City News in 250 Words: Tuesday 23 August

THREE birds of prey were stolen from the Wild Wings Birds of Prey centre in Worsley. Thieves broke into the aviary some time between Sunday evening and Monday morning and stole an African Tawny Eagle, a Harris Hawk and a Snowy Owl. The Eagle has only half a wing and owner Ian Middleton is afraid the bird will be killed because it is not valuable to anyone selling it on.

FIVE people arrested on suspicion of drug offences after 16-year old Serena Harding died on Sunday, have been released on bail. Harding, from Warrington, was discovered unconscious in Reddish Vale Country Park in Stockport and was taken to Stepping Hill Hospital. She was pronounced dead shortly after arriving. It is suspected she died from a drug overdose but examinations have proved inconclusive.

THE finance director of Wentworth High in Eccles has been arrested for trousering £120,000 of the school’s money after he was hired to tackle its £2m debt problem. Mark Shepherd has admitted four counts of fraud. Shepherd spent the stolen money on personal expenses and home improvements. He is due for sentencing on September 19.

MANCHESTER United beat Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 at Old-Trafford last night. Manchester’s starting eleven boasted an average of just 23. The first goal came in the second half from young-gun Danny Welbeck, who rose through the ranks of the club’s youth system. Two more goals arrived courtesy of Anderson and Wayne Rooney. Manchester United now joins Manchester City at the top of the Premiership. 

Fact of the day via @revealmcr: This week in 1846, the public parks of Manchester and Salford - Peel Park, Queen’s Park and Philips Park - were opened with great festivities.