MYSTERY still surrounds the murder of a man who was found dead in his East Reading home two days after Christmas.

Bobir Esanov's death was initially treated as unexplained but was later updated to murder following the results of a New Year's Eve post-mortem.

Police are issuing a re-appeal for information as his killer remains unknown and officers are calling specifically on any other fellow Uzbekstani nationals living in the town to help piece together his final movements.

Officers do not believe his death was a hate crime and offered reassurance to others living in the area that it is believed to be an isolated incident with no wider danger to the public.

Known to his friends as Bob, the 36-year-old was initially found by paramedics who were called to his home in London Road on December 27.

Shortly after ambulance staff arrived at 4.20am the police were called to take over when it was apparent that he had died.

He lived in a shared house between Liverpool Road and Manchester Road and had been living in Reading for at least a year.

The results of the post-mortem examination led police to treat the death as murder but a cause of death is yet to be determined and could take several weeks to confirm.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Steel said: "I would appeal to anyone who was in the London Road between Liverpool Road and Manchester Road on Boxing Day evening into the early hours of Sunday 27 December who heard or saw anything suspicious or out of the ordinary to contact police.

"If anyone has any information about Bobir Esanov’s death they should contact police immediately."

Bob's family remain in Uzbekistan and are desperate to find out what happened to their loved one.

Det Chief Insp Steel added: "Because Bob was a Uzbekistan national, I would particularly appeal to members of the Uzbekistan community. If you have seen or heard anything in relation to Bob’s death then please contact us.

"The easiest way to contact us is via 101, quoting reference number 231 (27/12/15). You can also visit your nearest police station; the police station in Reading is situated in Castle Street.

"I understand news of this murder is very shocking for the community, but I would like to reassure residents that this appears to be an isolated incident. Further, we do not believe this is a hate crime offence."

*A 36-year-old man from Reading arrested on New Year’s Day on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on police bail until 2 February.