Met appeal 20 years on from torso in the Thames murder

Forensics revealed he would have been five or six years old, but the boy has never been identified, the longest unsolved child murder case in the history of the Metropolitan Police.

Today (September 21) detectives have made a renewed appeal to the public, hoping that allegiances may have changed and that those uncomfortable speaking out before will "be bold" and come forward.

On Friday, September 21, 2001 at 4pm a young boy's torso was found in the River Thames near Tower Bridge by a member of the public.

Police were called and a marine support unit recovered his body, with forensics revealing he was from Nigeria and around five or six.

PA

It is believed he was trafficked into the UK, possibly via Germany. His head and limbs had been severed from his body which was clothed in a pair of orange shorts.

The cause of death was declared as a violent trauma to the neck area, and it is believed his death may have been a ritualistic killing.

He was named ‘Adam’ by police officers, but his identity is still unknown.

Police say officers have worked tirelessly on the case over the last two decades, including local and international enquiries, comprehensive checks on all UK missing people

The case has also had high-profile attention, including an appeal from Nelson Mandela to African comunities to help the investigation, but the mystery remains unsolved.

Detectives are continuing in their efforts to identify those responsible for this murder of a young child, and urge those who may have felt uncomfortable speaking to the police in the past to “be bold” and come forward.

Investigating officers believe that over the past two decades relationships and allegiances may have changed and are specifically reaching out to people whose connection or association with someone has now ended.

Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran, a homicide detective from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command, said: “It is incredibly sad and frustrating that Adam’s murder remains unsolved. The homicide command have been working tirelessly over the years to find out who is responsible.

PA

“We recognise people may not have wanted to speak up at the time and may have felt loyal to the person or people involved in this.

“However, over the past 20 years, allegiances and relationships may have changed and some people may now feel more comfortable talking to us.

"We implore them be bold and come forward if they know something so that we can finally deliver justice once and for all.

“No matter how old or small that information may seem, it really could make all the difference.

“This young boy has not and will not be forgotten. He deserved better and we will not give up on him.”

Three people, two men and a woman, have previously been arrested on suspicion of murder of trafficking offences, but no one has ever been charged.

A woman was previously arrested on suspicion of murder, she was later bailed and released with no further action.

A man was previously arrested and interviewed in connection with the possible trafficking of Adam into the UK. He was later bailed and released with no further action.

Another man was also arrested and interviewed on suspicion of alleged trafficking offences. He was later bailed and released with no further action.

Anyone with information relating this case should contact police on 101, Tweet @MetCC or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.