POLICE investigating the murder of a man in East Yorkshire said there could be an antiques connection to the killing.

Humberside Police said that while they have not yet been able to formally identify the man, whose body was found last week at Whisker Cottage, in Full Sutton, near Stamford Bridge, the body may be that of the occupier, known locally as Peter Battle.

Detective chief inspector Alistair McFarlane, who is leading the investigation, said: “The man believed to have lived in the cottage is known as a local antiques dealer, who frequents auction houses in the Yorkshire area.

“We consider this may be significant in relation to a motive for his murder.”

He said officers hoped to obtain a formal identification in the next few days, and specially trained officers were liaising with the family of the occupier.

“Clearly this is a very distressing time for the family concerned and we are keeping them up to date with developments,” he said.

Mr Battle is a former York businessman and keen supporter of York City Knights Rugby League Club.

Jim Bone, vice president of the Knights Supporters Club, was given a computer by Mr Battle’s then firm, Ace 4 Computers, of Gladstone Street in Acomb, in 2003.

He said Mr Battle also bought items at car boot sales in the York area and sold them on eBay.

DCI McFarlane said the date of the man’s death remained unclear at this time, but police were particularly interested in determining any activity at the property from the end of last December to February 7, when the body was discovered.

“That may include visitors to the cottage or unusual vehicles in and around the area,” he said.

“I would like to appeal to anyone, who has any information, which could lead to the identification of the killer(s) to come forward to speak to us by phoning 101 quoting log number 492 of 7 February 2013, or the Incident Room on 01377 208989. Alternatively calls can be made to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”