Three men have been arrested in the Kent area in connection with the investigation into the abduction and death of Koray Alpergin, also known as DJ Koray.
The news came in a police statement issued this Sunday lunchtime about the abduction of DJ Koray, aged 43, and his Turkish girlfriend on Thursday night, and their investigation following the discovery of a man’s body in woodland in Loughton, Essex.
Although the police have yet to formally name Koray Alpergin, detectives believe the man reported missing is the man found dead in Loughton.
According to friends of Koray, the DJ and his girlfriend were abducted by men outside their home and bundled into a van on the evening of Thursday, 13 October, just as the couple were returning home from a night out.
Police received a report at lunchtime on Friday, 14 October about two people missing from an address in Ebony Crescent, Enfield, who they described as “a man aged in his 40s and a woman aged in her 30s”, and that the couple, who were “known to each other” had “last been seen the night before.”
Officers mounted an investigation to try to locate the couple following serious concerns for their welfare.
The following day, around noon on Saturday, 15 October, Essex Police were called about a man found near to Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination will be held in due course, the police said.
The Met Police have confirmed DJ Koray’s girlfriend has also been located and is physically unharmed. Police are providing specialist support to her, and to their families.
The police have also stated that three men have been arrested in the Kent area in connection with the investigation and remain in police custody at this time.
Police appeal for information
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran, Specialist Crime, said: “I would like to first offer our most sincere condolences to the families of the man and woman at this unimaginably difficult time. I and my team are working 24/7 to establish exactly what has happened.”
“This is a very complex and fast-moving investigation involving multiple units across the MPS, as well as invaluable support from our colleagues in Essex Police.
“While the investigation remains at an early stage, a key line of enquiry is that the man and woman were taken in a vehicle against their will on Thursday night,” Det Ch Insp Kieran said.
Det Ch Insp Kieran has appealed for information about the abduction: “I need anyone who was in the Ebony Crescent area on the night of Thursday, 13 October, and may have witnessed something suspicious, to contact police immediately.
“I urge people to check doorbell camera or dash cam footage – you may have captured something that could prove crucial to our investigation.”
The police have also appealed for help with events by Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate in Loughton, where DJ Koray’s body was found: “A police presence will remain in the Oakwood Hill Industrial Estate area for the coming days as we work to complete further enquiries. We offer our apologies to anyone inconvenienced by the disruption of road closures,” the DCI said
“I’d appeal to any local people in the area who might also have helpful information, video and images to contact us.
“I appreciate this case will cause consternation and would like to thank local people for their patience and support. I can assure residents in Enfield and Essex that we are doing absolutely everything we can to understand the chain of events here, and bring to justice those responsible,” Det Ch Insp Kieran added.
Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines, lead for policing in Enfield police, said: “We understand the considerable concern this will evoke among local people. We are working to support our colleagues in Specialist Crime and will remain visibly present in the Ebony Crescent area as further enquiries are conducted.
“I urge local people to approach these officers with any concerns you have, and especially information that can help us. Support from the local community is invaluable in our effort to tackle violent crime.”
Anyone who has information that could help police should call 101 or tweet @MetCC ref CAD 3901/14 Oct.
To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.