The gun and acid murder of a "much-loved family man" has torn apart a community where "nothing happens".
Liam Smith was found dead in the street on Kilburn Drive in Shevington on the evening of Thursday, November 24. Initial investigations from Greater Manchester Police showed the 38-year-old dad was shot dead and had also been the victim of an acid attack.
The murder is the first fatal shooting in Greater Manchester for two years and has sparked an intense manhunt. Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, who is leading GMP's investigation, said she has "a team of detectives working around the clock" to track down the murder weapon and killer.
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The sleepy Wigan community, favoured by the elderly because of how quiet it is, has been torn apart by the brutal killing. Lisa Lomax said she moved to the area 24 years ago because "nothing happens here".
The 52-year-old said: "It was very shocking. It’s quite an old community, nothing happens here. I leave my door unlocked sometimes, that’s the kind of area we’re in. It’s a nice place to bring a family up. It’s safe and secure, and this is very out of the ordinary.
"What’s happened is sad, but who knows what goes on with other people’s lives? Friday was odd because we could not go out, it’s once in a lifetime stuff. I hope it never happens again."
Margaret O'Hagan lives in a near-identical bungalow to Lisa just over the road. Ms O'Hagan said the bungalow was built in the mid-1960s and she has been its sole owner. She added: "We're all worried, obviously. It's so sad."
Pamela Walton, who has lived in her property for 54 years, was fenced in by the cordon. She told the Manchester Evening News: "It was a shock. Nobody could come and see me. My friend across the road got me a bit of shopping to give to the police to give to me.
“I was upset. I did not know him personally but I had spoken to him and he was nice, a family man.”
The Manchester Evening News previously reported Mr Smith, a dad-of-two, had been a former soldier. More recently he was director of LPS Electrical and Build Ltd which went into liquidation earlier this year. Last year, Mr Smith helped to raise fund for his friend, former footballer George Melling, who died aged 37 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.
Tributes poured in for Mr Smith following the announcement of his death. Heidi Bradley said: "RIP Liam. From you being a little four-year-old kicking about with my brother and us at school, game days, coming our granddad's shop, and town drinks. Thinking of your family and boys. Rest in peace matey."
Friend Danny Yarrow added: "Rest in peace mate. Absolutely gutted. We had some great times together - we will all miss you pal. Still can't believe I'm writing this. Thoughts go out to your family. Sleep well big man."
Speaking about the investigation, DCI 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 Greater Manchester area for over two years and we are determined to recover the weapon and find Liam’s killer.”
Paying tribute to him, Mr Smith's family said in a brief statement on Saturday: "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."
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