South Norwood Country Park
(Picture: Barney Davis)Police are searching a lake in a south London beauty spot for a trace of a missing man after neighbours claimed bloody clothing was dumped nearby in a children’s playground.
Homicide detectives continue to appeal for information following the disappearance of Jamie Gilbey, from Crystal Palace, who was last seen on January 27.
He had been the subject of a missing person’s appeal and was being sought in connection with a number of robbery offences, the Met said.
The force stressed Mr Gilbey had no prior convictions or cautions for any offence.
Neighbours described how a suitcase full of blood spattered clothing was discovered in a community garden sparking the murder investigation.
Forensic officers had been at the scene since Sunday conducting a fingertip search through nearby allotments and cutting back hedgerows to look for more clues, neighbours said.
The grim discovery was made in Love Lane Green, South Norwood by a picnic table and tree house popular with local families after being renovated over lockdown.
A neighbour said: “If the suitcases were dumped at night you would think it was a good place to hide something.
“But morning comes and then suddenly all the local kids are all over there and it’s quite open.”
Police on Wednesday expanded their search to South Norwood Lakes under a mile away and are asking for anyone who may have been fishing or using the path around the lake to call police if they think they saw anything suspicious.
They also want to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity on roads near the lake including Auckland Road, Sylvan Road and Woodvale Avenue.
There have been no arrests at this stage.
DI Melanie Pressley, from Specialist Crime, said: “This investigation is a terrible ordeal for the friends and family of Jamie and I would ask anyone who has any information, or may have witnessed suspicious activity, to call police.
“We also want to hear from anyone who has information that could help us piece together a picture of Jamie’s life and the people he has been seeing. Your information, no matter how small, could be the vital help that ends his family’s anguish.
“I understand that the police searches will cause considerable concern to local people, but I want to stress that we are not aware of any wider risk to the community.
“This is a fast-moving and complex investigation, and we are following a number of positive leads as we work to establish what has happened to Jamie.
“Your information, no matter how small, could be the vital piece of information, so do call us, or you can phone Crimestoppers if you do not want to give your name.”
Chf Supt Dave Stringer, responsible for local policing in Croydon, Sutton and Bromley, said: “My officers remain on scene, providing a visible presence in the area for some days to come. I urge any members of the public who have any concerns, or information that could help us bring Jamie’s family justice, to approach those officers and speak to them.”
If you have any information please contact the homicide team on 020 8721 4622 quoting ‘Operation Wominghall’.
