'Incredibly humble' detective who investigated some of Wigan's most serious crimes has died

Tributes have been paid after the death of a detective who led investigations into some of Wigan’s most serious crimes.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Bob Tonge, senior investigating officer with Greater Manchester Police’s serious crime division, died at his home in Bolton on Monday, January 4, aged 57.

He played a key role in bringing criminals to justice after some of the most serious crimes in Greater Manchester, including in Wigan.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Deputy Chief Constable Mabs Hussain said: “Bob made a significant contribution to policing across Greater Manchester for over 36 years, supporting numerous grieving families and victims of crime and ensuring perpetrators for some of the most horrific crimes were brought to justice.”

Bob TongeBob Tonge
Bob Tonge

Mr Tonge joined GMP as a police constable at Bootle Street police station in 1984 and worked across several districts and departments during his career.

He retired as an officer in 2014 at the rank of detective superintendent within the serious crime division.

He returned to the force that same year as senior investigating officer in the major investigation support unit, public protection and serious crime division.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That saw him take on some of the most serious crimes in Greater Manchester, including the murder of Winstanley College student Ellen Higginbottom, 18, at Orrell Water Park in June 2016. Mark Buckley, a stranger from Billinge, was jailed for life for her murder.

Mr Tonge also led the investigation into the horrific death in 2016 of Lyndsey Vaux, from Platt Bridge, who was a victim of modern day slavery and suffered an appalling catalogue of injuries at the hands of her partner Becky Reid. Despite his decades in the force, Mr Tonge said he had never seen a worse case of sustained, savage domestic violence.

Mr Hussain said: “He worked here with the same passion, dedication and commitment that he demonstrated throughout his career until he sadly passed away.

“He was incredibly proud to serve the public and it is without doubt that he helped hundreds of people through some of the darkest times of their lives.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Bob was an incredibly humble and kind man with an amazing willingness to help and support others. He will be missed immeasurably by his team and colleagues far and wide across the force and beyond.”

Thanks for reading. If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here