THE sister of a Polish man murdered in Edinburgh has told how he loved living in the city as she said she had lost "not only a sibling but a friend".

Maciej Ciania's sister, Aleksandra, made an emotional appeal to the public for help in catching the 34-year-old's killer.

Lothian and Borders Police yesterday released a picture of Mr Ciania, whose body was found in his home in Dickson Street, Leith, early on Saturday by his flatmate. He was last seen alive the previous Thursday.

Specially trained officers have been working closely with Mr Ciania's family in Poland and keeping them updated as the case develops.

His sister appealed to anyone who may have information to come forward.

She said: "Our whole family is devastated by Maciej's death, and we cannot imagine our life without him.

"My parents have lost a much-loved son, and I have lost not only a sibling but a friend.

"Maciej loved living in Edinburgh and was a popular person with many friends. He will be sorely missed.

"I am appealing to anyone who can help the police find his killer to come forward immediately, and allow my family to find some peace in the knowledge that the person who murdered him has been found, so that no other family will suffer like we are."

Over 40 officers from Lothian and Borders Police are working on the murder inquiry.

Detectives are appealing to the local community to come forward if they recognise a description of a man they are looking to trace.

He is described as being in his 20s, wearing a dark jacket and grey trousers and may have spoken with an Eastern European accent.

Police believe he may have taken a taxi on Easter Road, Leith Walk, or any of the surrounding streets, on Friday night.