Police appeal for new information on alleged serial killer Stephen Port
Detectives are asking individuals who may know or have information regarding an alleged serial killer to come forward.
40-year-old Stephen Port, of Barking, east London was charged with the alleged murders of Anthony Walgate, Gabriel Kovari, Daniel Whitworth, and Jack Taylor in October.
Port allegedly used GHB to poison a number of victims. The four bodies were found in and around the St Margaret’s Churchyard, Barking, between June 2014 and September 2015.
He faces four counts of murder, and four counts of administering a poison with intent to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm over the deaths.
Police have now issued an appeal for those who may know Port – or have any knowledge of him – to contact them as soon as possible.
“We are keen to speak to anyone who may have information in connection with these incidents, no matter how insignificant you may think it is,” Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield – of the Homicide and Major Crime Command – said in a statement.
“If you have any reservations about speaking to the police, please rest assured that your call will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
“For anyone who feels anxious about talking directly to the police, I would urge them to speak to organisations such as Galop, a specialist charity that supports LGBT people affected by violence and abuse,” he added.
“They will be able to facilitate appropriate support and advice, maintain confidentiality and treat anything you tell them with the utmost sensitivity.”
The Metropolitan Police has confirmed it will refer itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission following the arrest, over allegations it initially failed to spot a link between the deaths.
A statement released previously said: “The Metropolitan Police Service has made a voluntary referral to the Independent Police Complaints Commission concerning the murder of four men in Barking between 19 June 2014 and 14 September 2015.
“The referral informs the IPCC of potential vulnerabilities in the response by the MPS to the four deaths.
“We await a mode of investigation from the IPCC. A man has been charged in relation to the murders.”
Port is due to stand trial in April next year.
You can contact the police incident room on 020 8358 0400, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Galop on 020 7704 2040 or online at www.Galop.org.uk.
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