Tributes have been paid to a company director dad who was killed in an horrific gun-and-acid attack near his village home.
Liam Smith, a 38-year-old father of two, was gunned down in Shevington, Wigan, on Thursday night. He also had acid thrown on him, police have confirmed, with a murder investigation underway.
Today (Monday) shocked friends paid tribute to Mr Smith, an electrician former soldier who was a director of LPS Electrical and Build Ltd which went into liquidation earlier this year.
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Hundreds of people posted tributes to Mr Smith on GMP's public Facebook page.
Heidi Bradley wrote: "RIP Liam.. from you being a little 4 year old kicking about with my brother and us at school, game days, coming in our Grandad’s shop, and town drinks! Thinking of your family and boys.. rest in peace matey xxx."
Nicole Farrell said: "I'm in total shock, this is such sad news. Thinking of your family and my heart goes out to your boys. I hope your family find the strengh. R.I.P Liam."
Paul Horrocks wrote: "A lovely lad he worked for me before he went in the armed forces. God bless you and your family."
One of his friends Danny Yarrow said: "Rest in peace mate! Absolutely gutted. We had some great times together we will all miss you pal. Still can't believe I'm writing this! Thoughts go out to your family. Sleep well big man! Xxx."
Nicole Kirk said: "RIP Liam, you were a lovely guy. my thoughts are with your children and family xx."
Sam Shepherd wrote: "Absolutely gutted, you will be sadly missed fella, RIP my friend, thoughts go out to your family."
Polly Anna said: "Rest in Peace, I am absolutely in shock. Thinking about your dear children and your parents and family. May you rest easy. You always had a big smile on your face. My heart goes out to your 2 babies xxx."
Amanda Sever-Morton said: "Fly high Liam. We are truly heartbroken. We have lost a dear friend and will forever miss you xx."
Lynn Caroline posted: "Liam you’ve been such a kind and protective friend to me over the years, and to my son. How could this could happen to you... strength and love to your boys love. I’m truly heartbroken."
Anna Shepherd-Slowinski said: "I’m so sorry Liam you where genuinely a great person and always unconditionally lovely to me, Sam and girls my heart goes to your family and boys."
Dan Miller posted: "Liam you was one of a kind mate. Was a top bloke and friend. Life and soul at any party and one of the funniest, genuine people I've ever met. RIP my mate."
Last year, Mr Smith helped to raise fund for his friend, former footballer George Melling who died aged 37 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
In May this year, he posted on his Facebook page of his friend: "See you soon big man. You'll be missed."
According to Companies House, LPS Electrical and Build Ltd appointed a liquidator on May 25. Mr Smith remained the company's sole director.
A 'statement of affairs' document dated May 17 said the company had an 'estimated total deficiency' of £73,209.
The body of Mr Smith was discovered 'covered in substance' on Kilburn Drive at around 7pm on Thursday (November 24).
Initial findings from a Home Office post-mortem indicated he suffered a fatal gunshot wound and had been the victim of an acid attack.
In a tribute, Mr Smith's devastated family described him as 'kind hearted,' 'funny' and 'the life and soul of the party.' "He was the most devoted dad," they added.
A murder investigation has since been launched by detectives from GMP, and the street of Kilburn Drive has been blocked off by a huge police cordon.
Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand from GMP’s Major Incident Team, who is leading the 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."
Paying tribute to him, Mr Smith's family said in a brief statement on Saturday: "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 information can be given to GMP via the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting incident number 910 of November 25, 2022.
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