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.
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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.
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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.
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“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.
“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)
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“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.”
Police appeal after serious crash between car and taxi in Bolton leaves four dead and five others injured
Emily Sergeant
Police are appealing to the public after a fatal crash in Bolton yesterday.
At around 12:45am yesterday morning (Sunday 11 January), Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were called out to reports of a collision on Wigan Road in Bolton, where a Seat Leon was travelling down the road and collided with a Citroen C4 Picasso – which was a taxi.
The driver of the Seat, and two passengers – who were all aged between 18 and 19 – have tragically died following the collision.
The driver of the Citroen was also sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
According to local funeral notices, as reported on by BBC News, the three teenagers have been named as Muhammad Danyaal Asghar Ali, Farhan Patel, and Mohammed Jibrael Mukhtar, all from Bolton, while the taxi driver was named as Masrob Ali from Blackburn.
#APPEAL | Our Serious Collision Investigation Unit are appealing for information after a fatal collision between a Seat and Citroen on Wigan Road, #Bolton on 11/01/26
On top of these tragic deaths, police have also confirmed that five other passengers were involved and injured during the incident, and were rushed to hospital where they are currently being treated.
At this time, a scene remains in place as officers continue their investigation, but GMP’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) are now appealing for information and witnesses, and are urging anyone that may be able to help to come forward.
This includes anyone who saw the vehicle driving before the collision, witnessed the incident itself, or has dashcam / CCTV footage.
Can you help? Anyone with any information is urged to contact the SCIU directly on 0161 856 4741, quoting log 111 of 11/01/2025.
Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
Featured Image – Google Maps
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Manchester United fans planning another major protest amid more upheaval around the club
Danny Jones
Manchester United supporters look set to stage another high-profile demonstration in protest against the INEOS Sports ownership group.
This is the latest response to the club’s continuing struggles, and not just the first proper organised mobilisation of the year, but the first since the most recent major march last spring.
Following the sacking of ‘manager’ Ruben Amorim, despite co-owner Jim Ratcliffe and his board of executives insisting that the Portuguese head coach (that distinction proving to be a crucial detail), the local sporting giants are once again starting from scratch and looking for another replacement boss.
With that in mind, militant fan group The 1958 announced their most recent protest ahead of a home fixture next month in a rather bold fashion…
As announced we protest against this dysfunctional co-ownership before Fulham.
Yep, neither Amorim, Erik ten Hag, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, nor any face even remotely associated with Old Trafford/Carrington is safe from an AI parody.
As for The 1958 group’s actual protest plans, speaking via the BBC this week, the supporters’ trust has confirmed that they will be making a vocal statement outside the stadium on Sunday, 1 February.
Travelling Reds already made their thoughts known with a very blunt, provocative and somewhat controversial banner in the away end at Turf Moor for the 2-2 draw against Burnley.
With Man United approaching a third-round FA Cup tie against Brighton and two big games in the form of a Manchester Derby at home and a trip to Arsenal, they have decided to choose the Fulham game at Old Trafford to stage the march.
Despite admitting that the results under Amorim were no way near good enough, they insist that the – most notably the overarching and Glazer family shadow ever looming over the organisation.
Further details around the actual timings and locations are still yet to be shared by the organisers, but you can expect this to be a well-attended, large-scale event.
Often convening at The Tollgate pub near regular matchday tram stop, Trafford Bar, before walking down Talbot Road towards the ground itself, we imagine Reds will then descend upon the Theatre of Dreams in their thousands.
In case you didn’t already surmise from the video itself, Ratcliffe and co. will be no doubt the subject of the usual chants, as well as more banners and flags.
What do you make of the latest plans, Man United fans?
Nothing will ever be quite as bold as the infamous Old Trafford break-in from 2022 (Credit: The Manc)
Daisy Jackson -
21st August 2024 
