Detectives investigating the murder of a "gentleman lawyer" remain at the scene in Wirral this morning.
Officers were first called to a house in Vyner Croft, in Birkenhead, at about 5.20pm on Sunday where they found the body of Martin Decker.
Mr Decker, 69, was a popular prosecutor who enjoyed a decades-long career working for the Crown Prosecution Service.
The force said Mr Decker died as a result of a severe head injury.
Photos from the scene showed officers still working there, as a cordon remained in place.
Loving tributes were also left for Mr Decker, as flowers were left outside of the home.
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An image of Mr Decker was also released by police, as tributes were paid to the respected lawyer.
Mr Decker oversaw high profile criminal prosecutions and also played a key role in the creation of the Merseyside Police Unity team that sought to improve the investigation of sexual offences.
Friends described him as a "gentleman lawyer", while Siobhan Blake, Chief Crown Prosecutor for CPS Mersey Cheshire, said: “We have been greatly saddened by the news of the death of our former colleague Martin Decker.
"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult and tragic time."
Mr Decker was a dedicated Tranmere Rovers supporter and his death led to the club releasing a tribute on Tuesday night.
Posting to Twitter, the club said: "Everyone at Tranmere is shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and tragic passing of long time season ticket holder Martin Decker. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."
Detective Chief Inspector Rachel Wilson said: “This is obviously a very a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Mr Decker’s family and friends.
“The investigation is in the very early stages and we are currently working to establish Mr Decker’s movements on the Saturday and Sunday (6th/7th March).
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“Vyner Croft is only a small cul-de-sac and I am keen to establish if there was anyone seen in that road or any of the surrounding roads acting suspiciously prior to the discovery of Mr Decker’s body.
“I would ask anyone, including delivery or taxi drivers, who were driving in the area in the past few days to check their dash cam to see if they have captured anything significant.
"I would also ask anyone who may have mobile phone or CCTV footage to get in touch as they may be able to assist our investigation."
Information or video footage to assist the investigation can be sent to: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/05MP21M40-PO1
Anyone with information can also DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting 21000
