Man found dead in Wigan shot and attacked with acid

Liam Smith, 38, was described as a "devoted dad" by his family

A man whose body was found dumped on a street covered in "potentially hazardous" substances had been shot and attacked with acid, police said.

Liam Smith's body was discovered on Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan, at about 19:00 BST on Thursday.

Greater Manchester Police (GMP) has launched a murder inquiry into the "unique and shocking circumstances".

Following Mr Smith's death, his family paid tribute to the 38-year-old as "the life and soul of the party".

His body was found on a patch of rough ground between houses which leads to a dirt track and open fields.

GMP said: "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."

The hazardous substances were not believed to pose any further harm or risk to the public and have been contained, it added.

Det Ch Insp Gina Brennand said the "shocking murder of a much-loved family man" was the first fatal shooting in the area for more than two years.

She urged anyone who had seen "anything unusual or out of the ordinary near to the victim's home" on Thursday to contact the police.

"We are determined to recover the weapon and find Liam's killer," she said.

Liam Smith's body was found on Kilburn Drive in the Shevington area

A police cordon remains in place at the scene while investigations continue.

"Specialist officers are taking precautions surrounding this incident so please do not be alarmed when they are seen in the area wearing protective clothing," a force spokesman said.

"This is purely precautionary as per the standard procedure at the scene."

The public has also been warned not to approach or contact anyone they suspect of being involved in the killing.

In a brief statement, Mr Smith's family said he 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."