Officers are searching a lake in Croydon as part of an ongoing murder investigation.
Jamie Gilbey, 20, from Crystal Palace has been missing since January 27 and is believed to have come to harm.
Police are asking for anyone who may have been fishing or using the path around the South Norwood Lake, where they are searching, to call police if they think they saw anything suspicious.
They also want to hear from anyone who saw any suspicious activity on roads near the lake. These include Auckland Road, Sylvan Road and Woodvale Avenue.
At around 1.45pm on Sunday, February 27, officers on patrol discovered some suspicious items near Love Lane in South Norwood. These have been sent for further analysis.
Mr Gilbey’s family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
There have been no arrests at this stage.
Detective Inspector Melanie Pressley, from Specialist Crime, said:“This investigation is a terrible ordeal for the friends and family of Jamie and I would ask anyone who has any information, or may have witnessed suspicious activity, to call police.
“We also want to hear from anyone who has information that could help us piece together a picture of Jamie’s life and the people he has been seeing. Your information, no matter how small, could be the vital help that ends his family’s anguish.
“I understand that the police searches will cause considerable concern to local people, but I want to stress that we are not aware of any wider risk to the community.
“This is a fast-moving and complex investigation, and we are following a number of positive leads as we work to establish what has happened to Jamie.
“Your information, no matter how small, could be the vital piece of information, so do call us, or you can phone Crimestoppers if you do not want to give your name.”
Chief Superintendent Dave Stringer, responsible for local policing in Croydon, Sutton and Bromley, said: “My officers remain on scene, 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.”
If you have any information please contact the homicide team on 020 8721 4622 quoting ‘Operation Wominghall’.
To remain anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Pictured top: Jamie Gilbey (image: Met)