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US actress Chloe Sevigny: 'Manchester was one of the grimmest places I'd ever been in my entire life'

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:09:49 -0000

So, Manchester may not be Manhattan, but The Diary is wondering what exactly our city did to Hollywood star Chloe Sevigny to provoke her into saying "it was one the grimmest places" she'd ever been.

Police launch investigation after human remains found under M60 bridge in Cheadle

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 17:42:02 -0000

Police are investigating after human remains were found under a motorway flyover. Officers were called at 11.45am on Wednesday to an area underneath the M60, near junction 3 at Cheadle.

It is thought a workman found the remains - understood to be bones from a human skeleton - while he was clearing the area.

Jailed: Homeless man who tried to steal cable from 130ft pylon in Middleton

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:30:01 -0000

A homeless drug addict who risked death by taking cable from a 130ft electricity pylon has been jailed for three years. Desmond Brady, 43, was part of a gang that tried to steal wire carrying a lethal 275,000 volts.

Jailed: Man who pointed rifle at shop owner in row over stolen goods

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:29:29 -0000

John Clarke was so enraged with the businessman after a bust-up that he threatened him with the weapon. The air rifle, which was not loaded at the time, was so convincing that the man was in genuine fear for his life, a court heard.

The incident happened after a row between the two men over power tools stolen from a van in Eccles.

Barrister David Friesner jailed for theft of £72,500 after his Manchester property empire crashed

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:27:48 -0000

Barrister David Friesner, 46, took £72,500 from 9 St John Street Chambers, in Manchester, as he suffered 'financial carnage' after his sideline property business was hit by the credit crunch of 2008.

Drivers who mowed down caring dad while racing through Longsight are jailed

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:25:24 -0000

Daniel Lee, 21, was crossing Plymouth Grove in Longsight, when he was hit by a VW Golf driven by Kamran Khan.

A jury heard how Khan, 24, had been playing a reckless game of chase with his pal Shamin Uddin, 25, who was driving an Audi when the accident happened in the early hours of January 30 last year.

Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson ready to lead award winning soap to new MediaCity home

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:39:40 -0000

Coronation Street is riding high thanks to gripping storylines and a clutch of top TV awards. Good news for the man in charge, Phil Collinson. David Henry spoke to him.

Police officer in court over death of 26-year-old waitress in Ramsbottom car crash

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:27:35 -0000

A police officer has appeared in court accused of causing a woman's death by careless driving.

Brendan Buggie, 38, a member of Greater Manchester Police's tactical aid unit also faces a drink-drive charge.

Wayne Rooney names his new race horse 'Switcharooney'

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 13:21:17 -0000

Wayne Rooney has chosen a name for the race horse he bought before Christmas - and decided to name it after himself. The Manchester United striker confirmed that the two-year-old horse will be called Switcharooney when it starts racing later this year.

Shoppers escape as bus bound for Trafford Centre catches fire on M60

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:35:04 -0000

30 shoppers were evacuated from a bus heading for the Trafford Centre after it caught fire on the M60. Fire crews were called to the fire on the motorway between junctions 12 and 13 near Eccles at about 11.10am on Wednesday.

Blue Peter garden (including pawprints of Shep) to be recreated by BBC in Salford - and will be open to the public

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 12:03:50 -0000

The Blue Peter garden is to be recreated in Salford Quays - and will be open to the public, it was announced today.

Two arrested following attack on pensioner, 71, after he got off bus in Bolton that had been pelted with bottles

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:23:49 -0000

The pair, both 18, have been held on suspicion of assault and criminal damage following the attack on Swan Lane in Great Lever, Bolton.

The vehicle, a 571 service, was pelted with glass bottles and had a window smashed at 9.45pm on Friday.

Yobs headbutted and kicked pensioner, 71, after he got off bus in Bolton that had been pelted with bottles

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:14:29 -0000

A pensioner was attacked as he got off a bus that had been pelted with bottles.

The 71-year-old was headbutted and punched in the face after alighting from the vehicle on Swan Lane in Bolton.

Live - Manchester council meeting

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:53:24 -0000

Manchester council is holding a full meeting this morning - follow our live coverage here ...

Jobs in the frame: Manchester council backs plan to create offshoot of Sharp Project media hub

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:40:23 -0000

The studio, housed in the former Sharp warehouse in Newton Heath, is home to hit TV shows such as Sky One’s Mount Pleasant and Channel 4 comedy Fresh Meat.

