Liam Smith: chemicals found on murdered Wigan man’s body may have been to ‘destroy evidence’

Police who are investigating the murder of a Wigan dad say whoever covered his body in both acidic and alkali chemicals may have been trying to destroy evidence of the crime.

Liam Smith, 38, was found dead close to where he lived on Kilburn Drive, Shevington, on the evening of Thursday 24 November. A post-mortem confirmed he had been shot and targeted with acid, prompting Greater Manchester detectives to urge anyone who had had contact with his body to come forward and seek medical advice.

Police now say that it’s possible the chemicals may have been used to conceal possible forensic evidence. In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, Det Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, the officer in charge of the investigation, revealed two chemicals were used – one acid and one alkaline. This may have been because the attack was “personal” or could have been an attempt to destroy evidence, she said.

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Mr Smith followin his death, and more than £6,000 has been donated to an online appeal in his memory – more than treble the original target of £2,000. In a tribute released via police at the time, his family said: “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.”

• No arrests have been made. Anyone with information about his death should contact police online or by calling 101, quoting incident 000910 of 25 November.