Jamie Gilbey: Search for robbery suspect becomes murder case

Jamie Gilbey, 20, was last seen on 27 January and was wanted over a number of robbery offences

A murder investigation has been launched in relation to a 20-year-old man police have been seeking over a number of robbery offences.

Detectives said the victim, thought to be Jamie Gilbey, is believed to "have come to harm".

Mr Gilbey, from the Crystal Palace area in south London, was last seen on 27 January and had been wanted over a number of robbery offences.

A crime scene is in place in South Norwood Country Park in Croydon.

The force said officers had found a number of suspicious items at the park on Sunday afternoon, which have been sent for further analysis and detectives await more information.

'Distraught'

Det Insp Melanie Pressley said his loved ones were "distraught" and needed answers about what had happened.

She 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."

Officers remain in the area of Love Lane and searches are ongoing, but police said detectives will not be discussing any further details around the discovery at this stage.

No arrests have been made.