Three arrests made as officers continue investigation serious assault in Wigan

Just before 10.30pm yesterday evening (Monday 24 June 2024), we were called to reports of a group of men fighting in Church Gardens in Wigan town centre, a further report was made to us shortly after by a member of the public stating that a man had been stabbed.

Officers and other emergency service colleagues attended, and one man in his 20s was found with stab injuries to his shoulder which are not life-changing or life-threatening and another man in his 20s suffered a superficial injury. Both were taken to hospital.

From initial enquiries that have been conducted overnight, officers have started trawling through CCTV from the surrounding areas and believe the fight between a group of men started at 10.05pm on Church Gardens, Wigan. The group reconvened at Menes Park a short time later, at around 10.20pm.

Three men between the ages of 21 and 25 were arrested nearby Menes Park on suspicion of Section 18 assault. They all remain in custody for questioning.

 A scene remains in place in Menes Park whilst investigating officers conduct further enquiries to piece together what happened last night and local residents will see an increase of policing presence in the area over the coming days.

Detective Chief Inspector Jennifer Reeve of GMP’s Wigan district and senior investigating officer on this case, said: “We are in the early stages of our investigation and we have officers working hard to establish a full timeline of events leading up to the incident yesterday evening.

“We are investigating at pace and have already made three arrests, and from enquiries so far we don’t believe there to be a threat to the wider public.

“We will continue to have a presence in the area over the coming days and I would like to thank the public for their support already, and I’d appeal to anyone to come forwards with information that will allow us to take action to keep our streets safe.

“We are really keen to gather as much information as possible in relation this incident to help us progress our enquiries and would encourage anyone who may have seen anything or have information concerning this to contact us by calling officers directly on 0161 856 7094 or 101 and quoting log 3920 of 24/6/24.

"Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”