Police Appeal Over London 'Serial Killings'

Police are appealing for people to come forward with information on the alleged murders of four young men in east London.

Detectives have asked to speak to anyone who may have known Stephen Port, who allegedly met his victims on gay websites before poisoning them with party drug GHB at his house.

The victims, all in their 20s, were dumped in or near an east London churchyard after suffering overdoses.

Port, of Cooke Street, Barking, in east London, has been charged with four counts of murder and four counts of administering a poison with intent to endanger life or inflict grievous bodily harm.

He is due to stand trial in April next year.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield, from the Met's homicide and major crime command, said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who may have information in connection with these incidents, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.

"If you have any reservations about speaking to the police, please rest assured that your call will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

"For anyone who feels anxious about talking directly to the police, I would urge them to speak to organisations such as Galop, a specialist charity that supports LGBT people affected by violence and abuse.

"They will be able to facilitate appropriate support and advice, maintain confidentiality and treat anything you tell them with the utmost sensitivity."

Sky's Crime Correspondent Martin Brunt said: "I think it's clear that this has become a difficult and complicated investigation for the murder squad in east London."

The investigation was taken on by the homicide and major crime command after the deaths of four men in 14 months - which were not initially thought to be linked.

Anthony Walgate, a 23-year-old fashion and design student, was found dead on Cooke Street on 19 June, 2014.

Gabriel Kovari, 22, was found by a dog walker near St Margaret's churchyard on 28 August, 2014.

Less than a month later, the same dog walker discovered the body of 21-year-old Daniel Whitworth, near the same churchyard.

The most recent victim, forklift truck driver Jack Taylor, 25, was found dead near the abbey ruins near North Street in Barking.

The Met has referred its handling of the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).