Two properties in Spalding, including the town’s derelict former Royal Mail building, were searched on Tuesday, August 18, as part of a murder investigation concerning the death of 60-year-old Gary Piatek.
Leicestershire Police said the activity related to ongoing enquiries into Mr Piatek, a man from Leicester who was last seen alive in April 2024. A police cordon was reportedly put in place earlier in the day around a home in Holbeach Road.
Searches at two Spalding addresses
The force confirmed that officers were attending an address in Holbeach Road. It said the search formed part of continuing enquiries into Mr Piatek’s death and that no one was arrested at the property.
“Police are in attendance at an address in Holbeach Road in Spalding as part of ongoing enquiries into the death of Gary Piatek.”
Police were also seen entering the former Royal Mail building on Spring Gardens later that day. The building has been empty for a number of years. Work has taken place there to convert the former premises into flats and retail units.
The supplied report does not state what investigators were looking for at the Spring Gardens property, whether the search had finished, or whether anything had been found. The Voice said it had asked Leicestershire Police for more information about that part of the operation.
Wider investigation
Eight people from Leicester, Bournemouth, Birmingham and London are currently charged in connection with Mr Piatek’s death. The information supplied does not specify the charges against them or give details of any court hearings.
The investigation has already involved activity outside Spalding. A warrant was executed at a house in Broad Avenue, Leicester, in February this year. Police said that action followed the last proof of life of Mr Piatek in April 2024.
“A warrant was executed at a house in Broad Avenue, Leicester, in February this year. This was following the last proof of life of Mr Piatek in April 2024.”
According to the police spokesman, extensive searches were carried out over a number of weeks. Investigators used ground-penetrating radar and groundbreaking equipment during those searches.
“The investigation included extensive searches carried out over a number of weeks, including ground penetrating radar and groundbreaking equipment.”
Mr Piatek’s body has never been found. Police publicly named him on February 12 this year. At that time, a police spokesman said specialist support was being provided to a number of his close friends.
“Specialist support is being provided to a number of his close friends.”
The searches in Holbeach Road and Spring Gardens are therefore part of a wider murder investigation that has included inquiries in both Spalding and Leicester. No further information was provided in the supplied report about the purpose of the former Royal Mail building search, discoveries made at either Spalding address, or the next procedural steps.