DETECTIVES are trying to piece together the final hours of a man who was battered to death in his own home.

A relative found Arthur Green's body, which had lain undiscovered for almost 10 hours.

The 60-year-old was murdered at the property in Pleasantfield Road, Prestwick, overnight between last Wednesday and Thursday.

Mr Green was last seen alive at around 10.30pm on Wednesday November 19.

At around 8.10am the following morning, a family member made the grim discovery when he found Mr Green's battered body.

Extra police patrols have been drafted into the area to reassure worried locals after the murder.

A police source said Mr Green suffered serious injuries to his chest and abdomen - but was not stabbed.

It is understood Mr Green, who lived alone, only recently moved into the house in the quiet seaside town.

Detective Inspector Alan McAlpine, from the Major Investigation Team, is leading the murder probe.

His squad of detectives are working to establish what happened to Mr Green - and who he was with - during his final hours.

Mr 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.