Police issue update on major investigation into child’s remains found in Wigan garden

A man who was arrested this week in connection with a major investigation into the remains of a child found in Wigan has been released under investigation, police have confirmed.

The 71-year-old man was arrested by police on Friday (14 June). He was arrested on suspicion of preventing a lawful burial after the child’s remains were discovered in a garden at a house in Marsh Green on April 10.

In an update today (June 16), a spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said he has since been released under investigation. Five people – aged between 20 and 70 – were previously arrested on suspicion of concealing an illegal death and burial.

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They all remain on police bail while the extensive investigation continues. The harrowing discovery was made at the home after police were called to the scene by a “partner agency”.

The remains were later discovered. The Manchester Evening News previously revealed how the baby’s family was known to social services.

A Home Office post-mortem has now taken place but tests are still being carried out. No other details about the child, including the child’s sex, have been released.

In a statement issued on Friday, Detective Chief Inspector John Davies, who is leading the investigation, said: “This latest arrest comes on the back of extensive detective work which has been ongoing since April 10.

“Our investigation is incredibly complex, with multiple detectives and specialists dedicated solely to establishing the full circumstances of what happened. A Home Office post-mortem has now taken place, however further tests with various specialists are still required and now underway.

“We remain open in our inquiries and are making progress. As we have previously assured, this is being treated as an isolated incident and no other remains have been found belonging to other individuals related to this investigation.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting log 1609 of 10/04/24. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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