DETECTIVES have searched homes in Kent and Norfolk after a dismembered torso found in a lake was indentified as a missing man.

Police launched a murder investigation following the discovery of Alexander Brown's naked body by a local holiday park owner. He found it floating at the edge of Pentney Lakes, near King’s Lynn, Norfolk, a week ago.

On Tuesday, police recovered the rest of the body which has now been formally identified as that of Mr Brown, a plasterer, although officers are still waiting for final confirmation from DNA tests.

Mr Brown, 37, of Rectory Road, Beckenham, was reported missing on October 26 after a night’s drinking in Swaffham in Norfolk with his friend Eddie Simmons. Both were former pupils at Langley Park Boys School in South Eden Park Road, Beckenham.

On Friday, police officers began a search of Mr Simmons’ family house in Woodlea Drive, Beckenham. Police loaded three vans with boxes containing personal effects. They also conducted a detailed search of the double garage which appears to have doubled as a tool shed.

Mr Simmons’ bungalow in Southlands, Swaffham, was also being searched for a second time.

A seven-week search of the Southlands bungalow was also carried out in December, when Mr Simmons was questioned in connection with Mr Brown’s disappearance and released on bail.

Police divers are also continuing to search the lake bed, which is in places covered with thick pond weed, in an effort to find a murder weapon as well as clothes and personal effects belonging to Mr Brown.

But they have been unable to confirm whether he was killed close to where his body was found or brought to the lake afterwards.

Tests to determine the exact cause of Mr Brown’s death have so far been inconclusive.

“There were injuries which could have caused his death but the pathologist was unable to say which injury could have caused it,” said Detective Chief Inspector Julian Gregory of Norfolk police, who is leading the investigation.

“This is very sad news for Mr Brown’s family and we are very focused and committed to bringing to justice those responsible for his death. It’s the worst possible news for any family and they are devastated.”

The lake where Mr Brown’s torso was found is popular with water skiers, caravanners and anglers.

Skiers had seen a floating object at the edge of the lake but had assumed it was a carrier bag.

Mr Brown was last seen at a Swaffham bus stop on October 24. Police confirmed that he did not access his bank accounts and missed important family events after that date.

Mr Simmons, 34, a freelance film and video maker, was questioned by police but was later released on bail. Since then he has been staying at his family home in Beckenham.

Both underwater and land searches of the Norfolk site where the body was found are expected to continue for several days.

The police have confirmed that the Beckenham search has now been concluded.