Liam Smith: murdered Wigan dad fund-raised for good cause and had business troubles

A father from Lancashire found gunned down in the street had been attacked with acid.
By Holly Pritchard
Published 28th Nov 2022, 15:45 BST
Updated 29th Nov 2022, 18:40 BST
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A murder investigation is under way into the killing of Liam Smith which police say took place in “unique and shocking circumstances” on a quiet residential street.

Social media tributes have continued to pour in while flowers have been placed at the scene where the 38-year-old was found murdered.

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Mr Smith, who was originally from Chorley and attended Holy Cross RC High School, worked as an electrician and was a company director of an electrical business.

Liam SmithLiam Smith
Liam Smith

It has been revealed the former soldier helped to fund-raise for his friend and former footballer George Melling, who died aged 37 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

Mr Melling played for Blackpool FC, Morecambe, Leyland Town, and home team, Coppull.

Mr Smith’s body was found on Kilburn Drive, Shevington, Wigan, on the evening of November 24 and emergency crews were called to the scene.

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A white powder was found around the body and there were fears that there could a toxic hazard risk to the public. A Greater Manchester Police spokesman said: “Initial information indicates that the victim was the subject of a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack.

General view of Kilburn Drive, Shevington, where Liam Smith was found dead.General view of Kilburn Drive, Shevington, where Liam Smith was found dead.
General view of Kilburn Drive, Shevington, where Liam Smith was found dead.

"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.

"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.”

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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.

Liam Smith, whose body was discovered near his home on Kilburn Drive, Shevington. He was fatally shot and the victim of an acid attack.Liam Smith, whose body was discovered near his home on Kilburn Drive, Shevington. He was fatally shot and the victim of an acid attack.
Liam Smith, whose body was discovered near his home on Kilburn Drive, Shevington. He was fatally shot and the victim of an acid attack.

“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 November 24 to contact the Major Incident Room.”