Stephen Topping
@stetopping
Followers
2,187
Following
1,595
Media
1,461
Statuses
5,395
Reporter @MENnewsdesk . Story or tip? Email stephen.topping @reachplc .com
Manchester
Joined January 2011
Don't wanna be here?
Send us removal request.
Explore trending content on Musk Viewer
FEMA
• 1463443 Tweets
2NE1
• 319490 Tweets
Joker
• 168200 Tweets
#XiaoZhan33rdBDAY
• 158308 Tweets
天使の日
• 131059 Tweets
Mancuso
• 92450 Tweets
Campana
• 73660 Tweets
名探偵ピカチュウ
• 56321 Tweets
Grammys
• 51543 Tweets
AFFAIR EP6
• 37538 Tweets
Ocho
• 35966 Tweets
Bielsa
• 34801 Tweets
Pogba
• 34283 Tweets
Trump Bible
• 32116 Tweets
Ramírez
• 24816 Tweets
Uyuşturucu
• 20802 Tweets
HAPPY 2nd BIRTHDAY SMILEY
• 19380 Tweets
Best Record
• 17989 Tweets
マジルミエ
• 16965 Tweets
栞子ちゃん
• 13560 Tweets
菅野メジャー
• 12189 Tweets
Honoured to pick up two Media Freedom Awards last night, for Awaab’s Law as campaign of the year, and for regional journalist of the year. Really proud of our work
@MENnewsdesk
to make sure Awaab is never forgotten.
25
14
131
Thanks for all the kind messages after yesterday’s
@RegPressAwards
❤️ was an honour to win scoop of the year for the investigation into damp and mould on Awaab Ishak’s estate last summer. I hope, with Awaab’s Law, it’s contributed in some way to creating lasting change. (1/2)
17
8
112
The crowd is now stretching all the way to the junction with Oldham Street as demonstrators show support for Ukraine
@MENnewsdesk
0
9
97
Crowds are gathering at Sackville Gardens this evening for a vigil in memory of Brianna Ghey, 16, from Warrington. The event has been organised by
@manc_up
, with members of the trans community and allies here to pay tribute. Candles are being lit and flowers laid.
@MENnewsdesk
0
19
88
Dylan Morgan, 23, is a lifelong City fan from Crumpsall. He’s seen lows and highs, but says it doesn’t get better than this.
@MENnewsdesk
55
7
85
Honoured to have been nominated for
@TheOrwellPrize
for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils, for the work on Awaab Ishak and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing in the
@MENnewsdesk
, alongside other incredible journalism on the shortlist.
"In the tradition of Orwell, this is journalism that compels us to look again and ask searching questions about the reality of life for so many in Britain today." -
@EdThomasNews
Congratulations to the finalists for The Orwell Prize for Exposing Britain’s Social Evils 2023!
1
15
35
17
12
85
Several hundred have gathered in Sackville Gardens for the Brianna Ghey vigil. Candles have been lit in the crowd. The tribute to Brianna from her family is read out to the crowd.
@MENnewsdesk
0
18
78
Just tried my luck at getting a booster at the town hall, but turned away as they now only have enough for those in the queue. The site opened at 3 but I’m told people were already queuing by 2.
@MENnewsdesk
19
18
66
A few times this afternoon we've seen people, at the Salford precinct bus stops or going about their normal business, warning others in the community to take care because of a possible 'protest' or 'riot' - people looking out for one another.
@MENnewsdesk
0
11
65
I’m at Piccadilly Gardens, where a few hundred have gathered for a demonstration in solidarity with Ukraine
@MENnewsdesk
2
12
63
The protester is applauded as he tells the crowd: “In Manchester we welcome everyone.”
@MENnewsdesk
5
16
58
Salford Shopping Centre has closed its shutters early this afternoon. It comes as police are preparing for a potential ‘protest’ at the precinct.
