DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a man whose body was discovered at a rural bungalow say he died from a head injury.

Concerns had been raised about the resident’s safety prompting officers to enter Whisker Cottage in Full Sutton near Stamford Bridge on Thursday where they found the body of a man, believed to be in his 50s.

A post mortem has since concluded that a head injury caused the victim's death.

It remains a mystery when he died, and police have not yet been able to formally indentify him.

But as previously reported, villagers said the owner of the bungalow was Peter Battle, a businessman and long-standing member of the community, and spoke of their shock.

One woman said she had last seen Mr Battle before Christmas when people went carol singing around the village.

As many as 12 police vehicles and an ambulance went to the scene on Thursday evening when the property was cordoned off.

Detective Chief Inspector Alistair McFarlane, of Humberside Police, said: “We are treating the death as a murder inquiry but as yet have been unable to formally identify the victim.

“It is not clear at present when the victim died and it is likely that forensic tests will be required to establish the identity of the man.

“We are concentrating our efforts in trying to establish information about visitors and vehicles attending the property in the preceding weeks and have had an encouraging response from the local community.

“We are grateful for their continuing help and stress that we are still keen to hear from anyone with any information which may assist our inquiries.”

Following the discovery police were trying to locate any next of kin, and find family or friends who were able to identify the man. They were also searching for a motive for his murder. As part of their inquiry, police have been gathering information about visitors and vehicles which had attended the address.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Humberside Police on 101, quoting log number 492 of 7 February 2013, or directly to the Incident Room on 01377 208989. Alternatively calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.