POLICE have visited churches and places of worship frequented by Eastern Europeans in an attempt to solve the murder of a Polish migrant.
Detectives investigating the killing of Maciej Ciania, 34, in Leith, Edinburgh, believe the key to his death lies with the close-knit community and took the unusual step of speaking to the city's congregations yesterday.
Mr Ciania's body was discovered in a flat in Dickson Street on January 14 after a "violent and brutal" death.
Around 40 officers visited churches holding services yesterday to speak to people who may have known him or who had come into contact with the 34-year-old during his time in Edinburgh.
Officers visited St Mary's Cathedral and Abbeyhill Baptist Church during the morning, afternoon and evening Polish services.
Crimestoppers has offered a £1000 reward for information that could lead to an arrest.
Detective Inspector Stuart Houston from the murder inquiry team said: "I know it is an unusual step for police to visit places of worship during such a high-profile inquiry, however we know the key to this investigation lies in the community, particularly the Polish community, and I am confident the Polish residents of Edinburgh will be keen to assist us in tracing those responsible for Maciej's death."
Mr Ciania is believed to have lived in the capital for a number of years and built up a network of friends and acquaintances.
Mr Houston added: "Mr Ciania had been in Edinburgh for more than six years and he has been active in the Polish community during that time. Many members of that community attend church and the idea is to reach as many of them as possible.
"The operation is ongoing throughout the day and we will have to wait and see if it yields a result."
Mr Ciania's body was dis-covered by his flatmate and is thought to have been lying in his flat for up to two days. He was last seen alive on the morning of Thursday, January 12.
An appeal for information has been translated into Polish, Russian and Lithuanian and placed on the Lothian and Borders Police website.
Police previously knew little about Mr Ciania's lifestyle, but have slowly been building up a picture of his movements by speaking to those who knew him or were part of his life in Edinburgh. The appeal to members of congregations is the latest step in that process. Detectives have also said they have had a good response to the media appeals so far.
They want to trace a man in his twenties who hailed a taxi in Leith between 10.45pm and 11.30pm on Friday, January 13.
Mr Ciania's sister, Aleksandra, 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."
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