The remains of a baby have been found at a house in Wigan. A scene is in place on Marsh Green after officers were called to a home on the street. Police have reportedly been on the scene for a number of days.
Another scene is in place on Valley Road in Pemberton. Police said information about the tragedy was shared by a ‘partner agency’.
Five people, aged between 20 and 70, have been arrested on suspicion of concealing a death; and unlawful burial. They have all bailed pending further enquiries.
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Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins from our Wigan district said: “This is a truly heart-breaking discovery, and I do not underestimate the impact that this news will have on the local community.
“I would like to reassure you that we have several teams of officers and specialist resources working diligently to find answers. You will likely notice an increased presence of our officers throughout the next week, if you have any concerns or want to share any confidential information, please do not hesitate to speak to them.
“In the coming days we will know more about the circumstances surrounding this incident, but we are confident that this is isolated, and there is no threat to the wider public.
“At this stage we are keeping an open mind, and we will provide updates as soon as we can.”
Follow the latest in the live blog below…
13:05Ashlie Blakey
CSI putting items from home into a skip
Forensic officers appear to be clearing the property.
12:59Ashlie Blakey
M.E.N readers react on Facebook
Readers have been reacting to the news in Wigan on our Facebook page.
Carol wrote: “Very sad poor baby.”
Lynda said: “Such sad news, R.I.P little one x.”
Sam said: “Poor baby. Rest in peace little one.”
12:53Ashlie Blakey
Neighbour expresses shock at tragic incident on doorstep
“You don’t expect it right on your doorstep.”
12:52Ashlie Blakey
No risk to wider community
GMP said the incident is ‘isolated’ with no risk to the wider community.
There will be an ‘increased police presence’ in the area over coming days, with locals urged to speak to officers with any concerns.
12:48Ashlie Blakey
CSI going in and out of a property
Forensic officers are going in and out of a home on Marsh Green.
12:42Ashlie Blakey
Scene ‘in place since Wednesday’
Neighbours on Marsh Green have told our reporter that police have been on the scene since Wednesday this week.
CSI have then been there every day since.
12:41Ashlie Blakey
Our reporter Nicole is on the scene this afternoon
Police and forensic officers remain stationed outside a house.
12:32Ashlie Blakey
“We are confident that this is isolated”
Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins from our Wigan district said:
“This is a truly heart-breaking discovery, and I do not underestimate the impact that this news will have on the local community.
“I would like to reassure you that we have several teams of officers and specialist resources working diligently to find answers. You will likely notice an increased presence of our officers throughout the next week, if you have any concerns or want to share any confidential information, please do not hesitate to speak to them.
“In the coming days we will know more about the circumstances surrounding this incident, but we are confident that this is isolated, and there is no threat to the wider public.
“At this stage we are keeping an open mind, and we will provide updates as soon as we can.”
12:32Key Event
GMP statement: Five arrested after ‘remains of young baby’ found
In a statement, a GMP spokesperson said:
“Additional officers in place as police find human remains in Wigan.
“Tragically, this weekend, we have found what we believe to be human remains of a young baby.
“In response to information shared with us by a partner agency, we are currently investigating reports of concern for welfare at an address in Marsh Green in Wigan.
“A scene is in place and is likely to remain over the following days as officers conduct extensive enquiries.
“An additional scene is also in place on Valley Road in Pemberton.
“At this time, we’ve arrested five people, aged between 20-70, on suspicion of concealing a death and unlawful burial. They have all bailed pending further enquiries.”
12:05Ashlie Blakey
Police first called over ‘concern for welfare’
Officers were first called to Marsh Green over a ‘concern for welfare report’.
A scene has been in place since.
11:58Ashlie Blakey
Officers have been on scene for ‘multiple days’
The M.E.N understands that police have been on the scene on Marsh Green for at least the past two days.
We have a photographer and reporter on the way to the scene now.
William Turner is a seasoned U.K. correspondent with a deep understanding of domestic affairs. With a passion for British politics and culture, he provides insightful analysis and comprehensive coverage of events within the United Kingdom.
