Wigan Standoff Ends with Arrests and Rescue of Two Women

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Friday 11th April 2025 at 07:55hrs

Two men have been arrested and two women rescued following a tense standoff in Wigan On Thursday.

Firearms officers from Greater Manchester Police bravely intervened after receiving reports of two wanted men holding the women against their will at an address in the Atherton area.

Police confirmed that a knife and a sword were recovered from the scene. The situation escalated when the two men inside the property refused to engage with a force negotiator, prompting the deployment of specialist officers.

Upon arrival, officers found the entrance to the address heavily barricaded with sofas and other furniture. Undeterred, they worked to gain entry, prioritizing the safety of the individuals inside.

Ultimately, the suspects were discovered hiding in a concealed cupboard within the property.

Two men, aged 31 and 21, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of kidnap, possession of a bladed article, and recall to prison. The two women believed to be held against their will are now safe and receiving support.

Assistant Chief Constable Steph Parker praised the courage and professionalism of the officers involved.

“We know local residents in the Atherton area will have seen a large police presence earlier as our specialist officers tried to ensure this incident was brought to a safe resolution within an hour,” she stated.

“We have released some images from the officers’ body-worn video to give the public an insight into the kind of dangers our officers face on a day-to-day basis to keep the people of GM safe.

Our officers are brilliantly trained and committed people who can face unpredictable and highly dangerous incidents with professionalism and skill to do the job very few of us could do.”

The incident highlights the significant and often unknown risks faced by firearms officers as they respond to critical situations.

The successful resolution of this incident underscores their dedication to protecting the public and ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals.

An investigation into the full circumstances surrounding the incident is now underway.

Police have not yet released further details regarding the identities of the arrested men or the rescued women.