The family of an Edinburgh man found dead within his home fear he may have been murdered as his heartbroken sister issued an appeal for witnesses.
Raymond Preston's sister Shirlie Preston discovered his 'battered' body within a property on Muirhouse Park at around 4pm on Tuesday, January 12.
Shirlie said she found her 57-year-old brother 'lying on the floor' with his 'eyes dark'.
Police were called and are currently treating his death as “unexplained’ while officers remain at the scene carrying out enquiries.
Shirlie revealed on social media that she was the one to make the tragic find and fears someone may have attacked her ‘best friend’ and brother.
She wrote: “Well sadly today I found my brother Raymond Preston dead in his flat. I was up the night before but got no answer and couldn't get in as he had his key in the door.
“Anyway went today still no answer so got a few people to cave in the door. It knocked his key out with the banging.
“I then managed to open the door with my key to find him lying on the floor solid. I shook him to waken up but he never did.
“I fell to my knees in bits. His face had been battered. His eyes still open but so dark. I’m missing him already can't believe he's gone.
“(He was) 57. I can't imagine life without my brother. He was not only my brother but my bestest friend.
“Police are working through the night till tomorrow. I just hope they catch who did this as he was battered about. Face in a mess.
“But someone did this and we need to find out who. If anyone saw him on Friday, Saturday or Sunday plz help fone 101 within info that could help. Please help.”
Tributes have been paid to ‘nice guy’ Raymond who was affectionately known as Raymie to friends and loved ones.
Nephew Stuart added: “R.I.P Uncle Raymie. Fly high till we meet again. Love you so much.”
Another relative asked for anyone with dashcam footage on Muirhouse Park to come forward as they try to determine his movements over the weekend.
A Police Scotland spokesman confirmed their probe into the death remains ongoing.
A statement from the force said: “Around 4pm on Tuesday, 12 January, the body of a 57 year-old man was found within a flat in Muirhouse Park, Edinburgh.
“Enquiries into his death are continuing and officers remain at the scene."
