Detectives want to locate a car as they investigate the murder of a 38-year-old man.
Liam Smith, 38, was just yards away from his home on Kilburn Drive, Wigan on November 24 when he was discovered by a passer-by. He had been shot and his body was then covered in acid.
Police have now charged a 38-year-old man with Liam's murder, having previously made a number of arrests. Michael Hillier, 38, from Ecclesall Road, Sheffield has been charged and he appeared at Tameside Magistrates' Court yesterday (January 24).
READ MORE: Liam's murder 'sent shock waves of grief among everyone who knew and loved him'
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have released images of a dark grey Mitsubishi Shogun Elegance that is known to have displayed at least two different number plates. It was seen close to Liam's house on November 2 and again on November 24, displaying different registrations.
Yesterday, Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, of GMP's Major Incident Team said: "We’ve been working tirelessly ever since to build a full and comprehensive picture of what happened in the events leading up to Liam’s death.
"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has information about a car used.
"It was a Mitsubishi Shogun Elegance model in dark grey that was manufactured around 2005 or 2006.
"From extensive CCTV, doorbell and dashcam enquiries, the car is known to have displayed at least two different registration plates and has been seen close to Liam’s house on the 2nd November on registration plates EJ57UPE and again on the 24th November, for 10 hours leading up to the night of the murder, with the distinctive registration plate R22 ORA.
"The true keepers of these number plates have no connection to this investigation.
"The car has clear linear damage to the near rear side behind the rear wheel arch and a lens missing on the front offside fog light. It's true plates are unknown at this time.
"The car also had a hi vis workers jacket draped over the driver’s seat.
"We need any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle, which has still not been found. Who it was bought from and whether it has been sold recently and also whether it has been in a garage for any repairs, or recently scrapped. This may hold the missing information that we need to find answers for Liam’s family.
"We’ve arrested 3 people, one of whom was charged with murder last night (January 24), and conducted numerous house and premises searches in neighbouring counties in a specific day of action. This complex and wide-ranging investigation continues relentlessly.
"I would urge people who have any information and are withholding this from police to think of the pain that Liam’s loved ones continue to feel every day and ask that they come forward by contacting police on 101 or by using the major incident public portal link to submit video and images directly to us, or by contacting Crimestoppers."
In a tribute released through police, Liam's family said they "cannot come to terms" with his "tragic killing". The family made a plea for anyone with information to get in touch with police.
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT
Brookside is returning to TV screens for the first time in 20 years
'I knew something 'wasn't right' when hospital called after routine test'
Police close road after school bus and van crash
Funeral for 'beautiful' Elle Edwards to be held today
Lost Liverpool pub made famous in iconic 1980s television show
