The married father-of-three was found dead outside his home on Holt Lane, Rainhill, at about 10.30pm on Saturday, November 22.

A Home Office post mortem recorded 'head injuries' as the cause of death.

Police say they now believe the 42-year-old electrician may have met his death as early as 7.15pm that evening.

Detective Chief Inspector Karen Cummings, who is leading the investigation, said: "This investigation is a completely open book.

"Mr Monteith had spent the afternoon watching his sons play football before going to the Holt Hotel pub on Warrington Road in the evening. He then returned home and changed into his slippers before something has taken him back outside.

"We've identified a witness who saw the front door of Mr Monteith's property open as early as 7.15pm. It is possible the attack could have happened around that time."

DCI Cummings added: "What I do know is that Kevin Monteith was popular in the area and had lived there for many years. He had lots of friends and was a close family man. At this stage we have not established a motive for what was a ferocious attack. Mr Monteith doesn't seem to have been in dispute with anybody.

"I've got a number of lines of inquiry open to me at the moment, but I'm keeping a completely open mind. If you think you saw something untoward in the area that evening, or saw anyone acting suspiciously either on foot or in a vehicle, please come forward."

Police are still keen to speak to anyone who was in the Holt Lane area between 7pm and 11pm that evening.

If you think you might be able to help police with their investigation, call 0151 777 8603 or 0151 777 8652.

Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555 111.

* A 21-year-old local man arrested in connection with the incident was released on police bail pending further inquiries.