Four people quizzed in Wigan Parish Church murder probe

A police ring of steel was being maintained around the historic buildings this morning as forensic experts continued their investigations.

Police were called by paramedics to reports of concern for a man in the gardens of the church on Bishopgate shortly before 7.50pm on Thursday .

A man died at the scene and an investigation was launched into his death.

Two men – aged 19 and 29 – had soon been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody for questioning.

Since then two more people have been detained: an 18-year-old man on suspicion of murder and an 18-year-old woman on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Several social media messages suggested that the victim - who has not been named - suffered an horrific injury from some sort of blade, but such details have not been confirmed by investigating officers.

There was a large emergency services presence around the church and the surrounding area for several hours after the tragic incident.

The North West Air Ambulance helicopter was scrambled and landed in the field next to Wigan Youth Zone but, sadly, its personnel were not needed.

The Greater Manchester Police helicopter was also airborne over Wigan as the murder inquiry got under way and the search for suspects continued.

Detectives are appealing for any witnesses who saw a group of men in the area between 7pm-7.30pm, or anyone acting suspiciously nearby, to contact them.

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting incident number 2974 of 06/08/2020, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.