Murdered dad could have been victim in plot to destroy evidence

A dad who was shot dead outside his home and covered in acid may have been a botched attempt to destroy evidence, according to detectives.

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

The detective leading investigation told the Manchester Evening News 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.