City news in 250 words: Wednesday 15 December

HYDE MURDER ARRESTS: Two new arrests have been made in connection to the murder of Paul Begley, 43. His body was found on Saturday morning in Woodend Lane, Hyde, after police believe he had been stabbed to death on a bridge. The most recent people to be arrested are a 17-year-old boy and a 39-year-old woman who were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender. Police have been allowed more time to question two more suspects on suspicion of murder.

THIRD SWINE FLU DEATH: A third man in the area has died after contracting swine flu. The patient, who died at Rochdale Infirmary, was already suffering from other long term illnesses, the H1N1 strain of flu was listed in as cause of his death. A vaccination to combat the flu is currently being offered to those most vulnerable with the director of public heath for Rochdale urging eligible people to have the jab.

LOCAL COURTS CLOSING: MPs have criticised the plans to close three local courts. Rochdale magistrates’ courts and Salford magistrates’ and county courts were listed among 142 courts announced to be closing across England and Wales. Hazel Blears, Labour MP for Salford, criticised the coalition government describing their actions as an injustice.

CHILEAN MINERS PRAISED: Manchester United chief executive David Gill described the visiting Chilean Miners as the perfect inspiration for their triumph over Arsenal. He said that they’d played a part in the win as Sir Alex Ferguson had spoken about them in his pre-match team talk.

Out of the window weather forecast:Make the most of today as there’s a supposed month of freezing temperatures approaching tomorrow.