A murder investigation has been launched into the disappearance of Bradford man Ismail Ali, who vanished more than four years ago.

Mr Ali was last seen leaving work at Gulam Food Stores on Cumberland Road at around 2.30pm on Friday, 29 May 2020, and despite extensive searches and regular reviews, he has remained a long-term missing person.

Earlier today, detectives from the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) executed warrants at properties on Beckside Road and Cumberland Road in Bradford. Five people, three women aged 47, 54 and 55, and two men aged 27 and 51, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Tom Hilyer said: “This is a significant development in the investigation into the disappearance of Ismail Ali. After extensive enquiries, we now believe that Mr Ali is no longer alive, and we suspect that he may have been murdered.

I would like to appeal to the local community: we are still keen to speak to anyone who saw Ismail or who may have information about his suspicious disappearance. As time passes, allegiances change. Any information could be key to finding the answers we need.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact HMET via 101 or through the West Yorkshire Police website, quoting log reference 1498 of 1 June 2020.