Wigan

Greater Manchester village named one of the poshest in Britain

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 19th January 2022

The poshest villages in Britain have been named this week – and one of them is in Greater Manchester.

A tiny corner of Wigan made it onto the list of the 54 ‘smartest rural locations’ published by the Daily Telegraph and researched by Savills.

The newspaper reports that people want an ‘authentic architectural aesthetic’ and ‘on-trend amenities’ like fitness studios and stores with refill stations.

The village of Haigh, just a few miles out of Wigan town centre, was chosen for its grand historic buildings and its sprawling woodland park.

Nether Alderley in Cheshire also made the list of the poshest villages. Credit: Geograph

It’s one of the villages with the cheapest average house price (£257,020) on the list too, beaten only by Dinnington in Tyne & Wear, and Newgale and Roch in Pembrokeshire.

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The Daily Telegraph said of Haigh: “Shrouded by trees, Haigh is a hidden gem just a few miles from the busy Wigan town centre.

“There’s an imposing country mansion, Haigh Hall, built between 1827 and 1840, and the restored Haigh Windmill, originally used to pump water to Haigh Brewery.

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Haigh Woodland Park in Wigan. Credit: Dan Blackburn on Unsplash

“It is also home to Haigh Woodland Park, with miles of winding trails through woodland and manicured gardens.”

Haigh was the only Greater Manchester village to work its way onto the list, though Nether Alderley in Cheshire, just outside the region, also made the cut.

Read more: Police issue warning about burglars who may trick their way into Greater Manchester homes

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David and Victoria Beckham once owned a house in Nether Alderley, as does former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Frances Clacy, analyst at Savills, says: “People want villages that have a bit of everything, from schools to stunning countryside, with accessibility to cities and transport infrastructure.”

Featured image: Google Maps

Wigan

Police arrest woman and seize 15 dogs after fatal attack in Wigan

Emily Sergeant Emily Sergeant

A woman has been arrested and 15 dogs have been seized by police after a man lost his life in a fatal dog attack in Wigan last week.

The 37-year-old man, named Jonathan Hogg – known as ‘Oggy’ to his friends and family – sustained serious injuries when he was mauled by a dog described as “dangerously out of control” on Westleigh Lane in Leigh last Thursday (18 May) at around 9:10pm.

He was taken to hospital, but tragically died of his injuries in the early hours of Friday morning (19 May).

Armed police officers were deployed to the scene, and attempted to control the dog – but due to the risk posed to the public, the dog was “humanely destroyed”.

Tributes soon began pouring in from those who knew and loved Mr Hogg.

Jonathan Hogg, who was killed in a dog attack in Wigan last night
37-year-old Jonathan Hogg died after being mauled by a “dangerously out of control dog” in Leigh / Credit: Facebook | GMP

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has confirmed that officers have now arrested two individuals in relation to the incident – with the first being a 24-year-old male on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death, followed by a 22-year-old female on suspicion of money laundering.

Officers also proceeded to search two houses, and seized 15 dogs from these searches – six adults and nine puppies – all believed to be the same breed as that which attacked Jonathan, which are now being cared for at a specialist facility.

Items totalling a value of £37,500, which police believe to be the result of criminal proceeds, have also been seized.

The male and female arrested have both been bailed pending further enquiries.

“Our investigations into this violent attack are moving at a pace, as our officers work relentlessly to understand the events that led to Jonathan’s death,” said Detective Chief Inspector, John Davies.

“Dangerous dogs do not have a place in our communities, and we want to reassure the public that we are doing everything in our power to keep people safe, so if you think someone has or is breeding dogs which endanger the public, please report it.”

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DCI Davies also encouraged the public to consult GMP’s advice page if they require more information about dangerous dogs in the UK.

Featured Image – GMP

Wigan

Tributes paid to dad, 37, mauled to death by a dog in Wigan last night

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Jonathan Hogg, who was killed in a dog attack in Wigan last night

A man who was mauled to death in a dog attack last night has been named as 37-year-old Jonathan Hogg.

The father sustained serious injuries by a dog which was ‘dangerously out of control’ on Westleigh Lane in Leigh.

Jonathan, known to friends and family as ‘Oggy’, was taken to hospital but tragically died of his injuries in the early hours of this morning.

Armed GMP officers were deployed to the scene at around 9.10pm on Thursday 18 May, and attempted to control the dog.

But due to the risk posed to the public, the dog was ‘humanely destroyed’.

A 24-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death. He remains in custody for further questioning.

Tributes have been pouring in for Oggy after his death in the horrific dog attack.

One person wrote on Facebook: “Can’t believe what I’m reading! Rest in peace Oggy.”

Another person said: “Can’t believe I writing this but rest easy kid. Hearbrioken isn’t the word . Didn’t want leave u this morning. Love u brother.”

Jonathan Hogg, who was killed in a dog attack in Wigan last night
Jonathan Hogg, who was killed in a dog attack in Wigan last night. Credit: Facebook
Jonathan Hogg, who was killed in a dog attack in Wigan last night
Jonathan Hogg, who was killed in a dog attack in Wigan last night. Credit: Facebook

Someone else shared: “RIP Oggy. What a cruel world we live in. Thinking of all your family at this awful time and sending all my love to you all.”

Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst of GMP’s Wigan district said: “Firstly, I would like to extend my condolences to the loved ones of the victim of this attack. Our officers and our partners are currently supporting the victim’s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

“We recognise this incident will rightly cause concern within the local area and we would like to reassure the public that we explored every possible avenue to protect the local community and the animal involved.

“We would urge members of the public to please come forward if they have any information in regard to this incident, any information you may have may be a huge help to our investigation.

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“You can report information to GMP on 101 quoting log 3769 of 18/05/2023. You can also report information to us online using the ‘report’ tool: www.gmp.police.uk

“Alternatively, you can report information to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

“This is a distressing incident which has resulted in the sad passing of a man and we are determined to ensure this does not happen again in our community.

“If you think someone has or is breeding dangerous dogs, please report it online on by calling 101.

“For more information about dangerous dogs in the UK, please visit our advice page.”

Featured image: Facebook

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