City news in 250 words

GEORGE APPLETON, the man police were hunting in connection with the murder of a woman in Salford, has been found dead. The 40-year-old who police described as a serious threat to women, went missing shortly before 36-year-old Clare Wood's burnt body was found at her home on Friday. His body was found hanging in a derelict building in Blackfriars yesterday.

ALL FALL DOWN for Thomas Heatherwick again. The B of the Bang designer, is facing more problems after this week’s decision to dismantle the East Manchester landmark. His designs for the 2010 Shanghai World Expo may be ditched over safety concerns. Heatherwick wants eight metre long spines all around the building but it now seems that, unless much altered, the design may be doomed.

MORRISSEY has quashed any rumours that The Smiths might be reuniting. The band's former frontman told BBC Radio 2: “People always ask me about reunions and I can't imagine why. The past seems like a distant place and I'm pleased with that.” Manchester born Morrisey, will be appearing on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross, tonight.

A £20M BMX ARENA is to be built in a car park of the existing Velodrome at Sportcity, East Manchester. The centre was originally promised by the government as part of a compensation deal for the supercasino. The facility will also be the training base for British athletes in the run up to the 2012 London Olympics. The long term plan is to make Sportcity a leading international sporting destination.