Arrest made after reports of man with gun in Wigan

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.

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.

"Schools were advised not to release pupils for a short period of time, but we believe there is now no wider threat to the community.

"Enquiries continued throughout the day and our investigations led us to a house in Skelmersdale where searches are continuing this evening.

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

"You can also report information and crimes on our website using the 'report' tool.

"Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency."