Park murder: Man, 47, quizzed
TEENAGER FOUND DEAD IN WATER PARK AFTER FRANTIC SEARCH
POLICE investigating the murder of teenage student Ellen Higginbottom have arrested a 47-year-old man.
The 18-year-old’s parents reported her missing when she failed to return home after leaving Winstanley College in Orrell, Wigan, at around 1pm on Friday. Her body was found by police at the edge of a field in Orrell Water Park at around 2.30am on Saturday.
Ellen had suffered multiple wounds to her neck in what has been described as a ‘brutal’ attack.
Police yesterday arrested a 47-yearold man on suspicion of murder.
Police, who say they are not ruling out a ‘sexual motive’ for the appalling crime, have launched a murder investigation, cordoned off a large area in the park and are appealing for information. They are investigating a possible connection to reports of a man following two other women at Orrell Water Park on Thursday.
On social media, friends and family had posted appeals for her safe return on Friday evening. But on Saturday afternoon those appeals turned to heartbreaking tributes, as residents began to leave flowers at the park entrance.
Chloe Williams tweeted: “Never felt as sick and upset and heartbroken in my entire life.”
Polly Hodkinson tweeted: “RIP ellen. Horrible and saddening news for everyone, especially her friends and family. My thoughts are with those close to her.” Sinead Rogers said: “I am honestly heartbroken, Ellen was such a wonderful person who was taken far too soon. RIP my lovely, you shall be missed.”
Following the discovery of Ellen’s body, Winstanley College tweeted: “Winstanley College students please stay safe when walking to and from college, don’t go alone especially around Orrell Water Park.”
Det Supt Howard Millington, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “First of all my thoughts continue to be with Ellen’s family at this devastating time. This is a very fast-moving and developing investigation, but I can confirm that on Sunday afternoon we arrested a 47-year-old man. This investigation is by no means over, however – we still have a long way to go in piecing together the puzzle.
“Our investigative team will continue to work at the scene in the area around Orrell Water Park for the next few days.
“Once again, I would like to thank the public for their overwhelming support in this investigation. Without them, our jobs would be so much harder.
“We would encourage the public to continue getting in touch. As said before, this investigation is still in its early stages. So if you saw anyone acting suspiciously in the area either on Friday or in the days prior, please get in touch with police. Don’t worry that you’ll be wasting my time, any bit of information, no matter how small could be vital.
“Our officers will continue to patrol the streets in the area, anyone with any concerns or questions should come and speak to them.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0161 856 7103 or 101 – or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.