Police believe a murder victim may have lain dead in his north-east home for several days before his body was discovered.
Thirty officers are now hunting for James Chadwick’s violent killer – and trying to create a “timeline” of the tragic dad’s last movements.
Detectives have also revealed there was a “disturbance” in the Holland Street area of Aberdeen – where the 37-year-old lived – just hours after he was last seen.
His body was only found after his family raised concerns that they had not seen or heard from him for more than a week.
Last night, the man leading the murder investigation said it was “crucial” his team established exactly where the Holland Street disturbance happened.
Detective Chief Inspector Iain Smith said it was not clear whether the incident took place in his home, or somewhere close by.
He added: “He had maybe been lying in the flat for two to three days.
“It could be more, it could be less – we can’t be more specific.
“What I can say is that he had sustained injuries which I believe are from an act of violence.”
The disturbance in Holland Street happened the early hours of September 1.
DCI Smith said that because of the number of days which elapsed between Mr Chadwick last being seen and the day his body was found on September 10, his team was playing “catch-up” to create a timeline of his movements.
He said it was vital that anyone who noticed anything out of the ordinary in the area between Monday, August, 31 and Tuesday, September 1, contacted the police.
DCI Smith added: “Door-to-door inquiries in the area have been carried out, but I would appeal to anyone who may have noticed anything unusual or suspicious in the area around the time mentioned to contact us.
“We are playing a bit of catch-up to establish his movements, and we have some positive lines of inquiry in relation to that.”
Mr Chadwick’s heartbroken family also urged people to come forward as they spoke of their grief for the first time.
In a statement released through police they said: “The death of James has come as a great shock to our family and everyone who knew him.
“He was a popular guy and would have been well known around Aberdeen city centre.
“We would urge anyone who has any information or saw him recently to contact police.”
Mr Chadwick was described by friends as a “one of a kind” man who “would not hurt a soul”.
DCI Smith said he was keeping an open mind as to who carried out the brutal attack.
“He was often visited by friends at his home,” he said.
“We would like to speak to anyone who knew James and may have been in his company during the last week of August or early September.
“We’d also like to hear from anyone who may have seen him around this time.”
DCI Smith said that despite his attacker still being at large, he was certain it had been an “isolated” event.
“This is a really, really rare event, not just in Aberdeen, but in the north of Scotland,” he said.
“On that basis, there is a large police commitment to this investigation.
“Local residents will be aware of investigating police being in the area for a number of days to come.”
Mr Chadwick was originally from the north-west of England, but had been living in Aberdeen for several years. His young son also lives in the city.
He had posted a message on a social media site on August 23, simply saying “Bye”.
Police have urged anyone with information to contact them on 101, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.