Detectives, hunting the killer of Bradford grandfather Clement ‘Butch’ Desmier, have discovered a last sighting of the victim, entering his home with a mystery man.

Mr Desmier, 68, was seen going into his house, in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates , with the man hours before his body was discovered there following a “brutal attack”. His home had been ransacked.

One theory murder squad detectives are investigating is that Mr Desmier, who had a sideline selling cigarettes, was murdered by a burglar or burglars aware he would have a supply of tobacco at his house.

He was found by concerned neighbours on Thursday, August 23.

It has now emerged that Mr Desmier entered his home with another man at about 4.20pm the day before.

Officers are trying to establish the man’s identity. Forensic examinations are continuing at the scene.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, said yesterday: “Following our interviews with witnesses we have established that Mr Desmier was in the company of a man as he entered his home address during the afternoon of August 22.

“We do not know who this man is and it is imperative we quickly speak to him as part of our inquiry.

“This is the last known sighting of Mr Desmier and the information this individual may hold could be key to our investigations.

“Even the smallest detail can add to the jigsaw and help us develop a picture of the circumstances leading to Mr Desmier’s death.

“We are therefore calling on the public to help us locate this man. He is described as white, aged in his late 20s, of slim build and with mousy brown collar-length hair.

“He was wearing a light grey or beige bomber jacket and a blue baseball cap.

“It is now two weeks since his death and this is a new line of inquiry which could potentially take us closer to the answers.”

Det Supt Ridley said police were still extremely keen to trace two men reported to have been acting suspiciously outside Mr Desmier’s home during the early hours of August 23.

He added: “If you can help us identify any of these people, either during Mr Desmier’s last sighting or outside the address during the following morning, we need to know.

“I would call on any witnesses, or anyone with any information which could assist our investigation team, to contact the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.”