The family of a man found dead on a residential street have paid tribute to him, as police confirm he was the victim of a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack.
Liam Smith, 38, was found deceased on Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan, at around 7pm on Thursday 24 November, with early reports suggesting there were ‘potentially hazardous substances’ on his body.
A Home Office post-mortem has indicated that Liam was the victim of an acid attack and a shooting.
The hazardous substances aren’t believed to pose any further risk to the public, though anyone who has been in direct contact with the body should speak to officers or seek medical advice immediately.
Kilburn Drive, where Liam Smith was found dead. Credit: Google Maps
The public have also been told not to be alarmed if they see specialist officers wearing protective clothing, which is ‘purely precautionary as per the standard procedure at the scene’.
ADVERTISEMENT
A murder investigation has been launched with a scene still in place at the location, and his family are being supported by specially trained officers.
GMP say the murder took place in ‘unique and shocking circumstances on a quiet residential street.’
ADVERTISEMENT
#TRIBUTE | Following a Home Office post-mortem, the identity of the body found on Kilburn Drive in Shevington, #Wigan on Thursday 24 November 2022 has been identified as Liam Smith, aged 38.
Paying tribute, Liam Smith’s family said: “Liam was kind-hearted, funny, the life and soul of the party.
“He was the most devoted dad, much loved son, brother, grandson and uncle.
“He will sorely be missed by all who knew and loved him.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand from GMP’s Major Incident Team, who is leading the murder investigation said: “This is a shocking murder of a much-loved family man.
“I have a team of detectives working around the clock and I urge anyone who has seen anything unusual or out of the ordinary near to the victim’s home during the day and early evening of Thursday 24 November to contact the Major Incident Room.
“This is the first fatal shooting in the Greater Manchester area for over two years and we are determined to recover the weapon and find Liam’s killer.”
Detectives investigating Liam’s murder have urged members of the public not to approach or contact anyone suspected to be involved, and should instead contact the police.
Anyone who witnessed anything unusual, including between the times of 8am and 7pm on Thursday 24 November on Kilburn Drive, that relates to Liam Smith’s murder should contact GMP in one of the following ways:
‘Groundbreaking’ new police team launches on Bee Network to make it one of the safest in the world
Emily Sergeant
A ‘groundbreaking’ new policing model aimed at making the Bee Network one of the safest public transport networks in the world has launched.
Described as being ‘pioneering’, the first-of-its-kind approach – named the Transport Policing and Crime Command (TPACC) – will bring Greater Manchester Police (GMP), Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) even closer together to tackle crime, antisocial behaviour, and safety issues across the region’s transport network.
So, how will it work then? Well, according to TfGM, the command will ‘effectively establish’ the Bee Network as GMP’s eleventh policing district.
It will bring together up to 300 personnel, including new police officers, who are all involved in keeping the network safe and providing greater reassurance to passengers travelling across the region.
Efforts to keep passengers safe on buses, trams, active travel routes, and roads across Greater Manchester will be ‘strengthened’ through the new team – improving co-ordination in response to incidents, and helping to reassure communities.
A ‘groundbreaking’ new police team has launched on the Bee Network to make it one of the safest in the world / Credit: TfGM
The new team will also incorporate the existing Roads Policing Unit within GMP that includes specialist functions such as the Central Ticket Office, the Tactical Vehicle Intercept Unit, the motorbike unit, the Commercial Vehicle Unit, the Serious Collision Investigation Unit, and more.
Overall, the key focus of TPACC is to:
Increase public confidence on safety across the transport network
Reduce violence, antisocial behaviour and criminality across the transport network
Increase the number of users of the Bee Network across Greater Manchester
The launch of TPACC is said to represents ‘the next phase’ of Greater Manchester’s commitment to creating a ‘safer, more secure, and more welcoming’ transport network for everyone who lives, works, and travels across the region.
“I want a world-class Bee Network where everyone feels safe,” commented Greater Manchester Mayor, Bev Craig.
“Our new dedicated transport policing command will bring together more than 300 police and safety officers, with high-profile patrols across our roads and the Bee Network. It means a stronger presence in our communities and faster action when people need help.
“TPACC will also crack down on dangerous driving to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, which have devastating consequences for families and communities.”
Featured Image – TfGM
News
Two arrested after assaulting and burgling 90-year-old woman in Stockport suburb
Emily Sergeant
Two people have been arrested following reports of an assault and burglary at a 90-year-old woman’s home in a Stockport suburb.
While en-route to the incident in Heald Green – which was reported to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) at around 2:30am on 29 October – officers located the victim’s vehicle being driven by an unknown man.
The stolen vehicle made off from police before it lost control, went up a grass verge, and collided with a stationary vehicle.
Police confirmed that a white British man, aged 41, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of a burglary and serious assault, while a white British woman, aged 47, was also later arrested on suspicion of burglary and serious assault – with both remaining in custody for questioning.
The victim, a 90-year-old woman, was taken to hospital for treatment and is being supported by specialist officers, although luckily, her injuries are not life-threatening.
Enquiries are now ongoing, and officers are working to establish the full circumstances of the shocking incident.
“This was undoubtedly a traumatic experience for the victim, and we have specialist officers supporting her through this investigation,” explained Detective Inspector Craig Turner, from Stockport CID.
“This was a violent burglary and thanks to the brave victim reporting it, our officers made two swift arrests with the suspects taken into police custody to be interviewed.
“We believe this was a targeted attack and there is no wider risk to the community. Extra patrols of officers have been deployed to the area to offer reassurance to members of the community. Please let them know if you have any concerns.
“We are committed to tackling dangerous offenders and keeping our communities safe from harm.”
Daisy Jackson -
27th November 2022 
