POLICE are hunting a tattooed Polish man in connection with the brutal murder in Edinburgh.
They made a personal appeal to Grzegorz Gamla to come forward, though members of the public were warned not to approach him.
Speaking to the press today, the detective leading the inquiries said he may have left Edinburgh or the UK altogether.
The appeal is in relation to the killing of Polish national Maciej Ciania, 34, who was found dead in his flat in Edinburgh on 14 January.
He was said to have ‘suffered greatly’ before he died.
Detective Superintendent Gary Flannigan, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would particularly like to appeal to Gregorz, if you see this appeal get in touch with the police immediately and speak to us.
“We would also like to speak to any friends of Grzegorz and know where he is.
“The last sighting we have of Grzegorz was on Wednesday the 18th of January.
“If you know where Grzegorz is, if you recognise the photo please contact police.”
Grzegorz Gamla is a Polish man and is described as white, 6′ 1″ with a thin build. He has brown eyes and short dark close cropped hair.
He also has a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm of a spider and the words ‘Hardcore Forever’ in English.
He was last seen wearing dark clothing including a dark coloured Beanie style hat.
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Describing his tattoo, Det Supt Flannigan said: “If you are a bus driver, if you are taxi driver, if you are a member of the public, we ask you not to approach this individual, but to contact your local police or the number provided.
Police did not disclose Mr Gamla’s connection to Mr Ciania, or give details of his background.
He is said to have lived in the UK for a number of years and is fluent in English.
He was originally from Lublin in Poland, and officers said he may have left the UK already.
Det Supt Flannigan said Lothian and Borders Police had been in touch with the UK Border Agency.
He added: “We are still making inquiries in the Polish community in Edinburgh.
“We have had excellent support both from within the closer circle and the wider Polish community.
“The team is still 40 officers strong.”
He said Mr Ciania’s friends had given a great deal of support to the investigation.
Last week Maceij’s sister Aleksandra made an appeal for information to help police trace his killer.
She said the family had been ‘devastated’ by his death, and that Maceij had ‘loved living in Edinburgh.’
The 34-year-old was found dead by a flatmate, and police said he had suffered a ‘violent and brutal’ death.
Det Supt Flannigan said: “There is a strong possibility that he is no longer in the Edinburgh area and he may have travelled to other cities in theUKwhere he may have associates, or that he may leave the country.
“A team of 40 plus officers has been working on this inquiry but so far we have been unable to trace Mr Gamla.
“We have had a lot of support from the Polish community, both locally in the Leith area of the city and from the wider community.
“A Crimestoppers reward of up to £1000 has been offered for information that leads to the arrest of the person involved in the death of Mr Ciania.”
Anyone who recognises Mr Gamla is asked not to approach him but to contact their nearest Police station, Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
