City news in 250 words

TWO TEENAGERS were shot at a William Hill betting shop on Mauldeth Road West in Withington last night. The two youths, aged 16 and 18 are both in a critical condition at Manchester Royal Infirmary and Trafford General Hospital. Police discovered the teenagers with gunshot wounds to the stomach and torso and chest, shoulder and leg. Two men were seen running away from the scene. Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 872 5050.

FAST TRACK HIV tests are to be offered to teenagers at the Brook Advisory Centre in Manchester. The test results are usually available in a week but the new trial starting this week, will cut the wait ing time down to just 30 minutes. The charity is piloting the tests at the Lever Street clinic. Manchester has one of the highest number of HIV cases outside London.

A PLAYGROUND for the over 60s has opened in Greater Manchester. The first of its kind, the outdoor equipment has been provided to help the elderly keep active. The area, which cost £15,000 to build in Dam Head Park, Blackley, includes apparatus for conditioning and toning. The idea came about from a similar idea in Germany.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has admitted that he is finding it difficult to recruit new talent during the January transfer window. The Blues boss told goal.com: “We're still working, we're trying with two players at the moment but we know that time is running out. It's not a question of money.”