A post-mortem examination has confirmed that a retired lecturer who was found dead in his own flat was stabbed to death.

Police have now officially launched a murder inquiry after the body of Roger Gray, 64, was discovered at the sandstone villa in Merchiston Crescent, Edinburgh on Saturday morning.

A neighbour smelled gas coming from the academic’s home and called the gas board who asked the police to help them break down the door.

Lothian and Borders Police said that a post-mortem examination was carried out on Tuesday and revealed that Mr Gray had suffered multiple stab wounds in the attack between Friday night and Saturday morning.

Around 40 officers based at Leith Police Station are working on the investigation, and have set up a special phone line and email for anyone with information.

Police are also reassuring members of the gay community in Edinburgh that the murder is unlikely to be connected to two other attacks on gay men in the past month.

Detective Chief Inspector Gareth Blair, who is leading the investigation, said: "The post-mortem examination has confirmed that Mr Gray suffered extensive stabbing injuries, in what was clearly a sustained attack.

"We are asking anyone who was in the area of Merchiston Crescent overnight from Friday night into Saturday morning, who saw or heard any suspicious activity in the area, to contact us if they have not already done so.

"In particular, we want to speak to anyone who may have heard a disturbance from within Mr Gray’s flat around 10pm on Friday.

"We are also interested in speaking to any friends of Mr Gray who can help us build a fuller picture of his background. I would urge anyone who can assist to contact us on the confidential hotline number, or to email us on the dedicated address provided.

"We recognise the potential concerns that these tragic deaths may have caused within the LGBT community, and we are making contact with LGBT groups and organisations in order to provide them with reassurance and advice.”

A confidential hotline to the police incident room has been set up for anyone who has any information, on 0131 311 5840. Alternatively, a dedicated email address is also available at operation.magnalium@lbp.pnn.police.uk.

IN DETAIL

• Roger Gray: A lifetime in academia
• Retired lecturer found dead in his flat was stabbed in 'sustained attack'
• Death of retired lecturer in his own home is 'suspicious'
• 'Suspicious death' of man whose injured body was found in hallway