@MENnewsdesk
0
21
60
The crowd is now straddling the tramline closest to Central Library. The chants of ‘free Palestine’ have begun.
@MENnewsdesk
19
18
52
The fans are all leaving EventCity now, but not before applause from the supporters for England. So close to getting the job done tonight.
@MENnewsdesk
4
6
49
Bit late tweeting this, but delighted to have been nominated in four categories at this year’s Media Freedom Awards. Honoured to be in the running with some incredible journalists from across the industry.
3
2
46
And that’s it - in the past few moments I filed past the Queen at her lying-in-state. Ten guards stood around her coffin impeccably still. Mourners filed past on either side of her coffin, bowing and curtseying as they passed.
@MENnewsdesk
1
2
44
I know what you’re thinking, I can’t believe I’m “young” still either 😜 but seriously shocked at this, thanks everyone for the kind words! Well done to the ace
@isobelcotogni
who was highly commended and is a star. Great to win this as a
#LDReporter
, it proves the scheme’s value
With an excellent portfolio demonstrating how a journalist can make a difference
@SteTopping
from the
@NorthwichNews
His determination to look deeper into local issues is a credit to this young reporter who gets his hands on the Young Print Journalist award
#O2MediaAwards19
1
2
13
10
4
36
Spoke to a man who had just finished his shift and asked why everything was closed at Salford Shopping Centre. He said: "It's a bit stupid if you start smashing up your own town." He said he had been at the Manchester protest on Saturday and that '10% ruined it'.
@MENnewsdesk
0
4
30
Here it is - the wristband for entry to the lying-in-state. The group I’ve been queueing with on Belvedere Road has just been handed them out.
@MENnewsdesk
1
3
28
I’m at Piccadilly Gardens, where a crowd is gathering for the start of a
#FreePalestine
protest taking place this afternoon in Manchester.
@MENnewsdesk
15
6
24
A two-year-old is dead and other children are struggling to breathe.
@MENnewsdesk
@RochdaleNews
THREAD (1/9)
3
20
27
The coroner has ruled Awaab Ishak died 'as a result of a severe respiratory condition caused due to prolonged exposure to mould in his home environment'. She said: "I'm sure I am not alone in asking how does this happen?"
@MENnewsdesk
2
24
27
Mourners watch on as hymns sung at St George’s Chapel in Windsor ring out at Exchange Square.
@MENnewsdesk
0
2
26
Some passing cars are beeping on their way past to support the demonstration. There are now speeches taking place. The first speaker condemns the UK, US and EU for their response to the conflict. “Turn protest into action, into campaigning,” the second says.
@MENnewsdesk
3
3
26
First two days with
@MENnewsdesk
✅
Delighted to have joined the team this week, working on
@MyTamesideUK
. Looking forward to getting to know the people of
#Tameside
and telling their stories.
Got news to share? Email stephen.topping
@reachplc
.com
7
0
26
It’s more than a year since
@MENnewsdesk
first heard about a toddler in Rochdale whose death was linked to mould. Following an investigation, shocking revelations during his inquest and widespread anger across the country, today is a pivotal day in the campaign for change. (1/11)
3
15
25
In Stalybridge for the
@Stalybuffetbar
crisp butty and
@thornbridge
beer pairing menu. Five inventive sandwiches to go with five different beers. I’ve gone with the ‘big meaty’ which has marmite on it - it’s pretty good.
@CityLifeManc
3
1
26
The gathering at Manchester Cathedral is made up of people young and old, all here to watch a moment in history together.
@MENnewsdesk
0
4
23
A momentous day here on Downing Street as the petition for Awaab’s Law is delivered
@MENnewsdesk
3
14
23
I had no idea Jill Scott runs a cafe in a Manchester neighbourhood… but the locals certainly do, and they’re SO proud 🥰🏴
Joy, pride and hope after Euro 2022 glory in the Manchester suburb where one Lioness has won locals' hearts
@MENnewsdesk
0
5
23
BREAKING: Members of the House of Lords have approved the amendments for Awaab’s Law in a huge win for the campaign. The Social Housing (Regulation) Bill will now go for Royal Assent.
