Murder investigation launched after man trapped in house by arson attack

A murder investigation has been launched after a man was killed in a suspected arson attack on a house in Wigan.

The victim was trapped in the building on Dumbarton Green when a fire broke out there on Wednesday morning (August 14). Emergency services, including firefighters, police officers and paramedics, rushed to the scene.

The man, aged around 40, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Tragically, he later died in hospital.

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Greater Manchester Police have now launched a murder investigation. A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and assault under Section 18, a police spokesman said.

Investigators believe it was an “isolated incident” and posed “no major threat to the public.” After the fire devastated the property at around 6:40 a.m. on Wednesday morning, crime scene investigators were seen searching the area for evidence throughout the day.

A witness living nearby said: MEN that forensic officers in white suits were seen entering and leaving the house during their investigation. Police would like to speak to anyone with information about the incident, particularly anyone who was in the Dumbarton Green area on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicola McCulloch, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: “Firstly, our thoughts are with the victim's family and friends at this incredibly sad time. We believe this is an isolated incident and does not pose a major threat to the public.”

“We are still in the early stages of our investigation but at this stage we believe this was an arson attack which resulted in the tragic death of a man. Whilst we remain on site, speaking to local residents and carrying out extensive CCTV surveillance, we are appealing for members of the public who may have been in the Dumbarton Green area or at the address in the early hours of Tuesday and Wednesday to come forward and speak to us.

“To submit information or CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage please submit via the Major Incident public portal here: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk). If you have any information about this incident please contact us on 0161 856 0110 or 101 quoting log number 533 of 14/08/2024.

“Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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