Suspect named after man with 'gun' spotted near schools

A suspect has been named after police were called to reports of a man with a suspected firearm near schools on Monday.

Harry Daley, 19, of Bankfield, Skelmersdale, has been charged following the incident in Billinge, Wigan on April 22. Armed police swarmed the area as a man with a 'gun' was spotted near schools after making 'threats to kill.' The incident forced a number of schools into lockdown as parents reported a large police presence in the area.

The 19-year-old has been remanded in police custody and is due to appear in Wigan and Leigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday, April 24, 2024.

Read more: Police thought they were dealing with a burglary until they saw inside room

Read more: Moment Mercedes crashes through wall of Beacon primary school

Police were called at around 2.30pm before a man handed himself into officers later that evening. Harry Daley has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and sending a letter/communication/article conveying indecent/offensive message.

Detective Inspector Craig Hurst from our Wigan district said: “This incident was undoubtedly a worrying one for the local community and we deployed to the scene along with armed officers as this was a credible threat at the time.

“Once we had established the circumstances of the incident, we acted quickly on the information that we had and apprehended a suspect who had fled back to their home address in Skelmersdale.

“We would like to reassure the public that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider community.

“I would like to thank the schools in the local area for their assistance, in acting appropriately to protect the children in their care.

“Extra patrol officers have been deployed, both on foot and in patrol cars. These officers will be there over the next few days and they are there to keep you safe, If you have any concerns, they will be happy to provide reassurance and listen to any of your queries.

“If you have any information that could assist officers you should call 0161 856 7094 quoting log number 1906 of 22/04/2024.”

"You can also report information and crimes on our website using the 'report' tool. Alternatively, you can report information anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 in an emergency."

Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here