THIS is the house where missing businessman David Guilfoyle may have been battered to death.

And the luxury home is littered with evidence which deepens the mystery of the Accrington property owner's sudden disappearance three weeks ago.

A half-drunk pint of cordial still sits in his newly-decorated living room and the pots and pans which he used to cook his last meal at the house are still on the cooker and in the kitchen sink.

What appears to be blood was splattered on the ivy which surrounds the front door of the Royds Avenue home.

And two tickets for Manchester boxer Ricky Hatton's successful world light-welterweight championship challenge at the MEN Arena on Sunday June 5 sit in an envelope unused.

Clocks in every room are still ticking and three koi carp still swim in the garden pond, which overlooks peaceful Accrington countryside.

A leaflet flier from "Wills on Wheels --Lancashire's premier will writing service" sits on his kitchen window sill.

Mr Guilfoyle, 37, disappeared after watching the Champions League final at the Grey Horse pub, Whalley Road, Accrington, on May 25.

A man who was arrested on suspicion of murder in Burnley last week is currently on police bail.

Police yesterday announced that three weeks after discovering evidence of a violent struggle at the house, they were becoming increasingly concerned that Mr Guilfoyle was dead.

Det Supt Mick Turner said: "Here is a very outgoing man who has not used his phone or his bank account for three weeks. The longer time goes on, the conclusions we draw from that become inevitable."

It is clear a major police forensic examination has been centred around the hall of the property.

Forensic dust is clearly visible around the front door frame and covers the wooden entrance hall floor.

Mr Guilfoyle, who had links to organised crime, had just moved to Royds Avenue before his disappearance.

Labels are still attached to his newly-bought dining chairs and a new television and DVD player look like they have just been taken out of the packages, which has been discarded in the newly-decorated living room.

Paint pots, brushes, filler and other decorating materials are in most rooms, as are hand-drawn plans to transform his new home.

Boxes of belongings still sit, unpacked in the garage.

Det Insp Pete Broome, said: "We have put down metal stepping plates in the hall to prevent anyone from adulterating any evidence that may exist.

"An extensive forensic examination of the premises has been carried out and we are trying to follow every clue to discover where he is and what has happened by contacting everyone who knew him."

Inside too, the inner hall doors have been removed and labelled by forensic experts and the car mats from Mr Guillfoyle's jaguar and protective clothing worn by forensic experts have been left in the hall.

Mr Guillfoyle's computer and attached keyboard have been removed by the police as part of their investigation.

Photographs of boxing and fighting greats, including a signed photo from Bruce Lee to Mr Guilfoyle, and his pool trophies provide a snap-shot of his interests and hobbies.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the police on 01254 51212 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.