City news in 250 words

MOBILE POLICE STATIONS are to be set up in Worsley Woods near Salford in a bid to crack down on gay men who use a car park in the woods for sexual activity. Residents have complained about the area being used as a rendevous point for homosexuals. Uniformed officers will patrol the woods and towpaths next to the Bridgewater Canal. Foliage will also be cut back to reduce the opportunities for sexual activity.

POLICE are looking for a conman who is believed to have carried out dozens of distraction burglaries at elderly people's homes throughout Greater Manchester. Det Insp Derek Weaver said: "It is a sad and depressing fact that some pathetic individuals prey on those members of our society who are the most vulnerable and least able to protect themselves.”

MANCHESTER SCHOOLS have one of the worst attendance records in the country. Government reports say that a total of 2.3 per cent of classroom time was missed through truancy which is more than twice the national average. No individual schools were mentioned, however breakdowns are to be published later on this year.

WAYNE ROONEY has been accused of spitting on a photographer. The Manchester United player has been interviewed by police following the alleged incident, which was said to have happened as the 22-year-old left a restaurant. A spokesman for Rooney told the BBC: "Wayne was happy to co-operate fully and to give a clear version of the events in which he believes he was blameless."