A dad whose body was found dumped and 'covered in substance' was shot and attacked with acid, police have revealed. Liam Smith has been described as 'kind hearted, funny, the life and soul of the party' by his grieving family.
The 38-year-old, from Shevington, Wigan, was found on Kilburn Drive in the village at around 7pm on Thursday (November 24). In an update issued this morning (Sunday), Greater Manchester Police has released the initial findings from a Home Office post-mortem.
Initial information indicates Mr Smith was subject of a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack. Enquiries are ongoing into what is a murder investigation following suspicious circumstances.
GMP says detectives are working tirelessly to establish the exact details of the incident, which took place in 'unique and shocking circumstances on a quiet residential street'. A scene is currently still in place at the location with no disruption to the wider area.
Following examination and tests, the hazardous substances are believed to not pose any further harm, threat or risk to the public in the surrounding area and have been contained. However, anyone who has had direct contact with the body at the time is advised to speak to officers or seek medical advice immediately.
Members of the public are being urged not to approach or contact anyone they suspect of being involved in the offence. Anyone with information is instead asked to contact GMP if they witness something or have witnessed anything unusual, including between the times of 8am and 7pm on Thursday, on Kilburn Drive.
Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand from GMP’s Major Incident Team, who is leading this 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, November 24, to contact the Major Incident Room.
"This is the first fatal shooting in the Manchester area for over two years and we are determined to recover the weapon and find Liam’s killer.” Specialist officers are taking precautions surrounding this incident and residents are urged not to be alarmed when they are seen in the area wearing protective clothing, as this is purely precautionary as per the standard procedure at the scene.
Paying tribute to him, Mr Smith's family said in a brief statement yesterday: "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." Any details should be passed via the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 910 of November 25, 2022.
In an emergency, always dial 999. Information can also be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal.
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