UPDATE: |Police make arrest after reports of man ‘acting suspiciously’ on school grounds News

Police received concerned reports over the man’s behaviour on Friday

A man has been arrested after he was seen ‘acting suspiciously’ in and around a school in Wigan.

Police apprehended the 30-year-old after concerned callers noticed him around the school in Standishgate. on Friday (April 4). Police said enquiries are ongoing, but so far there is ‘nothing to suggest’ the man spoke to any pupils.

He has since been released under ‘strict conditions’, with uniformed officers continuing to patrol the nearby area in a bid to reassure the local community.

Officers have now appealed to the public to avoid speculation around the incident online.

In a statement, Greater Manchester Police said: “On Friday 4 April, officers were made aware of reports that a man was believed to have been seen acting suspiciously in and around school grounds in Standishgate.

“We understand the concern that this will cause in the local community, and officers were quickly deployed to the area to investigate. Enquiries remain ongoing including trawling through CCTV and speaking to local partners and the community and as a result of these enquiries to date, there is nothing to suggest that the man spoke to any pupils from the school.

“Officers arrested a 30-year-old man, since then he has been released under strict conditions and officers are working robustly to ensure these conditions are adhered to as we continue to investigate.”

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Chief Inspector Adam Wignall from GMP’s Wigan neighbourhood crime team, said: “Our officers will continue to liaise with the school to offer support and reassurance to pupils and the wider community.

“Although it is the school holidays, uniformed neighbourhood officers will be patrolling the area to speak to anyone who has any concerns.

“We are aware this is creating discussion online and we ask the public to refrain from speculating and spreading misinformation. We are working hard to establish the full picture and continue to appeal for anyone who either saw something suspicious or believes they have been a victim to come forwards and speak to us. You can do this by contacting us on 0161 856 0364 quoting incident 2046 of 8/4/25. Any information can also be reported online or by using the Live Chat function at www.gmp.police.uk.

“If you can’t report online, call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

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