A FATHER-of-two was found strangled in his house.

Gary Painter, 39, lay dead for three days in his bath before Kelly Thake, the mother of his children, and her new boyfriend broke into his house in Salop Road, Walthamstow, on Thursday June 8 after several attempts to contact him.

The unemployed telecoms engineer who lived alone was last seen by friends in his local, Jacks Wine Bar, in St James Street, which he left around midnight on Sunday, June 4.

Police are keen to find anyone who saw him after that.

They say they have no idea why someone would want to kill Mr Painter, who had lived in the house all his life and was popular with friends and neighbours.

Det Ch Insp John Macdonald said: "It is vital that we piece together Gary's last movements and we would like to speak to anyone who may have socialised with him in Jacks Wine Bar or seen him walking home.

"It could be that Gary offered to let someone stay at the house on the night he died and we are keen to trace anyone with information."

Police are especially eager to speak to a man in his late 20s to early 30s who was seen leaving the house at 11.30am on the Monday.

He is described as black, 6ft 1ins to 6ft 2ins tall, of muscular build with a close shaved head. He wore a dark coloured t-shirt and carried a brown bag over his shoulder. He walked along Salop Road and turned into York Road.

DCI Macdonald said that Mr Painter was not killed in the bath and that he expected forensic investigations to take some time.

He also wants to hear from anyone who saw Mr Painter in the days leading up to his death.

Ms Thake remained close to Mr Painter after they parted and regularly visited with their two children, Tommy, ten, and Lewis, 13, who live with their mum in Leyton. She is said to be devastated.

One schoolfriend, 42, described Mr Painter as an Arsenal fan who loved football, sport and his family.

He said: "I've never seen him in an argument or a fight. He used to come to parties and he would just sit there in the corner."

Neighbour Valerie Downes, 62, said: "I've known him since he was three and he went to school with my boy. We are just choked up about it."

Lee Barnham, 37, of Shernall Street, was friends with Mr Painter for 30 years. He said: "He is going to be very dearly missed."

Mr Painter's father lives in Clayhall, Ilford.

Regulars and staff at Jacks are holding a fundraiser tomorrow from 7pm to raise money for Mr Painter's children and for his funeral.

Information to police on 8345 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.