Police launched a crackdown day in a bid to hunt down the killer of a dad who was murdered in a gun-and-acid attack in Wigan.
Liam Smith, 38, was shot and doused in the chemicals in the village of Shevington on the evening of November 24. The body lay on the pavement for 15 minutes before it was discovered covered in a white powder by a passer-by.
The dad-of-two had been left on Kilburn Drive by his killer, or killers, just yards away from his home. The detective leading the investigation previously told the Manchester Evening News two chemicals were used in the attack, one acid and the other alkaline.
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Police also previously said they suspected the use of the chemicals suggested the attack was 'personal' or an attempt to destroy evidence. In an update issued today (December 29), detectives confirmed they are still continuing to hunt for those responsible for Mr Smith's death.
As part of the murder probe, codenamed Operation Vestige, officers searched 25 properties yesterday (December 28) in a bid to find leads. The properties were in Lancashire, with Greater Manchester Police officers supported by Lancashire Constabulary.
Detective Inspector Lee Shaw of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: "Firstly, our thoughts remain with Liam’s family and friends at what remains as a difficult and heart-breaking time. Liam’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.
"Greater Manchester Police are continuing the search for Liam’s killer(s), to receive justice for him and his loved ones. Since the murder investigation was launched, GMP officers and investigators have been working tirelessly gathering intelligence and we are ready to act and carry out these searches.
"This murder is a sickening display of violence which will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester. We will continue our investigation at full throttle, pushing forward to find the person(s) responsible and bring them to justice.
"We sincerely hope that the searches we have carried out can provide us further information and provide us with positive lines of enquiry which we can pursue. GMP’s Major Incident Team (MIT) are continuing to urge anyone with any information to come forward. No matter how big or small you think your information is, this could benefit this investigation massively, so do not stay silent.
"Let’s work together to achieve justice for Liam and his family. If you have any information or footage from the Kilburn Drive or Shevington area of Wigan between Tuesday 27 November in the evening or early hours of Wednesday 28 November 2022 please get in touch.
"To submit information or CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage please submit it through the Major Incident Public Portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22L21-PO1 You can also report information to GMP by calling 101 or via the GMP website using our reporting tool: www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 910 of 25/11/2022.
"Alternatively, you can report information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
Mr Smith, an electrician former soldier, was a director of LPS Electrical and Build Ltd which went into liquidation earlier this year. According to Companies House, LPS Electrical and Build Ltd appointed a liquidator on May 25.
Mr Smith remained the company's sole director. Paying tribute to him, Mr Smith's family said in a brief statement released after the murder: "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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