A MURDER victim who worked in Widnes as an electrical engineer probably picked up his killer in a gay bar, detectives have revealed.

Kieron Parr, who was found battered to death on his bed a fortnight ago, regularly visited clubs and bars in Liverpool which are known as homosexual haunts.

Now detectives are visiting the city's gay venues to speak to anyone 49-year-old Mr Parr may have invited back to his home in Tuebrook.

His body, clad only in underwear and socks, was discovered in an upstairs bedroom by neighbours.

The exact time of his death is not known but it has been established he did not turn up for work in Widnes at all last week.

Police have been attempting to piece together details of his private life.

Friends describe him as a very quiet man who kept himself to himself.

He was not openly homosexual.

A police spokesman said: 'Mr Parr regularly frequented pubs and clubs favoured by the gay community.

'We wish to speak to anyone who knows who his friends and associates were and in particular anyone Mr Parr may have invited to his home.'

Close pals say Mr Parr had complained about being attacked on more than one occasion in the past two years.

Detectives first thought Mr Parr had been the victim of a burglary because a box containing personal belongings had been disturbed. Forensic tests have been made more difficult because Mr Parr's home had been the scene of a fire a few months ago.

Anyone with information should contact police on 0151 777 8688.