City news in 250 words: Monday, 10 January

EIGHTEEN arrests were made at the FA Cup game between United and Liverpool and two police officers were injured by objects thrown inside the stadium. The arrests were made for public order and criminal damage offences. Chief Superintendent Mark Roberts said: "Considering the unusual circumstances of the match we are pleased.”

A CAMPAIGN to save FC United coach Mehdi Mirzae from deportation has been launched. Mirzae, a volunteer coach who lives in Harpurhey, could be sent back to Afghanistan, which he fled in 2003. Jenny Loudon, co-ordinator of the Mehdi Must Stay campaign, said: “Given what has happened to him and his family in Afghanistan we think it would be unsafe to send him back there.”

HUNDREDS of people joined a protest about a proposed biomass incinerator in Barton, Salford. Campaign group Breathe Clean Air Group said it would pump pollutants into the air. Peel Energy, which wants to build the plant, said it would be safe and provide electricity for 40,000 homes. Residents have until Wednesday to submit comments to Trafford Council.

A SALFORD girl has reached the semi-finals of Miss Teen Great Britain. Sarah Passmore, 13, said she was often teased for being a size 14. The Albion High student has to wait until September to hear if she has made the final in Blackpool. "It doesn’t matter if I win the competition, I would just like people to find out that I did it,” she said. ”You don’t have to be skinny or beautiful to do well.”