Detectives have launched a poster appeal calling for anyone who can help them with a murder inquiry to come forward.

Police also pledged to visit every home in Ravenscliffe to appeal for information after the body of Clement Desmier, known as Butch, was discovered in his home in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates , on Thursday.

Police are investigating the possibility Mr Desmier, 68, may have died during a burglary. A post-mortem examination has revealed he died of multiple injuries.

This weekend a police tent remained at the scene, and flowers had been left outside the house.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Enquiries are ongoing and as part of these we will be visiting every home on the Ravenscliffe estate to carry out door to door appeals for information as well as to distribute appeal posters.

"We continue to build up a picture of Mr Desmier's movements and lifestyle in the days before his death and I remain keen to hear from anybody who has seen or been in contact with Mr Desmier during the last week."

Officers are also trying to trace two men who were seen outside Mr Desmier’s house on Thursday at 3am.

Councillor Geoff Reid (Lib Dem, Eccleshill ), said people would be “rightly shocked” by the murder of Mr Desmier.

He said: “We normally regard Greengates as the most stable and peaceful of the four former council estates which help to make up Eccleshill Ward.

“A death which is linked to burglary is bad for any area but we need to remember that this is very unusual for Greengates.

“Our sympathy must go out to Mr Desmier's family and I hope for their sakes that anyone with the slightest shred of evidence will be confident in sharing it with the police.”

A neighbour of Mr Desmier, who did not want to be named, said this weekend: “It’s a bit surreal. My wife works for the police so we are used to hearing about things but it’s a bit of a shock to hear about something happening on your street.”

A woman neighbour, who also did not want to be named, said: “I just think people can’t believe what has happened on their own doorstep.”

Anyone who has information should contact the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team on 101 or CrimeStoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Information can also be sent via text to a Police SMS service on 07786 200805.