But an ambitious plan could see the disused Fujitsu tower in Gorton being turned into an off-shoot of the media hub.

On the scrapheap at 21? The Dukinfield IT expert turned down for 1,500 jobs

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:37:31 -0000

Daniel Smith sailed through a college IT course and started looking for work – applying for an average of two jobs a day. After hitting a brick wall, he quickly widened his search to other jobs – but the rejections continued to pour in.

He revealed his plight on the day that government figures were expected to show another rise in unemployment.

Unemployment rate hits 16-year high

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 10:20:30 -0000

The UK's unemployment rate increased to a 16-year high today after another rise in the jobless total.

Unemployment jumped by 48,000 in the quarter to December to 2.67 million, a jobless rate of 8.4 per cent, the worst figure since the end of 1995.

Bogus police officer 'arrested' Salford householder before robbing him

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 09:07:43 -0000

The bogus cop, wearing a dark t-shirt and body armour, struck at a house on Banbury Mews in Salford. He told the victim, 24, that he had a warrant and was allowed in.

Skype’s the limit as Manchester council staff have online video meetings to cut travel costs

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:53:26 -0000

Manchester town hall bosses have ordered staff to consider video-linked calls over the internet rather than arranging face-to-face meetings.

Office-based staff will also be given smart meters to plug into their work stations, showing how much power they are using at any time.

Lib Dems accuse Manchester council of 'scaremongering' over £80m council cuts ‘con’

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:50:20 -0000

We reported earlier this week that the city’s Labour leadership was preparing to find the cash on top of the £170m they’ve already slashed from their budget.

But opposition members claim the council could save the money elsewhere.

Driver 'took picture of speedometer showing 105mph' minutes before Oldham crash that killed him

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:44:55 -0000

Billy Cooney, 19, who was twice the drink drive limit, died from serious head injuries after his Vauxhall Corsa ploughed into metal railings on a roundabout at the Oldham end of the A627M.

Forensic analysis of his Blackberry mobile phone showed a picture of the speedometer had been taken minutes before the car crashed at the Elk Mill roundabout in Royton in September 2010.

True love waits: Wedding bells for Cheadle Hulme couple, aged 92 and 90

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:22:39 -0000

Paddy and Lenorah Aherne, of Cheadle Hulme, married at the weekend after meeting five years ago through a church newspaper ad.

At that point, former RAF radio operator Paddy, 90, was still living in Bexhill, Sussex while Lenorah, 92, was living in Stockport. But after a whirlwind romance he decided to sell up and move north to be with his new-found love.

Count me out: Girlfriend of ‘fake duke’ Scott Travis says she'll never forgive him after conning her TWICE

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:17:56 -0000

Serial trickster Travis, jailed for the second time after tricking an elderly man out of his life savings, told his victim he was the son of an Italian duke.

In fact he was living off benefits in a Middleton flat with his long-term partner, Gail Heyworth. She too believed he was an Italian aristocrat – and incredibly had already taken him back after he defrauded her in 2004.

CAMRA publishes guide to best real ale pubs on Metrolink tram routes

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:07:25 -0000

The free pocket-sized leaflets list the top pubs near every tram stop on the Altrincham and newly-opened South Manchester routes.

Connoisseurs of traditional ale hope the guide will encourage locals and tourists to uncover unsung boozers across the tram network and reduce drink driving.

'My hip joints can't take it': Happy Mondays' Bez reveals his dancing days are over

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:59:06 -0000

There will be no more Freaky Dancin’ from Happy Mondays star Bez – he’s announced his shock retirement from maraca-shaking duties ahead of the band’s big reunion tour this summer.

For Bez, real name Mark Berry, admits that he is now more of a creaky dancer with his aching joints.

Eccles sex-slave trial girl was 'stabbed for smiling at man', court told

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:50:06 -0000

A woman allegedly imprisoned in a cellar, raped and kept as a virtual slave while a child was stabbed in the stomach for smiling, a jury was told.

It is alleged that she was locked in a cellar by Ilyas Ashar, 83, and his wife Tallat Ashar, 66, at their home on Cromwell Road in Eccles, Salford, and forced to sew, wash, cook and clean without pay.

Oldham family flee as candle tribute to Whitney Houston sets fire to their home

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:41:31 -0000

A woman and her son lit the candle in memory of the star, who was found dead in a bath in a hotel in Beverly Hills.

But they were forced to flee for their own lives when it set fire to their living room.

