A ‘much-loved family man’ was killed in a suspected gunshot and acid attack, police say.

Officers were called to Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan at around 7pm on Thursday evening to reports of a dead body and a ‘potentially hazardous substance.’

They have now identified the victim as 38-year-old Liam Smith, of Kilburn Drive, and believe that he was subject of a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack.

Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand 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.”

Detectives have said that there is still a scene in place at the location but there is no disruption to the wider area, following what they describe as a “murder, which took place in unique and shocking circumstances on a quiet residential street.”

The hazardous substances in the area or not believed to pose any further risks to the public in the surrounding area, but officers have reminded anyone who has had direct contact with the body at the time that they should still speak to them or seek medical advice immediately.

They have also advised that specialist officers at the scene are still taking precautions and so people should not be alarmed when they are seen in the area wearing protective clothing.

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DCI Brennand and her team have urged anyone with any information to come forward particularly anyone who may have seen anything unusal between the times of 8am and 7pm on Thursday 24 November on Kilburn Drive.

But they have stressed that it is important that the public do no approach or contact anyone they suspect of being involved in the incident.

Instead, anyone with any information can call police on 101, quoting incident number 910 of 25/11/2022 or by using the LiveChat function on GMP’s website.

Members of the public are urged to always call 999 in an emergency.