Manchester 250: Wednesday 28 November

ARMED ROBBERS tunneled through to a pawnbrokers in Prestwich. The gang waited under the floor for two women workers to arrive at the Goldman Sterling Ltd shop on Bury New Road. One of the women had a knife held to her throat while the other was dragged to the floor. The thieves fled with £50,000 in jewellery and £30,000 cash. The robbery was said to be professional and well-planned.

CAR JACKINGS are on the increase in Stockport. Police are urging motorists to be vigilant after at least 12 women drivers have fallen victim to car jackers thought to be operating in the area in the past two months. DC Glen Draper, of Stockport CID, said: “We are concerned about a rise of car jackings in the area. The last two have almost certainly been committed by the same people.”

AMY WINEHOUSE has cancelled her UK tour, including two dates at Manchester Apollo. In a statement the singer, whose husband is currently in jail, said: “I'm so sorry but I don't want to do the shows half-heartedly; I love singing. My husband is everything to me and without him it's just not the same.” The cancelled Manchester dates are Wednesday 12 December and Thursday 13 December. Ticket holders can get refunds from the point of purchase.

MANCHESTER UNITED have confirmed the leading position in their Champions League group, after last night’s 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon. Cristiano Ronaldo scored the last minute winning goal over his former club at Old Trafford.