Underwater search team and police dogs help in search for missing Wigan man Darren Orme

Darren Orme was last seen shortly before 9pm on Wednesday, March 5, at the junction of Woodhouse Lane and Scot Lane Beech Hill Lane.

A large GMP response is underway including specialist search advisors, an underwater search team, police dogs and officers from Wigan Police Station.

Officers have been searching several locations since he was reported missing the following day.

He is described as around 6ft 3in tall, of a slim build with short red/ginger hair.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, blue trainers, a navy-blue Wigan Athletic jumper and a three-quarter length blue Wigan Athletic jacket.

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Detective Inspector Lee Shaw said: “Specialist officers from across the force are continuing to search for Darren.

"We have searched extensive areas including the Leeds & Liverpool Canal and the River Douglas around the area Darren was last seen.

"We remain hopeful of finding Darren and want to retrace his last known movements.

“The number of people who have shared our appeals and are out looking for Darren shows how loved he is by the local community, and I would like to urge the public in continuing to share our appeals and information which may assist us.”

Darren’s family - Steve, Ali, Ellie and Nathan issued a heartbreaking appeal for him to get in touch.

They said: "Darren, you're not in any trouble. We just want you home. We need you to know that we love you and we're here for you.

“Even though it may feel you have the world on your shoulders and you're under a lot of stress, you're not alone and the people of Wigan are right behind you.

“We will do anything we can to take this weight from you. We just want you safe, please come home to us.

“If anyone knows anything at all about his whereabouts, we implore you to contact the Police immediately and help return Darren to us."

If you have any information on Darren’s whereabouts, or you have any footage which may show Darren since he was reported missing, please call us on 101 quoting log 2423 of 06/03/2025.