Further update after GMP respond to reports of a deceased body on Kilburn Drive in Wigan

At around 7pm on Thursday 24 November 2022 officers were called to reports of a deceased body on Kilburn Drive, Shevington, Wigan.

Emergency services attended and sadly confirmed these reports. With the identity of the victim now being confirmed as 38-year-old Liam Smith from Kilburn Drive. A Home Office post-mortem has taken place and his family are being supported by specially trained officers.

A scene is currently still in place at the location with no disruption to the wider area.

Enquiries are also ongoing into what is a murder investigation following suspicious circumstances.

Initial information indicates that the victim was the subject of a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack. 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.

It is important that the public do not approach or contact anyone they suspect of being involved in this offence. Anyone with information should instead use the contact details below if they witness something or have witnessed anything unusual, including between the times of 8am and 7pm on Thursday 24 November on Kilburn Drive.

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. 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.”

Specialist officers are taking precautions surrounding this incident and please do not be alarmed when they are seen in the area wearing protective clothing, as mentioned before this is purely precautionary as per the standard procedure at the scene.

GMP will continue to issue updates when more information is available.

Any details should be passed via the LiveChat function on gmp.police.uk or by calling 101 quoting incident number 910 of 25/11/2022.

In an emergency, always dial 999.

Information can also be submitted through the Major Incident Public Portal here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP22L21-PO1