A MURDER inquiry has been launched after a man was found dead at a cottage in an East Riding village.
Officers say there is no obvious motive for the murder of the man, who was found in Whisker Cottage, Full Sutton, on Thursday night.
Detectives have been unable to identify the man or trace any friends or relatives but believe he lives in the house.
Paul Middleton, who lives opposite Whisker Cottage, said: "Everybody is really shocked and surprised. It's difficult to believe somebody has been killed 30 yards from my door.
"It is unheard of for something like this to happen in such a quiet village."
Mr Middleton said the man is believed to live alone in the cottage but is not well-known by residents. He said: "Nobody in the village knows anything about the man who lives there. I wouldn't even know him if he walked past me in the street."
Mr Middleton said a single police car arrived at the house at about 6pm on Thursday night.
"We didn't think anything of it," he said. "But, a few hours later, there were about 12 different types of police cars and vans there, the house was taped off and there were officers in white suits going into the house."
Humberside Police said they were called to the house after someone reported being concerned for the man's safety.
Detective Chief Inspector Alistair McFarlane, of the Humberside Police major incident team, said: "Although we are very much in the early stages of the investigation, we have not managed to trace any family or friends who are able to identify the man, nor is there an apparent motive for his murder.
"We are keen to hear from anyone who might have information about the victim, who is believed to have been the occupier of Whisker Cottage.
"Part of our investigation is to gather information about visitors and vehicles attending the address. If you have any information which may help, please bring this to our attention.
"It may seem insignificant but it could be of real importance."
Police say they are unclear how the man died and, at the time of going to press, were unable to say when a post mortem would take place.
Det Chief Insp McFarlane said: "We are treating the death as suspicious and undertaking enquiries to establish events that led to this man losing his life.
"We are also seeking to confirm his identity and locate any next of kin. If you have information that can help us trace his next of kin we appeal to you to call us."
The house remained cordoned off last night.
Anyone with information should call Humberside Police on 101 or call the incident room on 01377 208989.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
