Police are appealing for people to come forward with information on an alleged serial killer, whose victims include Gravesend man Daniel Whitworth.

Daniel, 21, a former student at Dartford Grammar School and an aspiring chef, was found near the churchyard of St Margaret’s Church in North Street, Barking, on September 20 last year.

He is one of four men, all in their 20s, believed to have been killed by London-based Stephen Port.

Port, of Cooke Street, Barking, allegedly met his victims on gay websites before poisoning them with party drug GHB at his house, with all four found dumped in or near the same churchyard.

He 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.

Detective Chief Inspector Tim Duffield, from the Met Police'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.”

Port’s other alleged victims are aspiring fashion designer Anthony Patrick Walgate, Slovakian Gabriel Kovari and forklift driver Jack Taylor.

Officers linked the deaths on October 14 and Port is due to stand trial in April.