Praise for Football Association after suspension of ‘Holocaust jibe’ ref boss Phil Morris

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 07:29:37 -0000

We revealed yesterday how Phil Morris – referee appointments secretary at the Manchester FA – had been suspended from all football activity until May for making a jibe about the Holocaust.

He had appeared before a disciplinary panel following an alleged outburst at Manchester United’s Carrington complex.

JLS singleton Aston Merrygold coy on rumours of being item with ex-Hollyoaks star Emma Rigby

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:01:08 -0000

While JLS star Aston Merrygold is the man of millions of girls’ dreams, the heart-throb tells me he spent another Valentine's Day as a singleton. When I asked if he was with a special someone yesterday, he replied: "In a word, no. But I send my mum flowers if that counts."

Hmm, but what about ex-Hollyoaks actress Emma Rigby? He was spied in Manchester only last month after a long lunch with the blonde beauty at Cicchetti in the city centre, fuelling rumours they’re an item. But he reckons that's not quite the case.

Van exhausts new target for metal thieves

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:01:06 -0000

Crooks hacked off 11 catalytic converters – most of them from under Mercedes Sprinter vans – in Stockport last month.

Cops say vans in Stretford and Urmston have also been attacked for their exhausts.

Good call: Doctor saves Reddish tot’s life by diagnosing meningitis over phone

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:01:02 -0000

On-call medic Dr Muhammed Saleem suspected one-year-old Connor Tomlinson had the killer bug and called an ambulance to take him to hospital.

Connor’s mum Shelley had phoned an out-of-hours GP service for help after her son developed a high temperature and began vomiting.

Paul Taylor: A tale of our times ... the injury that is ‘cured’ by post

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:01:01 -0000

Here’s a true story of our times. A woman is driving to an important business meeting, stops at the entry to a roundabout and, to her horror, sees a car coming the wrong way round the roundabout.

The car then exits the roundabout on the wrong side of the road and collides head-on with the woman’s car. She is shaken but not hurt.

Talks over future of Iranian Consulate in Bowdon break down

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 06:00:43 -0000

Talks between Iran and Trafford council over the future of the former consulate building on Charcoal Road, Bowdon, broke down when the Middle-Eastern country’s officials were ejected from Britain.

The house was torched last August, the third arson attack in 11 months. Iranian officials met with the council in September and reiterated their commitment to refurbishing the building – which has become a blot on the local landscape.

Video: City's AWOL striker Carlos Tevez gets police escort after landing at Manchester airport ahead of crunch meeting with Roberto Mancini

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 19:25:38 -0000

Manchester City star Carlos Tevez has flown back to Manchester – and had to be given a police escort through the arrivals hall.

The player landed at Manchester Airport just after 1.30pm today on an Air France flight from Buenos Aires, via Paris.

Video and pictures: Silence is golden as The Artist dominates at the Baftas

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 16:49:43 -0000

Silent film The Artist made a big noise at the Baftas last night – winning seven awards including Best Film, Leading Actor and Best Director.

The film – a homage to the silent era of Hollywood – swept the board. The only low point was seeing its leading lady Berenice Bejo lose out in the Outstanding Actress award to Meryl Streep.

Pair arrested over death of teen in Rawtenstall released without charge

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:56:21 -0000

The pair, aged 25 and 32, were held on suspicion of murder after 18-year-old student Ryan Anderton was found collapsed near a row of shops.

But police confirmed this morning no further action would be taken against them.

Photographer who broke leg in Yorkshire hill fall gets helpers to take pictures of her rescue

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:40:41 -0000

Retired teacher Brenda Acton, 62, was accompanying a group from a Cheshire primary school on an overnight trip. She ventured out for an early morning walk with her camera but Mrs Acton ended up in the frame herself – after stumbling and breaking her leg in three places.

And rescuers who came to her aid were surprised to be handed the camera to record all the action.

New Order to headline Saturday night at Bestival - minus Peter Hook

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:29:15 -0000

Electro-pop veterans New Order have been announced as the latest headliners for this year's Bestival music event.

The 1980s band, famous for Blue Monday, will play the Saturday night headliner slot at the event run by Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank on the Isle of Wight in September.

Benchill Celtic's team effort helps kit out football-mad African kids

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:24:18 -0000

The children from one of the country’s poorest black townships are sporting the distinctive blue and green strips of the Wythenshawe club’s under 12s side after they donated their unused kit.

