Family tribute to ‘devoted dad’, 38, after ‘smoking body covered in white powder’ found by cops in Wigan chemical alert

A GRIEVING family has paid tribute to a "devoted dad" who was found dead at his home. 

Liam Smith, 38, was also described as kind-hearted and the "life and soul of the party" as murder cops still try to identify a potentially hazardous substance found on him.

Cops launched a murder probe after the body was found covered in "white powder" and "smoking" on a quiet residential street.

Greater Manchester Police say initial information indicates Mr Smith was the victim of an acid attack and was fatally shot.

His loved ones this evening 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."

Officers made the grisly discovery after racing to the scene close to a school in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on Thursday evening.

Mystery still surrounds the death as police work to identify the substance on him - thought to potentially be hazardous chemicals.

Cops sealed off the scene in Kilburn Avenue, Shevington, and issued an urgent medical warning.

Forensic teams are still working at the scene.

One local resident said: "I was told it was very odd - the body appeared to have smoke coming off it and was covered in white powder."

A cordon remains in place and a tent erected after the incident is still set up between two houses and next to a clearing that leads to grassland.

Police are treating the death as murder and potentially due to hazardous substances.

Cops have urged anybody who came in contact with the body to seek medical advice.

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 Manchester area for over two years and we are determined to recover the weapon and find Liam’s killer.”

Police said members of the public should not be alarmed if they see officers wearing protective clothing to remove the body, saying this is “purely precautionary”.

GMP earlier said the scene was "contained" and so there is "no wider risk to the surrounding area".

The investigation continues.