Detectives investigating the brutal murder of a young dad spotted being bundled into a car have charged a seventh man over his death.
The body of Christopher Hughes, 37, was found on White Moss Road South, on the outskirts of Skelmersdale, at around 11am on Tuesday, February 22. Greater Manchester Police (GMP) had launched a missing persons investigation after a man believed to have been Mr Hughes was was seen being forced into the back of a vehicle just after 4.30pm on Friday, February 18, on Almond Grove in the Worsley Hall area of Wigan.
A post mortem concluded Mr Hughes died as a result of "multiple serious injuries". His family said he left behind a three-year-old daughter.
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Six people have already been charged in connection with the killing, but GMP today announced Adrius Uzkuraitis, 26, of Holly Road in Wigan, has also been charged with conspiracy to commit murder. Uzkuraitis was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Wigan Magistrates' Court tomorrow.
The other men facing conspiracy to murder charges are Mohammed Razgar, 40, of Plane Avenue, Wigan; Alan Jaf, 50, of Ridyard Street, Wigan; Khalil Awla, 48, of Greenwood Avenue, Wigan; Erland Spahiu, 33, of Uppingham, Skelmersdale; Curtis Balbas, 30, of Matheson Drive, Wigan and Dean Smeaton O'Neill-Davey, 29, of Bulteel Street, Wigan.
Detective Chief Inspector Carl Jones, of GMP's Major Incident Team, said: "Our thoughts remain with Christopher's loved ones, including his three-year-old daughter. Since he was found dead, we have been working around the clock to find them all of the answers they deserve but we need to appeal to the public for help.
"Did you see a blue Audi A4 (BV21 WZL) travelling from Almond Grove in Wigan to White Moss Road South in Skelmersdale between 4.30pm and 5.20pm on Friday, February 18, 2022?
"Have you got dashcam footage from those roads or any in between, particularly the roundabouts at junctions three and four of the M58 or the bridge over it which goes between White Moss Road and White Moss Road South. Did you see the car or anything suspicious on or around White Moss Road South between that evening and Tuesday 22nd? Maybe you were taking a short-cut, walking your dog, running or cycling.
"If you know something which may assist us with our investigation please contact us immediately. If you want to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity - Crimestoppers." Since his death, Mr Hughes' family have paid tribute, with his mum Susan saying: “He will leave a part in the family that can never be filled.”
Anyone with information can contact GMP’s Operation Feverfew on 0161 856 3400 or online here. Crimestoppers can be contacted, anonymously, on 0800 555 111