Top Manchester school places ‘like gold dust’ after mini baby boom

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:18:49 -0000

Manchester council is conducting a city-wide review of classroom places as it prepares for a surge in pupil numbers.

Many of the city’s 127 primary schools are already at bursting point and would be unable to accommodate more students without being expanded.

Beau and arrow: Olympic archers are aiming to get married

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:26:48 -0000

Cupid's arrow hit its target when two Olympic archers got engaged. Roy Nash finally got down on one knee and proposed to London 2012 hopeful Charlotte Burgess after a six-year courtship.

Roy, 35, picked an unlikely location for his proposal – on a hill above Stockport Air Raid Shelters.

Baby joy for Stockport parents who lost daughter to swine flu

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:23:16 -0000

Gemma and Zana Ameen were heartbroken when three-year-old Lana died just two days after developing symptoms of the virus at Christmas 2010.

Now the couple are celebrating the arrival of baby Lian, who was born four weeks’ early, weighing 5lb 1oz.

Mum-of-four turns detective to clear her name after £6,000 is stolen from post offce in Eccles

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:59:58 -0000

A postmistress turned detective to clear her name after a crooked worker stole thousands of pounds and let her take the blame.

Mum-of-four Shazbat Begum was suspended after £6,000 went missing from the accounts of the Westwood Park Post Office in Eccles.

Veteran Manchester Central MP Tony Lloyd to stand for election as Greater Manchester’s first police commissioner

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:54:43 -0000

Veteran MP Tony Lloyd has confirmed he will stand for election as Greater Manchester’s first police commissioner.

The M.E.N revealed last week that Mr Lloyd, one of the region’s most senior Labour politicians, was tipped to announce his candidacy for the job.

Bag found in hunt for Oldham gran Nellie Geraghty's killer

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:53:35 -0000

Police are investigating whether a bag found in Oldham belongs to tragic pensioner Nellie Geraghty. Nellie, 79, died shortly after being mugged in an alleyway in Shaw in November.

Two further arrests over gang attack on trainee baker Daniel Stringer-Prince in Hyde

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:48:51 -0000

Two more arrests have been made in connection with an alleged attack on two teenagers which is being treated as a hate crime by police.

A 17-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man have been held on suspicion of section 18 assault after the incident on Market Street at 10.15pm on February 4.

Referees' boss Phil Morris suspended for 'concentration camp' jibe before Jewish league game

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:47:57 -0000

A referees'’ boss has been suspended after being found guilty by an FA panel of making a sick jibe about the Holocaust before a Jewish league match.

Phil Morris, referee appointments secretary at the Manchester FA, was disciplined over comments he was said to have made in a dressing room at Manchester United’s Carrington complex.

Review: Noel Gallaghers' High Flying Birds at Manchester Arena

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:19:34 -0000

Just like his beloved Manchester City, Noel Gallagher seems to be on a roll – and keeping just ahead of a close rival.

It was brother Liam who hit the ground running after Oasis split amid rumours of hurled guitars – and fruit – in 2009.

Pensioner James Greenhalgh, 71, dies five days after he is hit by Vauxhall Zafira in Wigan

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:54:35 -0000

A pensioner hit by a car earlier this month has died, police have said.

Former miner James Greenhalgh, 71, was struck by a Vauxhall Zafira near the junction of Poolstock and Holborn Avenue in Wigan at 8.50am on February 3.

Motorcyclist from Bolton who nearly bled to death after road smash searches for passing doctor who saved his life

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:55:48 -0000

A motorcyclist whose life was saved by the quick-thinking actions of a passing doctor is trying to track down the heroic medic to thank him in person.

Colin Withers suffered serious injuries when he was hit by a car from behind while he was on his motorbike.

Poacher turned gamekeeper: Ex-burglar from Bolton on the streets helping police to cut down on theft

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 05:55:45 -0000

A convicted burglar has turned his back on a life of crime to help police make homes safer.

Reformed drug addict Jason Nice, 34, has spent more than 10 years behind bars after being convicted over theft and drug offences.

CVS boosts staff numbers

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:01:28 -0000

Ambitious business rates specialist CVS is on a hiring spree which has seen it recruit more than 50 staff in the past three months with plans to add a further 45 over the rest of the year, boss Mark Rigby said today.

CVS said it would continue to bolster employee numbers at its headquarters in Greater Manchester and offices in London and Bristol, while also looking to establish a presence in Birmingham during 2012 and other cities after that.

