William Gillies

William Gillies was found dead in a locked house that was on fire in Westleigh Lane, Leigh.

He was found by firemen that had gone to put out the blaze. They had gone to the property after a 999 caller sent them there and when they arrived they found smoke billowing from a front ground-floor window and the doors and windows locked and had to force their way in. It was noted that the smoke was so thick that breathing apparatus had to be used.

When the police examined the scene they found extensive bloodstains near his body and a murder enquiry was opened. His body was said to have been badly burned.

His wife had been out at the time and it was said that the police were looking for her to help with their inquiries and that police dogs were being used in the search.

Neighbours said that William Gillies had lived with his wife and grown-up daughter and that he had another daughter who was married.

William Gillies had worked at the Admiralty Storage Depot in Risley near Warrington.