Hunt for partner ‘seen clearing up with rubbish bags’
DETECTIVES on the triple-murder inquiry yesterday appealed for information on the whereabouts of Sian Blake’s missing partner.
Arthur Simpson-Kent, 48, fled the family home three weeks ago after being interviewed by officers searching for his partner and their two sons.
Police have spoken to neighbours and carried out ‘cell-site’ analysis on his mobile phone to piece together his movements.
They are also examining claims that Mr Simpson-Kent was spotted clearing out the house in Erith, South East London, with bin-liners before he disappeared.
Detectives are trying to establish whether there had been any sudden change to the family’s circumstances in the weeks before they disappeared.
Eldest son Zachary, eight, was no longer taken to school by his parents, a neighbour claimed. The neighbour said the younger son – four-year-old Amon – should have started school but did not seem to go to classes.
Miss Blake suffered motor neurone disease and it is understood her condition had worsened over recent weeks. She may have been under the impression that this Christmas was her last.
Detectives are also thought to be picking their way through Mr Simpson-Kent’s tangled past. The hairdresser was born Norman Simpson-Kent in Hounslow, West London, but changed his name to Arthur.
In 1999 he married French national Dominique Deblieux in East London and they had a daughter who is thought to be 16 years old. Mother and daughter moved to France when the couple split up.
Detective Superintendent Paul Monk, from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: ‘We continue to appeal for any information that could help us trace Sian’s partner Arthur Simpson-Kent. If anyone has any information about where he is or his movements since December 16 then please get in touch with us. I would also like to ask anyone who may have seen Sian and her children, or who may have information about their movements since the last confirmed sighting on December 13, to call us.
‘This is now a murder investigation and as such I’d urge anyone who can help our investigation to contact us.’ Bexley Council declined to comment on claims the children had not been attending school.