Human remains found on Peabody Estate in Southwark following search for Greenhithe police officer Gordon Semple who went missing after Shard hotel meeting

The disappearance

Gordon Semple, a 59-year-old Westminster-based police officer, was last seen on CCTV near London Bridge at around 3pm on April 1.

He had previously attended a meeting at 12 noon at the Shangri-la hotel in the Shard.

Police outside the Peabody Estate in Southwark. Picture: PA

The discovery 

Police began searching the property on the Peabody Estate in Southwark Street just after 1pm yesterday (April 7) - after neighbours reported a "smell of death" coming from a flat in block E of the estate.

A man whose brother lives upstairs from the flat where PC Semple's body was found confronted the person living at the property about the stench, and said the occupant had put scented candles outside his door to disguise it.

Martin Harris said the door was answered by a Mediterranean-looking man wearing blue Speedo-type swimming trunks and glasses, who was "as cool as a cucumber".

Mr Harris told the Telegraph: "I asked him what the terrible smell was and he apologised and said he was cooking." 

Onder Yilmaz, 52, who has lived on the estate for three years told News Shopper: "Everybody's shocked round here.

"Yesterday I parked my car opposite there and ambulances and police officers were there.

Onder Yilmaz

"I heard an old lady smelled a bad smell in the building - she said it smelled like a dead body's been there (for) a couple of days. Police came and found a dead body, after that they closed everywhere off.

"I spoke to an old lady I said, 'what's happening?' She said the building is smelling very bad. She said it's a dead body smelling.

"This is a very safe area but I have got my daughter to think about."

Picture: PA

Officers said the development is "devastating news" for all those involved in the search, but have not yet formally identified the human remains, which were reportedly dismembered.

Residents have been moved out of the block in which the remains were found.

A 49-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is being held in custody.

Another resident, whose sister lives in the same block as the suspect, said: "It makes you think there may be something sordid going on there, but it has gone terribly wrong.

"My sister's not been allowed back. They got taken out last night and put in a hotel. They pay a lot of money. That block's all private renters.

"They have taken my sister out of London. It was because of the clean up."

Police officers erected a forensic tent outside the block this afternoon (April 8)

She added: "My sister she said she was quite shocked. She thinks something tragic might have happened.

"She's not frightened, she just thinks something bad's gone on.

"She said he (the man who has been arrested) got taken from there in a really bad state. What they brought out was a shell of a man."

Heavily pregant Amy Chung, aged 24, said: "It's a bit scary.

"At about 2pm I just saw one ambulance. When we came back they had already sectioned everything off. We were like 'maybe someone's hurt'.

"It's a bit shocking."

The Peabody Estate and the Shard beyond - where Mr Semple had a meeting at midday

A 49-year-old man, who asked not to be named, added: "I went out yesterday at 4pm.

"There was an ambulance and about three police cars and they were just putting the tape up. It looked quite bad."

Heather Brown, who lives in the block next door to the flat, which police forensic teams are scouring for evidence, said the candles had been outside the door for a "few days".

Another witness told News Shopper: "Police had cordoned off the whole area.

"When I saw the forensics, it was obvious something quite serious had happened, something had kicked off.

"I spend a lot of time in that area and I have never seen anything like that before.

"It was quite a shock to see."

Commander Alison Newcomb urged anyone with information to contact the police.

The Peabody Estate in Southwark Street

In a statement, released today, she said due to the condition of the human remains found, it will take some time to establish a cause of death and for formal identification to take place.

Cdr Newcomb said: "My thoughts are with Gordon's family and friends at this time of personal tragedy. 

"This is a very sad day for Gordon's colleagues. There are many officers who have served London alongside Gordon during his 30-year career who will acutely feel his loss."  

"Yesterday, a forensic search started at the address and is ongoing. It will take some time for us to complete that work.

"It is a vital search for evidence. I would like to thank the local residents for their patience and support.

"Local officers are out on patrol to talk to residents and reassure them."

Picture: Twitter

Tributes

A statement released today by the officer's brother Ronnie Semple said: "On behalf of Gordon's partner Gary, my wife Maureen, Gordon's nephew Paul, niece Kerry and I, I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts during the past dreadful week.

"It has been a terrible time for us all, especially Gary.

"I would also like to thank Oliver Westbury for setting up 'Gordon Semple, 59 missing' Facebook appeal page and also other cousins and nephews who tried to find Gordon.

"Gordon will be sadly missed by all of his immediate family, his colleagues in the Met Police, former Bank of Scotland colleagues in Inverness & London, Friends from his Tartan Army Days, but most of all the hardest loss is for Gary at this time.

"Gordon was a much loved partner, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and cousin and our world will be a worse place without him. 

"It would be appreciated if the family is given time to grieve privately."

Human remains have been found in the search for police officer Gordon Semple.

Facebook group, 'Gordon Semple, 59, missing. Last seen on 1 April', set up to help find the missing officer attracted 1,679 likes.

A post on the page, from his niece Kerry Nicholas, reads: "Gordon's family would like to thank everyone for their support throughout this difficult time.

"Your support and help to find Gordon was overwhelming.

"He was a loved partner, brother, uncle and friend to many.

"Family request that their privacy be respected at this sad time."

Friends remembered him as a "great character" and and "old-school cop".

PC Gordon Semple from Greenhithe.

Kevin Holland said: "RIP Gordon. Was there in my hour of need, sorry I couldn't be there in his. Missed by many. One of life's great characters taken".

Kristina Radu recalled him as a "very happy, smiley man".

Paul Hutchinson said: "Wish I could have been there for you at your time in need; my utmost pleasure to have known you. My thoughts to your family."

Rona Tynan wrote: "Have heard he was a great cop old school. Very very sad reading this news. Deepest sympathies to the family and I hope justice is served at the highest order."

Andrew Crooke added: "Rest peacefully brother. You've booked off your last shift here and I know you are starting rest days in a better place."

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A spokesman for the Met Police said yesterday: "This is obviously a significant development, and we have informed Gordon's family.

"We are unable to make formal identification at this stage, but this is devastating news for all those involved in the search for Gordon.

"His family are being supported by specially trained officers and his colleagues have been briefed."

A post mortem examination will be held in due course.

The police have released no further details on the possible cause of death, or a motive.

Did you see what happened? Call 01689 885702 or email: josie.griffiths@london.newsquest.co.uk