Police appeal in Semple murder case

Person of interest sought by detectives investigating the death of Inverness-born PC Gordon Semple

Published 11th Apr 2016

Detectives investigating the murder of a Police Officer are trying to trace a mystery man seen outside the flat where his decomposed body was found.

Scotland Yard are appealing for a man spotted outside the flat on April 1st, the day PC Semple went missing, to contact police.

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, from the homicide and major crime command, who is leading the murder investigation, said the man was "only there for a minute" and did not go inside, but stressed it is "incredibly important" officers speak to him.

The appeal comes after Stefano Brizzi, 49, appeared via videolink at London's Bromley Magistrates' Court charged with murder.

Italian-born Brizzi is alleged to have committed the murder at his flat on a day between April 1st and April 7th.

However, a first post mortem did not discover the cause of death, and a second one has been ordered and will be carried out on Wednesday April 13th.

Mr Lyons said: "I am keen to trace a man who went to Brizzi's flat in Southwark Street on Friday April 1st at about 3pm. 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."