Detectives have released CCTV footage of an 88-year-old man eight days before he was brutally murdered inside his home.

Joseph Cohen was stabbed more than 20 times. His body lay undiscovered for several days.

He was found on June 20, after officers forced entry to his second floor flat at Rosedale House, Manor Road, N16.

The pensioner lived alone and had been resident at the flat for more than 40 years. Officers were alerted by a relative who had not seen him for some time.

Eight days before his discovery Mr Cohen was captured on CCTV on Thursday June 12 paying a bill at a post office in Stoke Newington High Street.

He was known to be a very cautious and sensible man and is clearly seen putting away his wallet before leaving the premises.

Detective Chief Inspector Vic Rae said: "Mr Cohen's trip to the post office is one of our last confirmed sightings.

“We believe he may have remained undiscovered in his flat for a few days so it is essential for us to speak to anyone who may have seen or spoken to Mr Cohen between the trip to the post office on 12 June and the day he was discovered on 20 June."

Following previous appeals detectives have established that Mr Cohen would often travel to west London were he would visit a number of cafes in the Blenheim Street area and department stores in the West End.

They have also discovered that Mr Cohen was very sociable and enjoyed meeting new people. He was however mindful of his age and vulnerability and would occasionally use the names Tony, Martin or Jack Conway and play down his age until he became better acquainted with people he met.

Detectives are also aware that some time before his murder Mr Cohen had become friends with two women from the Stoke Newington area. The first is thought to be a doctor from the Turkish community and the second is described as being white, between 35-38 years, 5ft 3in tall with dark collar length black hair.

DCI Rae said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who knew Mr Cohen and can help us build a better picture of his life. We understand that one of these women may have been a guest at his address and she could have vital information that could help us with our investigation.

“Although he was in his later years Mr Cohen was still incredibly active and a well-recognised member of the local community. He would also regularly travel to west London and enjoyed visiting the cafes there. We would urge anyone with information to contact us."

Anyone who can assist is asked to call the Incident Room on 020 8345 3985; alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.