The sister of murdered Mick McGrath held back tears as she described the last time she saw her brother alive.

Kathy McGrath-Jackson said she couldn't believe someone would want to hurt him.

"He didn't deserve it at all," she said holding back the tears. "He was such a small man, but with a very big heart.

"Always so cheerful.

"The last I saw him was when he came round on Wednesday and he put up our Christmas tree for us. I was cooking his tea for him, his favourite, pork chops.

"He said he just had to pop out to meet someone, that was about 4.15pm, and that was the last time I saw him.

"He never came back. His tea is still there waiting for him, I can't bear to throw it away."

Police have launched a murder investigation after discovering Mr McGrath's body at his home in Shaftesbury Avenue at 9.20am yesterday following a call from a neighbour who noticed his front door was open.

Mr McGrath, believed to be in his 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Neighbours believe he may have been attacked by one or more individuals who broke into his home.

Mrs McGrath-Jackson said she shared a very close relationship with her brother, and saw him nearly every day.

A common face in the area he was often found walking her dogs Coco and Owen around the streets.

She said: "I just hope he didn't die in agony, I hope it was quick.

"I am disgusted someone would go into his own house and kill him like that.

"I appeal to anyone who knows anything please do not be scared to contact the police and let them know.

"People are always walking down that road, someone must have seen something."

She added her son Gary McGrath, 39, who was almost inseparable from her brother, was taking his death especially hard.

"They went everywhere together," she said. "He is totally devastated, he was like a father to him."

Family friend Michelle Jackson described Mr McGrath as a lovely man.

"He was so kind, the kind of man who if you were dishing up dinner you couldn't help offering him something and he was always so thankful.

"He was cheeky and lively, but always in a friendly way."

Neighbours described Mr McGrath as a "well-known face" and someone who was always willing to help.

One neighbour said he helped her lay cement in her garden, even though he was wearing white trousers at the time.

"He was kind like that," she said. "A lovely fella."

Anyone with information should call the incident room, led by Detective Chief Inspector Nick Scola, at Sutton police on 020 8721 4005 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To leave a tribute to Mr McGrath click here