Second arrest after teenager murdered in attack police said was 'brutal' and 'rarely seen'

Police make second arrest after 18-year-old found dead from multiple neck injuries

Ellen Higginbottom (Ellen Higginbottom/Facebook)

A second man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering an 18-year-old woman who was found with neck injuries in a park in Wigan.

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

The body of Ellen Higginbottom was discovered in Orrell Water Park at about 2.30am on Saturday.

Her family raised the alarm on Friday evening after she failed to return from college.

A post-mortem examination revealed Miss Higginbottom died from multiple wounds to the neck.

Earlier, police described the attack she had suffered as "brutal" and added that it was of a type "rarely seen in Greater Manchester".

A 47-year-old man from Billinge, Wigan, who was held earlier on Sunday on suspicion of murder remains in police custody for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Howard Millington, from Greater Manchester police, said: "It is unimaginable what Ellen's family and friends must be going through right now, and my thoughts continue to be with them throughout all of this.

"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.

Press Association contributed to this report