Man dies in Wigan caravan blaze

Shortly before midnight on Wednesday January 29, emergency services responded to reports of the blaze on Crooke Marina, Crooke Road in Standish Lower Ground.

They secured the area but, sadly, a man named locally as 57-year-old Johnathan Dobbie was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, although inquiries are ongoing.

Shocked residents said that the caravan next to it also caught light but the occupant escaped unharmed.

One person, who did not want to be identified, said: “I woke and saw blue lights flashing but didn’t hear what happened until this morning.

"It’s incredibly sad, my thoughts are with those who knew him.”

Another added:

“I didn’t really know him. I’d seen him around but he seemed to keep himself to himself

“It’s an awful thing that has happened. It’s shocked a lot of people.”

One local said they had heard what sounded like shots firing, squealing car tyres and a horn being repeatedly sounded shortly before the blaze was spotted.

And another said: “People are talking about the caravan’s gas supply causing this. There was another explosion a year or two back which was blamed on the gas canister. On that occasion a lady escaped OK but there was nothing left of the caravan.”

A spokesperson from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: "At around midnight on Thursday 30 January, two fire engines from Wigan fire station were called to a fire involving one campervan and one caravan on Crooke Road, Wigan.

"Firefighters using breathing apparatus arrived quickly and used two hose reels to extinguish the fire.

"One fire engine remained in attendance overnight, crews are currently still on site."