The family of a grandad with “a heart of gold,” who was brutally murdered in his Bradford home, is urging anyone who knows his killer to “clear their conscience” at the start of a new year.

Relatives of Clement ‘Butch’ Desmier, who would have been 70 in March, say that someone in the local community must know who is responsible for his death, and called on them to tell what they know.

The plea came as detectives released new CCTV footage showing a key witness who might have vital clues for the murder investigation.

Mr Desmier, 68, a father-of-six and grandfather-of-ten, was viciously attacked more than 16 months ago.

He was found dead in his armchair, at his house in Rowlestone Rise, Greengates, on Thursday, August 23, 2012. He had a pillow over his head and had suffered 70 separate injuries, including 40 stab wounds, and had been tortured before he was killed.

Today, Carl Desmier, a self-employed joiner, told how his father remained in people’s memories.

Mr Desmier, 44, Butch’s only son, said: “Everywhere I go now, people still talk about him and ask me if there has been any news.

“I’m hoping that the New Year will bring us new information and that somebody might want to start the year by clearing their conscience.

“Whoever did this will have spoken to someone about it and I want that person to come forward and help the police with their investigation.

“My father would have been 70 in March and there would have been a family celebration for him. He is very much missed by us all and his loss is at the forefront of our lives every day.”

Mr Desmier added: “Greengates is a tight-knit community and I can assure whoever did this, that even though it was 16 months ago, it has not been forgotten about.”

One of Mr Desmier’s five daughters, Lorna, said the sudden loss of their father had hit the family hard. “I live around the corner from where my father lived and every day I still expect to see him walking down the road, carrying his little rucksack,” she said.

“He was such a likeable and popular man with a heart of gold and it’s hard to imagine why anyone would want to have done this.

“I believe there is someone, possibly living locally, who knows who did this and I want them to contact the police with whatever information they have.”

Meanwhile, detectives released CCTV footage of a man who may have vital information about Mr Desmier’s last movements.

The clip shows the man walking along Redcar Road in Ravenscliffe, minutes after Mr Desmier was seen with a man entering his house in Rowlestone Rise – fewer than 100 yards away.

The man appears to be dressed in light blue – possibly denim – clothing, smoking a cigarette and carrying a plastic carrier bag.

Detective Superintendent Mark Ridley, who is leading the investigation, said they were urgently appealing for the man to come forward.

“This man is seen walking close to Mr Desmier’s house, a few minutes after we know there was a man with Mr Desmier at his address in Rowlestone Rise,” said Det Supt Ridley.

“It is possible he could have seen something or know something about the incident which could be vital to our inquiries and we would like him to come forward and identify himself.

“Similarly, if anyone knows who this man might be, we would urge them to contact us on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.”

The motive for the killing is thought to be robbery or burglary. The Crimestoppers charity has offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the killers.