Human remains found in hunt for missing Westminster police officer
Gordon Semple - Credit: Archant
Detectives investigating the disappearance of a Westminster police officer have discovered human remains in a flat in Southwark.
PC Gordon Semple was reported missing last Friday when he failed to return home after attending a work meeting at the Shangri-La hotel in the Shard.
The 59-year-old was last captured on CCTV in Great Guilford Street at 3pm after the meeting.
Police made the grim discovery yesterday afternoon after searching a property on the Peabody Estate.
A 49-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder and is in police custody.
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Commander Alison Newcomb from the Met said: “This is obviously a significant development and we have informed Gordon’s family and his colleagues.
“Due to the condition of those human remains it will take some time for cause of death to be established and for formal identification to take place.
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“At this point I do not wish to speculate on what has happened.
“My thoughts are with Gordon’s family and friends at this time of personal tragedy. I would ask that they are given the space and privacy they need to come to terms with this development.”
PC Semple, who worked in the antisocial behaviour team within Westminster Council, is said to have been a popular and well-like man.
Commander Newcomb added: “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.”
