A 47-year-old man from Billinge has been arrested on suspicion of murdering 18-year-old Ellen Higginbottom who was found dead in Orrell Water Park.

Miss Higginbottom was reported missing by her family at 7.20pm on Friday, when she failed to return from Winstanley College.

Her friends said she had last been near the reservoirs in Wigan.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) searched the area and discovered a body at around 2.30am on Saturday.

On Sunday, police arrested a man from Billinge on suspicion of murder. He is currently in custody for questioning.

A post-mortem examination gave the teenager's cause of death as multiple wounds to the neck.

Detective Superintendent Howard Millington, from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "This is an absolute tragedy, my thoughts are with Ellen's family and friends. What they must be going through is unimaginable.

"We are also working with Wigan Council and Winstanley College, where Ellen was a pupil, to ensure support is in place for anyone affected by this shocking incident.

"The post-mortem has now taken place and we have a clearer picture of what may have happened to Ellen, but we are still piecing together her exact movements in the lead-up to her death."

Meanwhile, a second man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The 51-year-old was arrested at an address in Preston, Lancashire, on Sunday evening, with police searches of his property ongoing.

Detective Superintendent Miliington added: “Last night we made a second arrest after our investigation identified an address in Preston.

"Today we will search the address whilst the man is in custody for questioning.

“I wish to again thank the public for their help in this investigation. Their support and the information we have been given has been vital in this investigation.

“Whilst we have now made two arrests, our investigation continues as we piece together the puzzle to find out what exactly happened to Ellen on Friday and give her family the answers they deserve.”

Anyone with any information should contact police on 0161 856 9908, alternatively call 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.