oakley snowboarding goggles, jackets, trousers and fleeces; ■■Jewellery, including a sentimental snake bracelet; ■■Kitchenware, white goods, and pots and pans.

Pc Joanne Coldwell, of Huddersfield Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Our enquiries remain ongoing. I would ask members of the public to cast their minds back to June 1 and ask for anyone who has any information or witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, to get in touch with police.

“The victims lost a large number of possessions in this theft and we would appeal for anyone who is offered any of the items described or sees them for sale, to please get in touch with police.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Huddersfield police on 101, quoting crime reference 13170248013. TRAGEDY has struck for the second time at a tourist attraction close to Huddersfield.

A new-born foal has died at Cannon Hall Farm at Cawthorne just three days after its mum lost her life.

Chester, who was only five days old, died on Sunday of blood poisoning.

Mum Poppy had been put to sleep. The 12-year-old mare died after giving birth to her 5ft tall foal.

Farmers Robert and Roger Nicholson and their family have run the tourist attraction since the 1980s.

A spokesperson for the farm said: “We are heartbroken to announce that Chester hasn’t made it.

“Farmers Robert and Roger noticed that his health was deteriorating and immediately called the vet.

“An immediate decision was made to transfer him to the Rainbow Specialist Equine Unit in Malton where he was diagnosed with septicaemia.

“He received intravenous antibiotics and several blood transfusions from the very best vets in their field.

“Sadly, his condition did not improve and Chester has passed away, despite everyone’s best efforts.

“All the team at Cannon Hall Farm would like to thank everyone for all the love and support shown as we come to terms with our loss.

“We’ve had hundreds of questions and messages. Please rest assured they received the very best veterinary care throughout and we tried our very best.”

Writing on Facebook, Suzie Weaver posted: “Run free little man and find your mummy. Such sad news.”

Lynda Mansell said: “If, the biggest word in the dictionary. You did everything you possibly could. These things sadly happen. The life of a farmer is never easy.”