DETECTIVES are trying to piece together the final hours of a 60-year-old man who was battered to death in his own home.
A relative found Arthur Green's body, which lay undiscovered in his home for almost 10 hours.
Mr Green was murdered at the property in Pleasantfield Road, Prestwick, South Ayrshire, overnight between last Wednesday and Thursday.
He was last seen alive at around 10.30pm on Wednesday, November 19.
At around 8.10am the following morning, a family member went to the house, where they discovered Mr Green's battered body.
Police initially treated the death as unexplained, but following a post-mortem examination it is now being treated as murder.
Extra patrols have been drafted in to reassure worried locals after the incident.
A police source said Mr Green suffered serious injuries to his chest and abdomen, consistent with being beaten
Detectives stressed he was not stabbed.
It is unknown whether a weapon was used in the attack.
It is understood that Mr Green , who lived alone, only recently moved into the house in the quiet seaside town.
His home in Pleasantfield Road is just a stone's throw from Prestwick's St Nicholas Golf Club and a short walk from both Kingcase and Heathfield Primary Schools, and the town's Carlton Hotel.
The A79, the main road which runs through Prestwick linking the town to the airport, is also close by.
Officers are now checking CCTV footage in the area to help with the inquiry.
Detective Inspector Alan McAlpine, from the Major Investigation Team, is leading the murder probe.
Detectives based at Govan in Glasgow are working to establish what happened to Mr Green, and who he was with, during his final hours.
DI McAlpine, said: "A murder inquiry has been launched into the death of Arthur Green.
"I am sure that there are some witnesses to this attack who have not yet come forward to police.
" Extensive enquiries are ongoing in relation to this incident and officers are continuing to study CCTV footage in an effort to gather more information on whoever is responsible for this attack.
"I would like to remind those living in the community that incidents of this nature are extremely rare.
"As this is now a major inquiry, additional patrols will be deployed in the area.
"If anyone was close to the Pleasantfield Road area of Prestwick on the evening Wednesday 19, or the morning on Thursday 20 October we would ask that you come forward with any information.
"A am sure that there are some witnesses who have not yet come forward.
"I would urge anyone with information that may assist police enquiries to contact officers as a matter of urgency."
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Incident Room on the non emergency number 101.
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