Dad murdered in gun-and-acid attack may have been victim of a botched attempt to destroy evidence

A company director dad who was shot dead outside his home was doused in an acid-alkali compound which may have been a botched attempt to destroy evidence, according to detectives

Liam Smith, a 38-year-old father-of-two, was shot and doused in the chemicals in the village of Shevington, Wigan, on the evening of November 24. The body lay on the pavement for 15 minutes before it was discovered covered in a white powder by a passer-by.

Today (Tuesday) the detective leading investigation told the M.E.N. two chemicals were used in the attack, one acid and the other alkaline. Police suspect the use of the chemicals suggests the attack was 'personal' or an attempt to destroy evidence.