Police issued a picture of missing Jamie Gilbey
(Picture: Metropolitan Police)Police searching for missing Jamie Gilbey have confirmed they have pulled a body from a south London beauty spot.
Detectives made the grim discovery in the South Norwood Lake and woodlands on Tuesday during a six-week search for the 20-year-old.
Forensics have been scouring the area, popular with dog walkers and anglers, for nearly a week after neighbours reported a suitcase full of bloody clothing at a nearby community playground.
Scotland Yard said the remains are as-yet-unidentified but the family of Mr Gilbey from Crystal Palace, who was last seen on January 27, have been notified.
Mr Gilbey 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.
A Scotland Yard spokeswoman said: “A body was recovered by officers from the area of South Norwood lake and woodland on the morning of Tuesday, 8 March.
“At this stage the identity of the body is unconfirmed.
“The family of Jamie Gilbey have been made aware.”
Police 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.
Neighbours had described how a suitcase full of blood-spattered clothing was discovered in a community garden sparking the murder investigation.
Police said suspicious items have been sent for further analysis at a forensics lab.
Police on Wednesday last week expanded their search to South Norwood Lakes under a mile away
Officers arrested Dejour Jones, 24, of no fixed address, and charged him with murder on Friday, March 4.
DI Melanie Pressley, from Specialist Crime, said on a previous appeal: “Anyone who has information that could help us piece together a picture of Jamie‘s life and who he had been interacting with should call us immediately.
“Jamie‘s family are distraught and it is imperative we give them the answers to the questions that they are now asking.”
