Police say they are now sure the remains found in a flat are those of Kent police officer Gordon Semple, as they appeal for another man to come forward.

Detectives now want to speak confidentially to another man who went to the same flat on the day Mr Semple went missing.

The body of the 59-year-old was found in Southwark on Thursday - a week after he disappeared.

Stefano Brizzi, 49, of Peabody Estate, Southwark Street, today appeared at Bromley Magistrates' Court.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday.

Detectives this afternoon said they are now satisfied the human remains found at the address in Southwark are Mr Semple's.

A post mortem examination was carried out on Friday, April 8, but cause of death is at this stage unascertained.

A further post mortem has been scheduled for Wednesday.

Detective Chief Inspector Cliff Lyons, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, who is leading the investigation into Gordon's alleged murder, said: "I am keen to trace a man who went to Brizzi's flat in Southwark Street on Friday, April 1 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."

Mr Semple vanished after a noon meeting at the five-star Shangri La hotel at The Shard in London on Friday April 1 and Met Police took over the investigation into his whereabouts earlier this week.

After a tip-off from the public, detectives began a forensic search of a property in Southwark.

Human remains were found and a 49-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder.

His loved ones have said thank you for people's "kind thoughts during a dreadful week".

His brother, Ronnie Semple, put out a statement which read: "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 & Cousin and our world will be a worse place without him."