Police appeal to LGBT community over PC’s murder
Metropolitan police officers are appealing to the LGBT community for witnesses, after the body of PC Gordon Semple was found in a South London flat.
PC Semple’s remains were found on Friday in Southwark, after a neighbour reported a “smell of death” coming from the flat. His body was found six days after he was reported missing.
Police have since questioned and charged a 49-year-old Italian man with his murder.
In a statement, the Met said: “Stefano Brizzi, 49, of Peabody Trust Estate, SE1, who was charged with murder on Saturday, 9 April, appeared in custody via virtual court at Bromley Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 11 April. He was remanded in custody to appear on Wednesday, 13 April at the Old Bailey.
“Detectives are now satisfied that the human remains found at the address in Southwark Street, SE1 are those of Gordon Semple, who was reported missing on 1 April.
“A post mortem examination was carried out on Friday, 8 April and cause of death is at this stage unascertained. A further post mortem has been scheduled for Wednesday, 13 April. However, detectives are treating Gordon’s death as murder.”
Officers are now keen to speak to a man who was at the flat on April 1.
“I am keen to trace a man who went to Brizzi’s flat in Southwark Street on Friday, 1 April at about 15:00,” said Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation.
“He was there for only one minute, and did not go inside, but it is incredibly important that we speak to him.
“If you are that man please come forward and call us on 020 8721 4961. I will treat what you tell me with sensitivity and confidentiality, please get in touch with us I need to talk to you.”
Originally from Inverness, PC Semple worked at Bank of Scotland before joining the force, where he had worked for 30 years.
Earlier that day, he had attended a work meeting at the Shard and was later captured on CCTV in Great Guildford Street at around 3pm.
His partner, Gary Meeks, reported him missing later that day.
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