Police investigating murder of a man whose body was found covered in acid near Wigan search 25 homes

Police investigating the murder of a man whose body was found covered in acid and dumped on a quiet street say they are continuing their investigation "at full throttle".

Liam Smith, 38, was discovered after emergency services were called to Kilburn Drive in Shevington, near Wigan, at around 7pm on Thursday 24 November.

Greater Manchester Police say Liam, who lived on Kilburn Drive, was the subject of a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack.

Detectives have launched a major investigation, codenamed 'Vestige', and on 28 December, searched 25 properties in Lancashire that investigators believe could provide positive leads.

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 push forward with any leads we find.

"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."