Tragic Wigan couple thought to have lain dead for a week before being discovered

A married couple in their 70s are believed to have lain dead in their home for a week over Christmas before being discovered. Graham Milner, 70, and wife Janet, 71, were both found dead in their home in Wigan on New Year’s Eve, after emergency services broke into the property on Throstlenest Avenue, Beech Hill.

Neighbours believe the pensioners had been dead for around a week before their bodies were discovered, which one resident described as ‘terribly sad.’

One neighbour, who wished to be anonymous, said: “No one seems to have seen them since before Christmas. The door went in on New Year’s Eve night and we heard that the two people who lived together there had been found dead. It’s so terribly sad.” Another neighbour said: “What a tragedy. They were a couple who kept themselves to themselves but it is particularly sad that they may have died so many days earlier without anyone knowing.”

Officers have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the deaths and that it will be passed onto the coroner. Police have also been trying to trace any relatives of the couple, but have not been successful so far and are currently appealing for the public’s help in contacting family.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “If you have any information regarding their family or next of kin please call 0161 856 4687.”