Dozens of homes have been searched in Lancashire after a dad killed as a result of a gun and acid attack.

Around 25 homes in the region were searched in the a bid to find those responsible for the murder of Liam Smith, who died in November.

On Thursday, November 24, at around 7pm, Greater Manchester Police received reports of a body on Kilburn Drive, Shevington in Wigan.

Emergency services confirmed the man, later identified at 38-year-old Liam, was deceased.

It was initially determined he had been subject to a fatal gunshot wound and an acid attack. He had been left on Kilburn Drive by his killer(s).

A murder investigation was subsequently launched, with the codename Operation Vestige.

On Wednesday, December 28, Manchester Police worked in partnership with Lancashire Constabulary to take action.

Specialist officers from both forces searched around 25 properties in Lancashire that investigators believe could provide positive leads in the murder investigation.

Detective inspector Lee Shaw of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: "Firstly, our thoughts remain with Liam’s family and friends at what remains as a difficult and heart-breaking time. Liam’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers.

"Greater Manchester Police are continuing the search for Liam’s killer(s), to receive justice for him and his loved ones.

"Since the murder investigation was launched, GMP officers and investigators have been working tirelessly gathering intelligence and we are ready to act and carry out these searches.

"This murder is a sickening display of violence which will not be tolerated in Greater Manchester. We will continue our investigation at full throttle, pushing forward to find the person(s) responsible and bring them to justice.

"We sincerely hope that the searches we have carried out can provide us further information and provide us with positive lines of enquiry which we can pursue.

"GMP’s Major Incident Team (MIT) are continuing to urge anyone with any information to come forward. No matter how big or small you think your information is, this could benefit this investigation massively, so do not stay silent. Let’s work together to achieve justice for Liam and his family.

"If you have any information or footage from the Kilburn Drive or Shevington area of Wigan on the evening of Thursday 24 November please get in touch.”

To submit information or CCTV, doorbell or dashcam footage please submit it through the Major Incident Public Portal here: https://orlo.uk/x7Fu2

You can also report information to GMP by calling 101 or via the GMP website using our reporting tool: www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 910 of 25/11/2022.

You can report information anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.