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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Chiara Fiorillo

Dad found dead in street covered in 'white powder' was shot and acid attack victim

A man who was found dead in the street and "covered with white powder" was shot and was the victim of an acid attack, police have said.

Liam Smith's body was found on Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan, at around 7pm on Thursday.

Initial information indicates Mr Smith had a fatal gunshot wound and was the victim of an acid attack, Greater Manchester Police said.

Liam Smith's body was found earlier this week (MEN MEDIA)

Enquiries are ongoing and the public has told they should not approach or contact anyone they suspect of being involved in this offence.

Yesterday, Mr Smith's devastated family paid tribute to him, saying in a brief statement: "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."

Forensic teams continue to work at the scene in Shevington, Wigan (MEN MEDIA)
Mr Smith's body was found on Thursday (MEN MEDIA)

Greater Manchester Police said in their latest statement: "At around 7pm on Thursday 24 November 2022 officers were called to reports of a deceased body on Kilburn Drive, Shevington, Wigan.

"Emergency services attended and sadly confirmed these reports. With the identity of the victim now being confirmed as 38-year-old Liam Smith from Kilburn Drive. A Home Office post-mortem has taken place and his family are being supported by specially trained officers.

"A scene is currently still in place at the location with no disruption to the wider area.

Police on Kilburn Drive in Shevington (MEN Media)

"Enquiries are also ongoing into what is a murder investigation following suspicious circumstances.

"Initial information indicates that the victim was the subject of a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack.

"Detectives are working tirelessly to establish the exact details of this murder, which took place in unique and shocking circumstances on a quiet residential street.

"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.

Police said Mr Smith was shot and was the victim of an acid attack (MEN MEDIA)

"A reminder, if anyone has had direct contact with the body at the time they should still speak to officers or seek medical advice immediately."

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 24 November 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."

Any details should be passed via the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting incident number 910 of 25/11/2022. In an emergency, always dial 999.

Information can also be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal here.

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