City news in 250 words: Wednesday 5 May

ALLEGATIONS OF ELECTORAL FRAUD are being investigated in Rochdale, north Manchester, Oldham and Bolton. Voters have all complained to police about alleged breaches of the electoral code of practice, particularly on postal ballots. Greater Manchester Police are currently trying to establish if any crimes have been committed.

NHS WALK-IN CENTRE STAFF may have treated an escaped prisoner who had part of his ear cut off as part of his escape plan. Police are appealing the walk-in centre staff to help them with their hunt for Michael O'Donnell who is on the run from HMP Salford. Det Ch Insp Anthony Creely said: "O'Donnell may have gone into an NHS walk-in centre to receive treatment for his injury. Tomorrow will be O'Donnell's birthday and we want to help him celebrate by finding him and returning him to prison."

THE FIRST EVER MANCHESTER DAY PARADE has already attracted hundreds of organisations. Council chiefs have said the June 20 event will be the biggest parade ever and has been hailed as the city’s answer to the New York Thanksgiving Day Parade. The inaugural procession will celebrate Manchester's past and present achievements.

A TRAM BOSS HAS APOLOGISED TO A PASSENGER, after he was sent an email calling him a 'dreaded man'. Metrolink’s customer services manager, Cheryl Hubbard, accidentally forwarded customer Aidan Higgins' complaint letter back to Mr Higgins with the note: 'Can you look at this one please- the dreaded Aidan Higgins!!' Hubbard meant to send the note to a colleague. Metrolink has since apologised.

Out of the window weather forecast: That light rain that soaks you right through.