Detectives investigating the 'brutal' murder of Brook Green man John Saunderson-Smith are investigating whether the property developer was killed in a revenge attack by a business enemy.

The theory is one of a number being probed by police after it emerged 58-year-old Mr Saunderson-Smith, of Dewhurst Road, was battered over the head up to nine times by a blunt instrument in his home a fortnight ago.

A picture of the victim's 'complex and chaotic' life is slowly being built-up by detectives. who believe they are getting 'closer and closer' to finding out the reason for his death.

Mr Saunderson-Smith, who lived alone, is believed to have been a wealthy man who may have inherited a substantial sum of money from his parents, who died several years ago.

He owned a number of properties both abroad and in London and Bournemouth. This week, a large quantity of cash was seized from his Dewhurst Road residence, while police also established he owned a home in Sedlescombe Road, Fulham, after conducting a search earlier this week.

A block of flats in Worple Road, Wimbledon, which were subject to a leasehold valuation tribunal in 2008, were also owned by him.

DCI Howard Groves, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "Everything is up for grabs in terms of the motive and we are not going to discount anything but it would be fair to say we are investigating whether or not he could have made any enemies with his business dealings. We have to look at all aspects.

"Mr Saunderson-Smith was a one-man band and his business affairs were fairly chaotic. We have yet to track down his family but believe he has links to Northants and Bedfordshire and we are confident we are getting closer and closer to finding some family members.

"We think we will have a better understanding of what happened in the very near future."

DCI Duffield added that the killing had been particularly violent. "He was hit as many as nine times by a blunt instrument. It was a brutal death."

Police are still keen to speak to anyone who may have been in Dewhurst Road at the time of his death, which is thought to have taken place sometime between 7pm on Thursday, October 20 and the following morning, or anyone that may have known him.

DCI Duffield added: "It has become apparent from our enquiries that Mr Saunderson-Smith had been living a complex and reclusive life for some time, and as such I am keen to speak to anyone who knew him and may assist us in building a picture about his life."

* Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8247 7821 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111