@MENnewsdesk
1
14
23
Evening all, in Winsford tonight for
@Go_CheshireWest
full council. Members have begun tonight’s meeting by remembering the Holocaust.
#WeRemember
#LDReporter
1
9
22
It remains quiet on Hankinson Way in Salford. Rumours of a planned ‘protest’ near the precinct have not materialised so far. Police are still monitoring the area every now and then.
@MENnewsdesk
0
6
22
It’s been a really emotional day in Westminster. From the tragic death of a child that should never have happened in modern Britain, to a change in the law that should prevent a repeat in social housing. Thanks for all your support.
@MENnewsdesk
2
4
22
A small number of businesses have stayed open around Salford precinct. We've overheard a small group of three young men referring to a Telegram post about a gathering here which is yet to materialise.
@MENnewsdesk
0
5
21
This is a new one for me… a PCSO on the cordon has just had to chase some geese over the road so they didn’t get hit by oncoming vehicles. They’ve just waddled along Princess Street after crossing from Canal Street.
@MENnewsdesk
1
5
20
I’m in a very wet Bolton, where the Ironman race is taking place for the first time in two years. A handful of fans are braving the rain in town so far this morning - but with the event taking place throughout the day, many more are expected later.
@MENnewsdesk
@MyBolton
0
3
18
The story behind THAT photo earlier... Boris Johnson struggles to say when city centre's railway will finally be fixed
@MENnewsdesk
0
9
20
Afternoon! I’m on Compstall Road in Romiley, Stockport, which is absolutely heaving as hundreds have turned out for a Coronation street party today.
@MENnewsdesk
1
6
20
Very sad news about Sir Tony Lloyd. He and his team were among those who put in a lot of support when the Awaab's Law campaign was being drawn up, and he was deeply saddened by what had happened to Awaab and his family. RIP Tony.
@MENnewsdesk
0
4
20
It’s tense around the fan park, the singing stopped a while ago. A tough watch for the fans.
@MENnewsdesk
0
2
17
Lee Hookway brought his son Nathan straight from a GCSE exam to see the celebrations in Manchester today. Nathan, who turned 16 a few days ago, had a four-hour journey with his dad from near Sudbury, Suffolk.
@MENnewsdesk
19
5
16
We’ve launched a campaign to change the law in Awaab Ishak’s name. The
@MENnewsdesk
spoke to Shelter and Citizens Advice on how we could make a vital difference. ‘Awaab’s Law’ has the support of his family and MPs are joining the call. Petition👇
0
21
19
I'm in the Masca area of Tenerife, where tragic news has broken this afternoon. Police searching for Jay Slater have found a body in this area. More here:
@MENnewsdesk
5
6
18
I'm in Tenerife, on the ground for
@MENnewsdesk
as the search for Jay Slater is in its fourth week. This is the mountainous landscape that surrounds the village of Masca, in the north-west of the island, near to the AirBnB where Jay stayed the night before his disappearance.
2
5
18
Smoke billows over both sides of Talbot Road - both green and yellow, and red from flares. Fans are getting ready for the protest now
@MENnewsdesk
1
6
17
After two inquests and a long battle for his family, a coroner says Yousef Makki WAS unlawfully killed.
@MENnewsdesk
0
5
18
The first few junior doctors are on the picket line now outside North Manchester General Hospital.
@MENnewsdesk
2
3
18
Ahead of the Awaab’s Law petition delivery in Westminster, I’ve just spoken to housing secretary Michael Gove. He says the story of Awaab was ‘a hammer blow to our conscience’.
