Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV and are appealing for information from the community following the suspicious death of an elderly man in Sydney's east at the weekend.
About 11.20am on Sunday (20 December 2020), emergency services were called to a unit on Elphinstone Road, South Coogee, after concerns were raised for the welfare of a male occupant.
Officers from Eastern Beaches Police Area Command attended and located the body of a man.
The man has since been formally identified as 77-year-old South Coogee resident, Peter McCarthy.
A post-mortem examination determined that Mr McCarthy died from severe head and facial injuries.
A crime scene was established at the unit and subsequently examined by forensic officers.
Local police commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the man's death, before detectives from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad took carriage of the investigation under Strike Force Airy.
As investigations continue, detectives have released a CCTV image of a man and a woman who they believe may be able to assist with ongoing inquiries.
The man depicted is described as being Caucasian appearance, with a medium build and light brown hair. He is wearing black pants, black sneakers, a black 'Raiders' singlet top and glasses.
The woman depicted is described as being of Caucasian appearance, with a slim to medium build and light-coloured hair. She is wearing a black top, black hooded-jumper, black pants, black sneakers and a black face mask.
Strike force detectives have also released CCTV vision and images of Mr McCarthy in Sydney's CBD and are appealing for public information about his last movements.
Homicide Squad Commander, Detective Superintendent Danny Doherty, urged anyone in the community who saw – or spoke with – Mr McCarthy prior to his death to come forward.
"Investigators are interested in speaking with any of Mr McCarthy's friends, neighbours and associates, to establish his activities and movements in the days leading up to his death," Det Supt Doherty said.
"The last confirmed sighting of Mr McCarthy was on Wednesday (16 December 2020), when he attended Club York in the Sydney CBD between 12.30pm and 2.30pm.
"Information from the public indicates he was then seen at his residence in South Coogee on Thursday (17 December 2020); however, this is yet to be confirmed.
"The results from the post-mortem, together with initial inquiries from the crime scene, suggest Mr McCarthy was a victim of a violent and brutal assault and robbery.
"A brown satchel bag containing personal items, including Mr McCarthy's mobile phone, appears to have been stolen from the unit and investigators are now working to locate these items.
"This is a horrendous crime that has left a family without a father and grandfather this Christmas – and anyone with information is urged to contact police to help provide much-needed answers," Det Supt Doherty.
Mr McCarthy was last seen wearing a green, blue and white long-sleeved jersey, light blue pants, black shoes and carrying a brown satchel bag.
Anyone with information that may assist Strike Force Airy investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
