DETECTIVES investigating the murder of Joe Shipton, who was battered to death at his home in The Plashets, Sheering, have appealed for information through the BBC Crimewatch programme.

Mr Shipton, 61, who lived alone, was found at the bottom of the stairs on Saturday, March 25. A post mortem revealed he died from head injuries caused by a heavy implement similar to a baseball bat.

Mr Shipton was a private man but well known in the village where he had carried out odd jobs.

Police are trying to build up a picture of his life and last moments.

His ex-wife and daughter live abroad and he was not close to his family, police said.

Tuesday's programme showed a reconstruction of what are thought to be his most recent actions in the days leading up to his death.

Police say Mr Shipton would regularly visit the local pub then disappear from his normal social circle of friends for weeks on end. Detectives want to know where he went and whether he lived "another life".

A police spokesman said: "Joe is believed to have had several relationships, possibly with married women. Please come forward, any information given will be treated sensitively and in confidence."

Shortly before his death Mr Shipton bought a packet of ten Super King Blue cigarettes but police want to know who they were for as he only smoked roll-ups.

Police say that on the afternoon before his body was found (March 24) Mr Shipton was seen in his garden and appeared uncharacteristically angry about something.

Detective Superintendent Simon Dinsdale, who is leading the investigation, said: "Joe was an enigma, everyone in the village knew him but nobody really knows anything about his life. We have knocked on every door in the village and spoken to over 400 households but we feel the answer lies within the village and need someone to come forward and tell us what they know. We are determined to find Joe's killer."

Anyone with information should ring the major investigation team on 01268 775588.