A suspect is being questioned by detectives following the murder of Liam Smith in November 2022

This morning (Thursday 19 January) a man- aged 35 - was arrested in Sheffield, on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, and has been taken to custody ahead of being questioned by detectives from GMP’s Major Incident Team.

Liam’s body was sadly discovered on Kilburn Drive in Wigan on the evening of Thursday 24 November 2022 after he was subject to 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 in Wigan.

So far, 4 warrants and 28 premises searches have been executed as part of the murder inquiry.

Detectives still have people of interest they are keen to speak to and are appealing to anyone who may have even the slightest piece of information to contact officers or Crimestoppers, anonymously.

Liam Smith

Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, of GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: "This is a shocking murder of a much-loved family man. As the investigation progresses, we have specially trained officers who have been deployed to support them and keep them updated throughout.

“This attack was a sickening display of violence that will not tolerated in Greater Manchester.

“Our investigation is moving at pace, and we continue to work relentlessly to capture a picture of what happened in the events leading up to Liam’s death.

“Liam died from a fatal gunshot wound in what appeared to be a swift and well-planned out attack on a man who was not previously known to police.

"I ask anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area that evening to come forward and know that information will be treated with the strictest confidence. It only takes one crucial piece of information that may be key to achieving answers for Liam’s family and friends.”

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.

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