A CAR at the centre of a murder could be the key to catching the killer.

Detectives investigating the death of 60-year-old Arthur Green, who was battered in his home, say they are now following a positive line of inquiry.

But officers have urged anyone who saw a medium-sized silver or light coloured car in Prestwick, Ayrshire, on the night of the killing to come forward.

As reported earlier, Mr Green was last seen alive at about 10.30pm on Wednesday, November 19.

A relative found his body, which had lain undiscovered for almost 10 hours. Mr Green was murdered at the property in Pleasantfield Road, Prestwick, overnight between that Wednesday and the following day.

Detective Chief Inspector Gary Boyd, of the Major Investigation Team, said: "Mr Green was a frail man who needed a walking stick to get around.

"He was well known in the community and I would like to thank those who have made contact with police following the first appeal.

"I am particularly interested to hear from anyone who has seen the car, which we believe had more than one occupant.

"It may have been parked in Pleasantfield Road or Oswald Road late on that Wednesday. "I would like to speak to the occupants of this vehicle or anyone who may have seen or has knowledge of the car."

Anyone with information should call 101.