Person arrested after reports of 'man with a gun' in Wigan

The alert forced a number of schools to keep pupils indoors yesterday

Author: Adam FawcettPublished 23rd Apr 2024

A man has been arrested after reports of a person with a gun near a primary school in Wigan.

Officers were alerted to someone having a weapon, in the Billinge area, at around 2.30 yesterday afternoon. It prompted a number of schools in nearby Orrell to keep pupils indoors.

An armed raid was carried out at an address in Skelmersdale yesterday afternoon, and a short time later a man in his 20s was arrested, after handing himself in at Skelmersdale police station.

In an update Greater Manchester Police said: "Officers have made an arrest this evening following reports of a man with a gun in Wigan.

"We received a call from the Billinge area at around 2:30pm and deployed armed response officers to the area.

"Enquiries continued throughout the day and a warrant carried out at a house in Skelmersdale.

"A short time later, at around 8:30pm, a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of making threats to kill and firearms offences after handing himself into Skelmersdale Police Station.

"He remains in custody for questioning tonight."

Police are still investigating and want anyone who saw anything to contact them.

Detective Sergeant Christian Glover, of Wigan CID, said:"This would have been a frightening incident for anyone who witnessed it or was aware of what had happened.

"There was a credible threat at the time, which is why armed officers were quickly deployed to the area.

"Our investigation is still very much ongoing - anyone with information should call 0161 856 7094.

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