@MENnewsdesk
7
6
16
NEW: In an open letter to
#Northwich
residents,
@MidCheshireNHS
chief executive promises to restore the hours at Victoria Infirmary’s minor injuries unit and says work is ongoing to provide ‘equivalent or enhanced’ services in a new building in future.
1
12
16
Plenty of Champions League balloons for sale at St Peter’s Square, where almost everyone passing by is a City fan getting to a spot for the parade.
@MENnewsdesk
3
2
16
People continue to watch the committal at St George’s Palace from Exchange Square. Passers by outside the Arndale are also stopping to catch a glimpse of proceedings.
@MENnewsdesk
0
2
16
@baileymcfc
@MENSports
@ManCity
Hi
@baileymcfc
, sorry to hear about Paul. I'm a reporter
@MENnewsdesk
, could you possibly follow me back so I could DM you? Thanks
0
0
1
Police have pulled up near Aldi again, and officers have again spoken to a group of youths. Otherwise it's all quiet around Salford Shopping Centre.
@MENnewsdesk
0
1
15
Mossley looking even more stunning than normal with a dusting of snow
@MENnewsdesk
@MyTamesideUK
2
0
15
20 years tomorrow since the
#ManchesterBomb
and just over a week til the
#EUreferendum
. Something to think about...
What does the EU do for us? To rebuild Manchester after the 1996 bomb, UK gov pledged £450k. The EU £21.5million!
128
3K
2K
2
22
14
I recently switched roles
@NorthwichNews
and now we’re hiring!
We need a Local Democracy Reporter to cover
@CheshireEast
and
@Go_CheshireWest
in the BBC-funded scheme. You’ll report on vital decisions and hold public bodies to account.
See:
#journojobs
0
7
14
The fan park is starting to fill up now with plenty of time still to go ahead of kick off.
@MENnewsdesk
1
1
14
Jonathan Atkinson, head of sixth at
@WRSixthForm
, is full of pride for the college’s students as they get their results.
@MENnewsdesk
0
7
13
Exchange Square watches on as the Queen’s coffin is carried into St George’s Chapel at Windsor, with the Queen nearing the end of her final journey.
@MENnewsdesk
0
2
14
I’m at Manchester Cathedral today where mourners are gathering ahead of the Queen’s funeral. Here is one of the city centre’s three big screens for today. Mourners began to arrive at 8am and continue to enter the cathedral.
@MENnewsdesk
0
5
14
Now at
@Go_CheshireWest
full council meeting, where members of all colours have approved
@CllrJHoulbrook
's motion calling for planning decisions re:
#fracking
to be made locally - with no debate. Seconder
@cllrmattbryan
calls the Conservative 'Comrade Houlbrook'.
#LDReporter
3
3
13
This is the moment police swarmed Old Mill Street, in Ancoats, after a bike rider was seen carrying a large knife this morning. Shared with permission
@MENnewsdesk
0
2
13
I’m in Manchester city centre, where a couple of demonstrations are taking place. This is the biggest, against Covid vaccines/restrictions. It has just set off from Piccadilly Gardens
@MENnewsdesk
15
4
13
Typical, I go on annual leave and Handforth Parish Council goes viral 😂
I covered it as a trainee in 2016-17 and it was carnage then. All independent councillors, they fall into two camps that cannot get on, and it’s still the same.
@Ethan___Davies
rounds it up nicely here ⬇️
Handforth Parish Council: Everything you need to know, including answers to:
*Who's in the vid?
*What's the argument about?
*Why's it so heated?
*The long running saga that is HPC
1
13
35
1
2
13
Anna Fryer is running for the Liberal Democrats in this by-election. She says the cost of living crisis and the NHS were the key issues on the doorstep during a campaign in freezing temperatures.
@MENnewsdesk
1
6
13
Absolutely heartbreaking hearing the grieving family's account in court yesterday...
