City news in 250 words: Tuesday 17 August

CRIMINAL SAFETY CONCERNS: Police allowed three thieves to drive away on stolen motorbikes because they were not wearing helmets. Officers were ordered not to pursue the bikes which were stolen from a showroom in Altrincham on Thursday. Supt Steve Nibloe, of GMP, said: "Greater Manchester Police follows a nationwide policy which gives clear guidance that motorbikes should not be pursued because of the higher risk of injury to the rider.” One of the vehicles has since been recovered and two men have been arrested.

METROLINK SERVICES SUSPENDED: Services between Old Trafford and Altrincham have been suspended until Thursday to allow repairs to be made to damaged overhead cables. A bus service is operating between all the affected stops.

IRAQI STUDENT MISSING: An Iraqi GCSE student facing deportation has gone missing. Rabar Hamad arrived in Wigan in the wheel arch of a truck two years ago. Wigan Council paid for him to live in a children’s home but have since asked him to leave because they believe he is actually an adult. The Home Office said that age assessments were required to prevent adults posing as minors and to protect children.

FIREWORKS ON A PLANE: A man from Rochdale claims he boarded two Continental Airlines flights in the United States whilst carrying over 200 fireworks. Paul Jones, 29, said he flew across the US and back to the UK with the fireworks and a lighter. When questioned at Heathrow, Jones said he did not consider the security implications of the explosives.

Out of the window weather forecast: Yesterday was a one-off. Expect varying shades of grey for the next week or so.