Family pay tribute to Wigan dad as police confirm he was victim of acid attack and shooting
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.
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’.
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.’
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.”
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.
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“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:
- Via the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk
- By calling 101 quoting incident number 910 of 25/11/2022.
- Through the Major Incident Public Portal here: mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22L21-PO1
- In an emergency, always dial 999.
Featured image: GMP