A MURDER investigation has been launched following the discovery of a man's body in a stream in Romford.
The body of Evaldas Svolkinas, 34, of Dorking Rise, Romford, was found in Carter's Brook near Wincanton Road, at around 10.25am on December 16.
Initially, the death of Mr Svolkinas, a Lithuanian national who worked as a carpenter, was being treated as unexplained.
However, a post-mortem examination at Queens Hospital on December 17 gave the cause of death as severe head injuries.
An incident room has opened at the Metropolitan Police Service's Homicide and Serious Crime Command, headed up by Detective Chief Inspector Chris Jones.
Mr Svolkinas was last seen alive at 6.15am on December 13 in Whitchurch Road.
He failed to attend work that day and was reported missing to police the following day.
He was last seen wearing grey combat-style trousers, a dark blue coat and blue trainers.
Officers made extensive enquiries at the time as his disappearance was totally out of character.
DCI Jones said this week: "We are anxious to trace the victim's movements between the Thursday morning and when he was found on Sunday.
"Did you see him? Do you have any information? If so, please come forward."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8345 3734 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
