City news in 250 words

POISONOUS VODKA has been discovered on sale in Greater Manchester. A poison vodka plot, where the bottles were sent through the post to a councillor, was reported back in January. The vodka, which has so far been found in Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale and Trafford, contains high amounts of methanol which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain and potential blindness.

REGULARS at the Cotton Tree pub in Withington have foiled two armed raids at the premises. Last month customers chased out five men who entered the pub with their faces covered. This week, regulars chased away thieves who attacked the landlord with a samurai sword. Greater Manchester Police have praised that community spirit and are looking into the possibility of the two incidents being linked.

LOW-PAID female workers in Greater Manchester have received a payout from councils. The local authorities have admitted dinner ladies and cleaners should be awarded bonuses that are the equivalent of males in similar jobs. So far Manchester has paid out £8.5m to over 2000 employees.

BRITISH CYCLIST Rob Hayles has failed a blood test at the Track Cycling Championships in Manchester. Hayles, 35, is the former world champion and Olympic medalist. He said: “I am disappointed and frustrated to have to wait for further tests over the next two weeks before I can compete again. I accept the process is in place for good reason and I agree with it. These anomalies have happened to others across the world, and after two weeks they have been resolved.”