An insurance agent was stabbed to death by intruders who escaped in his newly purchased car on Wednesday night.

Wendell Lewis, 53, was found lying on the floor inside a bedroom at his Edinburgh 500, Chaguanas, home around 11.45 p.m.

Police said Lewis was last seen alive by his two daughters around 9.20 p.m. He was employed at TATIL's Warner Street, Woodbrook, branch.

Investigators believe Lewis went outside to open the front gate for his daughters after they called to say they were on their way home.

The men ambushed Lewis and forced him back into the house, police said.

Police believe the men attempted to rob Lewis who refused to hand over his valuables. He was stabbed in the chest.

The killers drove off in Lewis' silver Subaru sports vehicle. His daughters were too distraught to determine whether anything was missing from the house, police said.

Neighbours described Lewis as hard-working and well-liked.

Officers from the Crime Response Unit, Criminal Intelligence Department, Homicide Bureau and Crime Scene Investigations visited the scene.