"I told them he wanted to die... and then he was sent home": Young man found dead in park - one week after dad 'warned hospital', court hears
@MENnewsdesk
@mybury
0
4
12
I’m now at Exchange Square, where people are still watching on proceedings this afternoon. The Queen’s coffin is currently being taken to Windsor before the committal, which starts at 4pm.
@MENnewsdesk
0
1
12
And that is that from the
#Tameside
count. It’s very light outside and there are tweeting birds, so it’s definitely time for me to head home and get some sleep!
@MENnewsdesk
0
0
12
I’m at the corner of St Peter’s Square and Oxford Street where there is a line of police officers blocking the path for any protesters. It follows the
#KilltheBill
demonstration in Manchester which has been peaceful so far.
@MENnewsdesk
0
5
11
These lifelong mates have been coming to the Stocks for years, and had a ‘proper Salford swagger’ on their way here today. “It’s a bit of reassurance that hopefully things are getting back to normal - the last few months have been a blur.”
#BackForGood
@MENnewsdesk
@MySalford
0
3
12
If you've been following the heartbreaking case of Awaab Ishak, the two-year-old boy who died after breathing in mould at his family's social flat, this was something of a bombshell today...
@MENnewsdesk
0
18
12
I think ‘low thousands’ was an underestimate before - the march just keeps going from where I’m stood at Spinningfields, with no sign of the end yet. It has definitely grown in size since the demonstration at St Peter’s Square.
@MENnewsdesk
0
3
9
'We were finally listened... but we still ask, what if?'
One year on from the inquest that shook the country and led to a change in the law, Awaab Ishak's dad discusses the heartbreak his family still face after losing their firstborn
@MENnewsdesk
2
8
10
Romani traveller Lois Brookes-Jones, a
#Chester
Uni politics student, speaks out against discrimination that 'still bottom of the pile' gypsies and travellers face.
@Go_CheshireWest
councillors say they will do more to help.
#LDReporter
1
7
11
I've spoken to a member of takeaway staff in the area. His shop has been closed throughout the afternoon, but with Salford precinct remaining quiet, he could open up later today. A small number of businesses have either stayed open or reopened this afternoon.
@MENnewsdesk
0
2
11
There’s a beep of support from a passing bus driver. We’ve had quite a few of those so far this morning, and BMA members are still gathering on the picket line.
@MENnewsdesk
0
4
11
Brilliant and eye-opening reporting from my colleague
@nicole_wc
, who recently travelled to Iraq with Manchester-based charity
@MAGsaveslives
to experience life where one wrong step can have fatal consequences.
@MENnewsdesk
In the UK, we are lucky enough to live without fear of landmines. Millions of others are not so fortunate. My account from Iraq, where much of the country lives with the fear that one wrong step could kill.
@MAGsaveslives
@MENnewsdesk
5
15
34
0
5
10
0
4
11
Completely new squad + injuries + only 2 months of the season = 1 point off the playoffs. Sharpy and Superman are doing a sound job.
#wafc
0
3
11
At IKEA in Ashton this morning where there is a well-organised queue of shoppers on the third floor of the car park heading into the store.
@MENnewsdesk
2
4
10
Good morning and Eid Mubarak to all celebrating! I’m at the Masjid e Hamzah in Ashton, where Muslims are celebrating today. Today’s first prayer is about to take place at the Mosque.
@MENnewsdesk
1
7
10
Morning! I’m in London for
@MENnewsdesk
, on the day the Queen’s lying-in-state begins at the Palace of Westminster later today. Queues have already formed along the south of the Thames this morning.
1
0
11
'Finally got to meet it in person': The Greater Manchester bin that's become an unlikely internet star
@RochdaleNews
@MENnewsdesk
0
5
10
Here’s one of the other main entrances to Salford Shopping Centre. Almost all businesses in the area have closed early.
@MENnewsdesk
0
1
10
All the best to Antoinette
@Sandbach
who starts treatment for breast cancer today. She told me about her diagnosis and why it is crucial everyone keeps checking for lumps.
1
5
10