A FAMILY has shared an emotional tribute to a dad-of-two who was murdered outside of his home, as police search for a vehicle that is possibly connected to the crime.
Liam Smith was sadly discovered on Kilburn Drive in Wigan on Thursday, November 24, after suffering a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack.
Greater Manchester Police have arrested three people in connection to the crime and charged Michael Hillier (25/02/1984) of Ecclesall Road, Sheffield, with murder this week.
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Continuing to investigate the murder of the 38-year-old, officers are appealing for information about a car they believe may be linked to the crime.
The vehicle in question is a dark grey Mitsubishi Shogun Elegance, which was witnessed around Liam's home on both November 2 and the day of his death on November 24.
Following the tragic news of the dad-of-two's death, Liam's family has shared a touching tribute to the much-loved family man.
The family said: "Four weeks before Christmas - in the early evening of Thursday 24th November 2022- Liam Smith, a 38-year-old man, was at home alone on one of the very rare occasions he wasn't with his children - 2 boys aged 15 and 11, upon whom he loved unconditionally.
"Not only was Liam a devoted father, but he was also a dearly loved, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Grandson and Friend.
"Liam's savage murder at his home address has sent complete shock waves of grief and despair amongst everyone who knew and loved him.
"Two young boys will now have to spend the rest of their lives without their adoring father, and the rest of our family will be forever haunted by this senseless act.
"Liam worked and grafted hard as he could an Electrician to give his boys the best start in life he could possibly give.
"We are doing this, not only to seek justice for Liam & his boys, but to protect any other family from going through the immense loss & suffering that we have.
"What happened to Liam could be anyone's Dad, Son, Brother, Grandson, Cousin or Friend.
"We are therefore sending out a heartfelt plea to anyone with any information to please, please contact the Police. This can be done anonymously.
"Anyone withholding information about what has happened, have clearly not witnessed the devastation such a heinous crime has on a family like it has done with mine.
"Liam's life wasn't the only one destroyed that night, so many other lives have been devastated by his murder.
"Our family cannot come to terms with this tragic killing of Liam until justice is served and we receive answers."
Police officers confirmed that they have been following up on CCTV, doorbell and dashcam enquiries as part of the investigation.
The Mitsubishi that is wanted by police is known to have displayed at least two different registration plates, with the distinctive registration plate R22 ORA displayed on the vehicle on the night of the murder and EJ57UPE when it was viewed on November 2.
Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand, of GMP's Major Incident Team said: "We’ve been working tirelessly ever since to build a full and comprehensive picture of what happened in the events leading up to Liam’s death.
"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who has information about [the] car used.
"The true keepers of the [two] number plates have no connection to this investigation.
"The car has clear linear damage to the near rear side behind the rear wheel arch and a lens missing on the front offside fog light. It's true plates are unknown at this time.
"The car also had a hi-vis workers jacket draped over the driver’s seat.
"We need any information on the whereabouts of this vehicle, which has still not been found. Who it was bought from and whether it has been sold recently and also whether it has been in a garage for any repairs, or recently scrapped. This may hold the missing information that we need to find answers for Liam’s family.
"We’ve arrested 3 people, one of whom was charged with murder last night, and conducted numerous house and premises searches in neighbouring counties in a specific day of action. This complex and wide-ranging investigation continues relentlessly.
"I would urge people who have any information and are withholding this from police to think of the pain that Liam’s loved ones continue to feel every day and ask that they come forward by contacting police on 101 or by using the major incident public portal link to submit video and images directly to us, or by contacting Crimestoppers."
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