City news in 250 words

ROBBERS have attempted to steal a cash machine using a strap device in Ancoats. A group of men pulled up to the ATM outside the Best Price shop on Chippenham Road last week and pulled what looked like a yellow strap out of the boot. This was connected to the back of the car then wrapped around the machine inside the shop, whilst customers were threatened with a gun. They then tried to drive off, pulling the cash machine with them. The store manager pressed a panic alarm and the men removed the strap and drove off.

LEAVES ON THE LINES will effect train times in Greater Manchester, according to Northern Rail. Train times are being allocated a few extra minutes on the autumn timetable which runs up until December 13. Northern Rail has said that leaves falling on railways are the equivalent of black ice on the roads.

PETE DOHERTY failed to turn up to the Babyshambles gig at the Ritz nightclub in Manchester this weekend. The band's frontman cancelled the show two hours before it was due to start leaving fans, who had paid £17.50 per ticket, queuing down the street.

FOOTBALLER Luke McCormick was jailed for seven years and four months at Stoke Crown Court today for causing the deaths of two brothers, Arron Peak, 10, and his brother Ben Peak, eight from Partington, in a car crash while over the drink drive limit. The former Plymouth Argyle goalkeeper pleaded guilty to death caused by dangerous driving.