DETECTIVES investigating the "violent and brutal" murder of a Polish man have released an image of a man they want to trace in connection with the inquiry.

Maciej Ciania was found dead at his flat in Dickson Street, Leith, Edinburgh, on Saturday, January 14.

It is thought the 34-year-old could have been dead for up to two days before his flatmate discovered the body.

Detectives are keen to trace Grzegorz Gamla, who is also from Poland, in connection with their investigation into the murder of Mr Ciania.

Appeal: police want to trace Grzgorz Gamla.

Police said it is likely Mr Gamla may have left the area and travelled to other cities in the UK.

They are circulating the appeal throughout the UK and, in particular, to transport networks and hubs.

Lothian and Borders Police appealed for information about Mr Gamla.

Detective Superintendent Gary Flannigan said: "There is a strong possibility he is no longer in the Edinburgh area and he may have travelled to other cities in the UK where 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."

Crimestoppers have put up a £1000 reward for information leading to an arrest over Mr Ciania's death.

Mr Gamla, 25, is described as white, 6ft 1in, of thin build with brown eyes and short dark close-cropped hair. He has a distinctive tattoo on his left forearm of a spider and the words "Hardcore Forever" in English.

When last seen he was wearing dark clothing, including a dark coloured beanie-style hat.

Polish-speaking officers have been helping the murder inquiry team and are available to speak to members of the public. Appeals and media releases have also been translated into Polish, Russian and Lithuanian.

Police also visited St Mary's Cathedral and Abbeyhill Baptist Church in Edinburgh at morning, afternoon and evening services on Sunday in a bid to try to gain information about Mr Ciania's death.

At the time, Detective Inspector Stuart Houston said it was an "unusual step" but police believed the Polish community held the key to the investigation.

Mr Ciania is believed to have lived in the capital for around six years and had built up a network of friends and acquaintances, particularly in the Polish community.

Last week, the victim's sister, Aleksandra, 42, spoke of her devastation over the loss of her "much-loved" brother and urged anyone with any information to contact police.

She said: "Our whole family is devastated by Maciej's death, and we cannot imagine our life without him. My parents have lost a much-loved son, and I have lost not only a sibling but a friend.

"Maciej loved living in Edinburgh and was a popular person with many friends. He will be sorely missed.

"I am appealing to anyone who can help the police find his killer to come forward immediately, and allow my family to find some peace in the knowledge that the person who murdered him has been found, so that no other family will suffer like we are."