Christopher Hughes: police appealing to public for information about Wigan man found dead in Skelmersdale

Police are appealing to the public for information as they investigate the death of Wigan man Christopher Hughes.

The 37-year-old dad was found dead off White Moss Road South in the Skelmersdale area of Lancashire on Tuesday 22 February.

A post mortem concluded he died as a result of multiple serious injuries.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) are now hoping someone can help their investigation related to a blue Audi car and are particularly appealing for drivers who might have dashcam footage to come forward.

And the force revealed the call for assistance comes as another man has been taken into custody as part of the investigation.

Why are police appealing for public help?

A member of the public reported seeing a man being forced into the back of a vehicle on Almond Grove in the Worsley Hall area of Wigan on Friday 18 February shortly after 4.30pm.

An investigation was launched and officers established that this was likely to be Christopher.

Extensive enquiries to find him were ongoing when his body was discovered at 11am the following Tuesday.

Police are now trying to track down the car which the man likely to be Christopher was forced into, which they say was a blue Audi.

And they want to piece together the details of a journey it might have made between Wigan and Skelmersdale where Christopher’s body was found.

Images of the vehicle the police want to trace and maps showing the two towns have been released.

What have the police said?

Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, of GMP’s major incident team, said: “Our thoughts remain with Christopher’s loved ones, including his three-year-old daughter.

“Since he was found dead, we have been working around the clock to find them all of the answers they deserve but we need to appeal to the public for help.

“Did you see a blue Audi A4 (BV21 WZL) travelling from Almond Grove in Wigan to White Moss Road South in Skelmersdale between 4.30pm and 5.20pm on Friday 18 February 2022?

“Have you got dash cam footage from those roads or any in between, particularly the roundabouts at junctions three and four of the M58 or the bridge over it which goes between White Moss Road and White Moss Road South?

“Did you see the car or anything suspicious on or around White Moss Road South between that evening and Tuesday 22nd? Maybe you were taking a short-cut, walking your dog, running or cycling.

”If you know something which may assist us with our investigation please contact us immediately.”

Have there been any developments in the case?

Greater Manchester Police said that on Tuesday (8 March) a 46-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

He remained in custody for questioning on Tuesday.

Five men have previously been charged with conspiracy to commit murder and remanded in custody until next month.

Anyone with information should contact police, quoting Operation Feverfew, via the Public Portal or by ringing 0161 856 3400.

Information can also be shared anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.