Wigan

Public warned not to approach this man, who police want to speak to after gunshots fired at house in Wigan

Officers want to speak to him about a firearms incident in Wigan.

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson - 14th July 2023

Police have issued an appeal to track down a man in Wigan in relation to a firearms discharge last weekend – but have warned the public not to approach him.

Detectives want to speak to Scott Higgins, 35, in connection to an incident where gunshots were fired at a house on Fisher Close on Saturday 8 July.

GMP officers in Wigan are now working ‘around the clock’ to locate Higgins, of Kirkhall Lane in Leigh, and asking the public for any information relating to his whereabouts.

They have also warned that anyone who is actively assisting him in evading the police may be committing a criminal offence.

Police want to speak to Higgins about a suspected firearms discharge in Wigan, which occurred at around 10pm on Saturday.

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Thankfully, there were no injuries reported, and all lines of enquiry are being followed up by police.

An appeal was launched on Monday 10 July for dashcam, CCTV and doorbell footage and eyewitness accounts.

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Now a photo of Scott Higgins has been released too.

Detective Superintendent Simon Hurst of the Wigan District said: “We are actively looking for Scott Higgins, who we believe can help us with our investigation and as such, we are appealing directly to the public, and his family and friends. to let us know where he is.

“If, during the course of our enquiries, we establish there are some people who are actively assisting Higgins in evading the police, we will look at any criminal offences committed by them in doing so.

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“If anyone happens to know of Higgins’ whereabouts, or has further information in relation to this incident, we urge them to contact us immediately on 999 or 101, quoting log number 3918-080723 or anonymously via the independent charity – Crimestoppers – on 0800 555 111.

“It is very important that members of the public do not approach Higgins and contact us immediately. This was a serious incident and my team is working around the clock to locate him. We would be very appreciative of any help provided by the public.”

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Featured image: GMP

Wigan

Richard Ashcroft says Robin Park gigs could help make Wigan ‘a focal point in music’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Richard Ashcroft wants Robin Park gigs to make Wigan a focal point for music

Manc music veteran Richard Ashcroft has big hopes for the upcoming season of live music at Wigan’s Robin Park, insisting that gigs like his self-titled double bill could help his hometown become “a focal point music for the first time in years”.

The former Verve frontman turned successful solo artist was speaking to host Anna Jameson on BBC Radio Manchester earlier this week when he explained just how big a deal this series of Wigan concerts could be for the area.

Beyond the likes of himself, his former band, The Lathums and Railway Children, to name just a few, there aren’t too many notable music names to have come out from the WN postcode – but that isn’t to say there isn’t plenty of talent and potential to do so.

Bigging up the borough as an “amazing place” that’s perhaps sometimes overlooked, he’s keeping his fingers crossed that Mancs and people from all over the region, including the local council, can “get right behind” the upcoming calendar of Wigan concerts to shine the spotlight on it once again.

As he goes on to tell Jameson, he envisions this going on to become a platform for new, up-and-coming artists not only from Wigan but across Greater Manchester, insisting that “there’ll be this week where young bands play venues, bigger bands come” and so on, giving grassroots something “to build to”.

Noting that the foundations have already been lain with this first lot of gigs, with the likes of fellow natives The Stanleys and Maxwell Varey named as two of Richard Ashcroft‘s warm-up acts this summer, alongside more well-known outfits like Cast and The Zutons.

In the middle of the pack, you also have rising Scouse stars Red Rum Club and The Royston Club from Wrexham, who are also making plenty of waves, so it looks like the groundwork is very much there.

There are a variety of other gigs at Robin Park as the area looks to emulate the early success seen from similar bookings over in Wythenshawe like Noel Gallagher’s headliner in 2023 and in Wigan later this year, as well as Blossoms’ mini-festival.

Blossoms announce massive Wythenshawe Park gig next summer

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The 52-year-old believes his shows among the others at Robin Park this summer could leave a “legacy” and give something for people to look back on and remember it as a moment in which, “for the first time in years, Wigan became a focal point for music” in the North and across the country.

Speaking to ITV earlier this week also, the Britpop legend admitted that despite coming up in the same era as the likes of The Stone Roses and Oasis, not to mention in such close proximity, those figures always seemed “larger than life” but that it’s an honour to go back home on such a big scale.

It’s been over two and a half decades since he and The Verve played their iconic Haigh Hall gig to more than 33,000 locals and the two Robin Park gigs on 20-21 July are set to be on an equally massive scale.

You can still try and grab tickets and listen to the rest of his interview on BBC Sounds HERE.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — BBC Radio Manchester/Ed Webster (via Flickr)

Wigan

Family pay tribute to ‘larger than life’ biker after fatal Wigan crash

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Leslie Baron was one of two victims of a crash in Wigan. Credit: GMP

The family of the second victim of a crash in Wigan have paid a moving tribute to him.

Leslie Baron, 56, had been the passenger on a motorbike when it was involved in a road traffic collision with a car.

Both Leslie and the rider – 21-year-old Lewis Durham – were unseated and suffered serious injuries.

Lewis tragically died at the scene despite the efforts of emergency services, while Leslie passed away several hours later in hospital.

Leslie’s family have now issued a tribute to him, describing him as a ‘larger-than-life character’ who loved his dogs, biking and golf.

His family also praised the hospital staff who cared for him in his final hours.

They said: “It is with a heavy heart that we write this message in tribute to Leslie Baron, known to us as “Lez”. He was a much-loved brother, uncle, and a friend to many.

“We would firstly like to thank the emergency services and the members of the public for all their efforts in helping him at the scene of the collision. We extend our praise to the hospital staff at Aintree Hospital also.

“Lez was a larger-than-life character who loved his dogs, riding his motorbike, and playing golf. He would do anything for anyone. He will be missed deeply by us all.

“May he rest in peace; we will love you always.”

The crash occurred on Ormskirk Road in Wigan shortly after 7.15pm on Saturday 13 April, at the junction with Billinge Road.

The driver of the car involved, a 41-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving and causing serious injury by careless driving. He has since been released on bail.

Lewis Durham tributes Wigan death
Lewis Durham, who was also killed in the collision in Wigan. Credit: GMP

Lewis’s family yesterday issued the below tribute to him, the second victim of the fatal crash in Wigan.

“It is with great sadness that Lewis has been so tragically taken away from us. He sadly passed away in a road traffic accident in Wigan on Saturday 13th April.

“The youngest in our family with the world at his feet. He’s left a huge hole in our family, our hearts are absolutely broken. He was always a happy, fun-loving character, who had everything going for him in life, loved by everyone and had the best of friends. A loving son, grandson, and little brother.

“We’d like to thank the emergency services and people who assisted him at the scene who comforted him in maybe his last moments. We’ll cherish every memory we have of you, Lewis.

“We’re all beyond proud of you and will miss and love you forever. You’re now the brightest star in the sky Lewis. Love you forever and always Mam, Dad, Grandma, Granda, Nana, and your two big sisters.”

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Featured image: GMP

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