DETECTIVES were today trying to put together the final hours of a murdered man.

William Stewart, 50, was found stabbed to death at his home in Irvine, Ayrshire on Friday.

But he had not been seen since last Wednesday and police are trying to pinpoint when he was murdered.

Mr Stewart, who worked as a barber in the Irvine Indoor Market, lived in the town's Fleming Terrace.

The house was sealed off over the weekend as forensic teams searched the property. A mobile police station was parked outside the building, with officers guarding the location.

Officers have appealed for anyone who saw Mr Stewart between last Wednesday and Friday morning, when his body was discovered, to come forward.

Detectives are today carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area and trying to trace friends of the victim.

A single bouquet of flowers was lying in the overgrown garden of the house.

Reports today claimed the killing could be linked to an incident last month where a tin of paint was thrown over the victim's car.

It's also been claimed that Mr Stewart had been convicted of dealing drugs and had served a year-long prison sentence.

Sources today said that detectives had already identified some potential suspects.

Neighbours said the victim was well known in the area and they were shocked by the brutal nature of his death.

It's understood Mr Stewart shared the house with a partner.

He is believed to have two sons, one in his 30s and another in his 20s, from a previous relationship.

His body was found at around 10.30am on Friday, but it is understood he could have been killed more than 24 hours earlier.

Detective Inspector Neil Robertson, of Saltcoats CID, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are anxious to to speak to anyone who saw Mr Stewart between last Wednesday evening until the discovery of his body on Friday.

"Anyone with information should contact us immediately."

A police spokeswoman confirm the death was being treated as suspicious, after a post mortem.

She added: "Inquiries are on-going and a full report will be sent to the fiscal."

Contact Saltcoats CID on 01294 404500 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.