Lufthansa passenger numbers flying high out of Manchester

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:01:27 -0000

Lufthansa carried a record number of people in and out of Manchester last year, the German airline announced.

The carrier saw an 8.5 per cent increase in passengers to 697,915, during 2011.

Stobart delivers on warehouse

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:01:21 -0000

Haulage firm Eddie Stobart has bought a 145,000 sq ft warehouse at Appleton, Warrington, in a deal thought to be worth close to £3m.

The property is at the intersection of the M6 and M56.

Carlos Tevez: I want to win the Manchester City fans back

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 21:42:24 -0000

Carlos Tevez may be able to work out his differences with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini - but then his biggest task begins, in calming the angry Blue masses.

Pick of the day: Five must-read stories on the Manchester Evening News website

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:13:17 -0000

Five must-read stories on the Manchester Evening News website.

Deaf mute girl allegedly kept in a cellar in Eccles was raped and treated as slave, court told

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:14:33 -0000

A deaf and mute girl allegedly kept in a cellar, repeatedly raped and treated as a virtual slave in a house in Eccles, Salford, has told a court of years of beatings and cruelty.

The victim, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, told the jury of almost a decade of alleged abuse after being trafficked into the UK from Pakistan in 2000, supposedly to work as a domestic help - though aged only 10 at the time.

Whitney Houston: I’m either my best friend or my worst enemy

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:08:50 -0000

This year will mark the 25th anniversary of a fresh-faced, curly-haired Whitney Houston storming to the top of the charts with I Wanna Dance With Somebody.

But it’s an anniversary
Whitney was destined never to celebrate.

Salford asylum-seeker facing deportation to Gambia after five-year battle to stay in UK

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:57:30 -0000

Sukai Jack, 31, says she was arrested in Gambia after delivering letters which allegedly contained information about a government coup.

She claims she had no knowledge of what was inside the letters and was just doing a job.

Plan for Oldham school staffed by soldiers on course

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:47:19 -0000

The proposed Phoenix School in Oldham would focus on self-discipline and use rigorous outdoor exercises to prepare students for the classroom.

Backers of the project – which would need to be approved by the government – say they have nearly recruited all the pupils they need to submit a formal application.

Cruel thieves' raid on Wythenshawe stables robs disabled kids of their riding lessons

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:44:52 -0000

The owner of a riding stables has slammed ‘sick’ thieves who stole equipment used to help disabled children.

They ransacked Wythenshawe riding stables after slicing through bolts on the gates. They took specialist harnesses worth more than £2,000.

Youths arrested over death of Oldham gran Nellie Geraghty are eliminated from inquiry

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:37:32 -0000

Nellie, 79, died shortly being mugged in an alleyway in Shaw, Oldham. Her handbag contained the ashes of her husband, Frank, and she fought desperately to keep hold of it when the thief struck.

Now, police have confirmed two boys aged 17 and 14 arrested on Friday on suspicion of her murder will face no further action after talks with the Crown Prosecution Service.

Manchester council lines up Jamie Oliver for new children's healthy eating drive

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:34:03 -0000

Manchester has above-average rates of childhood obesity and the council wants to educate children and families about the food they choose.

Jamie has spearheaded campaigns to encourage healthy eating in schools and raise awareness in Britain and America about nutritious eating.

Wigan's Haigh Hall live concerts axed - because of Stone Roses' Heaton Park comeback gigs

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:33:05 -0000

More than 15,000 fans flocked to the Haigh Hall Live festival in Wigan last year to see Manchester favourites the Courteeners and Aussie heartthrob Peter Andre top the bill.

But organisers announced that this year’s gigs have been cancelled because the dates clashed with The Stone Roses’ sell-out homecoming concerts at Heaton Park.

Manchester United fanzine Red Issue hits back after police confiscate copies in 'offensive' Ku Klux Klan poster row

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:32:43 -0000

All copies of Red Issue magazine were confiscated from outside Old Trafford amid fears they would spark violence.

Officers swooped after finding they contained a pull-out Ku Klux Klan-style mask bearing the slogan ‘Suarez is innocent’. One man was also arrested for selling t-shirts bearing a similar image.

Fallowfield drunk caught out impersonating a traffic officer – after he flagged down a police car

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:32:22 -0000

Leo McKenna, 44, drank 10 pints of lager and six double vodkas before kitting himself out in a reflective jacket, body armour, handcuffs and a baton to flag down motorists on Wilbraham Road, Fallowfield, and warn them of the dangers of speeding in icy conditions.

