Articles by Stephen Topping

'Heavy police presence' descends on Greater Manchester street

A large police presence was seen in attendance following a 'fight' on a residential street near Bolton . Eyewitnesses say officers descended on Gloucester Avenue, in Horwich , late on Saturday night (November 2). Greater Manchester Police confirmed it was called out to reports of a fight on the street. A male suspect has been arrested on suspicion of assault and burglary. His age has not been confirmed. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE The Manchester Evening News understands one person was injured during the incident. It's understood that no weapons were recovered at the scene. A witness told the M.E.N. a heavy police presence was on the street at 10.45pm. The suspect was seen being taken away in a police custody van, before officers left the scene by 12.30am this morning (Sunday). --- For the latest stories and breaking news visit manchestereveningnews.co.uk . Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest. Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here . If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.

2 days ago

Technology

Home Secretary issues update confirming Huntingdon train stabbings 'not terrorism'

The Home Secretary has issued a statement after police gave new details following a mass stabbing on a train in Cambridgeshire. Ten people were rushed to hospital by ambulance and an 11th victim later attended hospital by themselves after the incident on an LNER service yesterday evening (November 2). The train was brought to a stop at Huntingdon station, where police arrested two men on suspicion of attempted murder. Speaking at a press conference this morning (Sunday), Superintendent John Loveless said the incident is not thought to be a terror attack at this time. Join our Court and Crime WhatsApp group HERE He confirmed the suspects were both born in the UK - one, a 32-year-old Black British national, and the other, a 35-year-old British national of Caribbean descent. They remain in custody for questioning this morning. Two people remain in a life-threatening condition in hospital this morning, Supt Loveless added. In a statement posted on X following the officer's announcement, Shabana Mahmood paid tribute to the emergency services, and confirmed she is receiving updates from British Transport Police. The Home Secretary wrote: "After last night’s horrific attack, my thoughts today are with the victims, their friends and family. "My deepest thanks go to the British Transport Police, Cambridgeshire Police, Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and the East of England Ambulance Service. "They responded rapidly, with the utmost professionalism and saved lives. I would also like to pay tribute to the exceptional bravery of staff and passengers on the train. "We now know this attack is not being treated as terrorism, and that two British-born, British nationals have been arrested. The investigation is ongoing, and I am receiving regular updates from the police." Huntingdon station, where the service was stopped following the attack, remains closed as investigations continue - but train services are running otherwise as planned across the country. Supt Loveless said passengers could expect to see a heightened police presence across the railway network. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact BTP by texting 61016 quoting reference 663 of November 1, 2025.

2 days ago

Technology

'Beloved grandad' killed in Yorkshire helicopter crash named as family pay tribute

A 'beloved husband, father and grandfather' who died in a helicopter crash in South Yorkshire has been named. Emergency services attended Ings Road in Bentley, Doncaster, at 10.14am on Thursday (October 30) after a helicopter crashed in a field. A 70-year-old man sadly died at the scene from his injuries, despite the best efforts of medical staff. He has since been named as Peter Smith. His family has issued a moving tribute to him this afternoon (Saturday). Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE The family said: "On Thursday, October 30, we as a family sadly lost Peter in the most tragic of circumstances when he was involved in a helicopter crash in Bentley, Doncaster. Peter was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and we are all devastated by this sudden loss. "Peter was one of the smartest men who liked to spend his time making and fixing things. He had a real passion for aviation, and this was something he shared with his family. "He particularly liked to spend time with his grandchildren doing crafts and playing. He was a proud family man who spent a lot of his time with his son both working with and socially. Peter loved to have meals out with his wife and had a particularly sweet tooth. "We understand that a parallel investigation is currently underway between The Air Accidents Investigation Branch and South Yorkshire Police which we are supporting, and we ask members of the public to not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident. "We would like to ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time to allow us to come to terms with what has occurred and grieve for the loss of Peter." The pilot, a 41-year-old man, and two other passengers, a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, received minor injuries in the crash. Enquiries are ongoing. A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: "As part of our investigation, we are asking for anyone with information to get in touch. If you were in the area at the time and saw the events unfold, please contact us. "We are particularly keen to hear from those with footage of the helicopter leading up to the crash. If you can have information which could help the investigation, please contact us online or by calling 101, quoting incident number 218 of October 30, 2025. "You can report online here . You can submit footage of the incident here ."

3 days ago

Technology

New CCTV image released as fears grow for missing Manchester man

Officers searching for a missing Manchester man have shared a new CCTV image following his disappearance . Ivan, from north Manchester, was last seen in Tameside on Wednesday (October 29). Greater Manchester Police issued a first appeal to find the 50-year-old on Friday. In an update issued this afternoon (Saturday), GMP has shared a new image showing Ivan inside a shop. Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE Ivan was last seen wearing a grey hoodie, blue jeans and Adidas trainers, as seen in the new image. He is described as being white, 5ft 5ins tall, of average build and with a bald head. A GMP spokesperson said: "Officers are becoming increasingly concerned about him and want to make sure he is safe and well." Anyone who sees Ivan or has information on his whereabouts is urged to come forward as soon as possible. Details can be passed on to GMP by calling 101, quoting log 0002977-29102025. --- For the latest stories and breaking news visit manchestereveningnews.co.uk . Get the latest headlines, features and analysis that matter to you by signing up to our various Manchester Evening News newsletters here. You can also get all your favourite content from the Manchester Evening News on WhatsApp. Click here to stay up to date with the latest. Follow us on X @mennewsdesk for all the latest stories and updates on breaking incidents from across the region and beyond, as well as on our Facebook page here . If you prefer reading our stories on your phone, consider downloading the Manchester Evening News app here, and our newsdesk will make sure every time an essential story breaks, you'll be the first to hear about it.

3 days ago