German police have confirmed that a town mayor who became a hate figure among the far-Right was murdered in his garden over the weekend.

Kassel police announced on Monday afternoon they had opened a murder investigation into the death of Walter Lübcke, a veteran politician in Angela Merkel’s CDU party.

The 65-year-old was found unconscious on his patio by a family member shortly after midnight on Sunday and died shortly afterwards after unsuccessful attempts to resuscitate him.

Lead investigator Horst Streiff confirmed that Mr Lübcke was killed by a bullet wound to the head. “Our investigations indicate that he was shot with a handgun from close range,” Mr Streiff said.

At this stage, police say they have no indication as to the motive or identity of the killer, stating that they are investigating “in all directions.”

A team of 20 detectives has been set up to work on the case.