Tragic update as police find body of missing man, 71, in pond in Wigan after 5-day search
His death is being investigated by police.
A missing man’s body has been discovered in a pond five days after he disappeared.
Dwayne Akkermans, 71, was last seen in the Ratcliffe Road area of Aspull, near Wigan, last Friday (April 17).
Police searches focussed on two specific areas - the Aspull area of Wigan (near Haigh Hall) and the area around Hill Top Lane in Whittle-le-Woods, where police believed he might have travelled to.
His body was recovered yesterday afternoon after police responded to reports that a man had been found deceased in a pond in Haigh, Wigan.
Lancashire Police said an investigation into his death is being carried out by Greater Manchester Police.
A spokesperson for the force said: “We have a sad update to bring you in our search for missing Dwayne Akkermans.
“Dwayne was last seen in the Ratcliffe Road area of Aspull, near Wigan, on April 17.
“Since that time, we have carried out extensive enquiries to locate Dwayne, including CCTV, house to house and other enquiries.
“However, yesterday afternoon we were called following reports a man had been found deceased in a pond in Haigh, Wigan.
“Whilst formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe it to be Mr Akkermans. His family are aware of the update, and our thoughts are with them at this distressing time.
“The investigation into the death is being led by our colleagues at Greater Manchester Police.
“Thank you to everybody who shared our appeals or came forward with information to assist in our search.
“While this is not the outcome anyone would have wished for, your help is always greatly appreciated.”