Video: Ban for football fan who hurled racist abuse at Liverpool's Glen Johnson at Etihad Stadium

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:32:02 -0000

Andrew Dale, 36, aimed a ‘disgraceful’ slur at Glen Johnson from the stands as the player took a throw-in at the Etihad Stadium.

The comment referred to Johnson’s teammate Luis Suarez – the Uruguayan forward at the centre of the race-row involving United’s Patrice Evra.

More pain on the way: Manchester council planning further cuts of £80m

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:31:38 -0000

It has emerged that town hall chiefs will have to shave another £25m from their budget in 2013/14 - rising to between £55m and £80m in 2014/15. And they’ve been unable to rule out more workers losing their jobs.

Residents have also been warned they could face a 3.5 per cent increase in council tax for 2013/14 to help close the funding gap. The tax was frozen this year thanks to a special government grant.

Woman who tried to hide body of her dead baby in Bury garden faces jail

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:01:51 -0000

Fatima Ali, 26, was arrested after police were called to Tinline Street, Bury, in September 2010 following reports that a baby's body had been found in the front garden.

Ali admitted cruelty to the baby girl Malaikah Hussain by failing to seek medical attention for her when she appeared at the court. She also admitted concealing the birth of a child by the secret disposition of its dead body.

Mother's tribute as teenage son is found dead in Rawtenstall street

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:58:59 -0000

The body of Ryan Anderton, 18, was discovered by police near a row of shops. Paramedics were called but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men, aged 25 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of murder and were last night being questioned by police.

Osborne’s hopes for north west manufacturing

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:29:04 -0000

Chancellor George Osborne says the north west can once again become a world-leading centre for manufacturing if businesses have the confidence to invest in the region.

Mr Osborne told the M.E.N he wants more companies to place their faith in Britain, in order to stimulate growth through increased productivity and higher export levels.

Immigration desk staff at Manchester Airport ‘facing shift-change chaos’, boss claims

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 10:23:18 -0000

An immigration boss at Manchester Airport has claimed changes to work shifts have left the arrivals process in chaos – with as few as six staff having to deal with up to 2,000 passengers at a time.

Paul Whitworth, a chief immigration officer who has worked at the airport for 11 years, spoke out as he tried to pursue a claim against the UK Border Agency at an employment tribunal in Manchester.

Headteacher returns to her post at Bridgewater School after quitting over governor payments

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:32:22 -0000

Headteacher Judy Nairn, who stepped down from her job in a row over payments to the chair of governors at Bridgewater School in Worsley, has returned to work.

Let's all move on: Manchester United thank Liverpool FC after Suarez and Dalglish apologise for Evra handshake snub

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 17:09:02 -0000

Manchester United has thanked Liverpool FC after striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish apologised over the bitter row surrounding a handshake snub to defender Patrice Evra at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Honours system is 'divisive and corrupting' says MP Graham Stringer

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:21:52 -0000

Graham Stringer, Labour MP for Blackley and Broughton, has called for reform of the honours system, saying the current system of giving out gongs and knighthoods is divisive and ‘corrupting’.

Jail probe after second Strangeways inmate is found hanged in three weeks

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:20:12 -0000

A prison watchdog has expressed concern after two inmates were found hanged at Strangeways within the past three weeks.

Disgraced barrister David Friesner ordered to repay just £1 of the £78,000 he stole from Manchester chambers

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:17:20 -0000

Jailed barrister David Friesner, 46, who stole more than £70,000 from his Manchester chambers, has been ordered to repay just £1 because he no longer has any assets.

Historic cranes at Salford Quays 'could be scrapped'

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 16:14:09 -0000

Two cranes which are towering symbols of Salford’s industrial heritage could be scrapped because they are falling apart, council chiefs fear.

Four revellers treated in hospital 'after taking ecstasy tablets at Sankeys nightclub'

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:55:24 -0000

Two women and two men aged between 19 and 21 were admitted to hospital for treatment after taking ecstasy tablets early today at Sankeys nightclub, police said.

Tributes to Whitney Houston after she dies in LA hotel aged 48

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 15:41:53 -0000

Tributes have been pouring in for American singer and actress Whitney Houston, who has died at the age of 48.

