City news in 250 words

THE EASTER getaway rush is set to cause chaos on the roads today. There is expected to be 10% more traffic than normal on the roads as hundreds of thousands leave Manchester for the long weekend. Motorists are also being told to brace themselves for cold weather conditions and possibly even snow in the North over the Easter weekend.

MULTIMEDIA messages could be used to alert the police of criminals. Greater Manchester Police are embracing modern technology by asking the public to upload photo and video images from their mobile phones to their new online intelligence reporting form. Footage sent in could even be used as evidence in possible court cases. Photos can be submitted via the Greater Manchester Police website.

MANCHESTER ROYAL INFIRMARY is to get a new biomedical research centre. The £35m centre will specialise in the research of heart disease, pregnancy complications, learning disabilities and inflammatory bowel disease. Up to 100 new jobs could be created through the centre, which will make Manchester internationally recognised as a leader in genetics and stem cell treatment.

CRISTIANO RONALDO kept Manchester United at the top of the Premiership last night by scoring the two goals against Bolton Wanderers. He also celebrated his first captaincy for United. He told Sky Sports: “It is always good to be captain at this massive club. For me it is an honour and a pleasure, but my responsibilities are still the same. I do not change my game or personality just because I am captain.”