Tributes to 'loving' dad, 37, found dead near busy road as three are held on suspicion of kidnap and murder

Tributes have been paid to a "loving" 37-year-old dad who was found dead near a busy road in Lancashire.

Christopher Hughes, 37, was reported as last being seen in the Worsley Hall area of Wigan at 4pm on February 18.

On Tuesday, police said two men - aged 48 and 51 - had been arrested on suspicion of murder and kidnap after a body was found in nearby Skelmersdale.

READ MORE : Body found off busy road near Wigan as police and forensics swarm area

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to kidnap and murder. They all remain in police custody

The grim discovery was made off White Moss Road South near to the junction with Liverpool Road, on Tuesday.

It is understood Mr Hughes suffered multiple injuries. His body was discovered in a ditch by a dog walker.

In a statement GMP said: "37-year-old Christopher was sadly found dead off White Moss Road South in the Skelmersdale area of Lancashire on Tuesday 22 February 2022. "A post mortem concluded he died as a result of multiple serious injuries."

Christopher's mum, Susan, has paid tribute to him, saying: "The family of Chris wish everyone to respect their privacy at this difficult time and are heartbroken at the loss of their loving son, father, brother and uncle.

"He will leave a part in the family that can never be filled. RIP Christopher David Hughes." Shortly after 4.30pm on Friday 18 February, a member of the public reported seeing a man being forced into the back of a vehicle on Almond Grove in the Worsley Hall area of Wigan.

An investigation was launched and officers established that this was likely to be Christopher. Extensive enquiries to find Christopher were on going when his body was discovered at 11am on Tuesday.

Detective Chief