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

A grieving family has paid tribute to a “devoted father” who was found dead at his home.

Liam Smith, 38, has also been described as kindhearted and “the life and soul of the party” as homicide detectives are still trying to identify a potentially dangerous substance found on him.

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Police launched a murder investigation after the body was found covered in “white powder” and “smoking” on a quiet residential street.

His loved ones said that night: “Liam was kindhearted, funny, the life and soul of the party.

“He was the most devoted father, beloved son, brother, grandson and uncle. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.”

Officers made the grisly discovery after speeding to the scene near a school in Wigan, Greater Manchester, on Thursday night.

The death remains a mystery as police work to identify the substance on him – believed to be potentially dangerous chemicals.

Police cordoned off the crime scene on Kilburn Avenue, Shevington and issued an urgent medical alert.

Forensic teams are still working at the crime scene.

A local resident said: “I was told it was very strange – the body appeared to have smoke and was covered in white powder.”

A barrier still exists between two houses and next to a clearing leading to grassland and a tent set up after the incident.

Police are treating the death as a homicide and possibly to dangerous substances.

Police have urged anyone who came into contact with the body to seek medical advice.

Detective Superintendent Alan Clitherow of Greater Manchester Police said the person’s identity and sex would be confirmed once a post-mortem is carried out after the body, which was covered by a white and yellow police tent, was removed from the scene.

He said: “We don’t know what the substance is, we’ve done some preliminary research, we know it’s a low risk, so as I mentioned before anyone who comes into direct contact with the body, seek medical advice if unwell but there is no greater risk to others.”

Mr Clitherow said the public should not be alarmed if they see officers wearing protective clothing to remove the body, saying it was “purely as a precaution”.

GMP previously said the scene was “contained” and therefore there was “no major risk to the surrounding area”.

The investigations are ongoing.

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