A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a 47-year-old man was found dead following a ‘sickening’ attack.

Police said Christopher Moore was found dead with ‘a number of injuries’ in his home at around 10pm in Derby Street, Nelson, on Wednesday, June 20.

A police cordon was put up around the front of the house along with a crime scene investigation tent covering the front door.

Police were seen guarding the front and the back of the house.

The death was initially treated as non-suspicious, however, following further investigation and a post mortem, a murder investigation was launched.

The cause of death has yet to be established.

In a statement Mr Moore’s family said: “As a family we are devastated by Chris’ death and urge anyone with any information to come forward, no matter how difficult.”

A 38-year-old man from Nelson has been arrested on suspicion of murder and he remains in custody.

A Derby Street resident said he saw the police arrive at the house on the day Mr Moore was found.

He said: “The police and fire service arrived outside his house and had to break in by breaking the lock.

“I didn’t know Mr Moore very well but we would say hello from time to time.

“He was a decent man and a decent neighbour, it’s very sad he has died.”

Detective chief inspector Andy Cribbin, said: “The attack on Christopher Moore is sickening due to the number of significant injuries he has sustained and the manner in which they have been inflicted.

“I believe that he has been individually targeted due to his vulnerability and it is thought to be an isolated incident.

“A number of his injuries are older in age and likely to have been caused in the weeks leading up to his death.

“He sadly died at his home address and appears to have been attacked there on or about the 18th of June.

“We have a dedicated team of detectives and staff working on this investigation.

“There will be extra police officers in the area over the coming days and anyone with concerns should approach an officer.

“I am asking that anybody who has any information about the murder of Christopher, or any events involving him in the weeks leading up to his death please contact us.

“I am satisfied that there are a number of people within the community who can help us find out exactly what has happened to Christopher."