Police search woods for missing Mohammed 'Shah' Subhani

12 December 2019, 16:00

Mohammed Subhani went missing in May
Mohammed Subhani went missing in May. Picture: Metropolitan Police
Ewan Quayle

By Ewan Quayle

Police have confirmed they are searching an area of woodland in connection with the disappearance of Mohammed 'Shah' Subhani.

Detectives believe the "fairly isolated" area in Beaconsfield could help further the investigation into Shah's disappearance.

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh, from Specialist Crime, who is leading the investigation, said: "A large wooded area will have to be searched and may then be subjected to close forensic examination, this may take a considerable time.

"I cannot rule out that the scope of the investigation may also take in other locations in the vicinity, but we will strive to keep any disruption to a minimum.

"Shah’s family are being kept informed of all the developments and my thoughts are with them at this painful and distressing time.

"I believe that this presents a significant opportunity, as the local community may have seen something suspicious in the area of Hedgerley Lane that we are searching."

Police are searching a wooded area in Beaconsfield
Police are searching a wooded area in Beaconsfield. Picture: PA Images

Police were called on 7 May after 27-year-old Shah failed to return to his home in Hounslow, West London. His family reported him as missing shortly before midnight having seen him just 12 hours earlier.

A police enquiry was launched to find Shah and there have been a number of appeals for the public’s help.

In June Shah’s car was recovered with ballistic damage on Wednesday which lead police to treat the case as a murder inquiry.

Police are searching ditches and woodland in the area
Police are searching ditches and woodland in the area. Picture: PA Images

Four men aged between 20 and 25 were arrested in July on suspicion of murder, kidnap and perverting the course of justice.

A 19-year-old man was also arrested in August on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and kidnap and was later released under investigation.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder earlier this week and has been bailed to return to a police station at a later date.

A reward of £20,000 remains on offer for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of people involved in the incident.