POLICE today launched a double murder investigation after two men whose bodies were discovered in a York bedsit were found to have been the victims of a violent assault.

Senior officers today revealed that a full murder inquiry had begun after officers discovered the partially-decomposed bodies in the Gillygate flat.

A post-mortem examination carried out by a Home Office pathologist on the men, aged 38 and 27, revealed they had died from serious head injuries.

Police, who have not revealed the men's identities, at first struggled to identify the bodies, which may have been in the council-owned flat for up to a week.

Detective Superintendent Javad Ali, who is leading the investigation, said a team of more than 20 officers were continuing to examine the flat.

He said: "The victims have both been the victims of a violent assault and have sustained severe head injuries.

"We need to find whoever is responsible for this as quickly as possible.

"Of necessity the examinations at the scene have been detailed and time consuming, but very valuable in terms of gathering evidence.

"We are now actively pursuing many positive lines of inquiry and we are appealing to the public for information.

"Anyone who has seen anything suspicious in the areas of Gillygate, Lord Mayors Walk or Moatside Court between November 25 and December 4 should contact us.

"Anyone with infmation that may assist this inquiry should call the Operation Calendar incident room on 01904 669430."

Police attended the city centre bedsit at 4pm on Thursday after a council worker asked them to attend the property.

Staff at the Ovenglove Bakery, which is underneath the flat, told the Evening Press that they had reported a something coming through their ceiling to the council on Tuesday. Police officers have cordoned off the front and rear of the property, which backs on the city walls while forensic examinations continue.

A squad of police officers spent several hours yesterday combing nearby streets, including sections of the city walls, for evidence.

Parked vehicles in Moat Court, which runs behind Gillygate, were also searched by officers and street drains checked.

Updated: 12:21 Saturday, December 06, 2003