Hundreds audition at Manchester Central for series 13 of Big Brother

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:49:56 -0000

Hundreds of fame-hungry hopefuls have flocked to Manchester Central this weekend to audition for the 13th series of Big Brother.

Police seize Manchester United fanzine Red Issue for printing 'offensive' Ku Klux Klan mask

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 17:19:51 -0000

One man has been arrested outside Old Trafford after police seized 'offensive' T-shirts and magazines printed with Ku Klux Klan-style masks ahead of this afternoon's Premier League match between Manchester United and Liverpool.

Rapist hunted after teenage girl is attacked in Farnworth alleyway

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:52:10 -0000

A teenage girl was raped by a man who dragged her into an alleyway off Egerton Street in Farnworth, Bolton. Police are appealing for information after the attack at around 1.30 am on Saturday.

Manchester City star Micah Richards quits Twitter after racist abuse

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:10:30 -0000

Manchester City star Micah Richards has quit Twitter after he was the target of racist abuse.

Confidential salary documents sent to house in Stalybridge after taxman blunder

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:00:36 -0000

Confidential documents containing the salaries, National Insurance numbers and other details of dozens of people were sent to a house in Stalybridge after a blunder by tax officials.

Metal thieves strike again at Manchester Cathedral

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:00:35 -0000

Metal thieves have struck again at Manchester Cathedral – ripping 10ft of guttering from the roof. The church will now have to spend £2,000 fixing the damage.

Policeman could face criminal charge over ‘punch’ on protester Alan Clough at Bolton EDL rally

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:00:33 -0000

A policeman could face criminal charges after he was caught on camera appearing to punch anti-fascism protester Alan Clough, 63, during an English Defence League rally in Bolton.

Manchester City star Kolarov hit with a ‘Premier League’ fine of £1,500 for speeding in his Mercedes

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:00:32 -0000

Manchester City star Aleksandar Kolarov has been hit with a £1,500 'Premier League' fine after being caught speeding at 48mph on part of Princess Parkway which has a 40mph limit.

My other tractor really is a Porsche: The collection of 35 vintage farm vehicles kept in a Cadishead shed

Sat, 11 Feb 2012 06:00:29 -0000

Dessie Armstrong, 70, already has more than 35 vintage tractors stored in his shed in Cadishead, including a rare Porsche tractor, – but he is determined to plough on with his collection.

Pictured: Hooded youths wanted over brick attack on bus at Salford precinct

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:42:26 -0000

Police have released CCTV images of a group of hooded youths they want to speak to about a brick attack on a bus full of passengers on Churchill Way in Pendleton near Salford Precinct.

Jobless Middleton crook Scott Travis jailed for conning OAP out of £100k by posing as Italian aristocrat

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:30:13 -0000

Scott Travis, 44, of Middleton, pretended to be the heir to an Italian millionairess and claimed he was set to inherit £1.7m from his mother's will to con a vulnerable pensioner out of his £100,000 life savings.

Man, 29, who died in hospital 'had stabbed himself' at Beswick house

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:53:13 -0000

Police are no longer treating the death of a 29-year-old man as suspicious after a post mortem examination found stab wounds he had sustained at a house in Beswick were self-inflicted.

Councils banned from saying prayers before meetings after legal challenge

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:34:18 -0000

Christians and politicians reacted with dismay as the High Court today outlawed the centuries-old tradition of formal prayers being said at the start of local council meetings up and down the country.

Ryan Giggs signs new Manchester United deal at the age of 38

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 14:02:37 -0000

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs has signed a one-year contract extension.

Mario Balotelli fashion shoot puts Manchester United supporter's Ardwick bakery in Vogue magazine

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 13:04:55 -0000

Mario Balotelli is pictured in the latest edition of Vogue Italia frequenting several unlikely haunts in Ardwick Green, including a garage and office block.

The controversial striker, a regular at Milan Fashion Week, was a world away from the bright lights and catwalks of his former home as he was pictured posing outside The Uppercrust bakery, on the aptly-named Cakebread Street, for the upmarket magazine.

Businessman urges Manchester United fans to buy his land - to stop City's £100m training complex

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:34:21 -0000

The Blues want to spend £100m transforming a run-down 80-acre plot near the ground – but progress threatens to be stalled by Shaun O’Brien’s refusal to leave.

But Mr O’Brien is now offering plots of his land at OB Trucks, on Quinn Street, for £250 per square foot – and says he hopes to sell a minimum of 5,000 plots, which would work out at £1.25m.