City news in 250 words: Thursday 31 March

A MINIBUS CRASHED into Sangam restaurant in Rusholme’s 'Curry Mile' early this morning. Three people from the minibus, which hit a car before crashing into the restaurant, were taken to hospital with cuts, bruises and a broken nose. Two people from the car suffered minor injuries.

BLACK CAB FARES in Manchester are increasing by seven per cent, from tomorrow. A 10-mile journey after 10pm will cost an average of £26.20 - up from £24.40. The increase is to off-set the price of petrol and insurance, according to taxi drivers. George Simms, secretary of Manchester’s Taxi Owners and Drivers Association, said: "Many taxi drivers are essentially on the minimum wage and we have to be able to afford to live.”

A MAN WAS beaten unconscious during an attack outside The Palace Hotel early on Wednesday morning. The 36-year-old victim is at Manchester Royal Infirmary. His condition is being described as critical. An 18-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody.

A PENSIONER WAS locked in a library for more than an hour after staff went home. Shirley Hamer alerted police, who contacted staff, but she managed to break out on her own. She said: "I was so shocked. I couldn’t believe it had happened. I had no idea how I was going to get out. Thankfully I had my mobile phone so I called the police and told them I was locked inside. I didn’t know what else to do." Tameside Council has apologised to Hamer.

Fact of the day: This week in 1573, Manchester's Court Leet directed that 'alehouse keepers shall not allow any unlawful gaming in their houses or gardens'.

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