News
Tribute paid to ‘beloved’ man who died in a Wigan house fire
'He was a larger than life character and loved by many'
Daisy Jackson -
21st August 2024 
The family of a man who died after becoming trapped in a burning building in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.
The 48-year-old has been named as Mark Vernal, who has been described by his loved ones as ‘a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend’.
Mark was rushed to hospital with serious and life-threatening injuries following a house fire at a property on Dumbarton Green, Wigan, at around 6.40am on Wednesday 14 August.
He tragically died of his injuries while in hospital.
Shortly afterwards, Greater Manchester Police launched a murder investigation, believing the fatal blaze to be an arson attack.
Three men have so far been arrested – a 48-year-old on suspicion of murder and section 18 assault, who has been released pending further enquiries; a 45-year-old on suspicion of murder, also released on bail; and a 27-year-old man who remains in custody ahead of being questioned by detectives in GMP’s Major Incident Team.
The family of Mark Vernal have now released a tribute to him through the police and asked for privacy as they grieve.
They said: “He was a beloved father, brother, uncle, and friend. Mark was taken in such tragic circumstances .
“He was a larger than life character and loved by many.
“Our hearts are broken beyond belief at the saddest of times and how cruelly Mark has been taken from our lives.
“We thank all of Mark’s wider family and friends for their messages and condolences.
“Love from all the family.”
#TRIBUTE | Family pay tribute as murder investigation continues.
— Greater Manchester Police (@gmpolice) August 20, 2024
“He was a beloved father, brother, uncle, & friend. He was a larger than life character & loved by many. Our hearts are broken beyond belief at the saddest of times and how cruelly Mark has been taken from us." pic.twitter.com/1EDKHrvcCE
Detective Chief Inspector Nicola McCulloch, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “We are still appealing for information, and are working hard to get answers for Mark’s family.
“There will be people who know what happened that night, and we appeal to them to come forward as soon as possible. In cases like this even the smallest piece of information can prove vital to the progression of our investigation.
“To submit any information or CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage please submit it through the Major Incident Public Portal here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)
“If you have any information regarding this incident please contact us on 0161 856 0110 or 101 and quote log number 533 of 14/08/2024.
“Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Read more
- Police urge Greater Manchester public for help in identifying ‘violent disorder’ suspects
- More major Manchester city centre tram stops to be out of action for ‘essential’ maintenance work
- New £20k reward offered to find wanted man Thomas Dures
Featured image: GMP
