Manchester 250: Wednesday 5 December

A MASSIVE police operation went into force last night after a gang of 25 masked men reportedly marched through Manchester streets carrying guns. The men were seen on Withington Road in Moss Side, Carlton Road, Whalley Range, Yarburgh Street, Great Western Street, Barleycroft Street and near Alexandra Park. 26 police officers were sent to the scene and 37 officers were on stand-by. However there was no evidence of any firearms being discharged or reports of injuries and the men were not found.

A BUSINESS MAN has been fined £75 for parking his car on a McDonald’s car park whilst he attended a meeting. Despite the fact that Peter Fernandes ate a meal in the Salford Crescent branch, McDonald’s insist they have a one hour parking rule in various outlets across the country to prevent non-customers from abusing the free parking. Mr Fernandes will have to take the matter up with UK Parking Control, who operate the system on McDonald's behalf.

CARLUCCIO’S restaurant chain has announced expansion plans in south Manchester. The chain, which currently welcomes 100,000 diners to its restaurants each week, is now looking for new potential venues in Manchester. The company is looking at opening restaurants in Didsbury, Altrincham and Wilmslow.

SVEN-GORAN ERIKSSON has confirmed he has two fit strikers ready for the Spurs match this Sunday. He told mcfc.co.uk: “Darius Vassell was back in full training on Tuesday, and so was Emile Mpenza, so to have four strikers to pick from again is very good for us.”