Detectives were tonight continuing to question a 30-year-old man on suspicion of a murder after the body of a Bradford pensioner was discovered at his ransacked home.

Sixty eight-year-old Clement Desmier, known as Butch, was found to have died of multiple injuries.

Police had been alerted by neighbours who had checked on Mr Desmier last Thursday afternoon after becoming concerned lights had been left on at the semi-detached house in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates , where he lived alone.

Police today said a 30-year-old Bradford man who had been arrested at the weekend on suspicion of murder, remained in police custody after magistrates granted a warrant of further detention until tomorrow (Wednesday, August 29).

Officers have been carrying out extensive inquiries after they pledged to visit every home in the Ravenscliffe area to appeal for information on the incident.

A poster appeal was also started over the weekend calling for anyone who can help police with the investigation to come forward.

Over the weekend a police tent was in place at the scene, while flowers had been left outside the house.

A West Yorkshire Police spokesman yesterday said: “A 30-year-old Bradford man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

“Inquiries remain ongoing.”

On Saturday, Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, of the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said detectives were keen to hear from anybody who had seen or been in contact with Mr Desmier during the last week.

The Telegraph & Argus has also reported how Councillor Geoff Reid (Lib Dem, Eccleshill ), said people would be “rightly shocked” by the circumstances of Mr Desmier’s death.

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.

“We need to remember 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.”

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.