Wigan: Man charged with murder after 38-year-old Liam Smith fatally shot and covered in acid

A man has been charged with murder after the body of another man was covered in acid and dumped in a street in Wigan.

Michael Hillier, 38, has been charged with the murder of Liam Smith, also 38, who was shot and subjected to an acid attack before his body was found in Kilburn Drive in Shevington, Wigan, Greater Manchester, in November.

Hillier, of Ecclesall Road in Sheffield, was due to appear at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning.

Police said at the time of the death of Mr Smith, who lived in the street where he was found, was the first fatal shooting in Greater Manchester in more than two years.

His body had been found covered in “potentially hazardous” substances on the evening of 24 November, officers said.

Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand described it as “a sickening display of violence”.

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Paying tribute after his death, Mr Smith’s family said: “Liam 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.”