Teen Charged After Piccadilly Gardens Assault - Full Story

A 19-year-old man has been charged with assault following an alleged attack in Manchester’s Piccadilly Gardens, police confirmed today.

The teenager, named locally as Stephen Topping, was arrested after officers were called to the busy city-centre spot on Sunday evening (July 27) following reports of a disturbance.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said an 18-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of assault and affray in connection with the same incident. He has since been released on bail pending further inquiries.

> “We understand this incident has caused concern, and we want to reassure the public that we are treating it seriously,” a GMP spokesperson said.

Stephen Topping, of Block Lane, Chadderton, is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates’ Court later today (Wednesday).

The area around Piccadilly Gardens - a popular meeting point and transport hub - was cordoned off for a short time while officers spoke to witnesses and reviewed CCTV.

> Witness appeal: Police are urging anyone who saw what happened, or who may have phone or dash-cam footage, to contact them via 101 or GMP’s online portal, quoting incident number 2740 of 27/07/24.

What we know so far:

• Sunday 27 July, 7:15 p.m.: Emergency calls report a fight near the fountains.
• Within minutes: Local response officers and the city-centre “Engage” team arrive; two males are detained.
• Monday 28 July: GMP confirms a 19-year-old has been charged; an 18-year-old remains on bail.
• Today (Wednesday 30 July): The 19-year-old is expected in court.

Extra patrols - including high-visibility officers on bikes and on foot - have been stepped up around Piccadilly Gardens to deter further disorder.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police online, by calling 101, or anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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