DETECTIVES hunting the killer of a 31-year-old father-of-three who died after being shot dead at the weekend are appealing for anyone who saw a man running away from the scene to come forward.

Businessman David O'Leary was gunned down at his luxury home in the quiet hamlet of Lydden, near Margate after a night out with his girlfriend of more than 10 years in the early hours of Saturday morning.

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Now police have released a description of a suspect they say was spotted fleeing the scene in Valley Road "very quickly".

The man is described as 5ft 6in to 5ft 8in tall and wearing dark clothing. He had either very dark hair or a black bobble hat on.

Earlier this week, Mr O'Leary's 26-year-old partner, Emma Terry, said: "Dave's death came as a terrible shock to all his friends and family, and we are all still coming to terms with what happened at the weekend.

"He is loved and will be greatly missed by me and his children, and many others who knew him."

Police said it was possible the killer was laying in wait for Mr O’Leary, who ran a scaffolding business, inside his home on the night of the attack.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Major Crime Incident Room on 01303 289600 or Kent Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.