Met Police ‘found suitcase’ in Croydon park which sparked Jamie Gilbey ‘murder’ investigation

Residents living close to the Croydon park where police are searching for clues as part of a murder investigation have reported a suitcase was found at the spot where officers have since put up a forensic tent. Met Police launched the investigation as they believe Jamie Gilbey has “come to harm”.

Met Police officers on patrol in South Norwood Country Park discovered a number of suspicious items at 1.45pm on Sunday (February 27). While police have not said that a body has been found, a spokesperson said early enquires led officers to conclude that Mr Gilbey, 20, has come to harm and the murder investigation begun.

Today (Tuesday, March 1) a playground area remained closed off and police were trawling through overgrown shrubbery at the park for more evidence. A forensic tent was also erected in the park off Love Lane in Croydon as part of the investigation. Officers could be seen guarding the play area today as the Met Police try to piece together what has happened.

READ MORE:Updates on ‘murder’ of Jamie Gilbey, 20, wanted in connection with armed robberies as police search South Norwood park

Police launched the murder investigation in the search for Jamie Gilbey after ‘suspicious items’ were found in South Norwood Country Park

Officers with hedge trimmers were also on the scene clearing areas of overgrown brambles and hedgerows to access new areas. It is understood that the search could be a lengthy process, potentially a few days, as it is a large area.

A MyLondon reporter at the scene spoke with residents and was told by multiple locals that police found a suitcase in the park on Sunday. When the Met Police were approached with this information a spokesperson said no further details can be given at the moment.

Mr Gilbey was last seen on January 27 and had been wanted by police in connection with a number of robbery offences. Mr Gilbey’s family have been told, and are being supported by specialist officers, with detectives adding that so far no arrests have been made.

Police are clearing brambles and hedgerow in the park

Police clearing brambles and hedgerow in the park on Tuesday (March 1)

Detective Inspector Melanie Pressley, Specialist Crime, said: “We fully recognise this news and the police presence in the park will cause considerable concern to local people, however, I want to say that we do not believe there to be any wider risk to members of the community.

“This is a fast-moving and complex investigation, and we’re following a number of positive leads as we work to establish what has happened to Jamie.

“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.”

Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, responsible for local policing in Croydon, Sutton and Bromley, said: “My officers remain on scene and 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.”

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https://www.mylondon.news/news/south-london-news/met-police-found-suitcase-croydon-23251470

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