Liam Smith: Wigan man found dead on Kilburn Drive, Shevington was ‘life and soul of the party’

The family of a man found dead in Wigan have paid tribute to a ‘kind-hearted and funny’ man.

Liam Smith, 38, was discovered on Kilburn Drive, Shevington, at 7pm on Thursday (24 November). Police probing his death issued a warning on Friday that they believe there were potentially hazardous substances on his body, and asked anyone who had been in contact to come forward as they may need medical attention. However they said they did not think there was a risk to anyone in the wider area. Police today confirmed Mr Smith’s cause of death: read more here.

In a statement issued through GMP, Liam’s 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.”

Detective Superintendent Alan Clitherow, of GMP’s Wigan District, said on Friday night: “Our specialist officers are taking precautions surrounding this incident and please do not be alarmed when our officers are seen in the area wearing protective clothing when removing the body from the scene, as mentioned before this is purely precautionary as per standard procedure for our officers at the scene.

“Officers are out speaking to residents and are highly visible in the area. The scene is contained, and it is believed there is no wider risk to the surrounding area.

“We will keep the public updated when we have more information.”

Anyone with information should call101 quoting incident number 000910 of 25/11/2022, or submit it via GMP’s Major Incident Public Portal here.