A MURDER inquiry is under way into the savage axe slaying of a former Rossendale businessman.

Daniel O'Brien, known as Danny, was found in his luxury £300,000 home in Yorkshire.

It is believed an axe was embedded in his head.

Mr O'Brien, 41, had a home in Holme Terrace, Townsend Fold, Rawtenstall until three years ago.

He was a regular customer at the nearby Whitchaff Inn on Bury Road and drove a black Jeep with the personalised registration M6DAN.

A neighbour in Holme Terrace who asked not to be named, said: "I remember him as a nice, friendly out-going sort of man.

"He would stop for a chat and ask us in for a drink. Although he apparently had money he was not snooty in any way."

She added: "He would come over here at weekends and stay with his girlfriends but he was working over in Yorkshire and later he rented the house out.

"I think his family came originally from Manchester and I seem to remember his saying he had attended Manchester Grammar School. I also think at one time many years ago he may have worked as a DJ for one of the Liverpool radio stations, either Radio Merseyside or Radio City.

"I just remember him as a really nice young lad, he was an easy person to be with. What has happened to him is horrendous." A customer at the Whitchaff said: "He was a regular here but moved away about three years ago. I don't think anyone here knew what business he was in just that he had a company over Wakefield way and that he was in partnership with someone.

"He came from Manchester but his mum now lives in Bolton possibly in the Bradshaw area.

"He brought her here for a Christmas dinner some years ago. She seemed like a really pleasant lady.

"Danny used to come in here pretty regularly sometimes alone and sometimes with his girlfriend. He seemed a nice outgoing sort of guy who was popular with the other customers."

The body was found shortly after 5pm on Wednesday in a bedroom at Woodside Hall, Midgley, Wakefield.

His girlfriend, who is divorced with a daughter aged four, returned home and found the naked body on the floor of his bedroom.

Senior investigation officer Det Chief Supt Paul Johnston said Mr O'Brien had suffered severe head injuries and that an axe had been used in the attack. A heavy two-handed axe was recovered at the scene.

There was no apparent sign of forced entry to the hall and the motive for the killing was unknown.

Det Chief Supt Paul Johnston said police wanted to speak to any friends or business associates of Mr O'Brien who had spoken to him on the day of his death.

He confirmed that Mr O'Brien had lived in Rossendale and said he was a retired businessman who had sold his gas repair and fixture company to British Gas.

Information to the incident room at Wood Street police station, Wakefield on 01924 293305.