City news in 250 words: Thursday 6 May

MANCHESTER CITY will not play in the Champions League next season. Their hopes of finishing in the top four were quashed last night in a 1-0 defeat by Tottenham. Manager Roberto Mancini told BBC Radio 5 Live that he would “absolutely” retain his position at the club.

VOTING IS UNDERWAY for what could be the most closely fought election in decades. The polls opened at 7am and will close at 10pm. Gordo and Sleuth will be spending the night at the Town Hall where the Manchester results will be announced. Check their Twitter feeds for updates as the night progresses.

A MANCUNIAN MAN who wrote to Zoo magazine for advice on getting over a relationship breakup was advised to go on the rampage with the boys or cut his ex-girlfriend's face. The comments were made in the magazine's agony uncle column, under actor Danny Dyer's byline. Zoo have apologised for the advice, blaming a production error. In a statement the magazine said 'Zoo and Danny Dyer condemn any violence against women.'

A SENIOR GMP policeman whose department has responsibility for traffic has been sent on a driving skills course after being involved in a motorway crash. Chief Supt David Anthony pulled up on the hard shoulder to take a phone call, then crashed into another vehicle as he rejoined the motorway. A statement from GMP confirmed that he would undertake a drivers' awareness course, and said: 'The officer has learned a valuable lesson and the matter is now closed.'

Out the window weather forecast: still too cold for this time of year.