A MANCHESTER man suspected to be suffering from the new pneumonia virus Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome was today said to be recovering in hospital.

The mystery pneumonia bug which has swept across the world and already killed nine people has been branded a worldwide health threat.

The 64-year-old businessman, believed to be the first in the UK to suffer from the bug, was being treated in a specialist infectious diseases unit the North Manchester General Hospital. His condition was yesterday said to be improving.

Meanwhile, a second man believed to be suffering from the infection was today being treated in hospital in Dublin.

The first cases of SARS were reported in south China and Vietnam last month but outbreaks have been reported across south east Asia and even Canada.

As many as 167 cases have been reported around the world, mainly in South-East Asia and Canada.

The man ill in a Manchester hospital had travelled from Hong Kong to Amsterdam and then from Amsterdam to Manchester on Saturday.

The Department of Health said he arrived at Manchester airport on Saturday and was admitted to hospital yesterday.

Dr Roger Glew, medical director for Pennine Acute NHS Trust, which covers North Manchester General Hospital, said the disease could be described as life-threatening as it had killed people, but the Briton's condition was improving.